No Airport Ticket Sales

Last updated: February 15, 2015

Ticket sales at Indonesian airports to be banned, eventually.

Angkasa Pura 2 has announced plans to stop airlines selling tickets at several airports.

To some, this might seem absurd, but there is a reason. CEO of Angkasa Pura 2, Budi Karya Sumadi (right), says the purpose is:

so that the atmosphere at the airport more organized, comfortable, safe, and gives satisfaction to the consumer. It also eliminates unauthorized parties at airports and eliminates the practice of ticket touting.

This is similar to a policy introduced last year at train stations, where tickets can only be sold for trains departing that day. Again, the reason given was to stop ticket scalpers (known locally as calo).

These policies are fine for local residents, but not so good for foreign visitors. Indonesian domestic airline websites often only accept credit cards issued by Indonesian banks. Some enterprising locals might set up makeshift travel agencies near the airport and include free “airport transfers”.

However, like with e.g. airport tax being included in ticket prices, these things in Indonesia are often postponed or quietly shelved.

The original schedule – today at Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta Airport; 1 March at Medan Airport; other airports to follow in April and May – was postponed up to three months on 4 February.

In the meantime, foreign visitors to Indonesia are encouraged to avoid the problem entirely by booking their flight and train tickets in advance.

7 Comments on “No Airport Ticket Sales”

1. Chris says:

   February 16, 2015 at 5:18 am

   One more thought: How can smaller airlines sell tickets if their only office is at the airport?

2. Chris says:

   March 2, 2015 at 6:22 am

   UPDATE – 1 MARCH 2015
   The ban on selling tickets started today at Jakarta Airport and Medan Airport.

3. Chris says:

   March 16, 2015 at 11:15 am

   UPDATE – 15 MARCH 2015

   The ban on selling tickets started today at Surabaya Airport and Semarang Airport.

4. Brano says:

   March 16, 2015 at 12:28 pm

   do you know they way, how we can show our “NO” ? I mean, I am going to Indonesia often, there are many other tourist who are going to Indonesia. One of the most important part is book airline ticket. How I can book couple of thousand diving trip, when I am not sure, if I get there ? Is there some change.org petition or website, where I can write my opinion ?

5. Chris says:

   March 17, 2015 at 5:23 am

   Hi Brano,

   You can be sure of getting flight tickets by booking before you arrive in Jakarta. It is easier, less stressful and probably cheaper too. Just send an enquiry.

   I am not aware of any change.org petition. Ignasius Jonan’s Twitter page hasn’t been used for years.

6. Sarah Mossop says:

   September 26, 2015 at 4:21 pm

   Hi, I’ve been trying to book flights for January 2016 on Lion Air between Bali and Lombok to no avail. Clearly they aren’t accepting my credit cards. How do I go about booking flights before I arrive…you obviously can’t even do it at the airport! I’ve got 4 days in Bali before I leave for Lombok. Would be so grateful for any assistance! Many thanks in advance!

7. Chris says:

   September 27, 2015 at 10:32 am

   Hi Sarah,

   Most Indonesian airline website only accept local credit cards. No, I don’t know why.

   We can accept all credit cards, via Paypal.

   If you would like a quote, please send an enquiry. The form asks some small but important questions.