About Lion Air
Lion Air is Indonesia's largest private airline, operating under IATA code JT and ICAO code LNI. Headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, the airline was founded in October 1999 by brothers Rusdi and Kusnan Kirana and commenced operations on 30 June 2000. Lion Air is part of the Lion Air Group, which also includes subsidiaries such as Wings Air, Batik Air, Batik Air Malaysia (formerly Malindo Air), and Thai Lion Air. The airline operates an extensive network of domestic and international scheduled passenger services, connecting cities across the Indonesian archipelago and throughout Southeast Asia.
As a low-cost carrier, Lion Air focuses on providing affordable air travel while maintaining a generous baggage policy and complimentary services that set it apart from many budget airlines. The airline's primary hub is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Tangerang, near Jakarta, which serves as the gateway for its vast domestic and international route network spanning over 100 destinations.
Airline Overview and History
Lion Air has grown from a small domestic carrier into one of Southeast Asia's most prominent airlines. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- October 1999 — Founded by Rusdi and Kusnan Kirana in Jakarta, Indonesia
- 30 June 2000 — Commenced scheduled passenger operations with flights from Jakarta to Denpasar and Pontianak using a leased Boeing 737-200
- 2003 — Established Wings Air as a regional subsidiary operating on lower-density routes
- 2005 — Became the first private airline in Indonesia to operate the Boeing 737-900ER
- 2011 — Placed a record-breaking order for 230 Boeing 737 aircraft valued at USD 21.7 billion, the largest single order Boeing had received at the time, witnessed by US President Barack Obama
- 2012 — Launched Malindo Air (now Batik Air Malaysia) as a joint venture in Malaysia
- 2013 — Established Thai Lion Air in Thailand and launched Batik Air as a full-service subsidiary in Indonesia
- 2015 — Achieved a 41.6% domestic market share, making it the largest airline in Indonesia by passenger numbers
- 2016 — The European Union lifted its ban on Lion Air flying into European airspace, recognising improvements in safety standards
- 2017 — Signed an order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft valued at USD 6.24 billion
- 2018 — Attained a positive safety rating following an ICAO audit
- 2025 — Deployed Airbus A330 fleet for Hajj charter operations and continued international expansion across Southeast Asia
Lion Air's primary hub is Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Tangerang, near Jakarta. The airport is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia and serves as the central connecting point for Lion Air's domestic and international network. The airline also operates significant hubs at Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali. Lion Air's mission is to provide affordable, reliable, and accessible air travel for all Indonesians and regional travellers, connecting communities across the world's largest archipelago nation.
Fleet and Aircraft
Lion Air operates one of the largest fleets among Indonesian carriers, comprising over 100 aircraft across both narrow-body and wide-body types. The fleet includes the following variants:
- Boeing 737-800 — Workhorse of the fleet for short to medium-haul domestic and international routes, seating approximately 189 passengers in an all-economy configuration
- Boeing 737-900ER — The backbone of Lion Air's operations with over 60 aircraft in service, seating up to 215 passengers. Lion Air was the first airline in Asia to operate this extended-range variant
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 — Next-generation narrow-body aircraft offering improved fuel efficiency and range, deployed on key domestic and regional routes
- Boeing 737 MAX 9 — Larger variant of the MAX family providing additional capacity on high-demand routes
- Airbus A330-300 — Wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international routes, Hajj and Umrah charter flights, with a two-class configuration featuring both Business and Economy cabins
- Airbus A330-900neo — Latest-generation wide-body aircraft offering enhanced range, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort for long-haul services
Lion Air maintains its fleet in accordance with stringent safety and maintenance standards set by the Indonesian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and international aviation regulatory bodies. The airline's investment in modern aircraft types reflects its commitment to operational efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental responsibility through reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Top Flight Routes
Lion Air operates an extensive route network covering domestic Indonesian destinations and international routes across Southeast Asia. For Malaysian travellers, Lion Air provides direct and connecting flights to popular Indonesian cities. Key routes accessible from Malaysia include:
- Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta — Connecting Malaysia's capital to Indonesia's bustling metropolis, ideal for business and leisure travellers. Flight time is approximately 2 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Bali (Denpasar) — One of the most popular leisure routes from Malaysia to the Island of the Gods, with a flight time of approximately 3.5 hours
- Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya — Gateway to East Java's cultural attractions including Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater, approximately 2.5 hours by air
- Kuala Lumpur to Medan — Popular route connecting to North Sumatra and the gateway to Lake Toba, with a flight duration of around 1.5 hours
Beyond these direct routes, Lion Air's extensive domestic Indonesian network allows Malaysian travellers to connect seamlessly to dozens of destinations within Indonesia. Popular domestic connections through Jakarta or Surabaya include flights to Yogyakarta, Makassar, Balikpapan, Manado, Lombok, and many more. With frequent daily services on major trunk routes, Lion Air makes it easy to plan multi-city itineraries across the Indonesian archipelago.
