Batik Air Indonesia

Named after the famous Indonesian textile art technique, Batik Air strives to turn every flight into a journey through the culture of the archipelago. It is not just a carrier, but the premium division of the Lion Air Group, offering passengers a high level of comfort and service in the skies over Southeast Asia. Combining the traditions of sincere Indonesian hospitality with modern technology, the company confidently connects thousands of islands with the region's major metropolises.

History and Positioning

Batik Air operated its first commercial flight in May 2013, immediately establishing itself as a full-service airline. Unlike budget carriers, it was created for travellers who value convenience: baggage, meals, and in-flight multimedia entertainment are usually included in the ticket price. The logo and crew uniforms reflect the national flair, emphasising pride in Indonesia's cultural heritage.

Flight Network

Based at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, the airline ensures dense coverage within the country and beyond. The busiest route is to the major port city of Surabaya, as well as flights to the cultural capital of Java — Yogyakarta. Batik Air is actively developing its international presence: planes fly regularly to the business hub of Asia — Singapore and connect Indonesia with the Australian continent, operating flights to Perth. Flights to the resort island of Bali in Denpasar and flights to Makassar are also immensely popular.

Fleet and Safety

The company's air fleet consists of modern liners from the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 families. The aircraft are equipped with comfortable seats with increased pitch, which is especially important for longer flights. Safety is a key priority: Batik Air holds an IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate and has been fully removed from the list of airlines banned from flying to the EU, confirming compliance with high international standards of service and technical maintenance.

You can contact Batik Air representatives in several ways, regardless of whether you are in Indonesia or planning a trip from abroad. The airline, part of the Lion Air Group, provides modern communication channels for prompt resolution of booking and service issues.

Official Website

The main source of information, where you can manage bookings and find the latest news, is the official portal: www.batikair.com.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.batikair.com
• Customer Support (Call Centre): +62 21 6379 8000 (international number)
• WhatsApp (Chat Support): +62 811-1938-0888 (text messages only)
• Email: customercare@batikair.com
• Mobile App: BookCabin (unified app for Lion Air Group airlines, available on Google Play and App Store)

Social Media

You can follow news and special offers via official accounts:

• Instagram: @batikair
• Facebook: Batik Air Indonesia
• Twitter (X): @BatikAirINA

Offices and Representatives

The airline's headquarters is located in the capital of Indonesia — the city of Jakarta.

• Head Office (Lion Air Tower): Jl. Gajah Mada No.7, Petojo Utara, Gambir, Central Jakarta City, 10130.
• Airport Counters: Representatives operate in most served airports, including the base airport Soekarno-Hatta (CGK).

24/7 Support

The main contact centre operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that support is provided primarily in Indonesian and English.

Important: Contact details and office opening hours may change. We recommend checking the latest information on the official website before contacting them.

One of the key advantages of flying with Batik Air is its status as a full-service airline. This means passengers do not need to worry about hidden surcharges for suitcases — a generous baggage allowance is already included in most fares, making travel around Indonesia significantly more comfortable.

Cabin Baggage

Regardless of the class of service, every passenger is allowed to take one bag and one personal item (such as a laptop bag, handbag, or small camera backpack) into the cabin. Compliance with these rules is strictly monitored at the gates in busy airports.

• Weight: The maximum allowable weight for the main bag is 7 kg.
• Dimensions: Dimensions must not exceed 40 x 30 x 20 cm, so the bag fits easily on the shelf above the seat or under the seat in front of you.

Checked Baggage

Batik Air offers some of the most generous conditions in the domestic market. The free allowance depends on the booking class indicated on your ticket. This is particularly convenient if you are flying for diving in Manado or planning a long trip to see the Komodo dragons via Labuan Bajo, where a lot of equipment may be required.

• Economy Class: Free up to 20 kg of baggage.
• Business Class: Free up to 30 kg of baggage.

For infants without a separate seat, a baggage allowance is usually not provided or is minimal, however, the free carriage of one baby stroller is permitted.

Excess Baggage

If your suitcases weigh more than the allowance, you will have to pay for the excess. Rates are calculated per kilogram and depend on the specific route and distance. For example, the surcharge on a flight to Medan will differ from the rate on a short flight.

Tip: It is better to pay for extra baggage ("Pre-paid Baggage") in advance via the official website or mobile app (at least 6 hours before departure). This will be significantly cheaper than paying for excess weight at the check-in counter at the airport.

Special Baggage and Sports Equipment

Indonesia is a paradise for surfers and golfers, and the airline takes this into account. Sports equipment (golf clubs, surfboards, bicycles) requires special processing.

