Posted by Dish on Saturday, 13. February 1999 at 16:38 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Garuda V's Qantas posted by tc on Saturday, 13. February 1999 at 04:54 Bali Time:
I have flown both carriers many times. These are the pro's and con's.
Price:
normally Garuda is cheaper.
Direct:
Both airlines have direct flights from Australian cities but which one offers direct return which I think is more important as Australian flights generally leave near midnight from Bali.
Garuda direct to Melbourne-Yes
QANTAS direct to Melbourne-No
Service:
both airlines offer excellent service however Garuda tend to have problems with equipment from time to time. For example the earphones may not work or the movie doesn't work or they run out of beer. It must be noted that Garuda Flight attendents come from wealthy Indonesian families and they have servants at their own homes. When they get their jobs with the airlines they then relize that they are now servants too and some flight attendants don't accept this and are reluctant to serve passengers properly.
Delays:
I have exepienced one delay with QANTAS and several from Garuda. I can never be sure of the reasons but the QANTAS delay was from Bali and we had to stay an extra night on QANTAS and when I look back now that wasn't rely a delay more like a bonus. Garudas delays havve been from 20 mins to 2 hours.
Language:
Garuda staff are friendly and they can communicate in English, it's quite exciting when you board a GARUDA flight from Australia and you feel you are already in Indonesia because of the magazines, food, drinks, instructions (bahasa Indonesia)
Summary:
If Garuda is direct from Bali to my home (Melbourne) and Qantas is not I will always fly Garuda. I save a few dollars too, who cares about the movie or headphones, you are on holiday remember.