ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 17806 times:
7 July 2007
Jakarta (CGK) – Surabaya (SUB)
Airline: Lion Air
Flight Number: JY2790
Aircraft: B737-900 ER !!!
Rego: PK-LFF (Partial Boeing House Colors)
ETD:2120
ATD:2150
ETA:2235
ATA:2305
Seat: 8F
Class: Economy
Flight Time: 1.00 hr
Cruise: 35,000 feet
Background to Trip:
I had to travel to Surabaya to attend a friend’s business grand opening on a Saturday and then on to Bali the following day for a round of business meetings. I usually don’t venture out of Garuda (for obvious reasons!) but I thought this time I might have 1 go at Lion Air, just in order to try out the B737-900ER!
Pre Flight:
Being a Friday evening, traffic in Jakarta was hell as usual. It took me a good 1.5 hrs from downtown to get to the airport. I decided to give Lionair a go this time round just because it’s a B737-900ER scheduled for this night flight to Surabaya. Well, I guess I want to get the glory for being the first of posting a B737-900ER TR
Crazy Traffic as usual towards CGK
Mess at CGK T1
Jakarta’s Terminal 1 is a mess, with loads of people around and I definitely will not come to use this terminal again! Oh well, sometimes we all go through hell and back just for the sake of A.net right ? One things for sure, this terminal is definitely way overused and in desperate need of refurbishing. In this instance, I take back every word I said about terminal 2 needing refurbishing! ehehehhehe
Interestingly, the gate we used for boarding was shared with Air Asia, so it was packed like a sardine can! Especially when boarding was called for Air Asia, oh well, it was a stampede to get to the aircraft and first come first serve free seating was quite humorous. After a 30 min delay, it was out turn to board, it was more organized but, somehow Lion Air attracts a lot of riff raff kinda passengers! Definitely not as civilized as Garuda. This will definitely be my first and last time venturing out of Garuda for Indonesian domestic flights!
A Poster Promoting the B739ER
Check In Area at Lion Air in T1
More Views of T1
Simba Lounge of Lion Air
But as my colleague is a Platinum Card holder of Lion Air, we went to the Lion King Lounge instead, with all these names, one wonders why JT has not been sued by Walt Disney Co. !!
PK-LFF! 1st B739ER in JT's fleet, sorry about the pics as it was at night and I was walking at the same time as a stampede of riff raff was behind me !
In Flight:
I was one of the first to board so that I can take some pictures of the cabin. PK-LFF is the first B737-900ER to enter JT’s fleet and has partial Boeing House Colors on it. Its in an all Y configuration. A 100% full load tonight as this aircraft will also continue to Makassar after a short transit in Surabaya. Not surprisingly, this aircraft is pretty clean, oh well, you have to expect that for a 1.5 month old aircraft right! But service wise, Garuda is way ahead than Lionair, even in Y. Like I mentioned before, I am going through this just for all you a.netters there ‘winks’
Interior Views of this longest version of the B737 NG family
Towards the back
Towards the Front
Seats
Legroom
Aren't those winglets sexy!
Empty cabin 3 seconds before the stampede arrived!
1st time ever, a prayer card!! I guess you need your luck in Indonesian air travel! Prayers in Hindu, Islam, Christian, Buddhist to name a few !
Standard Safety Card
Winglets in flight
All we got on board was a bottle, no, let me rephrase that, all we got was a ‘cup’ of mineral water. But surprisingly, legroom was ok, I guess its due to new slimline seats. But shoulder room is bad. Or is it I am too big? I digress!
Midflight, there was a lucky draw for 2 miniatures 1:400 scale of this aircraft I am on. I did not get it! And as many of you well know, I am an avid collector of model aircraft in the 1:400 scale. I then asked the f/a if I could purchase it, and sadly its not for sale! Damm!
Soon enough, we arrived in Surabaya, I guess due to the high load, this aircraft used almost the entire runway during take off and landing. But after being in this aircraft, it feels the same as any other B737 NG, only much much longer ! And having 200+ people share 3 toilets, oh well, this is something not to be considered. I can’t even have the chance to snap pics of the lav!
Nice experience, but never again. Its back to good old Garuda for me in the comfort of their J cabin.
Last snap of PK-LFF after disembarkation at SUB
Airside at SUB
Baggage Reclaim Area
A/C: 9/10
Service: 3/10
Food: A bottle, no, cup of mineral water!
