Garuda Indonesia has many different types of business class seats on their aircrafts. While their A330 aircrafts have Super Diamond Seats in a reverse herringbone configuration, all Boeing 777 aircrafts are equipped with Stelia Solstys III seats in a staggered configuration. Back in 2018, I flew Garuda Indonesia business class on a Boeing 777-300ER to Beijing and was quite satisfied about the service, especially the food on board. Almost two years later, I decided to fly them again but this time to Tokyo. In this review, I share my experience of my flight including my thoughts of the Garuda Indonesia Business Class Lounge in Denpasar.
Flight: Garuda Indonesia 880
Route: Denpasar (DPS) – Tokyo (NRT)
Date: Sunday February 9, 2018
Depart: 12:45AM
Arrive: 8:40AM
Duration: 6h55min
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Class of service: Business Class
How I Booked Garuda Indonesia Business Class
I booked Garuda Indonesia business class using Flying Blue miles. The flight was part of a one way business class award from Denpasar, Bali to Hanoi via Tokyo that costed 29,000 miles and $ 114.15 USD in taxes in fees. This also included my flight with Vietnam Airlines in business class on the A350 to Hanoi. Read more about how I booked these flights in my Trip Intro – Around The World On Frequent Flyer Miles.
29,000 miles is certainly not bad for 2 long haul flights in business class and a layover in Tokyo. Read more about these Flying Blue Intra Asia Awards in this article which I wrote earlier this year.
Garuda Indonesia Business Class Check In Denpasar
I arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport at around 7pm and immediately proceeded through security. Garuda has a dedicated check in area for business and first class passengers. The whole area looked more like a lounge where passengers can take a seat at busy times while they are waiting for check in.
Luckily, I didn’t have to wait and gave my passport while the agent asked me what my final destinations was. After I received my boarding pass, I proceeded through passport control.
Garuda Indonesia Business Class Lounge Denpasar
The Garuda Indonesia business class lounge is located on the second floor. After I showed my boarding pass at the front desk, I turned right to the business class section of the lounge. The lounge looks organized and offers different types of seating areas. Most of the seats are equipped with power outlets to charge a phone or camera while the seats that are facing towards the window are best to work on with a laptop. The lounge also offers shower facilities. The lounge was quite crowded when I entered but more people left just before midnight.
The buffet is average in my opinion. There is a decent selection of Asian and western dishes but overall I wasn’t that impressed. You can’t get any alcoholic beverages on the buffet itself. There is a separate bar where red and white wine can be ordered.
My favorite section of the lounge is the balcony with view over the departure hall. While the lounge doesn’t offer views on the planes, the balcony is a great place to have some drinks before boarding.
Just after midnight I left the lounge and proceed to gate 1B which was about 5 minutes walking from the lounge. Boarding would start in about 10 minutes. The gate area was quite crowded and I noticed that this would be a busy flight.
Garuda Indonesia Boeing 777 Business Class Cabin
I boarded the plane through the second door and was warmly welcomed by the crew. Garuda Indonesia has two types of Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts. My aircraft was equipped with 32 business class seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, spread over 2 parts that are separated by the galley and 2 lavatories. These are the same seats Iberia has in Business Plus. This aircraft also has 8 first class suites on board. When walking through the business class cabin, I directly noticed that the red pillows on the seats were replaced my yellow pillows.
All seats do look quite similar but the window seats are offering the most privacy. The middle seats that are close next to each other are best for those who are traveling together. I would avoid the direct aisle seats as they these seats aren’t offering that much privacy.
My Seat And Amenity Kit
Myself, I was seated in 11K which was in the second row behind the lavatories. As the business class cabin was almost fully booked, this was the only seat that was available at check in. On my seat I found a pillow while a bottle of water was placed on the right side of the seat. The seat itself is quite comfortable, especially during medium haul flights during the day. Due to the lack of space, the seat isn’t perfect during a long haul flight.
On the footwell, I found my amenity kit, a blanket and slippers. Like I mentioned in my other Garuda business class review, the footwell is surprisingly narrow. Therefore these type of business class seats aren’t the best ones for a long haul flight. On my left side, I found a reading light that is movable to have the perfect light when reading.
Below the reading light are the seat controls and entertainment condoler. The in flight entertainment screen itself is of a decent size. The tray table (which also can be used as a ‘door’ for even more privacy’ can be found right next to the seat on the left side.
