While I await the 25th of June with anticipation and the joys of experiencing these new products comes about, I thought I would write about my experiences with Jetstar last year.
I very rarely have travelled behind curtain (and I'm talking about looking backwards toward the back of the plane). Usually I sit in front of, whether it is an upgrade through the airline, using points, or getting an upgrade by betting my chances on their auction bid programs that they have all begun to implement and I've had some successes on these with domestic Virgin Australia flights.
I was hoping to get one on this trip, especially since I was able to get a steal of a fare at $229 one way from Sydney to Honolulu, and have heard of people getting upgrades on the mid-haul length for as low as $250-$350 one way. I thought to better my chances that I would buy all the bells and whistles, so I prepaid meals, seating, entertainment, excess luggage, etc. Fortunately for me, I purchased at the front of the economy cabin which was located just behind their Star Class and had the bulkhead seat for an extra $25 instead of the exit row that was being sold for about $40 - same space, but this felt much quieter. The flight was operated by their B787-9.
*Hint* - choose the section between galley and Star Class.
All seats in economy on the B787 are in a 3x3x3 seating configuration (2x3x2 in Star Class).
I was due to fly to the Big Island, and the morning of my flight after some light comic relief on Jetstar's flight delays, it turned out that mine was running about 2 hours late as well. It was ok though, I wasn't worried since it gave me some extra time to get ready and travel to the airport since I'm about 45 minutes away.
At the airport I brought up the option to upgrade but was basically just given the difference between the fare that they were selling it at, and what I've paid for mine - without considering the additional things I paid for.
So, we boarded the flight, and that all went without any hiccups.
Onboard, once we were settled in, the aircraft pushed back, and we began our taxi to the runway.
The standard protocol happened. We went around and got to our runway. We took off, and my seat which was on the right side in front of the wing could just hear the sound of the engines - always feels reassuring when you hear tat hum.
Flight attendants then distributed the meals, which I must admit were actually quite good. The catering that Jetstar has in Australia actually does a good job. We also then got a snack prior to landing as well. Note that meals have to be prepaid, or you can purchase from the menu onboard which is subject to availability by the time they go from the front to the back of the plane.
All meals (except for this wrap that had roast capsicum, and fetta) were tasty. The drink service was also suitable for the meal which we were served.
Entertainment was through an inbuilt touchscreen tablet that was attached to an arm in the front rows, or in the seatback for all other rows. There was plenty to choose from, and I finally got to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (can't believe her on air mum has had so much plastic surgery!!!). The flight data was pretty good as well - although I'm missing the grainy and pixelated central screens that we used to see before the digital/HD/FHD/OLED etc revolution came around. While I like the maps, I still recall the days of Swiss Air when they had all the info in English, and using the Imperial measurements, and then the metric measurements, and then in different languages. I also remember landing in Zurich, and the board displayed the next set of flights for connection purposes. The flicker of the screens when they were turned on/off.
Anyway, off topic there, but those who have been around long enough may remember that (and those reclining business class seats we so used to love!). Well, luggage is another thing as well that you pay for. But, it does go up to a maximum in prepaid amount, and you just pay the difference if you choose to increase it closer to the time of departure.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend Jetstar as the first option to fly, especially if you are NOT price conscious. Although, if cost is your aim, then this should be on your list as a potential option. If you're travelling with a B787, compare the seating offered on other carriers, and then what is included in the airfare cost.
Domestically in Hawaii, I travelled with Hawaiian Airlines on one of their B717 aircraft. It is interesting to see that they operate mostly this aircraft on their domestic flights between the islands. I actually took a flight in their domestic first class. While the flight is a brief 50 minutes from Honolulu to Kona, the fare difference was about $40 between economy and first class. The inclusions of expedited security, airline lounge access, luggage included, and "refreshment" service onboard, was enough to look at paying the extra cost. Service on the ground and onboard was very relaxed. No rush was felt by the staff, although I would stress worrying that I wouldn't have enough time, etc. The flight was uneventful otherwise, and there was no meals served in the flight except for the packet of nuts/pretzels and the Heineken. I have to also say that the lounges are very sparse. Only coffee, pretzels, nuts, and some drinks are served in the island lounges. There's not really many choices, so that's all that you can really expect. No inflight entertainment is available, and seating in first class is nice, albeit standard international premium economy, or domestic Australian business class is the same.
As a comparison, Qantas recently upgraded their flights from their old B767 to their new A330 configuration - this offers the new Business Suite, Hawaiian is also rolling out their new business class as well - but the difference is that Qantas is a 1x2x1, while Hawaiian is still 2x2x2. Economy of course is another case at 2x4x2 on both airlines, and Hawaiian having their "premium economy" with the extra leg room (at a charge).