Pre Flight:
Woke up at 4am from my comfortable bed at the Sheraton Surabaya Hotel. I was yawning all the way to the airport. Luckily my driver managed to be at the hotel lobby on time. I really hate early morning flights, but at least it will leave me some time to relax at my hotel in Bali before my meeting starts in the afternoon. I like the new Surabaya airport, although the design is nothing to talk about, it is a much better option then the old terminal. Its also user friendly. But although this airport just opened, its already at its operational capacity, oh well, Indonesian planning right ?!!
GA check in area
Crowd this morning was not too heavy, after check-in, I headed with my colleagues to the Garuda executive lounge for 10 mins before boarding was called.
A GA B733 in the morning light, taken from the lounge
GA Executive lounge at SUB
My Ride, PK-GZH
CX A333 nex to a GA B733
In Flight
Its so nice to be back in the tranquility of Garuda (mind you, Garuda is actually at the bottom of my list for travel, but it’s the optimum choice for domestic travel in Indonesia). It’s a full load in Y, but only 4 of us in J. This B734 is an international spec and had pretty firm cushions in J seats, I think they had just been changed. Garuda even bothered to serve food on this short 30min flight.
Bye Bye Surabaya
Wings Air MD82
Merpati Graveyard
Seats in J on GA B734
Looking back into Y
Monitors onboard this a/c
Just after take off
The dates says November 2006! And we are in July 2007!
At least in flight mag is up to date!
beautiful views on route to DPS
Before I knew it, we are already in Bali!
Russian sign for the Lav, points to this a/c's history as VP-BAJ of Aeroflot
Tarmac Scenes at DPS
E135/145 of Express Transportasi, PK-RJG
BBJ of Netjets, N772BC, wonder who chartered this baby. Maybe Cameron Diaz as she is busy building her Villa in Bali
Pre Flight
Bali is really no fun when its on business! I am actually glad to be heading back to Jakarta. We arrived at the airport with 40 mins to spare, after check in, all my time was spent waiting in the Garuda Executive lounge. Its new, but bare, but does the job!
GA Executive Lounge in DPS
My ride, PK-GWP, GA is the first and still owner of this a/c, delivered in 1993
In Flight
This aircraft is another international spec B737-400 which has overhead tv monitors. It’s a 100% full flight in both J and Y. I guess this is mainly due to the local school holidays here in Indonesia. I slept most of the way, but did manage to eat a little, and finally, they catered a different meal than usual on this flight. Managed to keep my hunger pains in check!
Finally a different catering choice in J
Hope you guys enjoyed this TR! My next trip will be me heading back home to Perth for 10 days in August with Thai Look out for it. Here are my older TR’s!
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 2, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 17647 times:
Quoting Rineanna (Reply 1): Nice TR! Great to see the 739ER.
Thanks! I mean its great to always get onboard a brand new a/c, especially in this instance, a brand new model and the very first one! Whats more significant, an Indonesian Airlines was actually the first to fly it !
9MMAR From Malaysia, joined Jul 2006, 2099 posts, RR: 21 Reply 3, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 17320 times:
Hello Mr. Kwee, looks like you did become the first one with a trip report onboard B739ER. Congratulation *jealousy emoticon*!
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): Jakarta’s Terminal 1 is a mess, with loads of people around and I definitely will not come to use this terminal again!
I use CGK Terminal 1 quite often and this terminal teaches me a lot about PATIENT, in the deepest meaning of it!
Again, the first passenger and A.Netter to board the aircraft in the first B739ER's trip report in A.Net! *double jealousy emoticon*
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): 1st time ever, a prayer card!! I guess you need your luck in Indonesian air travel!
It is offered onboard Batavia flights too but I think it only be given upon request. But if the flight attendant forgot to collect it back, you may find one inside the seat pocket. On MH, prayer cards are standard publication and is available upon request.
I always wonder how you managed to snap a photograph with one hand holding something? I never could do that, the photograph will come out uneven or blurry.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): Midflight, there was a lucky draw for 2 miniatures 1:400 scale of this aircraft I am on.
What basis are they using for the lucky draw? Seat number? KTP number? The most handsome/beautiful passenger? The richest passenger?
Why weren't these aircrafts being assigned an aerobridge? They were GA, the home carrier's early morning flights from 2 of the largest airports in Indonesia.
Again, you got a nice bird's view photograph with this one. You managed to snap some fabulous one, like the downtown Jakarta skyscrapers in your trip report to Surabaya and the Putrajaya buildings (which was stealt and 'illegally' used in the skyscrapercity.com forum. I managed to find it).