• Sports Equipment: Often included in the general free baggage allowance, but a service fee may be charged for handling oversized items. It is recommended to notify the airline about oversized transport when booking.
• Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be taken into the cabin (within cabin baggage dimensions). For large instruments (cello, guitar), you must either purchase an extra seat in the cabin (CBBG) or check them in as baggage in a hard case, signing a Limited Release Tag form.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

To avoid delays at security checks, remember the strict safety rules in force at Indonesian airports:

• Power Banks: Allowed only in cabin baggage. It is forbidden to check them in due to the risk of fire. Maximum capacity — up to 100 Wh (about 20,000 mAh). Devices from 100 to 160 Wh require special permission from the airline.
• E-cigarettes: Can only be carried in cabin baggage; use on board is strictly prohibited.
• Prohibited everywhere: Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, toxic substances, and durian (due to its strong odour).

Packing Tips

Travelling to destinations such as the cultural centre of Solo or bustling Palembang, it is easy to get carried away buying souvenirs. To avoid stress at the airport:

1. Always weigh your luggage at home or use vacant scales at the airport before queuing for check-in.
2. Place valuables, documents, money, and electronics with lithium batteries exclusively in your cabin baggage.
3. Remove old tags with barcodes from suitcases so the baggage system does not send your belongings on the wrong route.

Rules for Transporting Animals

Batik Air, as part of the Lion Air Group, adheres to strict but clear regulations regarding the transport of animals. Since Indonesia has specific sanitary standards and religious considerations, travelling with a pet requires careful preparation and prior coordination with the carrier, especially if your route goes through the hub in the city of Jakarta.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Cabin Baggage)

It is important to note that Batik Air, like most Indonesian carriers, adheres to a strict policy which generally does not allow the transport of pets in the aircraft cabin. Exceptions are made extremely rarely and require individual review.

• Allowed Animals: In exceptional cases (e.g., service dogs), transport may be approved, but this is not standard practice for tourism purposes.
• Carrier Dimensions: If special permission is obtained, the container must fit under the seat in front (standard cabin baggage dimensions).
• Restrictions: It is strictly forbidden to take the animal out of the carrier during the flight.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

This is the main method for transporting pets (cats and dogs) on Batik Air flights. The animal flies in a heated and pressurised compartment of the aircraft on the same flight as the owner.

• Container Requirements: Rigid construction (plastic or wood with a metal grille), complying with IATA standards. The cage must be securely locked, but not with a key lock (to allow staff access in an emergency).
• Container Size: The animal must be able to stand at full height, turn around freely 360 degrees, and lie down in a natural position.
• Comfort: The bottom of the container must be covered with absorbent material (a pad). Secured containers for water and food are mandatory.
• Procedure: The animal is registered at the Check-in counter as special baggage (AVIH).

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If the weight of the animal together with the cage exceeds the allowable limits for baggage, or if you are sending a pet unaccompanied, the cargo service is used.

• When Required: For very large dog breeds or the transport of exotic animals.
• Special Requirements: Reinforced wooden or metal cages.
• Booking Procedure: Arranged through the airline's cargo terminal; a separate Air Waybill is required.

Required Documents

The document package must be prepared in advance and presented at check-in:

• International veterinary passport with microchip details.
• Valid Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian a few days before departure.
• Vaccination certificate (special attention is paid to the rabies vaccine, administered no less than 30 days and no more than a year before the flight).
• Import/Export Permit from the Indonesian Quarantine Service (if the flight is international).
• Transit permits if the route involves a transfer in another country.

Cost of Services

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance, even if you have a "light" suitcase. Payment is made at the airport:

• Transport in the Baggage Hold: Calculated according to Excess Baggage rates.
• Price Calculation: The cost depends on the total weight (animal + cage) and the flight distance.
• Fixed Fees: Additional service fees for handling live cargo may apply.

Preparation Tips

To reduce stress for your pet when flying to remote points such as Surabaya or Makassar, follow these recommendations:

• Accustom the animal to the cage in advance, several weeks before the flight.
• Do not feed the pet heavily 4–6 hours before departure, but ensure access to water.
• Place an item with the owner's scent in the cage for reassurance.
• Avoid using strong sedatives without a direct recommendation from a veterinarian, as they can affect blood pressure at altitude.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in the following cases:

• Prohibited Breeds: Aggressive dog breeds and brachycephalic animals (with flattened snouts, e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Health Condition: Pregnant females, animals younger than 3 months, or those appearing ill.
• Dangerous Animals: Wild beasts, reptiles, and rodents are usually transported only via the cargo terminal.

