Flying Garuda’s way to Bali

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 12

Flying Garuda’s way to Bali

LES BLOXHAM continues his series of in-flight reports

GAB 99. February 1. Sydney to Denpasar. Boeing 747-2U38. Total capacity: 417. (10 first class, 30 executive, 377 economy class.) Cabin attendants: 13. Seats occupied: All. Scheduled departure: 1200. Actual deprture: 1201. Flight time: shr 26min.

As Sydney’s international airport terminal is notorious for congestion on Sturday mornings, I arrived with more than two hours to spare before takeoff. It was a wise decision for the usually speedy process of checking in for a business-class seat on this occasion took 45 minutes. I stood in the shortest of four queues being processed by Qantas for business and first-class passengers on several airlines but it was not until I arrived at the counter that I learned that. all Garuda passengers required a special baggage search. I was redirected to a security officer who was' personally rummaging through other passengers’ suitcases in full view of everyone nearby. Eventually my bag was cleared and given a yellow sticker which allowed

Indonesian warmth, Garuda style. Amalia, a senior hostess, has been flying with the airline for eight years. Her ambition — to visit New Zealand — might be realised later this year if Garuda wins approval to fly to Auckland.

me to rejoin the check-in queue to get a boarding pass and seat number. Then I headed for the far end of the terminal for more queueing to swap sAust2o for a departure tax coupon. Two queues and 30 minutes .later, I had cleared immigration and security X-ray procedures to join another queue at the gate lounge. Oh how I hate thee, Sydney Airport ... It was a relief to be welcomed warmly on board the Boeing 747 by a smiling Garuda hostess. My executive class seat was in the front row in the nose of the aircraft, an area which many airlines preserve solely for first-class passengers. On Garuda, they sit upstairs. . We were offered a choice of newspapers and magazines, and pre-takeoff drinks — champagne or orange juice. The meal service started 45 minutes after the departure. Tables were laid with crisp white linen and silver cutlery. The menu provided a selection of en- . trees and two main dishes — fillet stek with bordelaise sauce and vegetables, or lobster majestic with rice and vege- r tables. This was followed by dessert and assorted fresh fruits. The choice of wines was limited. I liked the idea of the hand-written flight log that was passed around during , the meal. It gave the names of the crew and details of the on-route weather and ; included other Interesting titbits like the temperature outside — minus 50 degrees • at our altitude and that we would be . passing over Alice Springs at 2.43 p.m. - (A good way to see Alice — from 35,000 ft and at 900 km/h.) After the meal, the movie, “Falling in Love” starring Robert de Nero and Meryl Streep was screened. Unfortunately, the headsets were those uncomfortable “ear-piercers” which many airlines have discarded in business class for more comfortable models. .

In-flight giveaways on this sector were restricted to sockettes, eyeshades and stationery. We arrived at Denpasar slightly ahead of schedule. Baggage was handled efficiently and was available for pickup 15 minutes after landing. General comments: A very comfort- ' able flight highlighted by attentive caring cabin attendants. Passengers, however, should be informed before checkin that this airline requires full baggage search. This would save unnecessary waiting in queues. Also, more privacy should be provided during these searches.