Experiencing Slow International Departures at Yogyakarta Airport: Tips and Insights

[Train Ticket] Secure your train tickets from the city center to Yogyakarta International Airport via the KA Bandara app. For the budget-conscious, the 20k IDR tickets are a steal, but they require some advance planning. The early bird catches the worm, and in this case, it’s the 6:30 AM golden hour tickets, which often sell out lightning-fast.

[Raise Hand] At 7:00 AM, you can breeze through check-in with no queues in sight. From stepping off the train at the airport to settling into your airplane seat, the entire process took just an hour. For international flights, it’s wise to arrive three hours ahead of your departure time to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

The waiting room opens its doors an hour before your flight, and you’ll find a long line forming quickly, as there’s only one counter manned by a single staff member. This dedicated individual checks each passenger’s seat manually, marking them off on a seating chart with a pen.

Next, you’ll face another queue for security, where there’s just one machine. Remember, water bottles aren’t allowed past this point, and if your cosmetics might exceed the size restrictions, they’ll be inspected on the spot.

Continuing your journey, you’ll encounter three counters for exit formalities. Indonesian travelers may be asked a few questions, but foreigners generally get a swift pass after a quick name confirmation.

Finally, you’ll join the last queue for boarding, with just one gate. When I boarded, there were only ten minutes to spare until takeoff—a true testament to the relaxed, quintessentially Indonesian approach to timing.

[Shopping Cart] The vibrant artistic spirit of Yogyakarta is evident even at the airport. As you enter, you might be greeted by live music and singing, and inside, an art gallery showcases local paintings. There are also clothing stores and souvenir shops where you can pick up unique items without breaking the bank, as prices are quite reasonable compared to those in the city.

[Airplane] For my Scoot flight, I checked in online beforehand, securing a 10KG hand luggage allowance. Thankfully, no one insisted on weighing my bag, allowing me to board smoothly and hassle-free.