Travel from Denpasser (Bali) to Manado

Anyone have experience with Garuda Airlines on this flight? How strict are they on luggage weights? Any info would be appreciated

Thanks

Anyone have experience with Garuda Airlines on this flight? How strict are they on luggage weights? Any info would be appreciated

I was on that flight from Denpassar to Manado last October on Garuda Airlines. As I recall, they were quite strict on luggage weights. We were traveling in a group and we had a local person representing our group who "bargained" with the folks behind the counter at Garuda so that we were charged less for overweight luggage than we normally would have been charged. This accommodation was granted as we were overweight due to carrying scuba equipment. I seem to recall that I paid approximately $20 extra, though this may not be exact as I paid in rupiah in cash and my memory of the conversion to dollars may be a bit hazy :-). Other members of our group paid more rupiah as they were carrying more luggage.

Ellen

Last year (Sep/Oct) baggage limit was 20kg total (not 2 bags @20kg each) then overweight charges apply. No scuba allowance. No problem with reasonable carry-on. The funny thing is that on the return from Manado there was a 15kg scuba allowance. Overweight cost me 330,000 Rp (~$33). I typically check about 50kg. Two yrs ago for DPS/UPG/MDC flights my overweight was 480,000 Rp. Like everywhere a lot depends on your check-in agent. A couple of times no weight charge on return to DPS. Cost/kg varies with airport with DPS being the more expensive. There is typically a connection in Makassar unless they've added flights. Makassar got a new terminal 2 yrs ago which is very modern compared to the old one. Overweight charges are just a fact of life, but we all hate to pay them. I figure compared to the cost of everything else on a tropical dive trip its gutter change.

strict, they will charge you for going over

Lion Air is cheaper on overweight, and always remember with Indonesian airlines, you can barter for overweight

Unbeknownst to many people (which is weird because they've added it to their website), Garuda has a sport bag rule whereby there is a lower rate of charge. Many people think they are bartering for a better deal but they are just using this rate for all the overweight. Basically, they'll charge you 6kg for any sport equipment for up to 15kg.

I also advocate flying Exec class for about 100% more. Bigger seats, smoke filled lounge and more lax on luggage. Plus the priority bags stay on should things have to go off the plane.

The check-in guy at Denpasar was wonderfully helpful. He noted our mammoth overweight luggage and said there would be a charge. He didn't actually weigh them all. This nice young man walked me over to the other counter where he wrote up the ticket and I had to pay around $20. He such a nice young man and so helpful. I tipped him nicely for his help.

George you really know how to spoil the market!

Just adding a couple of notes.

About overweight, all depends on who is at ticket counter. Officially charges are paid at Garuda counter behind you when standing in line.

This time I just said "Do I pay you?" Charge was $65, but cut to $40, which I paid to assistant after I left ticket counter. Of course, Garuda never saw a dime of it. The game is negotiation, but at ticket counter, not at collection office.

You can also ask for special dispensation as an underwater photographer, and supervisor may knock off 15 kilo from the total.

Also, no one seems to pay much attention to carry-on. I had a roller case weighing 50 lb, and a backpack weighing nearly 30 lb., experienced no difficulties at all. Just handle them like they weigh a lot less. I've done this many times, Garuda, Lion, and rinky-dink.

Oh, business class from Bali quite nice, but both flights [plane switch in Makassar] are pretty short, and really not much time to use lounge on flight to Manado. More time on return, and you can always buy your way in to club, $10-20, depending on who is in charge. Very nice lounge.

WARNING: What ever you do, DO NOT attempt to consume the jello that you will be served on GARUDA Airlines! I have had my fair share of airline culinary experiences, this being said, I would not repeat the Garudo jello experience!