Attention: Rules for importing animals into different regions of Indonesia (especially Bali) may change and can be very strict due to quarantine zones. We strongly recommend contacting the Batik Air call centre and the arrival airport's quarantine service before purchasing tickets.

Batik Frequent Flyer Loyalty Programme

For regular travellers, the Indonesian airline offers the Batik Frequent Flyer (BFF) reward programme. It allows passengers to accumulate miles for every flight and exchange them for various privileges, making trips more comfortable. The programme is integrated into the Lion Air Group ecosystem, expanding opportunities for members when travelling around the region.

Status Tiers and Privileges

Participation in the programme involves a tiered system. The more often you fly, the higher your card status and the more bonuses become available:

• Batik Silver: The entry level for frequent flyers. Includes priority on the waiting list and special baggage tags for quick identification of belongings.
• Batik Gold: Holders of "Gold" status receive the right to priority check-in, the ability to select seats in the cabin, and an additional free baggage allowance, which is especially convenient for those travelling with a lot of items.

How to Earn Miles

Points are awarded for flights taken with Batik Air. The number of miles depends on the booking class and flight distance.

• Domestic Flights: Bonuses accumulate both on short routes, for example, from the capital to Semarang or Solo, and on busy directions between metropolises, such as Surabaya.
• International Destinations: Trips abroad bring more miles. This applies to popular flights to Singapore or flights to the Australian continent to Perth.

Using Points

Accumulated miles are an excellent tool for saving on future trips. Batik Frequent Flyer members can:

• Issue an Award Ticket: Fully or partially pay for a flight on holiday, for example, to the beaches of Bali Island (Denpasar) or to unique nature via Labuan Bajo.
• Upgrade Service Class: Exchange miles for a flight in Business Class with increased comfort, improved meals, and more spacious seats.

Registration in the Programme

You can become a Batik Frequent Flyer member for free. To do this, you need to fill out a form on the airline's official website or register via the BookCabin mobile app. After registration, you will receive a unique membership number, which must be provided with every ticket booking, including connecting flights through major hubs such as Jakarta or Medan.

Batik Air positions itself as a full-service airline, which distinguishes it favourably from the many low-cost carriers in the region. Passengers choose this company not only for its extensive route network connecting the main hub in the city of Jakarta with dozens of islands but also for the high level of comfort included in the ticket price.

Economy Class: More Than Just a Flight

Travel in Batik Air Economy Class is designed so that passengers feel cared for at every stage of the journey. The cabins of Boeing and Airbus aircraft are equipped with comfortable leather seats with a pitch (distance between seats) of about 81 cm (32 inches). This legroom is considered one of the most generous in its class, which is especially valuable on long flights, for example, when flying to Australian Perth or during a journey to eastern Indonesia.

Business Class: Privileges and Privacy

For those who value exceptional comfort and privacy, the airline offers premium service in Business Class. This is the ideal choice for business trips to Singapore or a relaxed start to a holiday.

• Comfort: Wide seats (45 inches) with an increased recline angle allow for proper rest.
• Priority: Passengers enjoy separate check-in counters, priority boarding, and expedited baggage delivery.
• Lounges: Access to exclusive Batik Air Lounges at select airports, where you can have a snack and work in silence before departure.

In-Flight Entertainment

One of Batik Air's hallmarks is the presence of personal in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems in seatbacks, which is rare for narrow-body aircraft on intra-Asian routes. Whether you are flying to Surabaya or heading to the cultural centre of Yogyakarta, travel time will fly by while watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. Touch screens are available in both Business and Economy classes. Additionally, seats are equipped with USB ports for charging gadgets.

Food and Beverages

Unlike budget airlines, Batik Air includes meals in the ticket price.

• Hot Meals: Served on medium and long-haul flights. The menu usually includes Indonesian and international cuisine.
• Snacks: On short flights, for example between neighbouring islands, passengers are offered snacks and water.
• Halal: All food on board is certified as Halal, complying with the region's traditions.

Special Services and Passenger Care

The crew, dressed in elegant uniforms with traditional batik motifs, is famous for its hospitality. The airline provides a full range of special services for the comfortable travel of all categories of passengers:

• For Families with Children: If you are flying for a family holiday to Denpasar (Bali), flight attendants will assist with seating and warming up baby food. An unaccompanied minor service is also available for children travelling without adults.
• Passengers with Disabilities: Batik Air provides wheelchairs and assistance with boarding/disembarking (requires prior request at least 24 hours before departure).
• Pregnant Women: Travel is possible with appropriate medical certificates and compliance with pregnancy terms established by the carrier's safety rules.

