Indonesia AirAsia

Indonesia AirAsia is your reliable guide to the world of a thousand islands, offering access to the most picturesque corners of Southeast Asia at affordable prices. As part of the renowned AirAsia Group, the company maintains its signature style and philosophy: "Now Everyone Can Fly," offering travelers vibrant service and a wide route network. The carrier's distinctive red aircraft have become a symbol of freedom of movement for tourists wishing to save on flights without compromising on their impressions of Indonesia and neighboring countries.

History and Operating Principles. The airline began its journey in 1999 under the name Awair, but the real breakthrough occurred after it joined the AirAsia Group in the mid-2000s. Today, it is one of the region's leading low-cost carriers, repeatedly recognized for service quality in the budget segment. The company's main mission is to ensure the accessibility of air travel, achieved through efficient cost management and offering flexible fares where the passenger pays only for the services they need.

Route Network. Indonesia AirAsia connects key cities of the archipelago with major international hubs. Flights to the world-famous resort of Denpasar (Bali) and the cultural center of Sumatra — Medan — are distinguished by high frequency. The airline actively develops international connections: planes depart daily from Indonesia to bustling Kuala Lumpur, colorful Bangkok, and modern Singapore. For lovers of long-distance travel, flights to Australian Perth are available, making the carrier a convenient choice for cross-continental trips.

Fleet and Standards. The company's air fleet is unified and consists primarily of time-tested Airbus A320 family liners. Using a single type of aircraft allows for maintaining high standards of technical maintenance and ensuring flight regularity. Indonesia AirAsia pays close attention to safety, following international aviation protocols and regularly auditing its operational processes.

Contacting Indonesia AirAsia representatives is easiest through their developed digital ecosystem. The airline adheres to a concept of maximum automation (low-cost model), so the resolution of most questions regarding booking, check-in, and baggage takes place online through a centralized portal or mobile super-app.

Main Communication Channels

• Official Website: www.airasia.com (general site for the entire AirAsia Group).
• Customer Support: The main support tool is the intelligent chatbot "Bo", available on the website and in the app 24/7. Direct telephone lines for economy class passengers are generally unavailable.
• Ticket Booking: Performed independently via the website or app.
• Mobile App: AirAsia MOVE (formerly airasia Superapp) — available on Google Play, App Store, and Huawei AppGallery. It is recommended to install this for prompt communication and check-in.

Social Media

The airline actively communicates on social networks, where news about sales and operational information are often published:

• Facebook: facebook.com/airasia
• X (Twitter): twitter.com/airasia
• Instagram: instagram.com/flyairasia

Local Offices and Representatives

• Airport Counters: Operational assistance upon departure can be obtained at branded Sales & Service Counters in departure airports. The largest representation is located at the base airport Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta).
• Headquarters: RedHouse, Jl. Marsekal Suryadarma (M1), Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia.

Please note: Contact details, office addresses, and availability of communication channels may change. We strongly recommend checking current information in the "Support" section on the airline's official website immediately before your trip.

Cabin Baggage Rules

Since Indonesia AirAsia operates on a low-cost model, cabin baggage rules are enforced quite strictly here. Each passenger (except infants) is allowed to take two items on board for free, the total weight of which must not exceed 7 kg. This rule applies to all fares and destinations.

The cabin baggage allowance includes:

• One main piece of luggage: Dimensions not exceeding 56 cm (height) x 36 cm (width) x 23 cm (depth). The bag must fit in the overhead compartment.
• One small bag: For example, a laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack. Dimensions not exceeding 40 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm. This item must fit under the seat in front of you.

If you plan to fly with a large number of items, for example, returning from shopping in the city of Jakarta, it is recommended to combine heavy items into checked baggage in advance to avoid fines at the boarding gate.

Checked Baggage

In basic Indonesia AirAsia fares, checked baggage is usually not included in the ticket price. You pay only for the weight you need. Baggage allowances can be purchased at the booking stage or added later via your personal account ("Manage My Booking" section).

Available weight categories vary: 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, and 40 kg. An important safety rule: the weight of a single suitcase must not exceed 32 kg. If your total limit is 40 kg, you will have to distribute things across at least two bags.

Excess Baggage

Paying for excess weight directly at the airport is always the most expensive option. Rates at the check-in counter are significantly higher than those offered online. If you find that your suitcase is heavier than the paid allowance, it is strongly recommended to purchase additional kilograms via the website or app no later than 4 hours before departure. This will save a significant amount.

