To proceed my lengthy journey to Abu Dhabi, I flew Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 777 enterprise class from Jakarta to Jeddah.
Whereas I had flown Garuda Indonesia firstclass earlier than, this was my first time flying the provider’s enterprise class, and I used to be trying ahead to it. Sadly the expertise was a far cry from what I hoped for, and it’s clear that Garuda Indonesia has been in price slicing mode in recent times. From no menus, to low high quality headphones, to terrible bedding, to low cost amenity kits, the Garuda Indonesia enterprise class expertise doesn’t really feel very premium.
Nonetheless, I’ve to say that the meals was fairly good, and the service was very pleasant. I also needs to acknowledge that I used to be flying to Jeddah, and I used to be one of many solely passengers who wasn’t on a pilgrimage. That being stated, it’s my understanding that that is Garuda Indonesia’s customary lengthy haul enterprise class expertise, other than the shortage of alcohol.
Anyway, let’s get into the assessment…
How I booked my Garuda Indonesia enterprise class ticket
I booked my Garuda Indonesia enterprise class ticket from Jakarta to Jeddah utilizing Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles. Particularly, I booked the next for 68,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles plus $109.33 in taxes and costs:
12/03 GA980 Jakarta to Jeddah departing 11:30AM arriving 5:30PM
Air France-KLM Flying Blue is likely one of the most helpful frequent flyer packages, particularly for SkyTeam redemptions. Air France-KLM companions with Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, Chase Final Rewards, and Citi ThankYou, so the miles are straightforward to come back by. I had acquired these miles a while again, and took benefit of a switch bonus that was obtainable on the time.
Garuda Indonesia enterprise class lounge & boarding
In a earlier installment, I reviewed the Garuda Indonesia Lounge at Jakarta Airport. I had excessive hopes, on condition that that is the provider’s flagship lounge situated in a reasonably new terminal, however sadly the lounge was underwhelming. I wouldn’t spend any extra time within the lounge than you need to, and when you have entry, I’d a lot moderately go to the Plaza Premium Lounge.
My flight to Jeddah was boarding from gate eight, with a scheduled boarding time of 10:45AM, 45 minutes forward of the 11:30AM scheduled departure. The plane was really parked at a distant stand, so this was solely the place the bus boarded.
Boarding ended up beginning at 10:50AM, with enterprise class being invited to board first.
There was a devoted bus for enterprise class passengers, so I used to be pointed towards that. Nobody else confirmed up, and after about 5 minutes, I used to be pushed to the airplane all alone — good!
After fairly an extended drive, we arrived on the plane, a Boeing 777-300ER with the license plate PK-GIK, which was delivered in 2016. The plane had a particular retro livery, reflecting Garuda Indonesia’s branding from 1969-1985.
Garuda Indonesia 777 enterprise class cabin & seats
A majority of Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 777s (together with the one I used to be flying on) are in a two cabin configuration, that includes simply enterprise class and financial system. There are a complete of 26 enterprise class seats unfold throughout seven rows, in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. This takes up all the house between the primary and second set of doorways.
Garuda Indonesia has the the Stelia Solstys III enterprise class product, which I’d say is a bit previous its prime at this level, and I can’t say that the cabin finishes are doing the airline any favors both.
So far as the seating association goes, these touring collectively could just like the “honeymoon” seats within the heart part of even numbered rows, because the seats are actually shut to at least one one other, so as to benefit from the flight collectively and simply talk.
The middle seats in odd numbered rows are farther from the middle and nearer to the aisle, so that they’re not excellent for these touring collectively. These can be my final alternative seats on this configuration.
Alongside the home windows, seats alternate between being nearer to the aisle and nearer to the home windows.
In even numbered rows, seats are nearer to the aisle, so they provide much less privateness, and it’s more durable to look out the window.
I take into account the perfect seats on this configuration to be window seats in odd numbered rows, since these have essentially the most separation from the aisle. I assigned myself seat 7A, the window seat within the final row of enterprise class on the left aspect.