Batik Air's route network covers key destinations in Indonesia and neighbouring countries, ensuring convenient connections through its main hub in the city of Jakarta. The carrier connects Java's main business centres with popular tourist resorts and remote islands, offering passengers a wide geography of flights. Below is a list of the most in-demand routes, compiled based on flight frequency.

To ensure your trip with Batik Air is as comfortable and cost-effective as possible, it is worth considering the specifics of air travel in the Southeast Asia region. We have prepared several recommendations that will help you plan the ideal route, save your budget, and avoid unnecessary stress at the airport.

Consider Seasonality and Holidays

Indonesia is a country with very active domestic traffic. Ticket prices traditionally soar during national holidays, especially during Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran) and on Christmas Eve. On these dates, planes fill up instantly. If your trip falls during peak seasons, try to book tickets 2–3 months in advance. This rule is particularly important for high-demand routes from the capital Jakarta to major regional centres such as Medan or Makassar.

Choose Departure Time Wisely

On routes with high flight frequency, for example, between the capital and the cities of Surabaya or Semarang, the ticket cost can depend heavily on the time of day. Morning (before 9:00) and evening (after 17:00) flights are often busy with business travellers and cost more. Mid-day flights are often more budget-friendly and less crowded.

Allow Time for Connections

The airline's main hub in Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta) is huge. If you are planning a complex route, for example, arriving from the city of Singapore with a transfer to a flight to the diving resorts in Manado, allow at least 3 hours for transit. This is necessary for passing immigration control and a possible change of terminal. For domestic connections, for instance, on the way to Bali Island (Denpasar), it is recommended to leave a buffer of 2 hours.

Book Popular Tourist Routes in Advance

Some destinations are in frantic demand among tourists. Flights to Labuan Bajo (gateway to Komodo Park) or to the cultural capital Yogyakarta are best purchased well in advance to guarantee comfortable seats and the best prices. The same applies to international flights to the Australian direction, for example, to Perth.

A Single Ticket is More Reliable

When planning a trip with transfers, always try to book all flight segments within a single reservation. This ensures the protection of your transit: if the first flight, say, from the city of Palembang is delayed, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight to your final destination free of charge and take care of your baggage.

Watch for Promotions

Batik Air periodically holds sales (Batik Air Travel Fair). Subscribing to news or using the official app will help catch profitable fares for flights to cities such as Solo, Malang, or to the island of Batam.

Birth of a Premium Brand

The history of Batik Air began relatively recently, but its start was rapid and ambitious. The company was founded as a subsidiary of Indonesia's largest private aviation holding — Lion Air Group. The first commercial flight took place in May 2013. The main goal of creating the new carrier was the desire to enter the premium services market and provide worthy competition to the national flagship, Garuda Indonesia. From the very beginning, Batik Air bet on a full range of services, offering passengers what budget companies lacked: spacious seats, multimedia entertainment systems, and meals included in the ticket.

Fleet Formation and Network Expansion

In the first years of its existence, the airline actively grew its aircraft fleet. The core of the fleet consisted of new Boeing 737-900ER liners, and later aircraft of the Airbus A320 family joined them. This allowed for high reliability and flight comfort. Based in the city of Jakarta, the carrier began quickly connecting the capital with key economic centres of the archipelago. Frequent flights to important cities such as Surabaya and Makassar were established in the very first years, allowing business travellers to move around the country with maximum convenience.

International Recognition and Safety Standards

An important milestone in the history of Batik Air's development was receiving international recognition in the field of safety. In 2016, the airline was removed from the list of carriers banned from flying to the European Union, and also received the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certificate. This event opened doors for global trust and further expansion. Having confirmed high standards, the company began to more actively develop foreign destinations, launching direct flights to Singapore, as well as connecting Indonesia with Australia via the route to Perth.

Regional Integration and Rebranding

A significant stage in the brand's evolution was the unification strategy within the Lion Air Group holding. Partner airline Malindo Air, based in Malaysia, underwent rebranding and changed its name to Batik Air Malaysia. This effectively turned Batik Air into an international brand with an extensive route network covering not only Indonesia but also neighbouring countries, creating convenient connections through Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta for travel throughout Southeast Asia.

Innovation and Tourism Support

Today, the airline continues to develop, implementing digital technologies to simplify booking and check-in. Batik Air plays a key role in developing Indonesia's tourism potential, opening convenient routes to unique attractions. Thanks to regular flights to Labuan Bajo and to the island of Bali (Denpasar), thousands of tourists annually gain access to the country's best resorts with a level of comfort corresponding to the international standards of full-service airlines.