Promo Radar™
List of promotions, sales, and discounts as announced by airlines.
We are currently monitoring over 150 carriers, including Citilink.
updated November 27, 2023
What is the best time to book Citilink flights?
The best time to book international Citilink flights is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) is 4–6 months before takeoff. For Citilink domestic flights within Indonesia, making a reservation from 4 to 8 weeks in advance is recommended.
Why do prices fluctuate?
Airfare prices fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches.Airlines such as Citilink use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales. Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Citilink start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – the airline typically starts by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats.
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights with Citilink, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. It is the “Prime Booking Window” – after some seats have already been sold, the airline starts dropping prices to stimulate demand. It may also offer promotions and sales (especially for flights departing from its hub in Soekarno–Hatta International Airport CGK, Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport HLP, Juanda International Airport SUB). This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. The Indonesian airline charges higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
Select a late night or early morning (1–5 am) flight to save on airfare. Citilink often offers discounts on their first morning flight (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by Citilink for dates it expects to be popular. Avoid the high season during summer and major holidays, including holidays in the country you’re flying to.
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Why is Citilink so cheap on ATC?
Citilink can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing. Moreover, Citilink flights associated with their main Indonesian hub airport — Soekarno–Hatta International Airport CGK — are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale and streamlined operations.
Air Traveler Club has a team of experts who diligently monitor for price reductions, promotional offers (often not widely advertised), under-the-radar airline sales, and other potential savings on flights. In the case of Citilink, we particularly focus on tracking prices for flights originating from their Jakarta hub.
These valuable findings are then promptly relayed to our subscribers as exclusive SuperDeals.
Citilink reviews 2023,A.I. summary
We let the A.I. analyze thousands of Citilink reviews for an averaged, more accurate rating and opinion. Please note: this is an experimental feature.
Overall rating
| Baggage handling | ★★★☆☆ |
|---|---|
| Seat comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Food | ★★★☆☆ |
| Entertainment | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Crew | ★★★★☆ |
| Customer support | ★★★☆☆ |
Is Citilink a good airline?
Citilink has secured a 3/5 rating, positioning it as a decent airline in the eyes of passengers, chiefly due to its affordable pricing and satisfactory on-time performance.
In comparison to regional competitors, Citilink boasts a broad network within Indonesia, offering flights to an extensive array of domestic destinations. The airline’s pricing is considered competitive, particularly attractive to budget-conscious travelers seeking value. While the in-flight experience is generally described as comfortable for a low-cost carrier, the legroom and seat space are areas noted for potential improvement. Feedback often cites the limited food options and the cost of onboard purchases as common grievances.
Despite some criticisms, Citilink is frequently recognized for providing good value for money, especially for those prioritizing affordability and basic travel needs over luxury.
Strengths
- Affordable ticket prices: Citilink is frequently praised for its budget-friendly fares, making air travel more accessible to a wider audience and offering good value for cost-conscious travelers.
- Extensive domestic network: The airline’s expansive coverage across Indonesia is highlighted, providing passengers with a variety of destination options and facilitating convenient travel within the country.
- On-time performance: Passengers often commend Citilink for its punctuality, appreciating the airline’s commitment to maintaining flight schedules, which is a crucial aspect of travel plans.
Weaknesses
- Limited in-flight services: Reviews commonly point out that the in-flight services are minimal, with additional charges for snacks and beverages, reflecting the airline’s low-cost model.
- Cramped seating: The economy-only configuration leads to a tighter seat pitch, which some passengers find uncomfortable, especially on longer flights.
- Baggage fees: Customers have noted that while the fares are low, the baggage policy can be restrictive, with additional fees applied for checked luggage, potentially increasing the overall cost of travel.
Passenger's experience
Is Citilink a budget airline?
Yes, Citilink is a budget airline. Citilink is referred to as a LCC (low-cost carrier) due to its business model which is focused on offering basic air transportation services at the lowest possible cost.
The low-cost model has a few key characteristics that distinguish Citilink from traditional full-service carriers (FCC). The Indonesian airline predominantly operates short to medium-haul flights, and it adopts a high-density seating configuration in its aircraft to maximize passenger numbers and revenue per flight. Citilink also offers an “unbundled” fare structure, where the base fare usually only includes the seat and a small personal item. Additional services such as checked luggage, seat selection, extra legroom, and in-flight meals may be available but incur extra charges.
These strategies allow Citilink to keep operating costs low. The savings are then passed on to passengers in the form of lower ticket prices, hence earning it the label of a budget airline.
What can I expect when flying with Citilink?
When flying with Citilink, expect a no-frills, budget-friendly travel experience geared towards cost-conscious passengers.
The airline provides a wide array of domestic routes across Indonesia, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to reach various local destinations. Onboard, the service is basic, with limited complimentary in-flight amenities, reflecting the airline’s low-cost ethos. Seating is typically in an all-economy class configuration, which may offer less legroom than full-service carriers.
While additional services like checked baggage and in-flight meals are available, they come with extra fees. Citilink is known for its satisfactory on-time performance, ensuring that travelers reach their destinations with minimal delay.
What are the seating options?
Citilink offers an all-economy class configuration across its fleet. The seating options within this class are:
- Standard Economy Seats: These are the regular seats available on all Citilink flights, offering basic comfort.
- Preferred Seats: Located towards the front of the plane, these seats provide a bit more convenience for quick disembarkation and sometimes slightly more legroom.
- Exit Row Seats: For passengers looking for extra legroom, seats located at the emergency exit rows offer more space to stretch out.
Is Citilink economy comfortable?
