Illini_Fan

Jaimito Cartero

DeepUnderground

Garuda always, but I always need dependable versus cheap.

dvs7310

That Garuda flight only gives you an hour and change to get checked in for the BR flight, it's not safe. Baggage may take a while to collect at DPS (though there is at least some possibility that GA would through check them to BR, you won't get that on an LCC for certain). Considering the very limited schedule MOF-DPS, I'd go the day before unless your BR ticket is flexible and you want to roll the dice.

Sam Bee

Trouble is that the Garuda flight is only twice a week. If the Wings Air is daily, i'd probably get that, the day before.

I wouldn't be confident with either same day option. If it had to be same day, i'd probably still go Wings as not enough time built in for the Garuda connection - i'd say it's got a slightly higher chance of getting you on your flight on time.

And when I said 'i'd probably go Wings', I actually wouldn't. Ever.

Nam Air also offers the route - you can book / check schedule on Sriwijaya's website.

Illini_Fan

I should have been clear - day before isn't an option. Dive boat gets back into MOF harbor early morning on the Saturday in question. hindsight it might have been bad to book the long-haul award ticket, but I did already. Am I running so much risk that I need to spend time/effort trying to change the long-haul award ticket?

plunet

IfIyou can't travel the day before, perhaps buy both?

Intend to travel on Wings, but get a fully flex refundable on GA.
If Wings let you down you have a plan B with a tight connection. If they turn up and fly on-time then refund the GA flight.

Illini_Fan

I booked a GA flight -- not fully refundable, but close (<10% penalty if cancelled before the flight).

thanks for the input from everyone.

dvs7310

Who is your long haul ticket booked through? If it's United then you can change it last minute, but there's a small penalty attached if you're not Premier Plat / 1K / GS. Not sure of all other *A programs, but most I would imagine let you make changes right up until check-in cutoff. (I know NH is an exception to this). Of course award availability has to be there when you rebook, but unless it's a major holiday period, from Asia to North America this isn't a problem if you're flexible with carrier.

Sam Bee

You're a diver right? In which case you'll have lots of checked baggage I assume?

Buy the Wings Air option as well and aim to be on that. All my Wings flights before midday have tended to be on time, creeping delays, especially in the afternoon after lots of sectors can cause issues, l but i'd be more confident in that.

Wings even have a flight connection via Labuan Bajo before their Bali flight, almost like a back up - back up that you could possibly jump on if the direct Bali flight is delayed.

IW1821 MOF DPS 0835 1025

IW1960 MOF LBJ 0745 0840
IW1889 LBJ DPS 0935 1055

If you have checked luggage and rely on Garuda as your only option to get to Bali, in my opinion, that is the worst of all the options. Sure have it as a back up, but you've got the highest chance of missing your connection. Only takes one rainstorm, one delayed departure, and their regional services can quickly develop a 1 hour delay.

Illini_Fan

Long -haul is award ticket in J on EVA Air. I checked AwardNexus yesterday for any award availability (regardless of carrier) from DPS to US West Cost and there was one option via Thai and Asiana (DPS-BKK-ICN-LAX)

Illini_Fan

I have the early Wings air flight already, but was getting nervous given some of the comments about Wings' relability. I did notice the LBJ connection, but wasn't sure if two Wings air segments was better or worse than have the GA flight as my secondary.

On a separate note - does anyone know if Wings enforces this specific rule in their ticket:
"...If paid by credit card please note that the credit card used must be presented by the card holder for verification at check-in or you may be denied boarding..." The card I used to book the flight is now closed, will that cause a problem?

Jaimito Cartero

Illini_Fan

via OTA on the booking - company called Tiket2.

If I had the old card, I would do that, but it was closed and destroyed and I never even thought about it until last week when I read the ticket confirmation. However good news that at least there is one data point saying it might just be boilerplate and not actually used. I know Qatar does enforce a similar rule but only if booked within 24-48 hours of departure.

Sam Bee

Airlines don't normally have the details if you have booked through an OTA/TA, so it won't be a problem. I've never been asked for any Indo flight, even when booked direct.

The 2 flight comment was not a recommendation - just a case that it's worth getting to Maumere Apt a few minutes earlier as if the direct flight is cancelled they may route you on the indirect via LBJ!

I'm sure all will be fine, and you'll arrive early enough into Bali to cancel your Garuda flight and wonder around being bored before your EVA Air flight!