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): I guess this is mainly due to the local school holidays here in Indonesia.
I HATE this period of time. It cause my (usually) last minute trip plans turned chaotic!
Quoting ThaiA345 (Reply 2): an Indonesian Airlines was actually the first to fly it !
Very enviable indeed as most will have the perception that an Indonesian airline doesn't worth it.
I have a question, is it a quiet aircraft at cruising speed?
A nice read but I think Lion's offering with the B739ER is not something to talk about and THAT IS A PITY.
BA319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8267 posts, RR: 56 Reply 4, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 17022 times:
Great TR, many thanks!
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): somehow Lion Air attracts a lot of riff raff kinda passengers! Definitely not as civilized as Garuda.
- That's the trouble with LCC's, they end to attract the scum of the earth!
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): and finally, they catered a different meal than usual on this flight
- Looks pretty decent.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): a brand new model and the very first one! Whats more significant, an Indonesian Airlines was actually the first to fly it !
B747forever From United States of America, joined May 2007, 16575 posts, RR: 11 Reply 5, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 17012 times:
Really nice to see a 737-900ER TR. When will Lion Air paint the aircraft in the airlines livery???
TUNisia From United States of America, joined Aug 2004, 1834 posts, RR: 5 Reply 7, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 16621 times:
Nice TR !!! Loved the GA photos.
Someday the sun will shine down on me in some faraway place - Mahalia Jackson
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 8, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 16544 times:
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): use CGK Terminal 1 quite often and this terminal teaches me a lot about PATIENT, in the deepest meaning of it!
Well, patience for me flew out the window ever since I was stuck in traffic on the way to the airport ehhehehe...by the time I checked in, I swear you can see steam coming out of my head :P
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): It is offered onboard Batavia flights too but I think it only be given upon request
Well, on Lion Air its standard on every seat pocket! I guess they need their luck with the MD's suffereing many maintenance hiccups lately
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): photograph will come out uneven or blurry.
Ah, practice my dear boy...practice....i suggest you try it at home, hold up an item with one hand, and take the pic with the other
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): What basis are they using for the lucky draw?
They brought a bowl with seat numbers in it and asked 2 passengers to pull out the numbers.
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): Why weren't these aircrafts being assigned an aerobridge?
God knows why, I try not to ask this kinda questions in Indonesia anymore ehhehehehe
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): have a question, is it a quiet aircraft at cruising speed?
It is quiet, but basically once you are onboard the aircraft, it feels like any other B737 NG.
Yes it is, but sadly, for such a nice aircraft to be condemed into an all Y LCC, its a pitter, would be nicer in GA's hands!
Quoting B747forever (Reply 5): Really nice to see a 737-900ER TR. When will Lion Air paint the aircraft in the airlines livery???
They might do so in the future when this aircraft come up for repainting, but as this is the 1st every B739ER, they did the hybrid paint. But Lion Air's 2nd and 3rd B739ER are painted in their normal color scheme.
Quoting LY777 (Reply 6): Excellent trip report, I love the 739ER, I would like to fly one also someday!!!
The best bet now is for you to come on down to Indonesia and fly with Lion Air This a/c also ply the Jakarta to Bali route once a day
Again, thanks guys for reading my report...I strive to achieve high quality TR's (Like Ryanair )
Ryanair!!! From Singapore, joined Mar 2002, 4653 posts, RR: 27 Reply 9, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 16352 times:
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): Being a Friday evening, traffic in Jakarta was hell as usual. It took me a good 1.5 hrs from downtown to get to the airport.
Hmm... only 1.5 hours on a Friday evening? I think that is pretty fast considering the norm, don't you think?
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): Jakarta?s Terminal 1 is a mess, with loads of people around and I definitely will not come to use this terminal again!
Hmm, not like you have much of a choice eh? I mean after Lion moved there, almost all domestic flights depart from Terminal One only right? Only GA out of T2. But I mean T2 is nothing to scream about either.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): In this instance, I take back every word I said about terminal 2 needing refurbishing! ehehehhehe
The WHOLE airport, not just terminal 1, needs to be redone. It looks so so tired...
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): This will definitely be my first and last time venturing out of Garuda for Indonesian domestic flights!
Hahahaha... I did Lion once and will never ever do it again unless something drastic is done to improve on their safety image and record. I will attach some pics of my Lion adventure if u want.
Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter): But as my colleague is a Platinum Card holder of Lion Air, we went to the Lion King Lounge instead, with all these names, one wonders why JT has not been sued by Walt Disney Co. !!
You colleague is brave... A platinum member with JT? Looks like there is a little progress in JT. The last time I flew with them, they just introduced a pathetic excuse for a Business Class. Now they even have a lounge, Simba Lounge no less! Good on them to give their lounge an identifiable mascot but I also wonder about the copyright issue?
This could work both ways.
Would serious business travellers want to retreat to a lounge that has been characterised by these childish cartoon characters from Lion King? I thought a more serious and stern name like Mentari Lounge would have been more suitable if the airline wanted market themselves to the business community... Well, only in Indonesia!
Well.... Lion gave me pretty bad service too. But I have to say, their flight attendants are very pretty and I dare say rivals Adams Angels! Still, nothing beats the distinguished looking FA tantes with the BIG HAIR in Garuda's Executive Class. They always seem so distant, pointing their instructions at junior crews and looks like they could kill you with one stare of their heavy eye-lined eyes. But... they still manage to be motherly at the same time...
Welcome to my starry one world alliance, a team in the sky!
Lufthansa747 From Philippines, joined May 1999, 3174 posts, RR: 47 Reply 10, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 16295 times:
Interesting report about the new 739ER. Those seats are same as on cebu Pacific, indeed decent legroom but otherwise they're very hard and uncomfortable, and look and feel cheap.
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 9): Only GA out of T2. But I mean T2 is nothing to scream about either.
Actually JT's credit card, so it gains access to the lounge
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 9): their flight attendants are very pretty and I dare say rivals Adams Angels
Totally agree with that, they are still young and slim vs tante's especially in GA's J cabin
Quoting Lufthansa747 (Reply 10): Those seats are same as on cebu Pacific, indeed decent legroom but otherwise they're very hard and uncomfortable, and look and feel cheap.
Thats true also, but at least their slim line backs give the passengers more legroom!
SASDC8 From Norway, joined Mar 2006, 663 posts, RR: 1 Reply 13, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 15220 times:
Hi.
Nice report The 737 almost looks good when its a 900ER
I am going to Malaysia with som friends in the end of August and I am wondering if any of you guys from the region have any good tips for were to go in KUL? Eat, sleep, drink, party etc.
GlobalATL From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 15, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 11 hours ago) and read 15162 times:
Wow, it is me but does anybody else become all giddy when the exterior lights are displayed at night ??
(i.e. tail logo light, overwing view light...etc)
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 16, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 15090 times:
Quoting SASDC8 (Reply 13): have any good tips for were to go in KUL? Eat, sleep, drink, party etc.
I sure do ! Depends on what is your budget for accomodation and eat and party..I am your man just give me an instant mesg and I will be glad to oblige!
Quoting SandroZRH (Reply 14): The cabin doesn't look too impressive, just like any other Narrowbody cabin, and that legroom looks terrible! yuck
Legroom looks better than what it seems actually, but with the cabin, its just plain boring, I guess due to the all Y config and this being an LCC. T
GA on the other hand seems very nice. Good legroom, TV screens and the meal didnt look bad at all!
Thats why I commented 'back to tranquility' when I am back onto GA
Quoting GlobalATL (Reply 15): Wow, it is me but does anybody else become all giddy when the exterior lights are displayed at night ??
SIN7 From Singapore, joined Jun 2007, 162 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 15089 times:
That's a very interesting TR on Lionair and GA. Always liked to see SEAsian national carriers.
Thanks for sharing. Travelled only once on GA. Nice to see a TR on it.
Quoting 9MMAR (Reply 3): Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter):
1st time ever, a prayer card!! I guess you need your luck in Indonesian air travel!
It is offered onboard Batavia flights too but I think it only be given upon request. But if the flight attendant forgot to collect it back, you may find one inside the seat pocket. On MH, prayer cards are standard publication and is available upon request.
PIA has a Koran reading on video prior to take off and landing. That was in 1998. Don't know if they still have it.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 4): Quoting ThaiA345 (Thread starter):
and finally, they catered a different meal than usual on this flight
GA meals looks quite alright for the short flight time. Don't think US domestic would give such meals.
- Looks pretty decent.
