akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2322 posts, RR: 53 Posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 11006 times:
Introduction
Teman-temanku,
Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
Do you know the sense of pride that more airlines than ever fly to your hometown airport whose exotic aircrafts may please your plane spotting friends?
Teman-teman, can you imagine my feeling when my partner Herman and I boarded Garuda Indonesia at Ahmad Yani International Airport of Semarang for our onward journey to The Land Down Under?
In honor of GA’s slogan, I felt like flying ever higher.
Travel arrangement
In 2008, we found no other way to conclude a direct transaction with GA than through its call center in Jakarta. We did get our booking reference, but still we had to visit airport sales counter to have our E-tickets issued on presentation of payment confirmation number.
So, can you imagine the revelation that the E-ticket issuance for our latest trip happened on our fingertips at home?
This online booking enhancement including…
Ticket retrieval
While compared to four years ago when the interface was limited to…
Booking status
Made me proud of GA.
City check in
What would you feel when you were just a couple of meters away from…
GA sales office
A friendly security guard immediately opened the door and invited you to take a seat on any comfortable chair inside?
Would you appreciate an offer of pre-packed mineral water while Customer Service Agent Faesal issued your boarding pass?
My boarding passes for Jakarta and Denpasar
Teman-teman, will you join me and Herman further on our journey?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2322 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 11080 times:
Ahmad Yani International Airport
All roads lead to Rome, but we were bound for DPS via CGK.
Airline sales counters. Note the batik motif on the frames
Indeed, Sriwijaya Air could have been our flying partner after PlaneHunter’s example or we could have trusted Batavia Air to fly like two years ago.
But this time, modest GA was our way to fly.
Airport check in
Check in area overview. Note five GA counters at the back on the left
Apart from Customer Service Agent Dian who was in charge of Executive Class check-in counter, there was no GA agents around.
GA banner. Be ready at boarding gate thirty minutes (prior)
The embarkation of earlier GA flight must have been time consuming for Dian’s colleagues. Yet Dian was more than happy to assist us, even though we were not flying Executive Class.
Counter sign
“Good afternoon, Sir,” Dian clasped her hands together, “Are you flying with Garuda?”
“Yes, we are going to Denpasar. Oh, and we are already checked in,”
“Very good. Do you have any luggage with you?”
“Just this one,”
The weighing scale indicated 23,48 kilograms, but sweet Dian did not bother it despite 20 kilogram allowance for Economy Class.
“Your luggage has been checked through to Denpasar. Please be ready at boarding gate on indicated time. Passenger service charge will be collected just before you enter the holding room,”
Dian then clasped her hand again, “Thank you for flying Garuda,”
I got the feeling that ‘Wai’ has become more common in Indonesian airline industry since Indonesia AirAsia managed to impress me with the greeting on board.
By the way, can you guess the latest customer of SRG?
QZ counters alongside 7P and SJ ones
Two officers were in charge of PSC collection.
PSC counter. Note the higher tariffs than Bandung
Instead of plain white barcode sticker, a nicely designed coupon was presented. Not bad for IDR 30,0000 (EUR 2.50), do you not think?
My boarding pass to CGK supplied with PSC coupon
Teman-teman, what would you do with an abundant hour to go before boarding?
Holding room sign. Note signage on the bottom right
The keluar sign conveniently lead you outside through domestic arrival.
Anjungan Wisata
Past cargo terminal, you would come across the entrance of Anjungan Wisata (Picnic Pavilion).
Ticket counter
At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Overview
The opening hours seemed widely appreciated. Not only by us, plane spotters, but also...
Day-trippers
You never got that close to 31 threshold before the construction of the pavilion. Furthermore, with favorable wind direction…
PK-GEF in old livery backtracking
You would get to see U-turn just in front of you, followed by thrilling moment of…
SJ PK-CJH take off roll
Holding room
How about another thrill some thirty minutes later…
Our carry-on
Our precious mineral water bottles remained, even after the third security check.
Furthermore, security check point has been relocated since our last visit to SRG. At that time, the holding area was not larger than….
Window section area
Middle section used to be semi public.
Forward middle section. Note the pillars
Glasses in between the pillars were removed to create more space for waiting passengers.
Backward middle section. Note the check point on the right to the painting
Can you imagine my sense of pride that SRG would be evolving from…
Current map
To…
Master plan
I just hope that after new terminal construction on the northern side of the runway, my hometown airport would still breathe similar viewing excitement.
Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
Our PK-GEG inbound from CGK
7P PK-YVH on takeoff roll, bound for Singapore
IW PK-WFR after pushback, bound for Surabaya
What do you think of …
Trigana Air PK-YSD taxiing, bound for Pangkalanbun
Can you imagine any damage on PK-YSD after veering off runway on heavy weather landing last April 13, 2005 in Makassar? Look how well this former Air Canada C-GCPV recovered ever since!
Speaking of damage, it was already past 12.50 and technicians were still busy with trouble shootings as Customer Service Agent Kiki told me.
Gate 1. Note Kiki keeping an eye on the tarmac
Boarding
“May I have your attention, please?” Kiki’s call livened up people around us. “Families with children are requested to board first,”
Boarding scene. Spot families with children
Green light flashed. We were admitted to the tarmac.
Entrance direction
What a delight as the twenty minute boarding delay saw for my first encounter with…
Lion Air PK-LJL
Can you imagine my excitement of the sight of this two week old 737-900ER alongside…
PK-GEG
As twenty years ago, there was nothing else to see than boring British Aerospace ATP’s.
Under the wing. Dedicated to Markus (FLIEGER67)
However, my photo-taking frenzy made me lag behind Herman. I had to surrender my sequence to a couple in front of me or did I?
“Are you traveling together?” The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
“Err, yes actually,”
“Please come forward. Join him,” The man waved me on.
“Thank you. What a novelty,”
The gesture of my co-passenger just warmed my heart as I looked up to...
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2322 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 11065 times:
On board
Flights Status
Route: SRG – CGK
Date: 10 March 2012
ETD/ATD: 13.10 / 13.25
ETA/ATA: 14.10 / 14.30
Flight number: GA 239
Plane: Boeing 737-83N
Registration: PK-GEG
Delivered: 11 June 2002 to American Trans Air
Flight deck: Captain Suryo Gagat
“Welcome on board,” Cabin attendant Sri Mulyani in her turquoise kebaya clasped her hands.
An array of newspapers was nicely arranged in front of her.
