Garuda Indonesia

  • Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia

Airlines Reviews

Garuda Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Airline for You?

As the national flag carrier of Indonesia, Garuda Indonesia has achieved a near-legendary status for its onboard hospitality. Consistently winning the Skytrax award for “World’s Best Cabin Crew,” flying with Garuda is often described as one of the most pleasant experiences in the sky.

Whether you are flying long-haul from Europe or Asia, or taking a short domestic hop to a remote Indonesian island, the airline prides itself on the “Garuda Indonesia Experience,” which blends traditional Indonesian culture with premium service.

Garuda Indonesia at a Glance

  • Alliance: SkyTeam
  • Frequent Flyer Program: GarudaMiles
  • Main Hubs: Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK), Bali Ngurah Rai (DPS)
  • Best For: Premium travel to and within Indonesia, and travelers carrying surfboards or diving gear.

In-Flight Experience: What to Expect Onboard

Economy Class

Garuda’s Economy class is widely considered one of the best in the world. Seats feature excellent legroom (up to 32-34 inches on their widebody Boeing 777s and A330s). Passengers receive complimentary hot meals featuring authentic Indonesian cuisine (like Nasi Goreng or Rendang), alongside a full selection of free beverages and seatback entertainment.

Business Class

Business Class features staggered, fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on all wide-body aircraft. The soft product is where Garuda shines: passengers are treated to a restaurant-style dining experience, premium amenities, and the incredibly warm, intuitive service that the airline is famous for.

Garuda Indonesia Baggage Allowance & Policies

Garuda is famously generous with its baggage, especially for tourists heading to Bali or other Indonesian hotspots with sporting equipment.

Cabin Class  Carry-On Allowance  Domestic Checked Baggage  International Checked Baggage 
Economy  1 piece (Up to 7kg) Up to 20kg Up to 30kg
Business Class 2 pieces (Up to 14kg combined) Up to 30kg Up to 40kg
First Class 2 pieces (Up to 14kg combined) Up to 40kg Up to 50kg

2026 Surfer/Diver Bonus: Garuda Indonesia offers an additional 23kg of free checked baggage specifically for sporting equipment (like surfboards, scuba gear, or golf clubs) on top of your standard allowance! 

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: The cabin crew. It cannot be overstated—Garuda flight attendants are meticulously trained and consistently rated as the friendliest and most attentive in the global aviation industry.
  • The Lows: Due to ongoing financial restructuring in recent years, Garuda’s international route network is significantly smaller in 2026 than it was a decade ago. Direct flights outside of Asia are limited.

Pros & Cons of Flying with Garuda Indonesia

Pros:

  • World’s Best Cabin Crew (multi-year Skytrax winner).
  • Exceptional complimentary meals in all classes.
  • Free 23kg sports equipment allowance (perfect for Bali).
  • High-quality lie-flat Business Class on widebody jets.

Cons:

  • Reduced long-haul international network.
  • Fares are noticeably higher than Indonesian budget carriers like Lion Air.
  • The GarudaMiles website and app can sometimes be buggy.

Have You Flown with Garuda Indonesia?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Garuda Indonesia

Does Garuda Indonesia fly free surfboards to Bali?

Yes! One of the biggest perks of flying Garuda is their free sporting equipment allowance. You can bring up to 23kg of sporting gear (like a surfboard) completely free of charge, in addition to your standard checked baggage limit.

Is food free on Garuda Indonesia?

Yes, Garuda is a full-service airline. Complimentary hot meals, snacks, and beverages (including alcohol on international flights) are provided to all passengers.

Is Garuda Indonesia in SkyTeam?

Yes, Garuda Indonesia is a full member of the SkyTeam alliance, meaning you can earn and redeem Delta SkyMiles, Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles, and enjoy SkyPriority benefits if you have elite status.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the airline before booking.