Bali is one of the most popular international destinations for Australian tourists. Half a dozen different airlines offer flights to Denpasar from nine Australian cities. With so much choice, which airlines offer the best overall value?
Two full-service airlines fly the route; Garuda Indonesia and Virgin Australia. While prices and service levels are similar for economy class passengers, Garuda offers arguably the best premium service in Business class. Garuda Business passengers have the luxury of flat beds, while Virgin utilises narrow-body aircraft featuring recliner seats in Business class.
One member recently began using Garuda and hasn’t looked back.
Since the VA debacle with the ash cloud in Oct/Nov and disgusting customer service from VA, we now fly Garuda to DPS. It means we have to go BNE- SYD but it is worth it. And their J class is fab. VA J class on those horrible 737’s is grim. Not even a footrest.
Qantas also flies to Bali, but it only offers a limited seasonal service from Sydney using narrow-body aircraft similar to those used by Virgin Australia.
Those looking to fly on a budget can save some money by using one of the three low-cost airlines flying the route. Jetstar, Tigerair and Air Asia all offer regular bargains on economy class.
Jetstar and Air Asia also offer their own versions of Business class. These carriers may not offer a Business class product to rival premium airlines, but they do offer a more comfortable alternative for those travelling on a budget. Jetstar’s Business class features leather recliner seats, while Air Asia offers angled lie-flat beds. But in terms of “soft product”, Jetstar arguably has the edge. Among other things, Jetstar offers its Business passengers premium meals and amenity kits. With both airlines offering return Business class fares for under $1,000 on a regular basis, they are worth considering.
I use Airasia now for Bali. J can be had for $800 return. Comfy seat and priorty boarding and bags. Bad food. Y is reasonable at well. Remeber to search one ways fares as they are usually cheaper. EG rt in J is $980 however if you book one way tickets in each direction is falls to Just $825.
Budget-conscious travelers can also take advantage of Jetstar’s price-beat guarantee. As part of the deal, Jetstar promises to beat any competitor’s fare by 10% while also waiving any credit card fees.
Found flights with Airasia on the days I wanted, got Jetstar to match them. Ended up with 4 return tickets MLB-denpasar ,direct, day flights, and dreamliners for $1600.
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