Indonesia is a country of over 17,000 islands, which means that if you want to explore beyond Java or Bali, flying is often the best (and sometimes only) option. Domestic flights here can be an adventure of their own, so here’s what you need to know before booking your ticket.
Best and Worst Airlines
Let’s be honest—Indonesian airlines are a mixed bag. If you want comfort and reliability, Garuda Indonesia is your best bet. It’s the national carrier, has decent service, and is generally on time. Batik Air is another good choice, offering a step up from budget airlines without breaking the bank.
On the flip side, Lion Air is infamous for delays, chaotic boarding, and lost baggage. It’s cheap, but you get what you pay for. Wings Air, a subsidiary of Lion Air, operates smaller planes to more remote destinations, but don’t expect much comfort.
Delays Are (Almost) Inevitable
If you’re flying in Indonesia, prepare for delays—especially with budget airlines. Flights in the late afternoon and evening are more likely to be delayed, so if you can, book a morning flight. If you have a connecting international flight, especially from Jakarta, allow plenty of buffer time to account for delays and the check-in process.
For those with early departures or late arrivals, staying near the airport can be a stress-free option. Here are some recommended hotels close to Soekarno-Hatta Airport:
- Jakarta Airport Hotel – Situated in Terminal 2, this hotel is ideal for those who want to stay within the airport complex.
- d’primahotel Airport Jakarta – A budget-friendly option offering a comfortable stay with easy access to the airport.
- Anara Airport Hotel – Located inside Terminal 3, this modern hotel is perfect for travelers who want convenience and minimal transit time.
Backindo Tip: Search for your flight number on websites like FlightAware or Flightradar24 to check its recent performance. If you notice frequent delays, consider adjusting your plans.
Where to Buy Tickets
Official airline websites can be frustrating—sometimes they don’t work at all or don’t accept international cards. Instead, use third-party booking platforms like Traveloka or tiket.com. They’re reliable, easy to use, and often have better customer service if something goes wrong. If you’re booking last minute, you can also buy tickets at the airport, but expect to pay more.
When to Buy Tickets
Domestic flight prices in Indonesia can fluctuate depending on the season, demand, and even the day of the week. Generally, booking in advance is cheaper, especially for peak travel times like holidays and weekends. However, if your schedule is flexible, you might score a great last-minute deal on less popular routes.
For the best prices, check Google Flights to see historical price trends and whether fares are currently rising or falling. You can also use the “Date Grid” or “Price Graph” features to find the cheapest travel dates. If you’re set on a specific route, setting a price alert can help you track fare drops and book at the right time.
Passport and Identification Rules
Some travelers have flown domestically in Indonesia with just a passport copy, but this is risky. Rules vary by airline and region, and immigration officers can be unpredictable. If your passport is being extended, carry an official confirmation letter from immigration and photocopies of pages with visa stamps. However, it’s always safest to have the original passport.
With increasing digitalization, this is becoming less of an issue. Bali now has e-gates, eliminating the need for passport stamps, and Visa on Arrival (VoA) extensions can be completed online. For most short-term travelers, traveling without a passport shouldn’t be necessary. This mainly affects long-term residents renewing KITAS or KITAP, but they typically have alternative identification.
Airport Security and Baggage Tips
Security checks are usually straightforward, and interestingly, liquid restrictions are rarely enforced. You might get away with carrying a full water bottle or even some duty-free alcohol.
However, budget airlines are strict about baggage weight limits, so weigh your bags beforehand to avoid surprise fees at the gate.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
To ensure a hassle-free domestic flight in Indonesia, always check your flight status, as last-minute schedule changes are common. Major airports like Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali can be crowded, so arriving early will help you navigate security and check-in lines smoothly. Booking morning flights is recommended, as they tend to have fewer delays compared to afternoon or evening departures.
And don’t forget that If you’re arriving in Indonesia and then taking a domestic flight—such as landing in Jakarta (CGK) and connecting to Bali (DPS)—you must go through immigration at your first point of entry. This means you’ll need to get your Visa on Arrival (VOA) or clear any other entry requirements in Jakarta before checking in for your domestic flight to Bali. Give yourself enough time for immigration, baggage claim, and re-checking your luggage if needed.
Plane, Ferry or Train?
That said, while domestic flights are a great way to cover long distances quickly, they’re not always the best option—especially on Java, where trains can be a more comfortable and scenic alternative. Indonesian trains are known for their punctuality, and a train journey lets you soak in the breathtaking landscapes of rice paddies, volcanoes, and villages along the way. From an eco-friendly perspective, short-haul flights have a high carbon footprint, so opting for slow travel when possible adds to a more sustainable adventure. Of course, sometimes flying is the only practical choice, but if you have the time, embracing a slower pace of travel can be just as rewarding.
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