Indonesian and English newspapers
The newspaper offer less bothered me than the girl who pretended not to see us while occupying… my seat!
“Excuse me, madam! That is my seat,” I tapped her on the shoulder.
“But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
Miss 29C reluctantly gave in once she learned the division of row 29…
A window, B middle, C aisle
However, thanks to Miss 29C, I became more appreciative of my 29A...
Decent legroom
And truly enjoyed boiled candy offered by cabin attendant Retno Juli.
Boiled candy
Following the introduction of Cabin Service Manager Dinny was manual safety demonstration by Retno Juli and her colleagues Arie and Regina.
Safety card was surely available for further reference…
Instruction for takeoff and landing, how to use oxygen mask and more
Emergency landing procedure
Additional safety information
But, would you see how Retno Juli, Arie and Regina clasped their hands after they finished the demonstration on it?
Taxi and take off
Time to say goodbye was near.
An U-turn on 31 threshold
While waiting for…
KalStar Aviation PK-KSN, formerly Norwegian LN-KKP, vacating the runway
I could not help having mixed feelings with the sight of…
My former playground
Just too fast how PK-GEG rolled past the place where I developed my passion for aviation.
Lift off at 13.35. Note red roofed Graha Padma residential area on the background
Climbing along the suburb…
Mangkang industrial area on the background
A river separating Turunrejo on the left and Banyutowo on the right
As the greenish soil faded away underneath cloud layer.
In flight
“Sir?” Sweet Arie brought me down to earth with something in her hand…
Snack box
Containing…
Clockwise from right: a slice of chocolate cake, deep fried filled tofu and pre-packed guava tea
Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye’s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
“Would you like anything else to drink?” Sri Mulyani surprised me a bit.
“Oh, orange juice, please,”
“Sure,”
Unlike Gabriel (gabrielchew)’s GA 142, additional drink service was available.
Retno Juli and Sri Mulyani on duty
After such abundant drink offer, a lavatory visit was just necessary…
Lavatory pan
Getting freshened up with either…
Eau de toilette, hand lotion or hand soap
Before returning to my seat since fasten seat belts were illuminated.
Forward cabin view. Note some empty seats
PK-GEG made landfall…
Tanjung Pakis beach
While gradually leaving the cruising altitude.
Landing
“Cabin crew, take your seat,”
Muara Kamal
After flying time of 54 minutes…
Touchdown
PK-GEG safely made it on 07L – 25R runway and proceeded to domestic terminal 2F with a nice greet from…
Mihin Lanka 4R-MRC
QZ PK-AWX, Tiger Mandala PK-RMN and QZ PK-AXR
Retro sister ship PK-GFN
And coming to a stop next to…
Sister PK-GFS
Disembarking
As we fetched our carry-on and faced up to…
Waiting to disembark
It was 14.35 already. Ten minutes past advised boarding time of our connecting flight!
“Good afternoon” Cabin Attendant Linda clasped her hands at 2L door just before…
Second Executive Class cabin
Down to forward Economy Class cabin where Cabin Attendant Nadya clasped her hands to everyone walking on her side.
Nadya on our side. Note her colleagues Fitri in turquoise and Nufusy in orange kebaya on the other side
And further to the calm aft cabin where we belonged.
Overview
Cabin Attendant Vivi in her orange kebaya graciously made her appearance from the aft galley.
“Good afternoon,” Vivi clasped her hands. “Can I help you with your seat?”
“Thank you. I think we have found our seats,”
“Do you need any help with your luggage?”
“We will manage. Thank you,”
Such genuine hospitality from Vivi along with a personal message…
Welcome
As I made myself comfortable on…
My seat with personal television
Followed by an offer of…
Boiled candy
Made me feel like being a guest of Javanese royal palace, where not only your comfort was a top priority, but also your safety.
Quick reference
How to evacuate a wide body in case of emergency
Thank you for your attention
At 15.05, pushback commenced.
Taxi and take off
“Due to congestion, we have to wait five or ten minutes for our turn to take off. We have sequence number four,”
Somehow I did not mind Captain Yudadhibrata’s announcement as among the ones responsible for our wait, were…
Merpati PK-MDF, formerly QZ PK-AWS, moments before touchdown
Cathay Pacific B-HOW
And the one preceding us…
QZ PK-AXJ
An old friend as if she wanted to show us the way while her Malaysian sister ship following in our wake…
AirAsia 9M-AHO
Got ready to see us off…
Accelerating
Reaching 2,000 m spot…
Rotate
And flying ever higher above…
Kronjo wetlands
In flight
I was in cloud nine, both literally and figuratively.
On board of rejuvenated PK-GPF in exceptional ambience…
Nearly private aft cabin
While maintaining…
34 inch legroom
Upgraded in-flight entertainment system has been put at our disposal…
Touch screen
Including…
Contemporary control unit design
Even more special when Vivi appeared on our side without any meal trolley as opposed to Nadya and her other colleague Fira who were in charge of the busier front cabin.
“What would you like to have? We have fish with rice or chicken with noodle,”
“Fish with rice, please,”
“Sure. And how about you?”
“I will have the chicken, please,”
“Sure,”
As Vivi fetched our meal, we got ourselves prepared.
Distinguish designed tray table
Our meal trays were brought individually to us.
Unwrapped meal tray set
“Would you like anything to drink?” Vivi asked after serving my tray.
“Do you have Ginger Ale?”
“Let me just check it for you,”
Vivi disappeared to the galley, but not before saying, “Enjoy your meal,”
Chicken noodle set for Herman. Note pre-packed chili sauce
My fish with turmeric rice
Turmeric rice, preparation for special occasion in Javanese culture, made a playful combination with surprisingly modest red pepper flakes on velvety fish filet podium. All rounded off by...
A medley of red grape, papaya and pineapple slices
As for indulging in performance of royal dancers.
Somehow, Cabin Attendant Respati became the bad news messenger.
“I am so sorry. We do not have Ginger Ale on board. Can I offer you anything else? Sprite or coke, perhaps?”
“Can I have orange juice instead?”
“Certainly,”
Guess who then brought my drink order?
My orange juice by Vivi. Cheers, Gavin!
This experience felt so unreal. I just had to freshen up my senses.
Napkins and refreshing items
As I met Vivi again in her resemblance to Javanese royal family member, I could not deny anymore that I was there for real.
