Is BATIK AIR As Bad As People Say? 6 Hours on a Low Cost 737!
video description
Because I know a lot about the classic 737 design features, and the crooked story of how the Max series came to be, I would not have flown in a Max8, nor any other Max. That's before the crashes. I just could not trust rushed and Frankenstein-ed aircrafts.
After the crashes, after the shortcomings of the Max series have been revealed, I am sure the retrofitted/fixed 737 Max8s (combined with revised pilot training) are safe. I agree with Noel's logic there. However, maybe because I am Indonesian, I feel like punishing Boeing for how they blamed Indonesian pilots for the JT610 crash, and for how badly they do what they do nowadays (don't forget about the 787s. So yeah, if I don't absolutely have to board a Max, I would not.
Date: 2023-08-20
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 19
Muzakman37
Did a few flights around SE Asia a few years ago on Batik Air, we thought they were great, as you say comfy seats, nice service, decent chow & a great price. I don't know what some people expect really.
As regards the MAX7-8, there is just no way in hell that the FAA would've given this thing another clean bill of health after the calamity the first time, and it was out for over 2 years, so that plane just wouldn't be flying now at all if there was anything less than 99. 99% certainty that every tiny thing about this plane was tip-top, as you say, Boeing would be absolutely finished if something else did go very badly wrong this time. People need to stop going on about it now, repeating old news & views, the MAX8 is a different plane now, cos it had to be.
reply
Did a few flights around SE Asia a few years ago on Batik Air, we thought they were great, as you say comfy seats, nice service, decent chow & a great price. I don't know what some people expect really.
As regards the MAX7-8, there is just no way in hell that the FAA would've given this thing another clean bill of health after the calamity the first time, and it was out for over 2 years, so that plane just wouldn't be flying now at all if there was anything less than 99. 99% certainty that every tiny thing about this plane was tip-top, as you say, Boeing would be absolutely finished if something else did go very badly wrong this time. People need to stop going on about it now, repeating old news & views, the MAX8 is a different plane now, cos it had to be.
reply
Qixuan
One time I missed my flight from Yogyakarta to Denpasar with Lion air, and bought a ticket with Batik air going to Jakarta first then Bali. I've flown few domestic flight in other countries, mostly US and Canada, gotta say Batik is probably the best domestic flight experience I've had. Their chair is spacious, has a screen for movies and games, and the plane is very empty for some reason (on my flight back to jogja lion air was really packed. I hit so many home runs on their baseball game too, wish they'd keep my record because all the top 10 was my record. Definitely won't mind to fly again, even surprised to learn that is a bad reputation budget airline.
reply
One time I missed my flight from Yogyakarta to Denpasar with Lion air, and bought a ticket with Batik air going to Jakarta first then Bali. I've flown few domestic flight in other countries, mostly US and Canada, gotta say Batik is probably the best domestic flight experience I've had. Their chair is spacious, has a screen for movies and games, and the plane is very empty for some reason (on my flight back to jogja lion air was really packed. I hit so many home runs on their baseball game too, wish they'd keep my record because all the top 10 was my record. Definitely won't mind to fly again, even surprised to learn that is a bad reputation budget airline.
reply
James
You maybe a plane geek but often your airline research is lacking. The parent company Lion (better known as Late is Our Normal) often cancels flights. You should know this, they did it before and you flew Nam (which you claim is unknown but is just a subsidiary of a low cost carrier. Batik is a step up for them - they have rationalised their brands - a little research would show this. You have a tendency to be a drama queen - there are a multitude of flights to Jakarta with reliable carriers so why create the drama. And finally, try and learn the correct pronunciation - I noticed this when you flew in India as well.
reply
You maybe a plane geek but often your airline research is lacking. The parent company Lion (better known as Late is Our Normal) often cancels flights. You should know this, they did it before and you flew Nam (which you claim is unknown but is just a subsidiary of a low cost carrier. Batik is a step up for them - they have rationalised their brands - a little research would show this. You have a tendency to be a drama queen - there are a multitude of flights to Jakarta with reliable carriers so why create the drama. And finally, try and learn the correct pronunciation - I noticed this when you flew in India as well.
