Indonesia - Airline of Choice

What seems to be the airline of choice for west coast (LAX) to Indonesia (Jakarta or Denpasar), either Premium Economy or Business Class? Who has best baggage allowance/carry-on?

For C class, the direct flight from SQ37 LAX-SIN-DPS can't be beat. Wide, flat bed, 15.4 inch monitor with ipod connection, great service especially if you're PPS. They've got the best class service and have never weighed my cabin luggage. They allow 2 cabin bags for C class and above. Checked is now 2 x 50lbs bags allowance but if you are a gold frequent flyer, they give you at least 1 more pcs (2 if PPS) extra. My bags are usually in the 60lbs area and they let it slide. But I fly them alot. YMMV, I've seen people get their bags weighed at LAX many times. Krisflyer seriously sucks for upgrades too!

Another choice is CX881 LAX-HKG-DPS, which is an hour + faster and almost as good a cabin. Marco Polo is really good for upgrades for Platinum members, and even upgrade the companion traveller if there are seats. Never happen with Kris Flyer. LAX and HKG airport staff will sometimes weigh cabin luggage bags, which they only allow ONE bag! I don't use them for diving so I can't say how strict they are. Baggage allowance is much better than SQ at 2x70lbs + 1(Marco Polo Gold and up).

Those 2 are the fastest ways to get to DPS. I prefer to stop in SIN and DPS than JKT. But that's my preference.

For economy, I'd consider CX or EVA air with the premium economy. I haven't taken it in years so I can't say how good or bad it is now. I'd check the website for the latest.

I'm in the EVA lounge right now in Taipei.

Price wise China Air or EVA can't be beat from LAX. Business/1st class is better on China Air vs. EVA. Check the baggage allowances of each. Elite on EVA is still heavily restricted. Despite flying Premium Laurel, they weighed our carryons. I had to wear a vest with 23 lbs stuffed in it along with a camera around my neck and small backpack. I am now 3" shorter.

It really depends on who you collect your frequent flyer points with. For my money, I'd stick with either Singapore Airlines, Qantas or Cathay Pacific.

The thing is to have the flexibility to change airlines if they become unfriendly to your travel needs. Star Alliance and SIA have been great to me over the years but the baggage restrictions are mounting and I've had to argue a bit lately to keep my 60+lbs bags going, even on SIA for a few legs. Looking at CX where by overall weight with 3 pc of luggage you get 10lbs more of weight, and better upgrade opportunities, it's a better option to go with Marco Polo. The One World alliance, is a bit lacking in good airlines though.

I just wish Virgin would become a bigger player!

I'm in the EVA lounge right now in Taipei.

 

Price wise China Air or EVA can't be beat from LAX. Business/1st class is better on China Air vs. EVA. Check the baggage allowances of each. Elite on EVA is still heavily restricted. Despite flying Premium Laurel, they weighed our carryons. I had to wear a vest with 23 lbs stuffed in it along with a camera around my neck and small backpack. I am now 3" shorter.

When I few EVA Elite class, they did weigh carry-ons in both SFO and JKT. However once I impressed upon them that it was computers and sensitive gear, they relented and let me carry my stuff on. Other than that, I would recommend EVA's Elite class as a good way to get to Indonesia.

Mike

We used EVA a couple of times to SIN and were pleased with the service. On one return flight, they came and found us in the Singapore airport to tell us that our plane would be late, we would miss our connection in Taipei, so they were putting us on the SIA non-stop to LAX. On one flight, they weighed my carry-on, but like MikeO, when I explained it was full of expensive camera gear, they let it slide.

John and I accumulated enough ff miles in our other ( working) lives, so we fly business from LAX to Indo. For business class, I highly recommend Singapore Air ( John loves the flight attendants) , a close second is Cathay, and a bit longer flight but great meals is Thai Air. We've flown all 3 into Denpassar and never heard a sound about our luggage or camera carry-ons. With these 3 airlines, we feel like our vacation begins when we board the plane.

Fletcher