Just this consciousness made me so disappointed when I asked Vivi for a photo, she just whispered, “Please no, I am too shy,”
I was about to slink off empty-handed when Vivi suggested, “But, I will take a picture of you with my colleagues,”
Hoping for the best, I returned to my seat and tried to entertain myself with…
Garuda magazine
Though short lived as it somehow disappeared into our carry-on.
How about…
Garuda shop
Just as I decided on something, Vivi invited me to the aft galley where Fitri, Fira and Nadya already gathered.
Respati who just stayed aloof at the beginning, offered to take a picture of all of us. To my pleasant surprise, Vivi decided to join us.
Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
I was grateful already that Vivi was true to her words, but this photo session just went beyond my expectation! Shame, Nufusy could not take part in it as she had to arrange my purchase.
GA branded cap
As Nadya and Fira excused themselves to do second drink run, I figured that it was about time for me to retreat.
Truly angels as Vivi and her colleagues were, each of them would smile at me every time we made an eye contact.
“Do you want anything else to drink?” Sweet Nadya stopped by with the drink trolley.
“No, thank you. I am fine,”
How I wished the time to stop as soon as I found out…
Flight map
Our flight would come to an end.
Landing
As if it was filled with tears, our view became blurrier the further PK-GPF glided towards the horizon level.
Break-water before 09 threshold
After one hour and thirty one minute…
Touchdown at 17.50
The farewell was imminent.
Vacating 09 – 27
Remaining rays of heavenly light were shining through as Captain Yudadhibrata set PK-GPF at rest.
Disembarking
No mad rush, but peaceful affair as the aft cabin gradually emptied...
Waiting to disembark
Giving everyone of us an opportunity to say goodbye properly to Vivi and Respati outside the aft galley, Nadya halfway the cabin and Linda at 2L, by clasping hands after their example.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2322 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 11003 times:
Conclusion
Teman-teman, I was truly blessed with Garuda Indonesia Experience.
My greatest gratitude goes to Vivi, Nadya, Fitri, Fira and Respati for being my angels on board and making me proud of being born Indonesian;
Also to Herman, my partner who I gladly shared this exceptional experience with;
Last but not least, I wish to thank all of you, teman-temanku, for joining me all the way from Semarang to Denpasar. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this fourth part of my journey to The Land Down Under.
Furthermore, to say after stipica, if you ever go to my home country, do visit my hometown airport like PlaneHunter.
Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions or questions because without you, I would have never been able to improve my writings.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 471 posts, RR: 4 Reply 5, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 10833 times:
Great report Suryo,
I like the inclusion of detailed dialogues in your reports. It somehow makes the whole experience more realistic for us readers.
I'm also glad (just like you are) to see Garuda changing slowly but surely their profile. It must be very satisfactory for all Indonesians.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Are you traveling together?” The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
“Err, yes actually,”
“Please come forward. Join him,” The man waved me on.
“Thank you. What a novelty,”
How nice of him. You would definitely not see that ever happen where I come from
I love retro liveries and I have to confess that I had no idea that Garuda's former colors were red and orange. It looks pretty good
Thanks for sharing this with us Suryo. I hope all subsequent experiences with Garuda to be as exceptional as this one. And as it is often the case, it is the crew that makes the difference!
WideBodyroga
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6182 posts, RR: 79 Reply 6, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 10809 times:
Hi Suryo,
excellent report about your Garuda experience! I'm glad that the domestic product doesn't look much less impressive than the international product. Just too bad you didn't get one of the factory fresh 738s with PTVs. However - it's great to see that the old A333s' interiors have been refurbished.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Indeed, Sriwijaya Air could have been our flying partner after PlaneHunter’s example or we could have trusted Batavia Air to fly like two years ago.
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24873 posts, RR: 60 Reply 7, posted (10 months 1 week 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 10753 times:
Hey Suryo ,
Boring Saturday here in Ireland and you brought a smile to my face as I read your report as always. Lovely photos and experience. I love the new interiors and the meals. Never been to Indonesia but kind of want to after your reports You are a great ambassador of your country and thats good.
Love the baseball cap too very nicely designed.
Looking forward to more exotic adventures from you .
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 9, posted (10 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 10017 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great to see the next installment of your series.
It sounds like you had 2 fantastic flights with Garuda. Also nice to see that you were able to get a widebody on the relatively short leg to DPS. I do hope that one day GA will return to AKL, I would really like to try their revitalized product.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 12, posted (10 months 1 week 4 hours ago) and read 9413 times:
Hello Suryo,
Thank you very much for another nice Indonesian tale. This time featuring nothing less than your land of birth's home carrier. I bet these were certainly flights you were looking forward to? And they looked like excellent flights: nice cabins, outstanding service by the nice crews. As an Indonesian, this for sure must make you proud
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
I can understand it makes you proud. As a Belgian it's too bad I can't be that proud on SN, the latest reports here only show quite some mediocrity unfortunately...
A real good way of showing pax the right direction and to ensure a quick and painless boarding procedure. Did your fellow travelers follow the recommendations of this sign?
Knightsofmalta From Malta, joined Nov 2005, 1408 posts, RR: 17 Reply 13, posted (10 months 1 week 1 hour ago) and read 9250 times:
Hey Suryo
Thanks for posting the next installment of your Indonesian journey. It just keeps getting more and more interesting with every further flight you take!
And blimey, what a transformation Garuda has undergone. I remember when they still used to fly to Zurich with the MD-11 and the B747-400. Their reputation was not the best back in those days. But look at them now!
The cabin looks very modern and well maintained and the crews looks as though they're actually enjoying themselves! As for the food, especially on the last leg, it looks rather appetizing.
Thanks for posting. Looking forward to the next installment.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 42 Reply 15, posted (10 months 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 8916 times:
Hi Suryo,
Good to see your annual Indonesian homecoming progressing a bit further. Nice for you to pay a visit to your hometown again. The "new" Garuda looks very nice, those seats are extremely stylish.
You know the airport code SRG always gives me shivers, as a colleague years ago, the "Mad Russian Coder Sergey" used this expression in comments to mark his (dubious, very dubious) pieces of code. It is almost enough to put me off flying to SRG, but just almost if I get a chance to log a 732...
