A while ago, Airlineratings wrote an article stating why they wouldn’t choose TransNusa for flights to Bali. However, I wanted to prove this wrong, and Airlineratings were happy for me to do so. Here is why I would choose TransNusa to fly to Bali time and time again.

TransNusa has filled a niche in the market in that it is the only premium service airline available on the Perth–Bali (Denpasar) route. Previously, Garuda Indonesia held that spot; however, they ceased flying to Perth in July 2021, so until now the route has been a hotly contested low-cost carrier mecca.

With a flight time of just over 3½ hours from Perth to Bali, it’s often a more appealing and cheaper option than flying to other destinations within Australia or even just a trip over to Rottnest.

There is without doubt a happy buzz on this flight returning to Perth. It’s normally only the excitement of a flight heading towards the holiday island that has this feeling of contentment. That has to have something to do with the aircraft comfort and friendliness of the flight crew.

The seat configuration for the TransNusa A320 allows for just over 76 cm of legroom (30 inches) in the standard seats; however, extra legroom seats are available for an extra fee. To put this into comparison, low-cost carrier competitors on the same route offer 1–2 inches less legroom, so this is definitely the most generous offer on the Perth–Bali route.

Numbers aside, how did this size of seat feel? For a fair sized Aussie bloke on a relatively short flight it was enough to relax and enjoy one of the great western or Asian food menu options and then rest with the assistance of the best airline pillow I’ve ever had. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I flew to an Asian destination and was provided with a pillow.

In terms of food, this was also a highlight and I could hear conversations the length of the plane from travellers who are amazed at the comfort of the seats and quality of the food. I see at least two couples taste test each others garlic honey fish and creamy dill fish. The airline provides free water for the flight as well as snacks

Interestingly, the airline has chosen not to serve alcohol on flights. This may explain the family vibe and buzz throughout the aeroplane. For those who need a drink on a flight this may be enough of a reason to find another airline. For those that don’t need a drink this may be reason enough to fly TransNusa.

It’s also lovely to watch the attention the flight crew give to the children who are experiencing international air travel. Hands are held as children are walked up and down the aisle to get some exercise and a minute of respite for the parents. When my children were young, the choice of airline we flew with was often determined by how much the kids enjoyed attention from the flight crew.

My flight has a few of the usual Bali travellers, like families taking small international footsteps with kids returning home with braided hair, and maybe less than some of the usual Bali travellers, like those returning home with a hangover and still to be noticed new tattoo, perhaps this is to do with the on board alcohol policy.

From 1 July 2026, TransNusa is boosting their Perth–Bali services from 17 to 21 flights per week. Whilst the the frequency of TransNusa flights is going to steadily increase so too are the options for passengers to pay for those little things that can mean a lot, like priority boarding.

On a personal and local note, the colours of TransNusa will appeal to West Coast Eagles fans but not to me. It’s bright, which I love, but blue and gold livery along the aircraft on the outside and blue and gold seats make me feel I’m sitting in the Eagles members only section at Optus Stadium. If only the colours were a purple haze!

In the skies above Bali to Australia, affordability and amenities are key. With increased options for boarding and seating, vibrant and tasty meals and staff that are attentive and supportive, this is an airline I’d support for all ages travelling to the best island in the world.

Being a small airline with a track record for safety and customer service rated highly across Indonesia, I will refer to a line from a better writer than I will ever be, “Though she be but little she is fierce”. This is a little airline that deserves to be respected.

Fact Box

TransNusa is an Indonesian airline, first launched in 2005 and relaunched in 2022 as a premium service airline.

The airline carries a 6/7 star safety rating on Airlineratings.com

Services from Perth to Bali commenced in 2025.

Standard fares come with with a 7kg carry on luggage allowance.

At the time of publication TransNusa operates a fleet of 12 aircraft (A320, A321 and COMAC ARJ21) with an average fleet age of 12 years

For the latest in Bali entry requirements and travel advice always check Smart Traveller at www.smartraveller.com.au