Sports Equipment and Musical Instruments

Indonesia is a paradise for surfers and divers, so transporting sports equipment is particularly relevant here. If you are flying, for example, to Denpasar with your surfboard, bicycle, or golf equipment, you need to arrange the Sports Equipment service. The standard baggage allowance does not apply to these items, and without pre-payment, their transport can be expensive.

Small musical instruments (e.g., a violin) not exceeding dimensions of 56x36x23 cm and a weight of 7 kg can be taken into the cabin instead of cabin baggage. For larger instruments (cello, guitar), you will either have to purchase an extra seat in the cabin (Extra Seat) or check them in as baggage with proper hard-shell packaging.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

To ensure flight safety, international restrictions apply:

• Liquids in cabin baggage: Allowed only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 liter.
• Power Banks: Transported only in cabin baggage. Checking them into luggage is prohibited. Devices with a capacity of up to 100 Wh (about 20,000 mAh) are allowed. More powerful ones (up to 160 Wh) require special permission from the airline.
• Fruits: Due to the specific smell, carriage of durian and jackfruit in the aircraft cabin is strictly prohibited. Their transport in the baggage hold is allowed only provided they are hermetically sealed and with the carrier's consent (rules may change, better to verify in advance).

Tips for Efficient Packing

To ensure your journey with Indonesia AirAsia goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Weigh at home: Use portable scales before leaving for the airport to ensure cabin baggage does not exceed 7 kg.
2. Book in advance: Purchasing baggage online when booking a ticket is always cheaper than adding it later, and significantly cheaper than paying at the airport.
3. Label your baggage: Remove old tags and attach a tag with your name and contact details. A bright ribbon or cover will help find your suitcase faster on the carousel, especially in large hubs like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.
4. Valuables with you: Never check money, jewelry, documents, or important medication into checked baggage.

Rules for Transporting Animals

Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) policy regarding animal transport is particularly strict, even by budget carrier standards. The company's main priority is the comfort and safety of all passengers in high-density seating conditions, so opportunities for traveling with pets are extremely limited here. If you plan a trip with an animal, it is important to know in advance that standard methods of transport (in the cabin or as regular baggage) are unavailable on this carrier's flights.

In the Aircraft Cabin (Cabin Baggage)

A "No pets in cabin" rule applies on Indonesia AirAsia flights. This means a total ban on transporting any animals in the aircraft cabin. Pets are not allowed on board in carriers, in arms, or on adjacent seats.

Important clarification regarding service animals: Unlike many international airlines, Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) rules usually do not provide exceptions even for service dogs and guide dogs. They are also not permitted in the aircraft cabin during the flight. Passengers requiring assistance are strongly recommended to contact the airline in advance to clarify individual conditions or consider alternative transport methods.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

The airline does not accept animals for transport as Checked Baggage. You cannot hand over a container with a pet at the check-in counter along with your suitcases. This service is completely absent from the list of passenger transport services.

Transport as Cargo

The only official and safe way to transport animals on Indonesia AirAsia flights is to process them as Live Cargo. The service is provided through specialized cargo divisions (e.g., Teleport) or certified agents.

• How it works: The animal flies in a special cargo hold with climate control but is processed separately from your passenger ticket.
• Routes: This option is available on many routes, for example, if you need to send a pet from the city of Jakarta to other islands or abroad.
• Cage requirements: The container must meet strict IATA standards: rigid body, secure lock, ventilation on three sides, and sufficient volume for the animal to stand at full height and turn around.
• Collection: Upon arrival, for example in Denpasar or another destination airport, the pet will need to be collected not at the baggage carousel, but at the airport's cargo terminal.

Required Documents

To send an animal via the cargo terminal, you will need to collect a full package of documents. Requirements may vary depending on the route, especially if it is an international flight (e.g., to Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok), but the basic list includes:

• International veterinary passport.
• Health Certificate from a veterinarian.
• Valid vaccination against rabies and other infections.
• Import/Export Permit from quarantine services.
• Microchip (mandatory for most destinations).

