This is a story of how I managed to go on a Golf Trip for FREE using Garudamiles earned through the UOB Garuda Indonesia credit card.

For this trip, I am using miles earned through my UOB Garuda Indonesia credit card. Effectively this card earns one Garudamile per Rp10.000 for all transactions and one Garudamile per Rp6.666 for transactions made within the Garuda Indonesia network (i.e. when you buy tickets through Garuda Indonesia, not OTA).

One of the perks of the UOB Garuda Indonesia credit card is that it offers a 10% discount for any award ticket redemptions. There’s one caveat, you can only get this discount by purchasing your ticket through a brick-and-mortar Garuda Indonesia Airlines sales office. Luckily there’s one near where I live.

“Sir, would you like to use the 10% discount or the 25% discount” the lady at the counter offered.

To my surprise, there was another offer available on the table. Garudamiles is currently celebrating their 25th anniversary and is offering a 25% discount for all reward ticket redemptions. We have a window until the 20th of October 2024 to take advantage of this offer. Here’s the detailed information on the Garuda Airlines website.

The cost of this trip at the normal rate would’ve been 19.200 Garudamiles. With the 25% discount, it ended up being 14.400 Garudamiles. 

Just an FYI, by owning the card, you automatically qualify for an extra 20kg of baggage allowance. No need to claim, just show them your UOB Garuda Indonesia credit card at check-in. However, I didn’t end up using this benefit as my Golf Bag is considered a sports equipment and Garuda doesn’t count sports equipments towards your baggage allowance (with a limit).

Recommendations

• I would use this card only on Garuda Indonesia’s website, mobile app, and EDC (Rp6.666/mile)
• I would avoid using this card outside of Garuda’s network (Rp10.000/mile)
• Keep an eye out for Garudamiles promotions. They recently gave out 79% and 100% miles bonuses. They are also currently running award ticket redemption discounts.