In Reply to: Garuda Vs Jetstar posted by barry_beergoat on Monday, 31. August 2009 at 18:19 Bali Time:
Have flown to bali with Garuda on 2 occassions with our wheelchair bound son . The most recent last year booked business class seats because of the extra leg room and the proximity to the toilets . Departure from Perth 1st on arrival in Bali 1st off with wheelchair and attendant waiting taken straight through Visa and Immigration then wheeled straight through customs not once did we have to push our son as the attendant even pushed him once his own wheelchair was given to him .
The only major drama we had was when we left Bali to come home ( 2.30am ). We were bused out to the aircraft on the tarmac and to our absolute horror were looking at a flight of stairs to get into the plane . After a 15min debate with Garuda cabin crew the attendant in the true way of Bali problem solved 4 ground crew Carried our son (73kgs ) still in his wheelchair up the stairs with me waiting petrified down below waiting for the catch .
Just a couple of tips for you . When you are in Bali if you have a regular driver pay him a bit extra to do the pushing the driver we had was absolutely fabulous and would let us do any pushing it took him a while to get used to POPPING WHEELIES with the chair but he became an expert . Look at your travel insurance as you may have to take out a cover for pre exsisting conditions expensive but well worth the peace of mind . Also Garuda will insist on a Garuda medical clearance from your GP ect before they will accept you to fly .
Hope this isn't too long winded any questions email me at ronjd@live.com.au
Cheers