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Even when processing through the cargo terminal, restrictions exist on the transport of certain categories of animals:

• Dangerous breeds: The airline may refuse to transport dogs belonging to breeds classified as potentially dangerous or fighting breeds.
• Brachycephalic breeds: Animals with flattened snouts (Persian cats, pugs, bulldogs) are at risk due to possible breathing problems. Their transport requires additional precautionary measures or may be prohibited.
• Pregnant animals and young offspring: Animals in late stages of pregnancy and puppies/kittens under a certain age (usually up to 3–4 months) are typically not admitted for transport.

Advice for tourists: Given the complexity of the procedure and Indonesia AirAsia's strict rules, plan your trip with a pet well in advance. Start processing documents and booking space in the cargo hold at least 2 weeks before departure. If you are flying on a popular route, for example, to Medan, verify the availability of quotas for live cargo on a specific flight in advance.

airasia rewards Loyalty Programme

Indonesia AirAsia offers passengers participation in the global loyalty programme airasia rewards (formerly known as BIG Loyalty). This is one of the most developed bonus ecosystems in Southeast Asia, extending far beyond ordinary aviation points, evolving into a full-fledged lifestyle platform. The programme allows accumulating points for almost any action while traveling and using them as a universal currency within the group of companies.

Membership Tiers and Privileges

Member status in the airasia rewards system depends on the number of flights (segments) completed within a calendar year. The more you fly, the higher the status and the faster points accumulate:

• Red: Basic level assigned immediately after registration. Allows accumulating points for every dollar (or local currency) spent on tickets and services.
• Gold: Assigned for 14–23 flights per year. Key advantage — priority check-in, boarding (Xpress Boarding), and baggage claim.
• Platinum: Requires 24 to 49 flights. Members receive accelerated point accrual (multiplier several times higher compared to basic) and a dedicated support line.
• Black: Elite level for those who complete 50 or more flights per year. Gives maximum privileges, including no "blackout dates" for redeeming points for tickets and a personal manager.

How to Earn Points (airasia points)

The point accrual system is maximally diversified so tourists can top up their balance not only in the sky but also on the ground:

• Flights: Points are awarded based on the amount spent on the fare (excluding airport taxes). For example, regular flights to the Jakarta hub or resorts will bring steady account replenishment.
• Financial Partners: Using co-branded bank cards and converting bonuses from partner banks into airasia points.
• Travel and Hotels: Booking accommodation through the AirAsia platform, as well as car rentals from programme partners.
• Superapp: Purchases in the AirAsia MOVE app (formerly Superapp), including food delivery (airasia food) and taxi (airasia ride) in countries where these services are available (e.g., during transit through Kuala Lumpur).

How to Spend Accumulated Points

Flexibility in using points is the main "feature" of the programme. You can pay with them for almost all airline services:

• Free Tickets: Full payment for flight with points on any routes of the network, including popular destinations like the island of Bali (Denpasar).
• Partial Payment: The BigPay function allows combining points and cash if savings are insufficient for a full ticket.
• Additional Services: Payment for baggage, seat selection (Hot Seat), and inflight meals (Santan meals).
• Final Call: Exclusive monthly sales for members, where tickets can be redeemed with a discount of up to 90% for a fixed (and very low) number of points.

Alliance Participation

Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) is not a member of global aviation alliances such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or oneworld. Instead, it is part of its own powerful network, the AirAsia Group.

• Internal Partnership: The loyalty programme is unified for all airlines in the group: AirAsia Malaysia (AK), Thai AirAsia (FD), Philippines AirAsia (Z2), and others.
• Single Ticket: This allows seamless earning and spending of points while flying across the region, for example, with a connection in Thailand (Bangkok).

How to Join the Programme

Becoming an airasia rewards member is very simple and free. Physical cards are no longer issued; the entire system is completely digital:

• Download the AirAsia MOVE mobile app (available on App Store and Google Play).
• Register using your email and instantly receive your virtual member ID.
• Link your membership number to bookings to start earning points immediately.

Service Classes and Onboard Comfort

Indonesia AirAsia operates on a classic low-cost carrier model, so a single class of service is provided on board all aircraft — Economy. This concept allows offering travelers the most favorable ticket prices. Despite the absence of a dedicated business class, passengers can independently upgrade their comfort level by choosing seats with extra amenities and ordering services they truly need.

Seat Configuration

The airline's fleet consists of reliable Airbus A320 liners. The cabin has a standard 3-3 layout (three seats on the left and three on the right of the aisle). Seats are upholstered in practical leather and have a pitch sufficient for comfortable medium-haul flights, for example, from the base airport in the city of Jakarta to popular resorts.

