Review: Garuda Indonesia 777-300ER Economy Class
My 546-mile Garuda Indonesia 777-300ER flight from Singapore to Jakarta operated like a well-oiled clock: takeoff, serve the meal, collect the meal, land. There’s still very much a full-service culture on East Asian carriers and that was readily apparent on this flight.
Garuda Indonesia 777-300ER Economy Class Review
This was yet another puzzle piece of my SAS EuroBonus Million Mile puzzle. Tickets cost 152 USD each and included both carry-on items and a single checked bag (though we were traveling very light and had only bags that fit under the seat).
After reaching Singapore from Ho Chi Minh City, we stopped by the Garuda Indnoensia transit desk to pick up a boarding pass for the flight. I inquired about an upgrade to business class and was told the price was 544 SGD, the equivalent of about 404 USD. For a one-hour flight, even with a lie-flat bed, that is not worthwhile.
Apparently, Garuda has an upgrade bidding system on its website that I missed out on…now I know (I even received an email inviting me to bid that I somehow overlooked). Considering the business class cabin was only half full, Garuda may want to consider better-monetizing airport upgrades as well. I would have gladly paid 100 USD for the upgrade…but not quadruple that.
Our aircraft arrived late from Jakarta and so boarding was delayed by about 25 minutes. It was a rainy November afternoon in Singapore.
The lovely cabin crew that would take us to Jakarta
Garuda Indonesia 833
Singapore (SIN) – Jakarta (CGK)
November 2024
Depart: 3:40 PM
Arrive: 4:40 PM
Duration: 02hr, 00min
Distance: 546 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 41C (Economy Class)
Boarding was via two doors: one for business class, one for economy class.
Seats
Garuda Indonesia has two 777 configurations: one with first class, one without. This aircraft had no first class (and also has no premium economy) and included 26 business class seats and a whopping 367 seats in economy class.
Despite all those seats, Garuda maintains a 3-3-3 layout in economy class…most carriers now squeeze an extra seat into the center section. Furthermore, legroom is a very comfortable 32 inches. Even so, the seats are a bit past their prime and felt a bit lumpy. Sometimes those old seats are great because they have so much padding, but these were not the most comfortable seats.
Thankfully, the flight was lightly booked and the seat between Augustine and me stayed open. Many people were able to stretch out on this flight.
There are no air overhead vents: just reading lights.
We pushed back a few minutes late, but the captain announced a quick flight and on-time arrival at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport.
IFE + Wi-Fi
Although the cabin suggested wi-fi was available, it was not functional on this flight.
Seatback screens included a very dated IFE system with a limited selection of movies, TV shows, and music (no games). Headphones were provided.
Hello 2001!
Overhead monitors showed a moving flight map.
Food + Drink
Shortly after takeoff, flight attendants sprang up to provide a meal service…even with a cabin that was only about half full, it would take some serious hustle to feed everyone on such a short flight.
We were offered a choice of fish or beef. I chose fish, Augustine had beef.
I’m sorry to confirm every what every regular reader knew I would do, but who would eat this slop? Greasy fish in some overly sweet sauce? No. Thank. You.
Augustine’s choice…fatty beef with noodles…looked even worse.
I try folks, I try…but I’m just not going to eat food like this. It’s personal preference to be sure, but I was glad I had a bag of nuts and a protein bar in my bag.
I do give Garuda Indonesia credit though for offering a full meal on a short route. Flying Garuda (like flying Vietnam Airlines earlier in the day) really feels like stepping back in time. Garuda even uses metal cutlery, not plastic or wood…that is appreciated.
Lavatories
With an economy class cabin so large, Garuda has eight lavatories (plus three more in business class). Four are located between the first and second economy class cabin (behind row 35), two more between the second and third economy class cabin (behind row 49) and two more in the rear of the aircraft.
I had to chuckle at all the toilet warnings plastered all over the lavatory.
Service
As I already mentioned, the cabin crew really had to hustle to complete the service. Even so, the staff was courteous and efficient.
Augustine ended up sleeping for the entire flight. When the flight attendant noticed he was sleeping, she proactively brought over a blanket, which was a very nice touch.
I’m not sure the crew would have finished had the flight been full…it’s a lot of work to hand out meals (especially when there is a choice) and drinks, then collect them.
CONCLUSION
We did wind up landing a bit behind schedule in Jakarta and also had a wait for a gate to open, but by 5:15 pm we were off the plane.
Augustine, however, did not like being woken up from his siesta…
It was a beautiful sunset…
While the food may not have been to my liking, it was a flight within SE Asia and I was happy to fly Garuda Indonesia again (my last flight was in first class from Jakarta to Amsterdam many years ago now).
I hope to try Garuda again soon.
I’m sharing in real-time style about my SAS EuroBonus SkyTeam Million Mile challenge this week. Click here for background and route information. Next up…a long wait in Jakarta.