Garuda Indonesia’s new baggage policy continues to spark debate. While it’s made packing simpler for some, it’s forced others to weigh their suitcases far more carefully than before.
detikTravel spoke with several passengers at Terminal 3 Gate 5, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to get a real sense of how the new rules are actually landing with travelers. For many, the new policy hasn’t been particularly difficult to follow.
A Quick Refresher on What Changed
Garuda Indonesia officially implemented a piece-based system for checked baggage on tickets purchased or issued from September 1, 2026 onward. On domestic flights, if a ticket allocates one suitcase with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms, passengers can no longer split or combine that weight allowance across multiple bags.
This shift has changed the way passengers need to think about packing. Travelers now need to pay closer attention to both their total baggage weight and the number of suitcases against the stated weight limit.
“We Just Follow the Rules”
One passenger interviewed at the gate responded to the policy as a non-issue, noting that passengers generally need to follow whatever rules the airline they’re flying with sets.
“Everything has its pros and cons. But as passengers, we just go along with it, right? Regardless, if that’s the rule, we’ll follow it. When we travel, we already plan ahead, like weighing our bags beforehand to check if it’s really 23 kg or not,” the passenger said.
A More Familiar System for International Flyers
Another passenger, Najla, actually sees the change as bringing Garuda’s baggage rules more in line with international flights she’s used to.
“It feels more standardized, since a lot of international flights already use this same kind of rule. When I travel, I usually don’t bring that much luggage anyway. So having it calculated by number of bags or kilos isn’t really an issue for me, it actually feels more convenient now,” Najla explained to detikTravel.
As Long as You Pack Smart, It’s Fine
Agus Iswadi shared a similar sentiment, viewing the per-suitcase restriction as manageable as long as belongings are packed thoughtfully.
“Honestly, from my perspective, it’s not a problem, because the rule is based on a per-luggage basis, right? It’s really not an issue, maybe Garuda Indonesia is doing this to keep things simple, so items don’t take up unnecessary space,” Agus said.
According to Agus, a system based on number of suitcases can also make packing more straightforward overall. That said, he acknowledged the new rule could feel different for passengers carrying more items, such as souvenirs or gifts from their trip.
“It’s Actually More Practical for Me”
Lilly said the new baggage policy actually feels more practical for her personally. Since she’s used to traveling with one large bag, the restriction hasn’t disrupted her flights at all. “In my opinion, it’s become more streamlined, which is better. Because I usually bring one big bag, so this actually makes things a lot easier for me,” Lilly said.
23 Kilograms Is Enough
Riadi also weighed in on Garuda’s new baggage policy, saying the 23-kilogram single-bag allowance for domestic flights is still sufficient for his travel needs.
“If the rule is 23 kg for one suitcase, that’s not a problem for me. One suitcase is enough, all my stuff fits within that maximum weight, so it’s plenty,” Riadi said.
The Takeaway: Experiences Vary Depending on How You Pack
Passenger responses show that experiences with the new baggage rule vary significantly. For travelers used to flying with minimal luggage, the policy feels genuinely convenient. Meanwhile, passengers carrying more belongings need to be more deliberate about how they organize their bags before departure.
The most noticeable shift isn’t just the maximum weight allowed, it’s how passengers now need to prepare before flying. Checking your baggage allowance on your e-ticket and weighing your suitcase before heading to the airport has become a small but important step toward a smoother, less stressful trip.