So far as the seat options go, the tray desk folds out from the seat in entrance, and is a single, strong floor. On the plus aspect, you possibly can rotate it 90 levels, so as to rise up whereas the tray desk is prolonged.
The seat and leisure controls are situated to the aspect of the seat, and are straightforward to make use of. The leisure controller will also be prolonged, do you have to wish to use that to pick your leisure (moderately than simply utilizing the touchscreen function).
Beneath that house is a small storage space, the place you might place a telephone or passport in the course of the flight (although possibly don’t, as a result of chances are you’ll overlook it there).
For any type of staggered configuration, there’s a footwell through which you place your ft. The benefit of this old-style seat is that the footwell is fairly massive, and shouldn’t be too restrictive.
To the aspect of that and close to the ground is a literature pocket, an AC energy outlet, and two USB-An influence shops.
Sadly the overhead console doesn’t have any particular person air nozzles, although at the very least the cabin wasn’t stored too heat.
I’d say that Garuda Indonesia’s enterprise class exhausting product is… advantageous? It’s really fairly comfy within the “true” window seats, although the seat tech and finishes might undoubtedly use some enchancment.
Garuda Indonesia enterprise class facilities
Garuda Indonesia’s enterprise class facilities are nearly uniformly underwhelming. Ready at every seat upon boarding have been a pair of beat up, uncomfortable headphones, which didn’t do a lot to cancel noise.
There was additionally a pillow and blanket. Whereas the pillow was respectable, the blanket was extra alongside the traces of what I’d count on in financial system, because it was scratchy and skinny.
There was additionally a small bottle of water at every seat upon boarding.
After settling in, the crew offered me with a extremely low cost amenity equipment. The equipment contained eyeshades, a dental equipment, earplugs, a brush, lip balm, and hand and physique lotion.
I used to be additionally given some flimsy slippers.
Additionally a short while after boarding, I used to be supplied my alternative of passionfruit juice, orange juice, or water. I requested for each a water and a passionfruit juice, and that was served with a heat towel.
One factor noticeably absent was menus, which I suppose Garuda Indonesia not gives in enterprise class, even on lengthy haul flights. Ouch.
It’s actually unhappy how Garuda Indonesia appears to be slicing corners, as a result of an affordable amenity equipment, unhealthy bedding, uncomfortable headphones, and lack of menus, actually don’t set an important tone for a flight.
Garuda Indonesia 777 enterprise class leisure & Wi-Fi
Garuda Indonesia’s 777 enterprise class leisure choice is restricted, and the interface additionally feels fairly outdated.
By my rely, the system had simply over 60 films, slightly below 120 TV reveals, after which a wide range of video games and music.
Whereas there was a button for stay TV, the system indicated that this was at present unavailable.
As a tragic signal of the instances, “Only for Laughs Gags” was in all probability the leisure choice that the majority me. In the event you’re choosy about what you watch, undoubtedly convey your individual leisure.
After all Garuda Indonesia additionally has a map function, which is what I ended up having on for a lot of the flight.
Garuda Indonesia has Wi-Fi on its Boeing 777s, and there are a number of pricing plans obtainable:
- There’s a free texting plan for half-hour
- You should buy a 50MB plan for $11.95
- You should buy a 150MB plan for $16.95
- You should buy a 250MB plan for $21.95
Whereas I favor Wi-Fi plans with out information caps, finally the $21.95 worth level for 250MB of information was a worthwhile funding, and allowed me to remain productive for a part of the flight.
Garuda Indonesia 777 departure from Jakarta
After I checked in on-line the night earlier than the flight, I used to be the one passenger with a seat assigned in enterprise class. There ended up being a handful of individuals in enterprise class, however they have been final minute upgrades, it appears.