Ahh, the one thing I remember from my Malaysian AIrlines flight back in 2006 is the purser's announcements which always seemed to start with Teman-this and Teman-that. Apparently this is something like "dear" or "good" in Bahasa?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
No. Because my home country carrier is in deep shite, headed by clueless management and ruined by even more clueless unions. Unfortunately. Maybe things will change for the better at some point and then I will perhaps know this same feeling...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Past cargo terminal, you would come across the entrance of Anjungan Wisata (Picnic Pavilion).
Hey, a very nice idea! And very good that it's priced so affordably that everyone can visit it!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye’s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
You know Suryo, sometimes you are a bit too poetic for your own good.
Joking aside that dish sounds quite nice, could even persuade a die hard carnivore like me to try the "faux meat" option!
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 577 posts, RR: 19 Reply 17, posted (10 months 6 days ago) and read 8736 times:
Hi Suryo,
thanks again for taking us with you on this epic journey. Again a lovely and enjoyable report. Very nice to read how you get closer and closer to Down-Under.
Really impressed by Garuda here, excellent service it seems, food looks very yummy as well. I certainly agree with you that you can be proud of your local carrier. The only thing I disagree with are the colors of their seats.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
Lovely picture ...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Now that's a cool thing to have. And it seems it is also quite popular by the local aviation enthusiasts. Cool to get so close to departing aircrafts, and even to some exotic carriers.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 18, posted (10 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 8472 times:
Nice report Suryo - looks like you had some more nice flights with GA!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Excuse me, madam! That is my seat,” I tapped her on the shoulder.
“But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 19, posted (10 months 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 8471 times:
Hi Suryo,
Another great TR of yours from Indonesia. It's good to see how far GA has come over this decade.
It's a very interesting route you took to get to DPS.. Are there few direct flights between Semarang and Denpasar? But nonetheless, it's good to get a widebody on a short route!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
So cheap for a paying viewing area! It also has a great view.
The meals looked excellent, especially for the distance!
infodesk From Switzerland, joined exactly 7 years ago today! , 1236 posts, RR: 34 Reply 20, posted (10 months 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 8352 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great to read your latest Indonesian installment.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): A friendly security guard immediately opened the door and invited you to take a seat on any comfortable chair inside?
Would you appreciate an offer of pre-packed mineral water while Customer Service Agent Faesal issued your boarding pass?
Now that sounds like the sort of service that takes you a long time to find.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
What snazzy uniforms those FAs have!
I really love Garuda's colour scheme on the outside, but I personally don't like the brown seats, they look dated to me.
Lucky you getting a widebody on the 90 minute hop to Denpasar, especially when the cabin is half empty. That must have been such a great experience. Attentive service from the crew, a nice souvenir hat to purchase and a picture of you and the female FAs, what more could you possibly want from a flight?!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): My greatest gratitude goes to Vivi, Nadya, Fitri, Fira and Respati for being my angels on board and making me proud of being born Indonesian;
What a moving sentence Suryo
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I'm also glad (just like you are) to see Garuda changing slowly but surely their profile.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): However - it's great to see that the old A333s' interiors have been refurbished.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): I love the new interiors and the meals.
Quoting burj (Reply 8): I am so glad to see Garuda improving their product
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): And blimey, what a transformation Garuda has undergone. I remember when they still used to fly to Zurich with the MD-11 and the B747-400. Their reputation was not the best back in those days. But look at them now!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): It's good to see how far GA has come over this decade.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): I really love Garuda's colour scheme on the outside,
Quoting Luxair747SP (Reply 21): they seem to offer a good hard as well as soft product.
I am very happy to see the rebirth of my home country carrier. Its five-year expansion plan (The Quantum Leap) definitely bears fruit after the implementation in 2009.
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 11): Thanks for sharing and taking the time to write it!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): Thank you very much for another nice Indonesian tale. This time featuring nothing less than your land of birth's home carrier.
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): Thanks for posting the next installment of your Indonesian journey.
It has been a great pleasure of mine, teman-teman.
WideBodyroga, William, Robert:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): And as it is often the case, it is the crew that makes the difference!
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): the crews looks as though they're actually enjoying themselves!
Quoting Parton87 (Reply 14): Great photo. They look like lovely ladies!
Vivi, Fitri, Fira, Nadya and Respati have been angels of mine.
WideBodyroga, Robert:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I love retro liveries and I have to confess that I had no idea that Garuda's former colors were red and orange. It looks pretty good
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): Looking forward to reading the next parts!
I am doing my best.
Aflyingkiwi, Matthew, Nils, CaptainRed, Gabriel:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 9): It sounds like you had 2 fantastic flights with Garuda.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 10): It looks like you had a good flight with Garuda.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): And they looked like excellent flights: nice cabins, outstanding service by the nice crews. As an Indonesian, this for sure must make you proud
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): Really impressed by Garuda here, excellent service it seems, food looks very yummy as well. I certainly agree with you that you can be proud of your local carrier.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 18): looks like you had some more nice flights with GA!
These flights have indeed made me proud of Garuda Indonesia.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 12): I can understand it makes you proud. As a Belgian it's too bad I can't be that proud on SN, the latest reports here only show quite some mediocrity unfortunately...
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): No. Because my home country carrier is in deep shite, headed by clueless management and ruined by even more clueless unions. Unfortunately.
Shame.
William, P., Mark, Gabriel, Nicholas:
Quoting Knightsofmalta (Reply 13): As for the food, especially on the last leg, it looks rather appetizing.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Joking aside that dish sounds quite nice, could even persuade a die hard carnivore like me to try the "faux meat" option!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): Food looks good on these short hops, pretty impressive.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 18): Ooh, both main courses look good - GA seems to be onto a winner with their catering
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): The meals looked excellent, especially for the distance!
I am proud of GA’s food and beverage improvement. Our meal were just delicious!
Robert, P., Mark, CaptainRed:
Quoting Parton87 (Reply 14): Great photo. They look like lovely ladies!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Hey, a very nice idea! And very good that it's priced so affordably that everyone can visit it!
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 16): - Now that should be mandatory around the globe!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): Now that's a cool thing to have. And it seems it is also quite popular by the local aviation enthusiasts. Cool to get so close to departing aircrafts, and even to some exotic carriers.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): So cheap for a paying viewing area! It also has a great view.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 17): The only thing I disagree with are the colors of their seats.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): but I personally don't like the brown seats, they look dated to me.
We all have different taste which is fine. I personally like the seats.
WideBodyroga:
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I like the inclusion of detailed dialogues in your reports. It somehow makes the whole experience more realistic for us readers.
I am very happy to hear that.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): It must be very satisfactory for all Indonesians.