I look forward to hearing from anyone who may have any experiences that they'd like to share!
I very rarely have travelled behind curtain (and I'm talking about looking backwards toward the back of the plane). Usually I sit in front of, whether it is an upgrade through the airline, using points, or getting an upgrade by betting my chances on their auction bid programs that they have all begun to implement and I've had some successes on these with domestic Virgin Australia flights.
I was hoping to get one on this trip, especially since I was able to get a steal of a fare at $229 one way from Sydney to Honolulu, and have heard of people getting upgrades on the mid-haul length for as low as $250-$350 one way. I thought to better my chances that I would buy all the bells and whistles, so I prepaid meals, seating, entertainment, excess luggage, etc. Fortunately for me, I purchased at the front of the economy cabin which was located just behind their Star Class and had the bulkhead seat for an extra $25 instead of the exit row that was being sold for about $40 - same space, but this felt much quieter. The flight was operated by their B787-9.
*Hint* - choose the section between galley and Star Class.
All seats in economy on the B787 are in a 3x3x3 seating configuration (2x3x2 in Star Class).
I was due to fly to the Big Island, and the morning of my flight after some light comic relief on Jetstar's flight delays, it turned out that mine was running about 2 hours late as well. It was ok though, I wasn't worried since it gave me some extra time to get ready and travel to the airport since I'm about 45 minutes away.
At the airport I brought up the option to upgrade but was basically just given the difference between the fare that they were selling it at, and what I've paid for mine - without considering the additional things I paid for.
So, we boarded the flight, and that all went without any hiccups.
Onboard, once we were settled in, the aircraft pushed back, and we began our taxi to the runway.
The standard protocol happened. We went around and got to our runway. We took off, and my seat which was on the right side in front of the wing could just hear the sound of the engines - always feels reassuring when you hear tat hum.
Flight attendants then distributed the meals, which I must admit were actually quite good. The catering that Jetstar has in Australia actually does a good job. We also then got a snack prior to landing as well. Note that meals have to be prepaid, or you can purchase from the menu onboard which is subject to availability by the time they go from the front to the back of the plane.
All meals (except for this wrap that had roast capsicum, and fetta) were tasty. The drink service was also suitable for the meal which we were served.
Entertainment was through an inbuilt touchscreen tablet that was attached to an arm in the front rows, or in the seatback for all other rows. There was plenty to choose from, and I finally got to watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (can't believe her on air mum has had so much plastic surgery!!!). The flight data was pretty good as well - although I'm missing the grainy and pixelated central screens that we used to see before the digital/HD/FHD/OLED etc revolution came around. While I like the maps, I still recall the days of Swiss Air when they had all the info in English, and using the Imperial measurements, and then the metric measurements, and then in different languages. I also remember landing in Zurich, and the board displayed the next set of flights for connection purposes. The flicker of the screens when they were turned on/off.
Anyway, off topic there, but those who have been around long enough may remember that (and those reclining business class seats we so used to love!). Well, luggage is another thing as well that you pay for. But, it does go up to a maximum in prepaid amount, and you just pay the difference if you choose to increase it closer to the time of departure.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend Jetstar as the first option to fly, especially if you are NOT price conscious. Although, if cost is your aim, then this should be on your list as a potential option. If you're travelling with a B787, compare the seating offered on other carriers, and then what is included in the airfare cost.
Domestically in Hawaii, I travelled with Hawaiian Airlines on one of their B717 aircraft. It is interesting to see that they operate mostly this aircraft on their domestic flights between the islands. I actually took a flight in their domestic first class. While the flight is a brief 50 minutes from Honolulu to Kona, the fare difference was about $40 between economy and first class. The inclusions of expedited security, airline lounge access, luggage included, and "refreshment" service onboard, was enough to look at paying the extra cost. Service on the ground and onboard was very relaxed. No rush was felt by the staff, although I would stress worrying that I wouldn't have enough time, etc. The flight was uneventful otherwise, and there was no meals served in the flight except for the packet of nuts/pretzels and the Heineken. I have to also say that the lounges are very sparse. Only coffee, pretzels, nuts, and some drinks are served in the island lounges. There's not really many choices, so that's all that you can really expect. No inflight entertainment is available, and seating in first class is nice, albeit standard international premium economy, or domestic Australian business class is the same.
As a comparison, Qantas recently upgraded their flights from their old B767 to their new A330 configuration - this offers the new Business Suite, Hawaiian is also rolling out their new business class as well - but the difference is that Qantas is a 1x2x1, while Hawaiian is still 2x2x2. Economy of course is another case at 2x4x2 on both airlines, and Hawaiian having their "premium economy" with the extra leg room (at a charge).
I look forward to hearing from anyone who may have any experiences that they'd like to share!