One different factor to notice is {that a} overwhelming majority of passengers on this flight have been pilgrims. They have been straightforward to determine, as all of them journey with particular lanyards. Two different individuals in enterprise class weren’t a part of considered one of these teams, however I believe that’s it. Nonetheless, as I stated above, I don’t suppose that brought on any adjustments to service in enterprise class, aside from the shortage of alcohol.
Passengers arrived on the airplane by way of a number of buses, and at 11:35AM boarding was full. At that time the principle cabin door closed, and the lead flight attendant made her welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 9hr24min. After that, the security video was screened, adopted by a really lengthy pre-flight prayer (there was one other one later within the flight, and one other one after touchdown).
We pushed again from our stand at 11:45AM, and began our taxi at 11:50AM.
It was a really brief taxi to our departure runway, the place we simply needed to wait for an additional Garuda Indonesia 777 to depart.
We took off at 11:55AM, proper forward of a Saudia 777 additionally headed to Jeddah.
I loved the views on the climb out…
Garuda Indonesia enterprise class lunch service
On this flight, lunch was served after takeoff, and that was fast to get began. As talked about earlier, lunch orders have been taken whereas the plane was nonetheless on the bottom. The dearth of menus made that fairly sophisticated, as the alternatives have been both noodles with seafood, opor ayam, or sei sapi.
I’ve gotta be trustworthy, I’m not an skilled on Indonesian delicacies (regardless of fairly liking it), and I didn’t know what these final two issues have been, and the flight attendant wasn’t actually in a position to describe it nicely. Happily since orders have been taken on the bottom, I used to be in a position to look this up on-line.
Service began 25 minutes after takeoff, with drinks and canapés being served. The canapé consisted of a salmon tart, and was fairly tasty. I had a Weight loss plan Coke to associate with it. Garuda Indonesia doesn’t serve alcohol on flights to Saudi Arabia. Technically airways can serve alcohol on these flights, simply not after they enter Saudi Arabian airspace. Nonetheless, most airways simply don’t hassle serving alcohol, each given the everyday buyer base, plus given the sophisticated logistics.
35 minutes after takeoff I used to be served the starter, which consisted of smoked hen breast with some veggies, in addition to some tasteless bread. There have been no decisions for the starter.
For the principle course I chosen the opor ayam, one of many Indonesian specialties, which is hen with coconut milk. It was fairly tasty.
Lastly, on the conclusion of the meal I used to be supplied some type of a fruit tart, and I ordered a cappuccino to associate with that.
The meal service was wrapped up inside an hour of takeoff, which isn’t too shocking when you think about how empty the cabin was.
Garuda Indonesia 777 enterprise class bathrooms
Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 777s have three bathrooms round enterprise class — there’s one on the entrance of the cabin by the cockpit, and two behind the cabin. The catch is that for the bathrooms behind the cabin, one is for financial system, after which the opposite one is locked in order that financial system passengers don’t attempt to use it, because it’s reserved for enterprise class passengers.
There was normally a flight attendant in that galley who can be pleased to open the rest room. Each of the enterprise class bathrooms have been stored spotless all through the flight.
The bathrooms had little or no in the best way of facilities, aside from a little bit lotion and perfume.
Garuda Indonesia 777 enterprise class mattress
I used to be tremendous drained after lunch, because it had been fairly an extended few days. So I reclined my seat and tried to get as comfy as attainable.
The crew dimmed the cabin lights at this level as nicely, and turned on some temper lighting and the “stars” on the ceiling, which is such a cute contact (I want extra airways would do that).
I ended up falling asleep simply over an hour after takeoff, off the coast of Indonesia.
I then awoke round two hours later, as we have been approaching Sri Lanka. I’m such a foul airplane sleeper.
I attempted to sleep for a bit longer, however finally received up about an hour after that.
