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Lion Air

Indonesia's largest low-cost airline

  • IndonesiaCountry
  • JTIATA Code
  • LNIICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Low-CostAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Lion Air

Lion Air is Indonesia’s largest low-cost airline, flying from Jakarta to cities and islands across Indonesia and to a few regional destinations. Passengers can bring a 7 kg cabin bag, and checked baggage depends on the fare. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Jakarta, island-hopping and how it compares with Batik Air and Garuda Indonesia.

Founded in 1999, the airline grew into the Lion Group, one of Asia’s largest airline groups. It flies Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s, and its sister airline Wings Air flies turboprops to smaller airports.

Lion Air flights to Jakarta
Photo: Rafli Raihan / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Lion Air

Lion Air follows the ICAO power bank rules in force worldwide since 27 March 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Up to 100 Wh is allowed without approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline.
  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger, kept within reach; no charging them, or devices from them, during the flight.

Check-In at Jakarta

Lion Air flies from Terminal 1 at Soekarno-Hatta for most domestic flights, so check your ticket. Counters close 45 minutes before departure, and the airport is busy, so arrive at least two hours early.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Island-Hopping in Indonesia

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands:

  • Bali, Lombok and Labuan Bajo (for Komodo) are popular holiday destinations.
  • Flights save days of ferry travel between islands.
  • Book early for Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran), when millions travel home.

How to Find Cheap Lion Air Flights

Cheap Lion Air flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare fares with and without bags.
  • Avoid Lebaran and Christmas peaks.
  • Book a few weeks ahead for domestic flights.
  • Check Batik Air for full-service fares on the same routes.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia and others.

Lion Air vs Batik Air vs Garuda Indonesia

Three Indonesian airlines on domestic routes.

Lion AirBatik AirGaruda Indonesia
TypeLow-costFull-serviceFull-service
GroupLion GroupLion GroupState-owned
Cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
MealsPaidIncludedIncluded

See our Batik Air guide and Garuda Indonesia guide to compare.

Arriving in Jakarta

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is about 20 km west of central Jakarta. The airport train, Damri buses, taxis and Grab link it with the city, and traffic can be heavy.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Lion Air a Good Airline?

It offers the most domestic routes in Indonesia at low fares, though delays are common and service is basic.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against a 2026 Lion Air baggage summary. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it leads the Lion Group.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It leads the Lion Group, which also includes Batik Air, Wings Air and sister airlines in Thailand and Malaysia.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) is the main hub, with bases in Surabaya, Makassar, Medan and Bali.

Popular Lion Air Routes

The busiest routes link Jakarta with Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar and Batam. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Lion Air Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Fares come with different change and refund rules, shown when you book. Cheaper fares have higher fees and fewer benefits.

When you change a booking, you usually pay a change fee plus any fare difference.

  • Cheapest fares Highest fees and fewest benefits.
  • Flexible fares Lower fees.
  • How to change or cancel Use the website, app or customer service.

Lion Air Seat Selection & Additional Services

Seats and meals are paid extras. Snacks and drinks can be bought on board.

Add extras online before you fly, when they cost less.

  • Seats Paid seat selection.
  • Food Buy on board.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Lion Air Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg plus a small personal item.

Checked baggage depends on the fare and route, and some of the cheapest fares include none. Check your booking and buy extra baggage online if you need it.

  • Cabin bag Up to 7 kg plus a personal item.
  • Checked baggage Depends on the fare and route.
  • Cheapest fares May include no checked bag.
  • Extra baggage Cheaper online.

Lion Air Loyalty Programme

Lion Air does not run a frequent flyer programme. Its sister airline Batik Air Malaysia runs Batik Air Club, but Lion Air flights don't earn points in it.

  • Programme None.
  • Tip Compare Lion Air with Batik Air if you want meals and baggage included.

Lion Air: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Lion Air’s IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is JT. It appears in flight numbers (for example JT 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is LNI, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Lion Air part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03Where is Lion Air headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.

04When was Lion Air founded?

The airline was founded in 1999.

05What are Lion Air’s main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Jakarta (CGK) – Main Hub; Bali (DPS) – Base.

06What is the Lion Air cabin baggage allowance?

One 7 kg cabin bag plus a small personal item.

07Does Lion Air include checked baggage?

It depends on the fare and route. Some of the cheapest fares include none.

08Is Lion Air the same airline as Batik Air?

No. Both belong to the Lion Group, but Batik Air is the full-service airline.

09Where does Lion Air fly?

Mainly within Indonesia, linking Jakarta with Bali, Surabaya, Medan, Makassar and many other cities.

10Can I use a power bank on Lion Air?

On Lion Air you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval), but you cannot charge them, or charge devices from them, during the flight. They are never allowed in checked bags.

Lion Air, its logo and trademarks are the property of PT Lion Mentari Airlines and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lion Air unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.