Travellers departing from other Malaysian cities can also explore these popular routes on Traveloka for connecting options:
Check the latest available routes and schedules directly on Traveloka, where real-time flight availability and pricing are displayed for all operational routes.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding Lion Air's baggage rules before you fly helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected charges at the airport. Below is a summary of the current baggage policy.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 7 kg per passenger
- Maximum dimensions: 40 x 30 x 20 cm
- Additional carry-on: One personal item is permitted, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack
Items exceeding the permitted cabin baggage weight or dimensions may need to be checked in at the gate, subject to additional fees.
Checked Baggage
- Free allowance: 10 kg per passenger on domestic and international flights (for tickets purchased or rescheduled from 17 July 2025 onwards). Passengers who purchased tickets before this date may still receive the previous allowance of 15 kg or 20 kg depending on the route
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg — luggage exceeding 32 kg must be split into separate pieces
- Prepaid extra baggage: Additional checked baggage can be purchased in increments starting from 5 kg during the booking process on Traveloka at more affordable rates than at the airport counter
Excess Baggage Fees
Excess baggage fees vary by route. Prepaid baggage purchased during booking is significantly cheaper than paying at the airport. For example, prepaid baggage on the Jakarta to Denpasar route starts from approximately IDR 199,000 for 10 kg. Purchasing extra baggage online through Traveloka at the time of booking is the most cost-effective option.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Lion Air follows international aviation security regulations regarding prohibited and restricted items:
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, compressed gases, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only and are not permitted in checked luggage
- Liquids, aerosols, and gels in cabin baggage must comply with the 100 ml per container rule, placed in a single transparent resealable bag
- Oversized or special items such as sports equipment, surfboards, musical instruments, and bicycles require advance notification and may incur additional handling fees
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all departure airports served by Lion Air. Recommended arrival times are:
- Domestic flights: Check-in counter opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure
- International flights: Check-in counter opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure
Airport counter agents will verify your identification documents, issue your boarding pass, tag and accept your checked baggage, and direct you to the appropriate departure gate. Arriving early is strongly recommended during peak travel periods such as Lebaran, Christmas, school holidays, and long weekends, when airports can be extremely busy.
Online Check-in
Lion Air offers online check-in through its official website and mobile app. The web check-in window opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure time and closes 45 minutes before departure. After completing online check-in, passengers can download or print their boarding pass. Passengers with checked baggage can proceed directly to the baggage drop counter at the airport, while those travelling with cabin baggage only can head straight to security screening and the departure gate, saving valuable time.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Economy Class is available on all Lion Air flights and represents the majority of the airline's seating configuration. Features include:
- Standard seat pitch of approximately 29 to 31 inches across the Boeing 737 fleet
- Window, middle, and aisle seating in a 3-3 configuration
- Seat selection available during booking on Traveloka or at online check-in, subject to availability
- Overhead bin storage and under-seat personal item space
Business Class
Business Class is available on select Lion Air flights, particularly on the Airbus A330 wide-body fleet and certain Boeing 737-900ER routes. Business Class features include:
- Leather seats with a generous 38-inch seat pitch, offering approximately 9 extra inches of legroom compared to Economy Class
- Pre-departure beverage service
- Full meal service with Indonesian and international cuisine options
- Priority boarding and disembarkation
- Enhanced checked baggage allowance
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Lion Air provides complimentary meals on many of its flights, though the service level varies by route and cabin class. On longer domestic and international routes, passengers typically receive a hot meal with a choice of Indonesian favourites such as nasi kuning, nasi lemak, or chicken rice, accompanied by a snack and beverage. On shorter domestic sectors, a lighter snack or buy-on-board service may be offered. Passengers with dietary requirements including halal, vegetarian, or allergy-related needs are encouraged to contact the airline at the time of booking to make special arrangements.
