An introduction to Lion Air

This privately run low-cost Indonesian airline uses the motto "We Make People Fly", something it has been doing since its first flight in June 2000. At that time it operated with just two Boeing 737-200 aircraft. Today it has its headquarters in the Lion Air Tower in Central Jakarta and occupies a position as the country's second largest airline and the second-largest low-cost airline in South East Asia. Lion Air or to give it its full title PT Lion Mentari Airlines operates from hubs at Jakarta, Surabaya, Batam and Makassar. It currently provides over 180 routes both domestic and international using a fleet that has grown to around 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft with the Boeing 737-900ER being the main type.

The airline has plans to massively expand this fleet in the coming years as well as opening some routes into the European market. At the moment it operates international flights to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia while its subsidiaries such as Batik Air, Malindo Air and Wings Air increase its destinations to over 90 in nine different countries throughout Asia and the Middle East.

Flying With Lion Air

The airline's cabins are mainly configured for Economy Class seating with three seats on either side of a central aisle. Where it does offer a Business Class there are just two seats either side of the aisle with a wider 38" seat. In Economy Class, drinks and food can be purchased while in Business Class the service includes a pre-departure drink as well as a meal and hot beverage.

The airline offers a membership scheme for frequent flyers known as the Lion Air Passport Club. Members earn air miles to set against ticket costs as well as having an increased baggage allowance, a priority check-in and access to a private lounge.

Practical Information

Airport check-in for domestic flights within Indonesia opens two hours before departure and closes 30 minutes before take-off. For international flights, desks open two hours and 30 minutes before scheduled flight times and close 45 minutes before departure. The airline operates with a pre-assigned seating system.

An online check-in system is available and can be accessed between 24 hours and four hours before departure with passengers needing to be at their gate at least 30 minutes before it closes. A bag drop for online check-in is available. Printed e-tickets are required for boarding the plane as the airline does not yet have a mobile check-in facility.

All passengers can board with one piece of carry-on luggage with a

• Maximum weight of 7 kg

• Maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 20 cm

In addition to carry-on luggage, handbags and laptops are also allowed in the cabin.

Free checked-in luggage allowances are

• A maximum 20 kg for both domestic and international Business Class passengers

• A maximum 15 kg for domestic Economy Class passengers

• A maximum 20 kg for international Economy Class passengers

Charges are applied at standard rates if these allowances are exceeded.