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 9): Would serious business travellers want to retreat to a lounge that has been characterised by these childish cartoon characters from Lion King? I thought a more serious and stern name like Mentari Lounge would have been more suitable
That was the same kiddie idea came to my mind when I saw the Simba banner outside the lounge. Yeah, Lion Air, Lion King and Simba, we see the connection. But come on. As Ryanair stated, it's for business travellers. Gotta be more serious and professional.
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 18, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 14951 times:
Quoting SIN7 (Reply 17): That was the same kiddie idea came to my mind when I saw the Simba banner outside the lounge. Yeah, Lion Air, Lion King and Simba, we see the connection. But come on. As Ryanair stated, it's for business travellers. Gotta be more serious and professional.
Thats is definitely correct, thats the very reason why I took the pic of the lounge, the banners are childish, plus the lounge names are just pure childish, and most importantly, just waiting for Walt Disney Co to come and sue them over the naming right ehehhe, bit then again, this is Indonesia, and what is Copyright Law here anyway? ZERO :P
Quoting SIN7 (Reply 17): That's a very interesting TR on Lionair and GA. Always liked to see SEAsian national carriers.
Thanks for sharing. Travelled only once on GA. Nice to see a TR on it.
You are more then welcome, I will always document all my travels near or far to share with all you A.netters. (Also trying to catch up to the amazing TR's which Ryanair has compiled )
UK_Dispatcher From United Arab Emirates, joined Dec 2001, 2550 posts, RR: 32 Reply 19, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 14818 times:
Very nice report on Lion Air & Garuda. Also, congratulations on catching the first B737-900ER. It was a great read.
Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 4): - That's the trouble with LCC's, they end to attract the scum of the earth!
So... are you still an easyJet regular?
Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 9): Would serious business travellers want to retreat to a lounge that has been characterised by these childish cartoon characters from Lion King?
I totally agree. If they want to be taken seriously as an option for the business traveller they really have to move away from being copyright abuser and particularly when it comes to this childish characterisation.
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 20, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 20 hours ago) and read 14598 times:
Quoting UK_Dispatcher (Reply 19): I totally agree. If they want to be taken seriously as an option for the business traveller they really have to move away from being copyright abuser and particularly when it comes to this childish characterisation.
But the problem here is that we are in Indonesia where as I mentioned beforehand, Copyright laws don't mean a thing here ! But seriously, it is cheesy the way the assumes that people will like the lounge names as they are purely based on the fact the have the name Lion on their brand!
Quoting UK_Dispatcher (Reply 19): Quoting BA319-131 (Reply 4):
- That's the trouble with LCC's, they end to attract the scum of the earth!
That i what I don't understand, sure LCC make it more affordable for millions of people to fly, but why do they have to behave in such unruly or shameful manners? This is the fact in Asia! Thats the reason why more business and frequent travellers prefer to just stay with legacy carriers.
N178UA From United Arab Emirates, joined Jan 2001, 1626 posts, RR: 69 Reply 21, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 14554 times:
One thing Lion Air does better over Garuda, is the looks of FA onboard
ThaiA345 From Indonesia, joined Oct 2006, 814 posts, RR: 17 Reply 23, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 14231 times:
Just a brief note, one of my friends just flew on the very same B739ER and guess what, flight was delayed for quite sometime, due to...wait for it, trouble getting cargo doors to open. Sounds like Lion Air's staffers ruined the nice brand new aircraft!
And also, the tray table on his seat is already broken. Trust Indonesian to maintain a brand spanking new a/c huH!
Lufthansa747 From Philippines, joined May 1999, 3174 posts, RR: 47 Reply 24, posted (5 years 10 months 2 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 14192 times:
Quoting ThaiA345 (Reply 23): And also, the tray table on his seat is already broken.
Looking at those same ridiculous traytables on Cebu Pacific, I couldn't help wondering how many flights they last before breaking. Same with the cheap looking seats...
Air Asia Super Elite, Cebu Pacific Titanium
25 BA319-131: - Thankfully no, we now have a corp deal with BMI, whilst no BA, it's better than EZY
26 ThaiA345: Thats true, even during my flight, it was also shaking around badly, and it was really dirty too! (fact is, Lion only serves a small cup of mineral w
27 EXAAUADL: And you can see who has the tallest house of worship...very Sharia of them
28 RoseFlyer: Thanks for the trip report. I think Lion Air is just about to get their 4th 739ER. It's nice to hear about the service. Lionair seems like a typical d
29 ThaiA345: Well, we are afterall in a country where that is the main religion :P, so at least for me, they bothered to put the other religions on it is not that