In-Flight Entertainment
In-flight entertainment availability varies across the fleet. On newer aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A330, passengers may have access to streaming content via personal devices. Passengers are advised to download movies, music, or reading material to their personal devices before departure to ensure entertainment throughout the flight.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult aged 18 years or older, require their own seat and ticket. Child fares may be available on certain routes
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel seated on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare. Each adult passenger may only be accompanied by one infant
- Required documents: Valid birth certificate or passport for all child and infant passengers
- Strollers and car seats can be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Pregnant Passengers
- Up to 28 weeks: Travel is permitted without a medical certificate. The passenger must sign a Release and Indemnity Form
- 28 to 35 weeks (single pregnancy): A medical certificate from a doctor is required, confirming fitness to fly
- 28 to 32 weeks (multiple pregnancy): A medical certificate is required for passengers carrying twins or multiples
- 35 weeks and above (single) or 32 weeks and above (multiple): Travel is not permitted
Pregnant passengers must advise Lion Air of the stage of their pregnancy and present prenatal care documentation at the point of booking and again at check-in.
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Lion Air provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs. Available services include:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding, during transit, and at disembarkation
- Priority seating arrangements near exits or lavatories as appropriate
- Assistance from trained cabin crew throughout the flight
- Acceptance of portable medical equipment on board with prior arrangement
Passengers requiring special assistance should contact Lion Air's Contact Centre or notify Traveloka at least 48 hours before departure to ensure arrangements are in place.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 5 to 12 years: Eligible for the unaccompanied minor (UM) service, where Lion Air ground staff and cabin crew provide supervision from check-in through to arrival
- Young passengers aged 12 to 16 years: May travel as Young Passengers Travelling Alone (YPTA) with simplified supervision arrangements
Parents or guardians must complete the required documentation and ensure a designated responsible adult is available at both the departure and arrival airports. Contact the airline directly to confirm eligibility, available routes, and fees for the unaccompanied minor service.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Lion Air flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the Lion Air booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new flight date and time
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
- Receive your updated e-ticket confirmation via email and the Traveloka app
Flexible fare types typically allow rescheduling with lower or waived fees, while promotional and basic fares may carry stricter conditions and higher change fees. It is always more convenient to manage rescheduling through the Traveloka platform rather than contacting the airline directly.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on the fare type purchased:
- Fully refundable fares: Cancel and receive a full refund to the original payment method
- Partially refundable fares: Cancellation fee deducted from the refund amount
- Non-refundable promotional fares: May be converted into travel credit or vouchers for future Lion Air bookings
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on the Traveloka app or website and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method and fare rules. For airline-initiated cancellations, passengers are generally entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight at no additional cost.
Why Book Lion Air Flights on Traveloka
Booking Lion Air flights through Traveloka offers Malaysian travellers a range of benefits:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares on Lion Air flights, often with prices not available on other platforms
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter Lion Air flights alongside other airlines by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops to find the best option
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit and debit cards, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or convenient instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your Lion Air booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app, ready for check-in
- Add-on services — Purchase extra baggage, select your preferred seat, and add travel insurance during the booking process
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available around the clock for any booking issues, changes, or travel queries
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points on every booking, enjoy cashback promotions, and access member-exclusive deals
- Seamless rescheduling — Manage changes, cancellations, and refund requests directly from the Traveloka app without needing to contact the airline
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to secure the best fares on Lion Air flights when booking through Traveloka:
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase as the departure date approaches. Booking at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance typically yields the best fares
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar feature to compare Lion Air ticket prices across different travel dates and find the cheapest days to fly
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer significantly lower fares compared to weekend departures
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature on your preferred Lion Air route to get notified instantly when fares drop
- Check promotions regularly — Visit Traveloka's promo page frequently for flash sales, exclusive promo codes, and limited-time discounts on Lion Air tickets
- Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid school holidays, Lebaran, Christmas, and long weekends when demand and prices are highest
- Bundle your trip — Book Lion Air flights together with hotel accommodation on Traveloka for additional bundle savings
- Choose basic fares — If travelling light, select Lion Air's most basic fare option and skip paid add-ons to keep costs down
- Compare nearby airports — Check whether alternative departure airports or routing options via connecting cities offer cheaper fares
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Lion Air flight tickets on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app on your smartphone and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g., Jakarta, Bali, or Surabaya), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers and preferred cabin class
- Tap the search button to view all available Lion Air flights along with other airline options for your route
- Sort results by price, departure time, flight duration, or number of stops, and use filters to narrow down to Lion Air flights specifically
- Select your preferred Lion Air flight and review the fare details, baggage inclusions, and schedule
- Enter passenger details for all travellers — full name as shown on your passport or ID, date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as extra checked baggage, preferred seat selection, or travel insurance for added peace of mind
- Review your complete booking summary including the total fare, taxes, surcharges, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit or debit card, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan — and complete the transaction
- Receive your Lion Air e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app, ready for online check-in or presentation at the airport counter
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport, and you are all set to fly with Lion Air to your destination.