In Reply to: business class garuda / niksoma HELP posted by sydneyboy on Monday, 5. February 2007 at 07:14 Bali Time:
G'day Sydboy...Garuda Biz class?
We have travelled that way each visit to Bali (4 or 5 now)and while it's probably a long way short of Singapore Air and Emirates Biz, etc. it's still pretty good value nevertheless. There is stacks of leg room, each seat is fitted with a retractable LCD tv in the arm rest although the inflight entertainment is not especially memorable. Daytime meal is 3 course, quite well presented and served on white linen (midnight breakfast just defies logic!)Liquor service is prompt and generous and the choice of wines etc isn't too bad. The seat itself, although wide and roomy, is not what you'd call cloudsoft comfortable. It's fine while you are awake or simply dozing, but as a sleeper during the return journey it's just ok - still, a much better option than the standard economy seat. We have always found the General cabin service to be excellent - friendly, prompt and can-do type attitude.
We have been travelling to Bali since about '96 and there are one two faces that have working the Bali - Oz route since then. Somehow it's quite reassurring to see familiar faces over such a time span...it's a bit like staying at friends place!
On the downside, the general condition of the Biz class cabin appears to have faded a bit over time - it's especially evident with broken or dodgy footrests, staining on upholstery that has clearly been there a long time and things just look a bit tatty. The quality of the meals has fallen away noticeably, although the food is still not too bad I have to say! The hospitality lounges are always a welcome thing but remember you can actually buy a ticket for entry into the Bali lounges for about $30 if you like the copmfort and conveniences offered. Easy check-in and priority luggage collection is a great thing though - and so is the fact that you are generally in the first bunch to be lining up at Customs at either end of your journey. I can't ever recall having to queue for any length of time at check-in... in fact most times you are unlucky if there is any more than one person in front of you. Whether it was just good luck or not, it seemed to be pretty much been the same deal getting through customs.
Personally, I think the whole the Garuda Biz Class thing needs to be gotten into the right perspective. Sure, the other airlines may offer a more upscale product, but I believe you are only paying around $500 more the Garuda upgrade (that's only $250 each way) and I reckon you get pretty good value for your investment - if you go Biz Class with Singapore air it will cost you over $4000 return Vs less than $2000 return with Garuda. Sure, the Singapore option is a different route, etc. but I'm not convinced that it's a $2000 different.
With Garuda Biz class its a bigger, roomier seat, faster check-in and baggage collection, a better meal and inflight entertainment option (I think you can choose from 2 or movies plus other audio/visual options, faster through customs.
Good value for money and worth the extra - just do it, you'll be gald you did!