For those who value personal space and want to save time, the Hot Seats selection service (marked with red headrests) is available:

• Rows 1–5: Located in the front of the aircraft. The main advantage is the ability to disembark first after landing, which is critical for short connections.
• Rows 12–14 (Emergency Exits): These seats (Emergency Exit Rows) offer Extra Legroom, allowing you to stretch your legs and fly with greater comfort.

Food and Beverages (Santan)

Free meals are not included in the ticket price, but Indonesia AirAsia takes pride in its Santan inflight menu, considered one of the best among Asian low-cost carriers. The menu includes hot dishes, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks combining local Indonesian flavors and international classics. An absolute bestseller is the spicy rice "Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak."

If you plan a long flight, for example, to Australian Perth, it is strongly recommended to Pre-book meals on the website or in the app no later than 24 hours before departure. This gives two advantages: guaranteed availability of the chosen dish and a lower price compared to buying on board.

Please note: Consumption of outside food and alcoholic beverages on board Indonesia AirAsia aircraft is prohibited. All products on the menu are Halal certified.

Entertainment and Multimedia

There are no built-in monitors in the seatbacks. The entertainment system is built on the BYOD principle (Bring Your Own Device). Passengers are recommended to download movies, music, and books to their smartphones or tablets in advance, before departure.

On some aircraft, a local Wi-Fi network (ROKKI) may be available, allowing connection to an onboard portal with content, however, access to the global internet and messengers during flight is generally not provided. Do not forget to bring a fully charged power bank, as USB sockets are not available on all aircraft.

Special Services

The airline strives to ensure comfort for all categories of travelers, however, many special services require prior arrangement:

• Passengers with reduced mobility: A request for Wheelchair Service must be made at least 48 hours before departure via customer support. The service may be chargeable or limited by the number of places.
• Pregnant women: For pregnancies from 28 weeks, a doctor's certificate confirming fitness to fly is required. The document must be issued no earlier than 30 days before the trip.
• Passengers with children: Bassinets for infants are usually not provided on A320 flights. Children under 2 years travel on their parents' lap, secured by a special supplementary belt.

The Indonesia AirAsia route network focuses on providing affordable flights between the islands of Indonesia and key metropolises of neighboring countries. The main connecting link is the base airport Jakarta, however, the airline offers many direct flights from other major hubs, such as Bali and Medan, ensuring convenient logistics for tourists.

Useful Tips for Indonesia AirAsia Passengers

Traveling with a budget airline requires some skill: knowing the nuances of how a low-cost carrier works will help not only save your budget but also avoid unnecessary stress at the airport. To ensure your flight with Indonesia AirAsia is as comfortable as possible, we have prepared a list of proven recommendations.

Best Time to Book

The golden rule of low-cost carriers works flawlessly here: the earlier you buy the ticket, the cheaper it costs. The airline's dynamic pricing is designed so that the lowest fares are available at the start of sales.

• Optimal timeframe: Try to book tickets 2–3 months before your planned trip. If you plan to fly during high season (July-August or December holidays), it is better to take care of the purchase six months in advance.
• Avoid weekends: Flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday often cost less than departures on Friday or Sunday.

How to Find Discounts and Promotions

Indonesia AirAsia regularly holds massive sales that allow you to buy tickets at extremely low prices, sometimes even for "0 rupiah" (only taxes are paid).

• Legendary "Free Seats": Several times a year, the airline organizes grand promotional campaigns, offering millions of free seats (Free Seats). To not miss them, subscribe to the newsletter or turn on notifications in the app.
• Become a member: Register in the airasia rewards programme. Members get access to sales 24 hours earlier than others, which is critical as the cheapest tickets are snapped up instantly.

Online Check-in is Mandatory

One of the key features of AirAsia is the "self-service" policy. Check-in at the airport counter for most fares may be chargeable (especially on international flights), so it is strongly recommended to do this yourself.

• Deadlines: Online registration (Web Check-in) opens 14 days and closes 1 hour before departure.
• How to do it: Use the mobile app or website. After completing the procedure, you will receive an electronic boarding pass (E-Boarding Pass).
• Important: If you are flying from an international terminal, for example, from Jakarta airport abroad, you may still need to go to the counter for a document check, even if you do not have baggage.

