Airline review: This is an easy, cheap option for Bali flights
By Kerry Heaney
The Flight
Batik Air, flight OD 158; Boeing 737 economy class; Brisbane to Denpasar, departs 7.15 am; flight time six hours 30 minutes (30 minutes departure delay).
Batik Air flies Boeing 737s from Brisbane to Bali.Credit: iStock
Frequency
Four times weekly.
The Loyalty Scheme
Indonesian airline Batik Air previously operated as Malindo Air and the loyalty scheme still offers Malindo Miles.
Carbon Emissions
0.738 tonnes for flying economy class.
Checking In
Even at 3.30 am, Brisbane’s International Airport is filled with queues. The line for Batik Air is filled with passengers confused by the signage until an attendant answers queries. Desk check-in is quick and efficient with friendly, helpful staff.
The Seat
The seats are in a 3-3 layout so my window seat (22F) is two from the aisle. It’s a comfortable, although narrow 17-inch (43-centimetre) seat with a 32-inch (81-centimetre) pitch and 3-inch (7.6-centimetre) recline. It is cool during the flight, but I am prepared with a warm travel scarf and enjoy a brief comfortable nap. I’m short, but taller, larger passengers could find the seats cramped and the toilets very compact. Passengers can pay for seats in the first four rows with extra legroom or an aisle or window seat. A “Get Comfy” kit with a blanket, earphones, earplugs and a pillow costs $8.50.
Baggage
Up to 20 kilograms of checked luggage for economy passengers, plus one piece of cabin baggage up to 7 kilograms and a laptop bag or handbag.
Entertainment
When it comes to entertainment, that’s when you really know that you are on a budget airline. Apart from the thin inflight magazine, there is nothing to keep you amused except counting clouds. No charging points are provided, so fully charge your devices for entertainment before boarding.
Service
Friendly faces and courteous attention make this budget flight a pleasant experience.
Food
A meal and a snack are served during the flight, and both can be pre-booked for convenience and savings. Meals, including chicken rice or teriyaki chicken, also can be purchased inflight with a credit card. Vegetarian options are available. Snacks include soft drinks, tea or coffee, and a chicken pizza or sandwich.
One More Thing
A member of Lion Air Group, Batik Air changed its name from Malindo Airways in 2022 and focuses on the Indonesian domestic market.
The Verdict
Even with a slight departure delay, this no-frills flight is efficient compared to full-service flights taken by fellow travellers at the same time to the same destination. That’s a rare beast in an era plagued by delays, diversions, and cancellations. Well-prepared passengers will find this budget airline an easy and inexpensive ride.
Our Rating Out Of Five
★★★½
The writer flew as a guest of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort. See sofitelbalinusadua.com
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