Review: Garuda Airlines Business Class A330, Jakarta to Seoul

 

Garuda Airlines business class, Jakarta to Seoul Incheon

Trip to Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia & Indonesia

Flight: GA878
Departure time in Jakarta (CGK): 23:30 (23:50)
Arrival time in Seoul (ICN): 08:30 (+1) (08:34)
Aircraft: Airbus A330-300 (PK-GHD)
Seat: 11K
Duration: 7h
Date of flight: February 10, 2025
*This is an award ticket, Business Class flight #310

Video on YouTube



Check-in, Zone A

We arrived at the airport after 8pm and went directly to Garuda Airlines check-in desks. The airlines uses zone A where the business class check in desks are located to the left of First Class check-in. We did not have any luggage so check-in went quickly. We were also able to use the E-gates which was very convenient having a Swedish passport.

Garuda Airlines Platinum Lounge

The Garuda Airlines lounges are located near gate 8. We were directed to the Platinum Lounge by the staff although we could also visit the business class side of the lounge.

Boarding, Gate 10

We left the lounge at 10:15pm for the 11:30pm departure. Boarding was supposed to start at 10:45pm but we had to wait until 10:54pm. Although we entered through gate 10, we actually went all the way to gate 13 where the aircraft was parked.

Sky Priority

Aircraft, Airbus A330-300 (PK-GHD)

This 9-year old Airbus A330-300 will fly us to Seoul tonight. It has the iconic 1969 retro livery 👍

Business Class Cabin


The cabin has a total of 24 seats in business class and 263 in economy class. The business cabin in 1-2-1 configuration was about 75 % full.

Seat 11K

I was originally assigned 11A since Mike's seat was 10A but during boarding, I was informed that my seat was not operational and asked if I could transfer to 11K. Mike then transferred to 10K. The seat reminded me of Saudia's seat in business class on the B787-9 when I flew with them in October from Singapore to Jeddah albeit Saudia's seats are much better.

Seat controls (the seat turns into a fully flat bed).

Pillow

Inflight magazine, safety card, air-sickness bag

I wanted to buy the pilot bear from the catalogue but was told they only sell them on domestic flights. It was strange since I wanted to buy it in the lounge (International departures) and was told the staff in charge has gone home and that I could buy it onboard the flight instead.

Personal screen

Airshow

From the movie selection, I ended up watching "The Conjuring 4 Last Rites". I think the selection was okay but could be better.

Music

Storage, left side of seat

Right side literature storage, bottle of water

Power ports and headphones socket

IFE remote

Unlike Qatar Airways, Garuda Airlines distribute their headphones and collect them before landing, which is also what Turkish Airlines do.

Blanket were also distributed instead of having them already at the seat.

Foot well

For my predeparture beverage, Mike had a glass of juice.

I opted for a glass of bubbly. A cold towel was also offered.

Amenity Kit

The amenity kit was already at the seat and was not branded.

Inside the kit is a pair of slippers, ear plugs, eye mask, a dental kit, comb and skin care products from Anargya by Mustika Ratu (face mist, hand and body lotion and lip balm).

Anargya by Mustika ratu products for Garuda Airlines

Slippers

Dining

Menu card and wine list

Menu card, breakfast

Ligth meal and Nibbles

Wine list



Light Dinner

Mixed nuts and chamomile tea, water

For my meal after departure, Mike had the beef meatball noodle which he thought was very good.

I on the other hand had some wafers.

I was able to sleep for a few hours and about 2 hours before landing, we were offered breakfast.

Breakfast

Orange juice and hot towel (I don't drink orange juice so I settled for a glass of water).

Sliced fruits, bread basket, jam and butter, yogurt, water

For my main course, I had the chicken opor with liwet rice which I thought was good but could have been more flavorful.

To end the meal, I had a cup of chamomile tea.

Lavatory

The lavatories (there were 2 of them) had some amenities including dental kits, lotion, etc.

Landing in Seoul Incheon Airport

We landed in Seoul Incheon Airport at 8:34am, a few minutes behind schedule.

CONCLUSION

There it was, my first ever flight with Garuda Airlines in business class! I did not have high expectations so I would say that I was not disappointed either. The crew were friendly like most Asian carriers but I thought the dining experience was not the best I have seen. The amenity kit was nice but not much compared to Qatar Airways or Saudia, and the seats are not really the most modern. Overall, it was a nice flight but Garuda would not be my first choice if other airlines are bookable with SAS points.

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