Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is the main international airport in Jakarta and in all of Indonesia and is the stopover for most chartered flights to many other international destinations, and the landing area for most major international flights to Indonesia. Some of the major airlines that are based in Jakarta are Lion Air, Batavia Air and PT (Persero) Garuda Indonesia. PT Garuda Indonesia is the national airline of Indonesia and flies to 20 major international destinations and 23 domestic destinations.

Most of the international and domestic flights operate out of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. It is open most of the week, during business hours, and even Sunday mornings. Upon arrival in Jakarta, travelers can find cheap taxis which can help them make their way around the city.

With most airlines, travelers who book months before their desired departure date are given discounts and sometimes airlines will give up to a 50 percent discount of the total airfare, depending on existing promotions. The reason airlines encourage people to book way ahead of time is to give them a better idea of how much space for baggage is needed for the upcoming flights and how much food they should prepare for the passengers. Booking ahead of time gives airlines the time to be able to configure the cost of the flight, which is why last minute bookings are discouraged.

Another reason why booking travel the last minute is discouraged is that travelers who book business trips are the ones who usually book business class. Those who are just on personal travel and who have more flexible time frames and cannot afford business rates usually book economy flights. Booking a flight at the last minute often leaves travelers with either no seat availability or very expensive airfares. International travelers are advised to book their flights way ahead of time, or at least a month from their date of departure. Booking a week before the flight is not advised.

Flying at an irregular time of the day also gives travelers more chances of being able to purchase a cheap ticket. Irregular time refers to times outside of the usual 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. time frame when people usually choose to travel. It is important to remember not to book a flight on a holiday or during special occasions, as it will increase the chances of having to pay a higher price for a ticket. Currency may be exchanged at the airport however tourists are advised to wait and exchange their currency outside of the airport for better rates.

The city of Jakarta is not really a destination for many tourists, but more of a gateway or portal to the rest of the country. The shopping in Jakarta is cheap, which is why tourists headed for Indonesia flock this city before going to other destinations. Jakarta is one of the most famous cities in Asia, and is also one of the most sought after destinations.