One different quirk I ought to point out, which I seen in the course of the flight. The seatbelt signal was nearly by no means turned off, and on a number of events the pilots made an announcement telling the flight attendants to be seated, just for there to be no turbulence. I do know pilots can’t completely predict turbulence, however this was one of many smoothest lengthy haul flights I’ve had in a very long time, so I discovered that to be unusual.
Garuda Indonesia enterprise class snack & pre-arrival meal
As soon as awake, I ordered a cup of espresso. When the crew introduced me that, in addition they introduced over a tray of snacks to select from, with combined nuts, cashews, and instantaneous noodles, although I wasn’t hungry.
I spent a while engaged on my laptop computer, and some hours later we have been in Omani airspace, approaching Saudi Arabia.
Round 2.5 hours earlier than touchdown, the cabin lights have been turned again on, and the pre-landing meal service commenced. Service started with heat towels, and I ordered a glowing water to drink.
Subsequent up, a fruit appetizer was served, with two sorts of melons, kiwis, and strawberries. There was additionally a breadbasket.
Foremost course orders had been taken earlier within the flight, and the choices included beef with saffron rice, hen kung pao, or salmon with potatoes. I chosen that final choice. Truthfully, it was fairly a superb dish, each when it comes to presentation and style.
The meal concluded with a bit of chocolate cake and a few extra fruit.
Garuda Indonesia enterprise class service
Garuda Indonesia has among the friendliest flight attendants of any airline. Enterprise class was very nicely staffed, and all the crew was pleasant, nicely intentioned, and attentive. They’d examine on me (and different passengers) continuously, they usually even addressed me by identify at each interplay.
That being stated, I wouldn’t say that service was significantly polished, at the very least in comparison with my earlier Garuda Indonesia expertise. For instance:
- If the airline isn’t going to have menus, it could be good if the crew at the very least had data of the gadgets being served, and will describe them; admittedly I blame administration right here for slicing prices and never providing menus
- The service stream was a little bit unusual; for instance, with the principle meal, the flight attendant served me my dessert a minute after bringing over my principal course, and stated she’d go away it with me “for [my] comfort”
- When my appetizer was performed, I positioned the silverware that I had used on that plate, and moderately than eradicating all of that, the flight attendant positioned the soiled silverware again on my tray, and simply took the plate (though there was sufficient silverware for the remainder of the meal there)
So whereas the service might have been a bit extra polished, the crew was finally beautiful and nicely intentioned, and was the perfect a part of this flight.
Garuda Indonesia 777 arrival in Jeddah
Quickly sufficient we have been approaching Jeddah, so one other pre-landing prayer was performed via the inflight leisure system.
At 5:05PM Jeddah time, the pilots advised the flight attendants to arrange the cabin for touchdown, so at that time all preparations have been made. It was a reasonably night approaching Jeddah, so I loved the views on strategy.
We touched down in Jeddah at 5:25PM, at which level it was first time for yet one more prayer. We then started our roughly 15-minute taxi to our arrival gate. Our flight was arriving at Jeddah Airport’s infamous Hajj Terminal, and we pulled in at 5:40PM.
Whereas we parked at a stand that had a jet bridge, we ended up having to stroll down stairs, get on a bus, after which be pushed to immigration.
Happily immigration was fairly painless, far more so than my journey to Jeddah Terminal 1.
Backside line
My Garuda Indonesia enterprise class flight wasn’t fairly what I used to be anticipating. On a constructive word, the spotlight of the flight was the crew, as they have been pleasant throughout the board, even when not essentially the most polished. The meals was additionally fairly good.
Other than that, although, this expertise upset me. Again within the day, Garuda Indonesia was identified for providing a implausible smooth product, however that not appears to be the case. Garuda Indonesia has actually reduce, with low high quality headphones, amenity kits, and bedding, and no menus. On high of that, Garuda Indonesia’s 777s have seen higher days, and really feel a bit outdated.
It’s unhappy to see the decline of Garuda Indonesia, although I hope the airline ultimately reverses course.
What’s your tackle Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 777 enterprise class?