reply
Kyle
i have a friend who retired from alaska airlines and used to fly the max planes with the problems, when i asked him about the issue he did some things with his arms and hands and said click, click, slide, its good. meaning that he had been flying for 30 years and he just would have turned that stuff off and flew the plane. he then told me that if the plane does strange stuff you just turn it off and fly the plane. it was a problem with inexperienced pilots and crappy systems, not the plane. he said that plane will fly anywhere, with a good pilot.
reply
i have a friend who retired from alaska airlines and used to fly the max planes with the problems, when i asked him about the issue he did some things with his arms and hands and said click, click, slide, its good. meaning that he had been flying for 30 years and he just would have turned that stuff off and flew the plane. he then told me that if the plane does strange stuff you just turn it off and fly the plane. it was a problem with inexperienced pilots and crappy systems, not the plane. he said that plane will fly anywhere, with a good pilot.
reply
Oz
Batik Air Malaysia (ex Malindo) flies MEL, SYD, PER, BNE to DPS to KUL, and is a single class low cost airline with no inflight screens/entertainment.
Batik Air Indonesia has business & economy class and is a full service airline with inflight screens/entertainment.
Of note, the 737 Max is alot quieter to fly on, than the previous 737 NG.
I've flown both of these Batik airlines with no issues whatsoever, unlike the appallingly unreliable Jetstar/Qantas, which I vow I will never use again, unless I have no choice.
reply
Batik Air Malaysia (ex Malindo) flies MEL, SYD, PER, BNE to DPS to KUL, and is a single class low cost airline with no inflight screens/entertainment.
Batik Air Indonesia has business & economy class and is a full service airline with inflight screens/entertainment.
Of note, the 737 Max is alot quieter to fly on, than the previous 737 NG.
I've flown both of these Batik airlines with no issues whatsoever, unlike the appallingly unreliable Jetstar/Qantas, which I vow I will never use again, unless I have no choice.
reply
asiatmpo1
I flew some years ago on Batik Air Indonesia, it was a delightful flight, a new plane, very attentive service, very delicious spicy food. My main complaint about Lion Air was airport side customer service. Absolutely useless, could not pay with a US based credit card. When credit card payment was possible, charged exorbitant commission for credit card payment. But the product itself ie the flight, crew, food, state of planes was very, very good. I have flown on Lion Air more than 15 times.
reply
I flew some years ago on Batik Air Indonesia, it was a delightful flight, a new plane, very attentive service, very delicious spicy food. My main complaint about Lion Air was airport side customer service. Absolutely useless, could not pay with a US based credit card. When credit card payment was possible, charged exorbitant commission for credit card payment. But the product itself ie the flight, crew, food, state of planes was very, very good. I have flown on Lion Air more than 15 times.
reply
Nand0s
As a Perth based frequent flyer who often visits Asia, I find batik to be quite good as far as budget carriers. I would certainly choose them over Jetstar (unless I was flying out of somewhere I can take advantage of my Qantas membership)
Back when they used to serve food for free the barbecue chicken was fantastic. There planes can vary significantly unfortunately, most have inflight entertainment but don't provide headphones (back from their full service days I guess)
reply
As a Perth based frequent flyer who often visits Asia, I find batik to be quite good as far as budget carriers. I would certainly choose them over Jetstar (unless I was flying out of somewhere I can take advantage of my Qantas membership)
Back when they used to serve food for free the barbecue chicken was fantastic. There planes can vary significantly unfortunately, most have inflight entertainment but don't provide headphones (back from their full service days I guess)
reply
travel
You really have to try taking Indonesian airlines batik in business class, the food is very good and, has entertainment on top. by the way, the flight should be more than 2 hours haha. To get. Heavy food such as fried chicken. But if under 2 hours you will only be given 2 toast filled with jam and juice or coffee, you can choose. Or cream soup. oh yeah, the chair is 35 inch( ekonomi class ) and 41 inch for (Business class. And I think bigger
reply
You really have to try taking Indonesian airlines batik in business class, the food is very good and, has entertainment on top. by the way, the flight should be more than 2 hours haha. To get. Heavy food such as fried chicken. But if under 2 hours you will only be given 2 toast filled with jam and juice or coffee, you can choose. Or cream soup. oh yeah, the chair is 35 inch( ekonomi class ) and 41 inch for (Business class. And I think bigger
reply
Dewono
Batik Air is a standard/regular service airliner, although it's under the same group with Lion Air, its elder brother, which is the oldest LCC in Indonesia (that still alive. After Lion Air successfully rule in Indonesia sky, they wanted to broaden their strength in upper segment, so they make Batik Air. Still, the quality cannot be compared with Indonesia flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia. They are operates on much. much higher standard.