No doubt about it. Even though I am no longer Indonesian citizen, I am very proud of Garuda’s achievement.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): How nice of him. You would definitely not see that ever happen where I come from
You will never know. There are still many nice people around.
Quoting Widebodyroga (Reply 5): I hope all subsequent experiences with Garuda to be as exceptional as this one.
I have confidence in The Garuda Indonesia Experience.
Hi PH:
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): I'm glad that the domestic product doesn't look much less impressive than the international product.
I am with you here. Judging on your experience, Garuda maintains consistently good service both domestic and international.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): Just too bad you didn't get one of the factory fresh 738s with PTVs.
That would have been great. But you know, flying any 738 out of SRG was just enough for me.
Maybe I would have more luck on international flights.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): I can only recommend anyone to do so...by using SJ 732, of course!
Thank you for your recommendation.
Hey Philip:
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Boring Saturday here in Ireland and you brought a smile to my face as I read your report as always. Lovely photos and experience.
Philip, I feel the same with your reply. So heartwarming.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Never been to Indonesia but kind of want to after your reports You are a great ambassador of your country and thats good.
Thank you for the honor, Philip.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 7): Love the baseball cap too very nicely designed.
Burj:
Quoting burj (Reply 8): As always an awesome trip report that makes the reader feel like we are there with you and Herman!
How sweet of you. Do you know how happy I am with your reply?
Quoting burj (Reply 8): I hope that I'll be able to use my Delta SkyPesos to fly with them once they join SkyTeam!
I would love to hear about your own ‘Garuda Indonesia Experience’.
Hi Aflyingkiwi:
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 9): I do hope that one day GA will return to AKL, I would really like to try their revitalized product.
GA has expressed its intention to return to AKL. I hope I would hear about your ‘Garuda Indonesia Experience’ one day.
Colombo based low cost airline which operates four weekly direct flight to CGK.
Hi P.:
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Good to see your annual Indonesian homecoming progressing a bit further.
Thank you for your patience.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Nice for you to pay a visit to your hometown again.
The intense feeling of coming home has never faded, P.!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): You know the airport code SRG always gives me shivers, as a colleague years ago, the "Mad Russian Coder Sergey" used this expression in comments to mark his (dubious, very dubious) pieces of code.
Oh yes, you have told me earlier about it.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): It is almost enough to put me off flying to SRG, but just almost if I get a chance to log a 732...
SRG is a 732 heaven. I would love to see you come over to SRG. (I say it twice, I know)
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Ahh, the one thing I remember from my Malaysian AIrlines flight back in 2006 is the purser's announcements which always seemed to start with Teman-this and Teman-that. Apparently this is something like "dear" or "good" in Bahasa?
Teman means pal or friend or comrade.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): Maybe things will change for the better at some point and then I will perhaps know this same feeling...
Never say never.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): You know Suryo, sometimes you are a bit too poetic for your own good.
I cannot help it, P.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 15): What's that bag underneath it? A holding bag for it?
I can imagine it as MES-BTJ has similar distance to SRG-CGK.
Hi Nicholas:
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 19): Are there few direct flights between Semarang and Denpasar?
There is a daily nonstop early morning flight with Wings Air. Otherwise, you should transit either in Jakarta or Surabaya.
Hi Hannah:
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): Now that sounds like the sort of service that takes you a long time to find.
Part of The Garuda Indonesia Experience.
Quoting infodesk (Reply 20): Lucky you getting a widebody on the 90 minute hop to Denpasar, especially when the cabin is half empty. That must have been such a great experience. Attentive service from the crew, a nice souvenir hat to purchase and a picture of you and the female FAs, what more could you possibly want from a flight?!
Hannah, you sum it up aptly. I have indeed had a perfect flight.
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 25, posted (10 months 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 7612 times:
Excellent Suryo, I always expect good things from your reports and you never disappoint!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Would you appreciate an offer of pre-packed mineral water while Customer Service Agent Faesal issued your boarding pass?
Very nice service, especially to offer checkin downtown!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Not bad for IDR 30,0000 (EUR 2.50), do you not think?
Not bad indeed, but I prefer it to be included in the ticket price!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Now that is cheap. Is it even worth paying someone to collect the money?
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 26, posted (10 months 19 hours ago) and read 7470 times:
Hello Suryo, nice report!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
I can sure imagine that feeling. If only SAS would go back to what they were back in the olden days
Btw, has the renewal of the fleet, etc been financed with taxpayer's money? Also are they making profits? As I sure hope so
Wow, I really like this new stub-sized format of BP's. I bet the airlines could save quite a lot of money on reduced amount of paperstock used, if they chose to adopt this BP design.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Airline sales counters. Note the batik motif on the frames
Is it common for people in Indonesia to book their flights at the same day over the ticket counter?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Wow talk about cheap! Wish the observation decks here in Europe were priced that low, haha.
Hmm, seems like a new trend in Indonesia to write the aircraft type with very big letters on the fuselage?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Can you imagine my excitement of the sight of this two week old 737-900ER alongside…
I must say that I really like that sleek look of the B739ER. Not very used to seeing 737s stretch that long.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): An array of newspapers was nicely arranged in front of her.
Wow, that's a very impressive selection of International newspapers. Never pictured there being such an extensive selection on a domestic flight in Indonesia. Take that for comparison the TAP Lounge in Lisbon, that didn't have a single english newspaper or magazine. As you'd might imagine, I was quite disappointed by the lack of newsweek. And Men's health in Portuguese didn't make me happier either.
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 28, posted (9 months 4 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 7136 times:
Salam Suryo,
Hei taman!
Great mini-TR on Garuda! it is always a wonderful experience flying with you in your TRs, and of course Garuda Indonesia makes this an even better joyride
Great to see Garuda still flying high, and i think they already deserve to be a 5 star airline hands down In my opinion, they certainly are the crown jewel of SkyTeam! ..
I should be flying Garuda again next month So i am quite looking forward to it!
Love the viewing deck in Semarang .. I hope to visit there one day, and hopefully get to experience more of Indonesia and its spicy domestic flying
Thank you for sharing this with us, and hope to see more reports from you soon!
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 29, posted (9 months 4 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 7003 times:
Hi Suryo!
Thanks for another fantastic installment in this series! Wonderful pictures and great writing as always !
Interesting to see the plans for a new terminal at SRG. When will it be finished ?
