Do you think Juanda Airport is in Surabaya? Think again! While it’s the main gateway to East Java’s capital, Juanda International Airport is actually located in the neighboring regency of Sidoarjo. Even though it’s commonly associated with Surabaya, now you know its true location.
Okay, let me tell you why I ended up choosing Juanda Airport. Even though from my house it’s actually closer to Yogyakarta International Airport, or even Soekarno-Hatta International Airport where many of my relatives live in Jakarta. But my main reason was that this was my VERY FIRST flight ever. So my first time getting on a plane wasn’t just between cities or even between islands, it was INTERNATIONAL.
It just so happened that a friend of mine was going back to Vietnam and had a 2-day transit in Malaysia. So at that time, I immediately contacted him, and we departed together from Juanda Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Heading to Surabaya
Because I’m from Central Java and decided to take a flight from Juanda Airport, I had to leave one day before departure to avoid being late. I booked my plane ticket about a week in advance, flying from Juanda Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport through the Traveloka app. The ticket cost IDR 1,856,334 with AirAsia Indonesia, and it already included baggage.
The journey started from Sumpiuh Station to Wonokromo using the Logawa train, with a ticket price of IDR 260,000 for Premium Economy class. The travel time was about 6 hours and 23 minutes. After arriving in Wonokromo, I continued by taking an online taxi to the accommodation. I’m not sharing the place I stayed at because it was a total flop.
Boarding Process
The next morning, I headed straight to Juanda International Airport, specifically Terminal 2 for international departures. If this is your first time flying, here’s a helpful tip: try to book a morning or afternoon flight and avoid peak rainy hours. This can help minimize the chances of experiencing frequent turbulence, making your journey more comfortable.
Step-by-Step Boarding Process at Juanda Airport
Traveling internationally involves several important steps, especially if you’re flying alone. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth departure process.
- Check-In Counter Process
Upon entering the check-in area, you will be asked to confirm your airline. After that, proceed to the designated counter to complete your check-in and drop off your baggage.
The check-in process usually takes place on the ground floor at your airline’s counter. Here, your ticket will be verified, your boarding pass printed, and your checked baggage processed. Make sure you have all required documents ready, including your booking confirmation, ID card, and passport.
Airline staff may also ask several security-related questions, such as:
“Are you carrying aerosol products in your luggage?”
“Do you have liquids exceeding 100 ml?”
“Are you bringing items with high-capacity batteries?”
These questions are standard, so don’t worry, but it’s always good to double-check your luggage beforehand.
- Immigration and Security Check
After check-in, head upstairs to the immigration area. You’ll first go through passport verification with an officer, then proceed to the X-ray screening area.
At this stage, you’ll need to place all metal items and electronics into a tray or box provided. This includes jackets, cabin bags, laptops, belts, and other personal items. This helps ensure a smooth process when passing through the metal detector.
If you’re carrying a water bottle, you’ll be asked to empty it before screening. Disposal stations are conveniently available in this area.
- Boarding Gate and Waiting Lounge
Once you’ve passed baggage and immigration checks, you’ll enter the boarding lounge. Make sure to locate your departure gate in advance so you don’t miss any announcements.
If you have time before boarding, you can relax or take advantage of the available facilities. For Muslim travelers, a prayer room (mushola) is available in the waiting area, making it easy to perform prayers before your flight.
When your gate opens, proceed to queue for boarding. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready for inspection. Once inside the aircraft, find your seat according to the number printed on your ticket and get ready for departure.
Final Tips for a Smooth International Flight
Planning ahead, arriving early, and understanding airport procedures can make your travel experience much more enjoyable, especially for first-time flyers. Juanda International Airport offers a well-organized departure process, so as long as you follow each step, your journey should go smoothly.
In addition, before boarding the plane, we are also required to weigh our carry-on luggage that will be taken into the cabin. If it exceeds the allowed limit, it must be reduced to comply with the applicable rules and regulations. So, what do you think, will taking an international flight via Juanda Airport be your choice in the future?
You can check out the documentation by clicking the button below.