Citilink’s economy class provides a comfortable and budget-friendly travel experience for passengers.
While the seat pitch and width may be slightly more compact compared to premium classes, the airline focuses on maintaining a comfortable journey for travelers. Seats are ergonomically designed with adequate legroom for short to medium-haul flights, ensuring a pleasant ride. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of in-flight services, including refreshments and entertainment options.
Citilink’s commitment to affordability doesn’t compromise on basic comfort, making it a suitable choice for travelers seeking a balance between cost-effectiveness and a pleasant flight experience.
How to get an extra legroom seat on Citilink plane?
Securing an extra legroom seat on a Citilink plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.
As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your Citilink flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.
Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.
Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.
What is the baggage allowance?
- Checked Baggage: 20 kg and 10 kg for ATR aircraft
- Cabin Baggage: One piece of carry-on luggage, max 7 kilograms, within size restrictions.
Does Citilink have Wi-Fi?
Citilink does not currently offer in-flight Wi-Fi on its flights.
Does Citilink have refundable tickets?
Yes, Citilink does offer a refund policy based on the timing of the refund request before the scheduled departure. The refund percentages vary as follows:
- Over 72 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 75 percent of the base fare.
- Between 72 hours and 48 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 50 percent of the base fare.
- Between 48 hours and 24 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 40 percent of the base fare.
- Between 24 hours and 12 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 30 percent of the base fare.
- Between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 20 percent of the base fare.
- Less than 4 hours before departure: Minimum refund of 10 percent of the base fare, or in accordance with the policies of the scheduled commercial air transport enterprise.
How do I obtain my Citilink boarding pass?
Citilink boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The Citilink boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.
How to check Citilink flight status?
Unfortunately, Citilink does not provide information about flights status on their website – you’ll need to use an external tool.
There are several online platforms where you can check the status of Citilink flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.
Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.
Citilink shortcuts
Essential links to Citilink official website.
Citilink flight booking
Search Citilink flights and book your Economy class ticket online.
Online check-in
How to check-in and receive your Citilink boarding pass?
Citilink baggage policy
Learn about checked and hand luggage regulations on Citilink flights.
Flexible tickets
Want to change your flight? Citilink flexible booking offer and policies.
Refunds and cancellations
Guidelines on returning a Citilink ticket and getting your money back.
Citilink help & support
Get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.
Why are Citilink flights so expensive in 2023?
Airfares soared in 2023. Citilink flights are more expensive now due to rising demand, limited supply, inflation, fuel prices, closed airspace, and increased operational costs.
One key factor within your control is the timing of your booking. To save money on travel, it’s wise to plan ahead – the best time to book international flights with Citilink is between 2 to 8 months before your departure date.
The primary elements that impact the cost of flights:
- Rising demand With more people traveling in the post-pandemic era, airlines have no incentive to lower prices. Instead, they capitalize on spiked demand and raise prices to make up for lost revenue during the period of 2020-2022.
- Limited supply In 2023 Citilink is still operating at reduced capacity after the pandemic. Staffing shortages of pilots, plane crew, and airport workers lead to flight cancellations and delays, affecting the supply even more. With fewer flights, the Indonesian carrier charges more for the plane tickets that are available.
- Inflation Inflation has a significant impact on flight prices, as it directly increases the cost of fuel and labor for airlines. This can be particularly true for Citilink that operates in countries with high inflation rates.
- Jet fuel costs Fuel is a significant airline cost, influenced by crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. To cope with rising fuel prices, the airline may pass it on to travelers in the form of a fuel surcharge added to the ticket price.
- Closed airspace Avoiding airspace due to war, political conflicts, extreme weather, or natural disasters make airline tickets more expensive. Citilink may be forced to take longer routes to reach the destination airport – which means higher fuel and labor costs.
- Citilink operating costs The costs of labor, aircraft maintenance, aircraft leasing or purchasing expenses, marketing, etc. significantly increased in 2023. As Citilink aims to remain profitable, it must factor in these operating costs when setting ticket prices.
- Will flight prices go down in 2023?Historical trends suggest that airfare prices will fluctuate based on the factors described above. As long as the demand for travel is up, so is airfare. After tough years the Citilink is in no position to offer discounts for passengers and will likely try to maximize profits in 2023.
Citilink price history charts
and price-drop alerts
Understanding past airfare trends for your chosen Citilink flight route can help you forecast future prices and identify ideal booking times.
Google Flights is one of the best tools that provide access to price history — it tracks airfare fluctuations, predicts price changes based on historical data, and helps to pinpoint optimal booking times. In addition to viewing price history charts, you can set up price alerts for Citilink flights via email — and catch price drops as they happen.
While the tracking tools provide valuable insights on Citilink price history, they cannot guarantee future prices. They are also usually restricted to one particular route. For regular updates on price drops and deals across various popular destinations (holiday ideas!), consider Air Traveler Club — it’s free to join.
Citilink tips
How to ensure smooth transit between Citilink connecting flights
Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.
Additionally:
- You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with Citilink. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
- When flights are booked on separate tickets, Citilink is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
- Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
- If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes. Consider purchasing “hot seats” if available on your plane — they cost extra, but it may be worth it.
- When flying domestically, try not to book the last flight out of your connecting airport. In case of a cancellation, the airline will put you on its next flight, but it will require an overnight stay and arrival a day later.
- Flights can be delayed or canceled. Have a backup plan in case you miss your connecting flight. Know your rights and the Citilink policy on missed connections.
Booking group flights with Citilink
Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with Citilink can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.
To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.
Citilink website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.
A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for Citilink and can help with logistics and scheduling.