Very nice observation area ! EUR 0.09 seems very reasonable as well....
Great service on both flights and nice to catch a wide body to DPS. Good to try two different aircraft types ! F/As seem very nice (and cute). Very nice with a hot meal on the CGK-DPS flight.
I hope to try GA soon on their 77W but from what I heard, first route will be CGK-HKG although that could change. Very much looking forward to my first flight on GA especially after reading this report.
GA seems to live up to its new great reputation !
Looking forward to the next report in the series and of course pictures from Bali! I was there in 1999 and had a great time there.
Thanks !
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
dc9northwest From Romania, joined Feb 2007, 1734 posts, RR: 4 Reply 30, posted (9 months 4 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 6954 times:
Hi there, dear Suryo,
Good to see the continuation of your journey posted
Sorry for the long time it took to reply, but I was on a trip of my own, and internet access came second. Then, I'm in the middle of some writing of my own, but I needed to stop to read your TR
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
This sounds similar to what RO achieved a few years ago, so, indeed, I know this sense of pride
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Teman-teman, will you join me and Herman further on our journey?
Indeed; I'm looking forward to it
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): The weighing scale indicated 23,48 kilograms, but sweet Dian did not bother it despite 20 kilogram allowance for Economy Class.
That's quite nice... This is something you'd rarely or never hear about in my adoptive country!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Instead of plain white barcode sticker, a nicely designed coupon was presented. Not bad for IDR 30,0000 (EUR 2.50), do you not think?
Well, I guess it's a good and cheap souvenir! Something positive about collecting the tax here and not when buying the ticket
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Our precious mineral water bottles remained, even after the third security check.
Ah, quite laid-back again. That's good to know
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Are you traveling together?” The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
“Err, yes actually,”
“Please come forward. Join him,” The man waved me on.
“Thank you. What a novelty,”
Some people really are nice! The plane wouldn't leave without you, so why not be nice, indeed!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Excuse me, madam! That is my seat,” I tapped her on the shoulder.
“But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
While some people don't seem to know what world they're living in.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye’s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
“Would you like anything else to drink?” Sri Mulyani surprised me a bit.
“Oh, orange juice, please,”
“Sure,”
Hah, always nice to read your culinary descriptions, Suryo. Good to see an extra drink service offered.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): “Due to congestion, we have to wait five or ten minutes for our turn to take off. We have sequence number four,”
That's not too bad--in fact that would be brilliant in some places
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): As Nadya and Fira excused themselves to do second drink run, I figured that it was about time for me to retreat.
Truly angels as Vivi and her colleagues were, each of them would smile at me every time we made an eye contact.
“Do you want anything else to drink?” Sweet Nadya stopped by with the drink trolley.
“No, thank you. I am fine,”
How I wished the time to stop as soon as I found out…
That sounds like excellent service indeed, Suryo
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Just this consciousness made me so disappointed when I asked Vivi for a photo, she just whispered, “Please no, I am too shy,”
I was sad this was the case, before I had read the above. Good to know you managed to have a photo memory of most of the crew, still
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Furthermore, to say after stipica, if you ever go to my home country, do visit my hometown airport like PlaneHunter.
I will certainly attempt to do so when I get to Indonesia, Suryo. It would be nice to see your hometown airport
Thanks for this part of your report! I really enjoyed reading it
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 31, posted (9 months 4 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 6821 times:
Great report, just as usual, Suryo!
I sure enjoyed reading it. Garuda Indonesia looks nice, I especially like their A330, the brown-blue cabin is great looking and the IFE system seems very nice as well. I'd love to fly with them one day.
I can't wait to read further of your story!
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 32, posted (9 months 3 weeks 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 6749 times:
Hoi, Suryo,
what a superb affair to follow you´re latest part around the great Australia travels.
Now that make me more curious to try out GA myself somedays.
And also the local pictures, really good.
Not to talk about you´re writing style, I like it, you know.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
Respati who just stayed aloof at the beginning, offered to take a picture of all of us. To my pleasant surprise, Vivi decided to join us.
Simply great. Really nice staff around so it looks like.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 33, posted (9 months 3 weeks 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 6708 times:
Hello Suryo
Great report you have got there. Thanks for sharing.
GA looks to be nice as usual. I'm surprised that there was no AVOD on the flight to CGK.
The 330 looks great, nice to see you got individual service in Y. a nice touch
RvXKaz From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 182 posts, RR: 3 Reply 34, posted (9 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 6288 times:
Dear Suryo,
this is an exceptional TR dedicated to Garuda Indonesia! I am certain Garuda has no bigger fan than yourself! Thanks so much for showing us your remarkable domestic journey on this phoenix that has risen from the ashes! Your poetic descriptions did so much justice to the extraordinary change from mediocre accident-prone airline with an ageing fleet to one of Asia's most revolutionized first-class airline that their employees should be so proud to work for!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): The weighing scale indicated 23,48 kilograms, but sweet Dian did not bother it despite 20 kilogram allowance for Economy Class
Pressing my calculator, you exceeded baggage allowance by a whooping 19%! Kudos on the excellent service and discretion of Dian in not penalizing you. A wonderful service surprise and a great start to your journey indeed.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Past cargo terminal, you would come across the entrance of Anjungan Wisata (Picnic Pavilion).
Very interesting! I am guessing photography is allowed. Seems like a wonderful arena to cultivate aviation enthusiasts!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Our precious mineral water bottles remained, even after the third security check
hehe, nice to know your water bottles safely made it through and escaped their security waste-bin fates!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
Interesting uniform that they have, especially the belt and the conspicuous black stockings haha...
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Trigana Air PK-YSD taxiing, bound for Pangkalanbun
Interesting carrier, not one you'll likely to see outside Indonesia!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): %u201CAre you traveling together?%u201D The man of the couple surprisingly spoke to me.
%u201CErr, yes actually,%u201D
%u201CPlease come forward. Join him,%u201D The man waved me on.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Diving into silky tofu filling through crispy surface with tingly bite of spicy green bird eye%u2019s chili, I recalled my past memories in Semarang. So sweet as creamy filling of the chocolate cake. So refreshing as the guava tea.
It certainly looks good! I am placing a bet that the tofu was delicious!
Lovely touch on GA. Interesting that I've got fruit juice on my flights to CGK. Could it be candy is given out on domestic sectors and juices on international?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Chicken noodle set for Herman. Note pre-packed chili sauce
Looks YUMMY! I am most surprised you've got a hot meal on this domestic sector but its wonderful indeed!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): My fish with turmeric rice
Looks even more YUMMY!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): My orange juice by Vivi. Cheers, Gavin!
