Indonesia's National Airline
Garuda Indonesia offers a world class service and is the national airline of Indonesia. The airline is named after the national symbol of Indonesia: Garuda is a majestic Javanese eagle depicted by both Hindu and Buddhist mythology. With 70 years of aviation history, it operates an extensive schedule of flights around the world.
Garuda Indonesia headquarters are based at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta. In 2014, the airline was rated 5 Star by London-based Skytrax, the international airline review body and has also received many prestigious awards for its services including World's Best Economy Class and World's Best Cabin Crew. Today the airline boasts over 600 daily flights, a fleet of around 200 aeroplanes and its "Garuda Indonesia Experience" that proudly highlights Indonesia's richly diverse culture and warm hospitality.
The airline made its first commercial flight in 1949 between Calcutta to Rangoon and was then named Indonesian Airways. Garuda Indonesia became the official state-owned airline in 1950, with a fleet of nearly 40 aircraft. The fleet continued to expand, and in 1956 it made its first flight to Mecca with Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. Over the years, the airline has been modernised and re-branded, earning it the Most Improved Airline award. Now considered one of the world's top airlines, Garuda Indonesia is the 20th member of SkyTeam, the worldwide airline alliance. It flies to a large number of destinations throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia as well as offering many domestic flights.
Flying with Garuda Indonesia
Various classes are available when flying with Garuda Indonesia. First Class offers excellent facilities with some flights featuring suites and on-board-chef services. Executive/Business Class is also available on certain flights, with flat-bed seats, AVOD screens, USB ports and turndown service. The Economy Class seats are available on all flights and many offer seat-back touch screen in-flight entertainment. There is a frequent-flyer program called GarudaMiles, which offers some great exclusive benefits and four tiers of status level. New members receive a Welcome Bonus of up to 1,000 miles and can then redeem miles for rewards such as hotel bookings and flight tickets.
Practical Information
24 hour online check-in is available, although it is recommended for group bookings that the check-in is done all at the same time. This can be done up to 4 hours prior to departure. Departure gates are closed 15 minutes before flight departure time.
Luggage:
- One piece of carry-on baggage is permitted free of charge, maximum weight 7 kg and maximum size 56 x 23 x 36 cm (L x W x H).
- Standard weight allowed for hold luggage is 20 kg. Business Class is 30 kg and First Class is 40 kg. Maximum weights apply to both adults and children.
- Extra baggage is now offered to international passengers with up to an extra 10 kg per person.
- For more information on baggage rules, please visit Garuda's website directly.