Tips on Seat Selection

If you are traveling as a group or family, do not rely on luck. The automatic seat allocation system often seats passengers from the same booking in different parts of the cabin.

• Want to sit together? Pay for seat selection (Pick A Seat) in advance. It is inexpensive but guarantees that you will fly next to each other.
• Need more comfort? For tall passengers, flights longer than 2 hours can be tiring. "Hot Seats" in rows 12 and 14 (at emergency exits) will provide the necessary legroom.

Travel Insurance

When booking a ticket, the system often suggests adding Tune Protect insurance. Given the specifics of the tropical region (possible weather changes, flight delays due to heavy rains or volcanic activity), having insurance is a reasonable precaution.

Be sure to check if the policy covers Flight Delay and baggage loss. If you are flying with a connection on different tickets (Fly-Thru is not arranged), insurance will help compensate for expenses in case of missing the next flight.

AirAsia MOVE Mobile App

The airline's app is a true Swiss army knife for the tourist in Asia. Install it before departure to get full control over your trip:

• Boarding pass storage: No need to look for a printer; all tickets are always at hand in your phone.
• Service management: Forgot to order food or add baggage? This can be done in a couple of clicks even on the way to the airport (but no later than 4 hours before departure).
• Notifications: The app will promptly inform you about gate changes or departure times.
• Chatbot: This is the fastest way to get an answer to a question or solve a booking problem without long waits on the telephone line.

History and Development of the Airline

The history of Indonesia AirAsia is a vivid example of how the right business strategy can turn a small local startup into one of the leaders of air travel in Southeast Asia. The company's path lay through rebranding, changing the business model, and constant implementation of innovations, which made flights accessible to millions of Indonesians and tourists.

Founding and Early Years: The Awair Era

The company was founded in 1999 under the name Awair (Air Wagon International). Initially, it positioned itself as a standard full-service carrier and began flights in 2000 using Airbus A300 and A310 aircraft. However, the launch coincided with a difficult economic period, and two years later, in 2002, the airline was forced to suspend its operations.

The turning point came in 2004 when Awair was acquired by the Malaysian AirAsia Group. In December of that year, flights resumed, but under a completely new concept — the low-cost model. A year later, in December 2005, the final rebranding took place, and the name now familiar to the whole world appeared on the aircraft fuselages — Indonesia AirAsia.

Fleet Evolution and Standardization

One of the key decisions of the new management was a complete review of the fleet strategy. The airline abandoned the old Boeing 737 liners used during the transition phase in favor of a single type of aircraft — Airbus A320. This step significantly simplified technical maintenance and pilot training and reduced operating costs.

By 2011, Indonesia AirAsia began operating exclusively Airbus aircraft, allowing it to improve schedule reliability and offer passengers a more modern level of comfort. Today, the red and white liners are a familiar sight in the sky over the archipelago.

Expansion of Route Network

The company's development went hand in hand with the growth of tourist flow to Indonesia. The carrier bet on connecting key tourist centers with major Asian hubs. A strategically important step was the creation of powerful bases at the airports of cities Jakarta and Denpasar (Bali).

The airline played a huge role in opening international tourism for the regions of Indonesia. Launching frequent flights to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore allowed foreign tourists to easily reach Indonesian resorts, bypassing complex connections. In addition, the company actively developed connections with Australia, in particular, establishing a stable air bridge with the city of Perth, which became a real gift for Australian surfers and travelers.

Corporate Milestones and Safety

An important milestone in history was the merger and IPO. In 2017, as a result of corporate restructuring, Indonesia AirAsia became a public company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (via the parent structure PT AirAsia Indonesia Tbk). This ensured an influx of investment for further growth.

The company paid special attention to improving safety standards. Having passed a series of strict international audits (IOSA), the carrier strengthened its reputation as a reliable partner, which allowed it to unhinderedly expand the geography of flights, including flights to Thailand (Bangkok) and other countries.

Innovations and the Digital Era

In recent years, Indonesia AirAsia has been at the forefront of digital transformation. Moving away from the traditional "just an airline" model, it became part of the AirAsia MOVE digital ecosystem. The introduction of contactless technologies, biometric boarding (F.A.C.E.S.), and the super-app has made the travel process as seamless as possible.

Today, the company continues to restore and increase traffic volumes, opening new destinations, such as flights to Medan and other promising cities, remaining true to its main principle: "Now Everyone Can Fly."