Cheers! my friend!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
Look at the 5 beautiful angels! Is Garuda an appropriate word interchangeable with Angel? Otherwise, 5 beautiful Garudas would be so befitting of the picture! Very well-taken photo that shows their beautiful kebayas. To think that you often take photos with cabin crews from so many different airlines, its really touching to see you in such a wonderful photo with these beautiful crew from your home country...
Terimah Kasih, Suryo, for sharing with us your perspective of the new Garuda Indonesia. Its so nice to see their excellent service offering on the domestic sectors and one can easily imagine how the international sectors would compare. I can see that my own experience with GA mirrors yours in many ways and I am so glad that we share this common wonderful GA experience.
Garuda Indonesia has become an airline Indonesians can truly be proud of and thanks for showcasing this to the world.
Your TR did justice to the wonderful service of GA, nothing less.
Bests,
Gavin
They say that I'm a dreamer. But I'd only Dreamt Skyward.
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 35, posted (9 months 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 6118 times:
Hello Suryo,
Again you take two simple flights and turn them into something magical! Nicely done.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Do you know the sense of pride that your home country carrier has successfully reinvented itself and found its way up again in the business?
Congrats to Garuda, and Garuda has become even more special because of you!!
Are those Cathay Pacific luggage tags from your inbound flight?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): Wings crew members walking to the their next assignment
Don't all the world sexiest FAs come in red lol....Kingfisher, Air Asia X, Virgin Atlantic and now these ladies!!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): As the greenish soil faded away underneath cloud layer.
“Sir?” Sweet Arie brought me down to earth with something in her hand…
The green from the land below landed on the top of your box!!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): To Terminal 2E for our next ride.
PK-GPF
Oh so yummy!! What a gorgeous looking Airbus A330-200!! And such a treat to go instantly from a 737 to a wide bodied like her!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Etihad A6-ETI, dedicated to flightsimboy
Aww thank you, Suryo (and Herman)
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Distinguish designed tray table
I hope one remembers that gap at the front of the table, and does not inadvertantly put a glass there only to let it plonk onto one 's lap below lol
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): A medley of red grape, papaya and pineapple slices
Nicely done intricate art work on that slice of pineapple.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Meeting angels Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya in their kebaya and parang gondosuli batik. Courtesy of Respati
You almost landed up not getting that photo. Again, pics with these FAs re really appreciated. Lovely uniforms. Orange and blue never looked so good together.
It would have been nice if they could have actually captured those winglets on the front of the cap.
Whatever happened to Ariel? It would appear that after that encounter with the dragon on CX, Ariel was frightened away for life!!! Do hope to find Ariel back on the flight Down Under!!
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): That sounds like excellent service indeed, Suryo
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 32): Simply great. Really nice staff around so it looks like.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 33): nice to see you got individual service in Y. a nice touch
Vivi, Fitri, Fira, Nadya and Respati have made my journey a memorable one.
Lars, Marc:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29): GA seems to live up to its new great reputation !
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 33): GA looks to be nice as usual.
GA even exceeded my expectation.
Roni, Alex:
Quoting ronerone (Reply 28): Love the viewing deck in Semarang .. I hope to visit there one day, and hopefully get to experience more of Indonesia and its spicy domestic flying
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): I will certainly attempt to do so when I get to Indonesia, Suryo. It would be nice to see your hometown airport
I would be very happy to hear about your visit to Semarang.
Alex, Gavin:
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): That's quite nice... This is something you'd rarely or never hear about in my adoptive country!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Pressing my calculator, you exceeded baggage allowance by a whooping 19%! Kudos on the excellent service and discretion of Dian in not penalizing you. A wonderful service surprise and a great start to your journey indeed.
I never thought that this sweet little touch of Dian marked the beginning of memorable journey with Garuda.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): hehe, nice to know your water bottles safely made it through and escaped their security waste-bin fates!
Such a relief that there is no liquid ban on Indonesian domestic flights.
Martin, Markus:
Quoting deltamartin (Reply 31): Garuda Indonesia looks nice, I especially like their A330, the brown-blue cabin is great looking and the IFE system seems very nice as well. I'd love to fly with them one day.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 32): Now that make me more curious to try out GA myself somedays.
I would say, let Garuda amaze you to DXB and beyond.
Gavin, flightsimboy:
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): this is an exceptional TR dedicated to Garuda Indonesia! I am certain Garuda has no bigger fan than yourself!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Your TR did justice to the wonderful service of GA, nothing less.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Congrats to Garuda, and Garuda has become even more special because of you!!
Thank you for the honor. You are too kind.
signol:
Quoting signol (Reply 25): Very nice service, especially to offer checkin downtown!
Very well appreciated facility apart from online and airport check-in.
Quoting signol (Reply 25): Not bad indeed, but I prefer it to be included in the ticket price!
It would be convenient. According to Indonesian Minister of State-owned Companies, the PSC collection will be included in the ticket price starting next September. Garuda will become the first airline to apply it.
Quoting signol (Reply 25): Now that is cheap. Is it even worth paying someone to collect the money?
That is a good question. I assume the job at the counter is subsidized.
I did not really pay attention as we had to power-walk to the departure level. From I remember, F2 was located not too far away for the security check point.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): I bet the airlines could save quite a lot of money on reduced amount of paperstock used, if they chose to adopt this BP design.
I am not sure whether reduction of usage of paper stock would help if airlines have to cut down the cost. To be honest, I miss GA’s larger boarding stubs.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Is it common for people in Indonesia to book their flights at the same day over the ticket counter?
It was a common sight a couple of years ago. But E-commerce may have changed their booking attitude.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Wow talk about cheap! Wish the observation decks here in Europe were priced that low, haha.
Like the one at AMS?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Was that your joint carry on? Also did you have the usual joint suitcase in the hold?
Surely we had both of our joint carry on and suitcase.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Hmm, seems like a new trend in Indonesia to write the aircraft type with very big letters on the fuselage?
A new trend? Apart from Wings, I cannot recall any other Indonesian airline with very big letters on the fuselage.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): I must say that I really like that sleek look of the B739ER. Not very used to seeing 737s stretch that long.