Then I decided to have a closer look at the amenity kit. I didn’t see a specific brand name on the kit. The kit contained all the basic amenities I normally expect from in business class. I found an eye mask, a toothbrush with toothpaste, ear plugs, a comb and some lotions. However, I missed the comfort socks.
Pre Departure Service
A few minutes later, warm towels were distributed and passengers were asked what to drink before take off. I could choose among water, orange juice and Kedondong, a traditional Indonesian drink. It was a bit surprising to me that no champagne was offered. I opted for the Kedondong drink and decided to order champagne after take off. Also the menus were distributed.
Later on, a flight attendant came to me to take my order. I was informed that only a snack with some drinks would be served just after take off. Before landing In Tokyo, a full breakfast service would be offered. I had different options and will dive deeper into this later in this review.
Midnight Snack
About half an hour after take off, the fasted seatbelt sign was turned off. I unfasten my seat belt and put my seat in a more comfortable position. Then a flight attendant came to my seat to ask what I wanted to drink. This time, I could choose for champagne. Garuda Indonesia served Castelnau Millésimé Brut Champagne on this flight and this was served along with some nuts.
Unlike during my previous flight with Garuda to Beijing, only a snack would be served before turndown service. Passengers could choose among an Indonesian saté platter, a salad bowl, a Japanse ramen, a chef’s slider and freshly cut fruit. I love Indonesian food and especially sate so I went for the first option.
While no much food was offered just after take off, I really enjoyed it. Later on, the flight attendants came along to ask for another champagne.
Turndown Service
After the short meal service, the lights were turned off. The ceiling above the corridors turned into a starry sky. Unlike during my previous flight with Garuda, the blue moonlighting remained to be turned off. Business Class passengers have access to two lavatories on this Boeing 777-300ER and these are located next to the galley and the second door.
When I came back from the lavatory, I turned my seat in full flat bed mode to enjoy some rest. Like I mentioned before, the Stelia Solstys III seat aren’t offering that much space. I would recommend this seats to tall people during long haul flights. Luckily, I was quite tired that day so I could get some good sleep.
When I woke up 3 hours later, the lights were turned on. While the flight attendants prepared themselves to serve breakfast, I turned on my in flight entertainment screen to see what the system had to offer. I found a wide selection on different series, movies and music so that’s good to not get bored during long flights. Later, I decided to pop up the flight map to see how long it was flying yet to Tokyo.
Breakfast Service
There were 3 options for the starter: freshly cut fruit, yoghurt and cereals. I opted for the first one and this tasted not bad at all! The fruit dish consisted of different types of fruit like watermelon, strawberries and grapes. Later on, another flight attendant came along with a selection of bread and croissants. Also different types toppings and butter were served. For drink, I went for an orange juice and still water.
Then the main course was served. Here, passengers could choose between a western and Japanese style. I went for the western style breakfast and had the choice among a rice cake, fruit smoothies and a freshly cooked anyway you wish egg. I went for the latter which was served with beans and tomatoes. While I enjoyed my breakfast, I was regularly asked for some more bread or a refill of my orange juice. Later on, I also ordered a cappuccino.
Arrival at Tokyo Narita
About 8am, the pilot started the decent into Tokyo Narita. All passengers were requested to open the window shades and after about 30 minutes, we touched down at Japanese soil.
When the seat belt sign was turned off, I grabbed my bag and thanked the flight attendants for the great service on board. I left the aircraft through the second door.
Garuda Indonesia Boeing 777 Business Class Bottom Line
Overall, I had enjoyed my flight with Garuda. The lounge at Ngurah Rai International Airport is spacious and I love the view over the departure hall from the balcony. However, the food and beverages are average. The Stelia Solstys III seats on the Boeing 777-300ER are comfortable to sit on and especially the window seats are offering a lot of privacy. However, these seats aren’t the best ones to sleep on during a long haul flight. This is because no much space is offered and the footwell is surprisingly narrow.
Garuda is doing a great job when it comes to the food and service on board. I definitely see big differences in the quality of the food compared to Malaysia Airlines and Vietnam Airlines, for example. Also the flight attendants are always smiling. I would say Garuda Indonesia is one of the best airlines in Asia. They offer a decent business class product and especially the food and service on board is excellent. Garuda definitely deserves the 5-star rating from SkyTrax in my opinion. I certainly can recommend them but try to avoid the Stelia Solstys III seats on ultra long haul flights. Myself, I can’t wait to fly them on other types of aircrafts in the future.
What’s your experience with Garuda Indonesia? Have you flown them already or are you planning to make a flight with them? Let me know your questions and thoughts in the comments below!