reply
Batik Air is a standard/regular service airliner, although it's under the same group with Lion Air, its elder brother, which is the oldest LCC in Indonesia (that still alive. After Lion Air successfully rule in Indonesia sky, they wanted to broaden their strength in upper segment, so they make Batik Air. Still, the quality cannot be compared with Indonesia flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia. They are operates on much. much higher standard.
reply
David
Don't find the coach seats on the Max very comfortable. Our latest trip was a daytime YHZ/LHR to avoid an overnight flight out of YYZ. WardAir started the daytime flights back in the 80s and they were operated by Canadian then Air Canada. But haven't come back yet post pandemic. Flying the MAX SAN/YYZ in a couple weeks in coach as can't take our dogs into the J class cabin because of the seats and lack of roomunder the seat.
reply
Don't find the coach seats on the Max very comfortable. Our latest trip was a daytime YHZ/LHR to avoid an overnight flight out of YYZ. WardAir started the daytime flights back in the 80s and they were operated by Canadian then Air Canada. But haven't come back yet post pandemic. Flying the MAX SAN/YYZ in a couple weeks in coach as can't take our dogs into the J class cabin because of the seats and lack of roomunder the seat.
reply
travel
The problem now is the original Batik Air from Indonesia and Malindo from Malaysia are both just called Batik Air, often with no distinction. While nothing spectacular, the proper Batik Air based in Indonesia is pretty much a full service airline, with everything included in the ticket price, personal seatback screens and a business class cabin. The Malaysian-based Batik Air is nasty, and is a low cost airline.
reply
The problem now is the original Batik Air from Indonesia and Malindo from Malaysia are both just called Batik Air, often with no distinction. While nothing spectacular, the proper Batik Air based in Indonesia is pretty much a full service airline, with everything included in the ticket price, personal seatback screens and a business class cabin. The Malaysian-based Batik Air is nasty, and is a low cost airline.
reply
Leo
I dont like the Lion group airlines but Batik would be my choice if i was to pick any one of them. On another note, OZ shouldnt allow such company with a bad rep on safety to fly into Australia. Just like the EU. Only Garuda flies into Amsterdam (Citilink, could also be included in this, Garudas low cost, not too sure. For budget carriers, id stick to Jetstar from OZ or Jetstar Asia(Singapore. My opinion
reply
I dont like the Lion group airlines but Batik would be my choice if i was to pick any one of them. On another note, OZ shouldnt allow such company with a bad rep on safety to fly into Australia. Just like the EU. Only Garuda flies into Amsterdam (Citilink, could also be included in this, Garudas low cost, not too sure. For budget carriers, id stick to Jetstar from OZ or Jetstar Asia(Singapore. My opinion
reply
BrainGuy6
I'm glad that you thought the flight was good! I flew this exact route with Batik Air in September from Brisbane to Bali. The flight overall was decent, seats were comfortable enough, tickets were expensive but inflation what can you do, I just wish I knew about no inflight entertainment ahead of time. It made for a really boring flight but I downloaded some shows for the return flight.