Come on over to Indonesia. You can keep your eyes open for B739ER’s around.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Take that for comparison the TAP Lounge in Lisbon, that didn't have a single english newspaper or magazine.
Are you serious?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): As you'd might imagine, I was quite disappointed by the lack of newsweek.
Oh yes, you and Newsweek are just inseparable.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): And Men's health in Portuguese didn't make me happier either.
Really? Are visual presentations not just enough?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Those snack boxes really seem to be an asian thing, as I don't recall having one served in Europe for a very long time.
You may be right. Do you know that I did not like snack box as it was less representative than meal trays served on European airlines back then? Just look what you get on board nowadays.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 26): Well HOW are you doing today!
Quoting ronerone (Reply 28): and of course Garuda Indonesia makes this an even better joyride
No doubt about it.
Quoting ronerone (Reply 28): Great to see Garuda still flying high, and i think they already deserve to be a 5 star airline hands down In my opinion, they certainly are the crown jewel of SkyTeam! ..
My feelings are exactly the same. Do you not think that Garuda’s 5 star award may coincide with its official entry into SkyTeam?
Quoting ronerone (Reply 28): I should be flying Garuda again next month So i am quite looking forward to it!
I hope Garuda will amaze you again like last year.
Hi Lars:
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29): Interesting to see the plans for a new terminal at SRG. When will it be finished ?
The first phase is slated for completion next year.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29): Very nice observation area ! EUR 0.09 seems very reasonable as well....
Affordable for each and everyone.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 29): nice to catch a wide body to DPS. Good to try two different aircraft types !
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): Well, I guess it's a good and cheap souvenir! Something positive about collecting the tax here and not when buying the ticket
I love how you put it.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): While some people don't seem to know what world they're living in.
They just need to be reminded sometime.
Quoting dc9northwest (Reply 30): Hah, always nice to read your culinary descriptions, Suryo.
Do you not think it is one of the greatest livery on 330?
Dear Gavin:
It feels so good to hear from you.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Your poetic descriptions did so much justice to the extraordinary change from mediocre accident-prone airline with an ageing fleet to one of Asia's most revolutionized first-class airline that their employees should be so proud to work for!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Garuda Indonesia has become an airline Indonesians can truly be proud of
Your encouraging descriptions make me even prouder of Garuda.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Very interesting! I am guessing photography is allowed. Seems like a wonderful arena to cultivate aviation enthusiasts!
Photography is allowed everywhere at my hometown airport.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Interesting uniform that they have, especially the belt and the conspicuous black stockings haha...
Kudos to the fashion designers!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Interesting carrier, not one you'll likely to see outside Indonesia!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): It certainly looks good! I am placing a bet that the tofu was delicious!
Oh yes, it was!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Wow, a cool widebody for your Bali flight! I'd love to see GA's A330 through your eyes!
Thank you.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Wow, the boarding looks chaotic indeed!
Strangely, it did not feel chaotic at all.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Lovely touch on GA. Interesting that I've got fruit juice on my flights to CGK. Could it be candy is given out on domestic sectors and juices on international?
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Look at the 5 beautiful angels! Is Garuda an appropriate word interchangeable with Angel? Otherwise, 5 beautiful Garudas would be so befitting of the picture!
Garuda is a mystical giant bird of Hinduism and Buddhist mythology, the carrier of God Vishnu. Well in that case, PK-GPF happened to be the Garuda with Vivi, Fitri, Fira and Nadya being the goddesses.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Very well-taken photo that shows their beautiful kebayas.
Thanks to Respati’s photographic skill.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): To think that you often take photos with cabin crews from so many different airlines, its really touching to see you in such a wonderful photo with these beautiful crew from your home country...
A dream of mine has come true.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Terimah Kasih, Suryo, for sharing with us your perspective of the new Garuda Indonesia.
Sama-sama, Gavin.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): Its so nice to see their excellent service offering on the domestic sectors and one can easily imagine how the international sectors would compare.
You and Roni get the credit for the international sectors.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 34): I can see that my own experience with GA mirrors yours in many ways and I am so glad that we share this common wonderful GA experience.
The pleasure is mine too.
Hello flightsimboy:
I always look forward to your reply.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Are those Cathay Pacific luggage tags from your inbound flight?
My eagle-eyed flightsimboy.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Don't all the world sexiest FAs come in red lol....Kingfisher, Air Asia X, Virgin Atlantic and now these ladies!!!
You are a true fashion watcher.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): The green from the land below landed on the top of your box!!!
I love this poetic expression.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Oh so yummy!! What a gorgeous looking Airbus A330-200!! And such a treat to go instantly from a 737 to a wide bodied like her!!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): I hope one remembers that gap at the front of the table, and does not inadvertantly put a glass there only to let it plonk onto one 's lap below lol
As long as you do not get too tipsy, it will be fine!
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Nicely done intricate art work on that slice of pineapple.
Good on you! Shame on me that I did not notice it earlier.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): You almost landed up not getting that photo. Again, pics with these FAs re really appreciated. Lovely uniforms. Orange and blue never looked so good together.
I am so glad that you like this photo.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): It would have been nice if they could have actually captured those winglets on the front of the cap.
That is a great suggestion to Garuda.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 35): Whatever happened to Ariel? It would appear that after that encounter with the dragon on CX, Ariel was frightened away for life!!! Do hope to find Ariel back on the flight Down Under!!
Ariel was still around, waiting for the right moment to make a comeback.
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 37, posted (6 months 3 weeks 3 hours ago) and read 3470 times:
Suryo,
A really great entertaining TR from your home town. GA seems good, especially if you get nice boiled candies prior the flight and a generous snack box. Was the staff waiting for you at the second flight? glad you've make it anyway
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): At admission fee of IDR 1,000 (EUR 0.09), the pavilion would be at your disposal from 06.00 until 18.00.
Jeez, that's dirt cheap, especially for the fantastic views granted
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): “But, I got assigned twenty nine C,” She protested.
“That is why you have to move!”
Smartly said!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Distinguish designed tray table
Do you like it, i mean, is it really convenient?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Respati who just stayed aloof at the beginning, offered to take a picture of all of us.
Ah, Suryo's signature at its best .
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): I wish to thank all of you, teman-temanku, for joining me all the way from Semarang to Denpasar.
You are welcome
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): I sincerely hope that you enjoy this fourth part of my journey to The Land Down Under.
It was really interesting indeed. Looking forward to seeing the next chapter !
Thank you for sharing
Léonard
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
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