Hello from Amsterdam! The Garuda First Class flight is over and it was great. Really great. Here are five reasons my experience was incredible.
#1 The incredible crew
More than anything else, the crew was amazingly spectacular. Every moment of every interaction showed that Garuda First Class service is its strongest selling point.
#2 The incredible food
My special requests were boarded — I enjoyed delicious rack of lamb and a bowl full of mixed berries. The other courses were great as well.
#3 The incredible wi-fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary for first class passengers and worked like a charm. Although I tried to rest for most of the flight, functioning internet (better than in the Garuda lounge) allowed me to stay in touch with clients and my wife.
#4 The incredible slippers
The whole shoe service on Garuda is over the top. Upon boarding a FA kneels down, lays out a red towel, and places your shoes in a bag for safekeeping, exchanging them for slippers. And these are not just airline or hotel slippers or even fancy spa slippers. They are like the kind you pay money for in a department store. Very comfortable. Just sad that the largest size was still too small for my feet.
#5 The incredible first class ground attendants
From the moment I arrived at CGK in Jakarta to the moment I stepped onto the plane, two first class attendants watched closely over me. They took my passport and checked and me in so I would not have to and insisted on carrying my bags. One attendant would have been enough, but I had two. It really made me feel special.
All things considered, Garuda First Class is everything its cracked up to be. The full report is coming soon, I promise.
Matthew, is that a Rimowa bag? If so which one and do you like it?
It is a Rimowa salsa deluxe and I am very happy with it.
Wow…Looking forward to the full report.
It is so refreshing when a company does their best to provide exceptional service. Why is this so rare? Why???
Sounds great! Were you the only First Class passenger on the flight? If so, do you think that’s why they assigned you 2 attendants at the airport? If you travelled with a friend, do you think the friend would get 2 attendants as well? Just curious.
First Class was booked 7/8. Each passenger had their own pair of attendants with the exception of the family of three traveling together, who also had just two for the entire party.
I think that had a friend been with me on the same reservation we would not have received two additional attendants.
Can’t wait for the full trip report.
Just out of curiosity, did everyone else get chauffeured to VIP lounge in AMS as what FlyRoni posted on airliners?
@JPL: No chauffeur or ground service in AMS, though if you check out this post I was offered that for $300–
http://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2017/02/22/garuda-first-class-email/
That’s… an ouch…
Sorry, I missed your earlier post… I assume full fare passengers still get ground service in AMS as usual, only 90% promo deal passengers are being affected right?
Thanks for your reply : )
Hi Matthew,
Sorry I have another question, which lounge have they put you in? I believe promo deal passenger has no access to Schiphol vip center as well?
I have an extra long layover in AMS before the flight to CGK, may consider paying for access to Schiphol vip center if there are no better option.