Flying soon to Komodo? Check your baggage!
For divers, packing for Komodo can feel a little like a game of underwater Tetris. Regulators, BCD, wetsuit, fins, mask, camera, chargers, dive lights… and somehow your suitcase is already heavier than expected.
Labuan Bajo has been growing over the last few years, and more flight connections have been added. The policy regulations can vary by airline, route, ticket type, and even connecting flights, so we thought it was time for a little update, especially for divers flying to Labuan Bajo with their dive gear.
Indonesia AirAsia – Important Information for Divers
AirAsia allows sports and diving equipment, yet the rules are now much stricter and more structured than before. Here are the key points divers should know:
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg total
- Checked baggage: 15 kg included on domestic QZ flights
- Sports equipment: dive gear, including golf, surfboard, bicycle, ski/snowboard and diving gear, needs to be purchased. Any other sporting equipment not stated is accepted as part of your checked baggage allowance. (source: Air Asia)
Important: Sports baggage and regular baggage allowances cannot simply be combined.
Source: AirAsia – Indonesia Domestic QZ Checked Baggage Policy and Fees
Garuda Indonesia – A Big Change Is Coming
Garuda has traditionally been one of the more convenient options for divers, with one additional piece of diving equipment. Availability is subject to cargo space and first-come, first-served acceptance.
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Allowance depends on your ticket and fare.
- Sports equipment: Diving equipment can qualify as sports equipment, with an additional piece of up to 23 kg under the applicable conditions:
- Diving equipment must be packed separately from regular luggage
- Space for sports equipment is limited per flight
- Allocation works on a first-come, first-served basis
- Early check-in is highly recommended
Especially during busy travel periods and on flights to Komodo, the quota for dive equipment can fill up quickly.
But there is an important update coming for checked baggage:
Applicable to all tickets purchased or issued starting 1 September 2026, Garuda Indonesia will introduce the Piece Concept as the new standard for complimentary checked baggage allowance. Important: check your ticket and what does it specify for the number of bags and maximum weight per piece.
Source: Garuda Indonesia — Baggage & Sports Equipment
Batik Air – Extra Diving Allowance, but with Conditions
Batik Air is particularly interesting for divers because it has a specific additional allowance for diving equipment.
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: Standard allowance depends on your ticket & fare.
- Dive gear: 15 kg additional free allowance for diving equipment on Batik Air Indonesia (ID) flights.
There are a few conditions, though:
- Important: Declare your dive gear at check-in
- Required: Special baggage form
- Scuba tank: Must be completely empty with the valve fully open
- One important catch: the extra 15 kg does not apply when connecting onto other Lion Group flights.
Source: Batik Air — Bringing Diving Equipment
Wings Air – Check Before You Book
Wings Air is often part of regional travel around Indonesia, particularly when connecting through smaller regional Indonesian airports, so this is one divers should pay particular attention to.
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg.
- Checked baggage: No free checked baggage allowance on the applicable Wings Air economy/propeller service.
- Dive gear: Additional checked baggage needs to be purchased according to the applicable baggage conditions.
All passengers can get a more affordable price by booking prepaid baggage:
- Prepaid baggage is available to be purchased up to 6 hours before departure
- Prepaid baggage can be purchased from 5kg to 30kg.
- Regional flights can also have more limited baggage capacity.
Source: Wings Air / Lion Air Group — Prepaid Baggage
Citilink – Sports Baggage Is Separate
Citilink operates as an independent low-cost carrier subsidiary under the Garuda Indonesia Group. It connects several major hubs across Indonesia, including flights to Labuan Bajo (Komodo International Airport – LBJ), primarily offering direct routes from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport – CGK).
- Cabin baggage: 7 kg free
- Checked baggage: 15 kg free on applicable domestic flights
- Dive gear: Treated as sports equipment and subject to Citilink’s space availability.
Important: Allowance can vary depending on aircraft and route, so check your booking before flying.
Source: Citilink — Baggage Information
One Last Tip Before You Fly
Airline policies can change, and the rules can depend on your ticket, route, aircraft, and connecting flights.
So before flying to Komodo:
✔ Check your exact baggage allowance on your ticket
✔ Weigh your dive bag before leaving home
✔ Pre-book extra baggage whenever possible. Remember, rates are higher at the airport!
✔ Declare diving equipment at check-in when required
✔ Keep cameras, laptops and spare lithium batteries in your cabin baggage
✔ Allow extra time at the airport if you’re travelling with bulky equipment
A few minutes of preparation can save you a lot of stress and unexpected airport fees.
After all, save your budget for some incredible dives in Komodo because diving in Komodo is worth every penny.
Safe travels, pack smart, and we’ll see you underwater!
Your Wet Frog Divers Team