reply
I'm glad that you thought the flight was good! I flew this exact route with Batik Air in September from Brisbane to Bali. The flight overall was decent, seats were comfortable enough, tickets were expensive but inflation what can you do, I just wish I knew about no inflight entertainment ahead of time. It made for a really boring flight but I downloaded some shows for the return flight.
reply
prins2x
Does anyone know the cancellation rate of Batik? Thinking to take Batik on this route as it's a fair bit cheaper than Virgin. Not concerned about delays as we'll only take the direct flight but more concerned about cancellations. Had happen this before with a Taiwanese airline who cancelled 2 days before because they hadn't sold enough tickets. Anyone know if Batik does this?
reply
Does anyone know the cancellation rate of Batik? Thinking to take Batik on this route as it's a fair bit cheaper than Virgin. Not concerned about delays as we'll only take the direct flight but more concerned about cancellations. Had happen this before with a Taiwanese airline who cancelled 2 days before because they hadn't sold enough tickets. Anyone know if Batik does this?
reply
George
Ironically, Batik is not a low-cost carrier. they are lion groups answer to Garuda! But also seeing your next video, when it comes to Indonesian carriers, stick to Garuda, Citilink or Air Asia - they have management that are focused internationally so are much tighter on safety. Ive been on a lion flight where they didnt even do a safety briefing!
reply
Ironically, Batik is not a low-cost carrier. they are lion groups answer to Garuda! But also seeing your next video, when it comes to Indonesian carriers, stick to Garuda, Citilink or Air Asia - they have management that are focused internationally so are much tighter on safety. Ive been on a lion flight where they didnt even do a safety briefing!
reply
L.
First off, thank you for sharing you flight here. Secondly, I am with you on the morning coffee moments! Hahaha! I need it and if I can't get to a cup of coffee well, I am not a great person to know nor to talk with! Now, that legroom is not enough there so, were you able to at least get the Exit Row? Six hours on a 737? No, sorry! Hahaha! No no way!
reply
First off, thank you for sharing you flight here. Secondly, I am with you on the morning coffee moments! Hahaha! I need it and if I can't get to a cup of coffee well, I am not a great person to know nor to talk with! Now, that legroom is not enough there so, were you able to at least get the Exit Row? Six hours on a 737? No, sorry! Hahaha! No no way!
reply
Wolverines77
Yeah, I have had my fill of economy flying in my lifetime. You can tell just how good an airline is by their business class service just as quickly as economy. Some people just love to see people in discomfort for their own viewing pleasure. I would have given up after about 5 video's if you were always in economy.
reply
Yeah, I have had my fill of economy flying in my lifetime. You can tell just how good an airline is by their business class service just as quickly as economy. Some people just love to see people in discomfort for their own viewing pleasure. I would have given up after about 5 video's if you were always in economy.
reply
Matthew
Hey Noel. Love the videos, and the sense of humor; ) With all these flights, what status are you holding on the airlines and is it worth attempting to get to those higher levels in order to be able to upgrade etc? Keep the videos coming, especially the ones where you are crammed in cos they are funniest haha
reply
Hey Noel. Love the videos, and the sense of humor; ) With all these flights, what status are you holding on the airlines and is it worth attempting to get to those higher levels in order to be able to upgrade etc? Keep the videos coming, especially the ones where you are crammed in cos they are funniest haha
reply
Christopher
Hey Noel, I recently flew this flight and had the opposite experience. It was bloody terrible. 2 hour delay leaving Brisbane, and almost missed by two connecting domestic flight/s within Indonesia. Incredibly stressful experience and I will simply pay extra for malay/Singapore next time.
reply
Hey Noel, I recently flew this flight and had the opposite experience. It was bloody terrible. 2 hour delay leaving Brisbane, and almost missed by two connecting domestic flight/s within Indonesia. Incredibly stressful experience and I will simply pay extra for malay/Singapore next time.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
