Jetstar Airways - by Luke Morre
15 December 2006

Melbourne - Bangkok return. Very impressed for the price. I was lucky enough to get one of the launch promotional tickets for Jetstars new international flights. A330-200 Plane refurbished in leather with new carpets. Looked clean. Although full, comfort and space was similar to any economy class seats on full service airlines. Food and drink was a bit overpriced, but they allow you to bring your own. Entertainment was on drop down screens and was reasonable with an Australian movie. Service was great with a mainly Asian crew that spoke fluent English. Slightly delayed departure but made up for inflight.

Jetstar Airways - by Graeme Smith
12 November 2006

This week I had my first and last experience with Jetstar. Melbourne to Launceston with my three children which went off without a problem but the return flight was just the opposite. Arrived at the airport at 2.00pm for a 2.55pm departure. Upon check in I was informed, without appology or serious explanation, that the departure was delayed by 5 hours. The departure time was subsequently pushed back another 3 times to eventually leave 7 hours late. Each time it changed there was still no explanation or apology forthcoming from the indifferent jetstar ground staff. This left me with 3 children to feed and amuse for the seven hours in the most boring airport you could find. If Jetstar had an ounce of professionalism it would have made a simple phone call to the number provided on the reservation, then I could have held onto our rental car for a little longer and left the airport until it was time to leave. When you add the cost of the extra meals and driving as well as the shear inconvenience caused by this circus then the little extra you pay to fly with Virgin is well worth it.

Jetstar Airways - by P Major
22 October 2006

Adelaide-Darwin return. Fine flying with Jetstar, and the second flight home mid October we were lucky enough to enjoy allocated seating! No bun-fight any more which is an advantage, although we were seated right at the back (when we used to snatch the front ones). Even more disappointing is the fact we could not choose our seats online. This was because we had booked before they announced allocated seating (they only allow you to choose when you book). All in all, though, a bargain at about $200 each way and service we're used to being pretty ordinary.

Jetstar Airways - by Geoff Stanford
25 September 2006

Sydney - Avalon - Sydney. Uneventful as usual. On time departure, crew friendly and helpful. I think we have been a bit spoiled in the past with only having full service airlines to choose from. Now, if you want the full service experience, pay for it and fly Qantas. If you view air travel as just a means of getting from point A to point B, as I do, fly Jetstar and it doesn't have to cost you a fortune and why anyone would choose to pay extra to fly Virgin for essentially the same experience as Jetstar is beyond me.

Jetstar Airways - by Jason Robinson
12 August 2006

Brisbane to Melbourne (Avalon). Airbus A320 aircraft clean not the best seats though. Out of the cabin crew of 5 only one was in a good mood the rest looks as though they were there against their will!! Landed in Avalon on time.

Jetstar Airways - by Peter Schweizer
3 August 2006

Brisbane to Mackay return. Both flights packed and good value for money once in the air on their new A320 aircraft. Outbound flight delayed an hour due to defect aircon unit. Information flow could have been better and a glass of water would have been nice while sitting on the tarmac even though this is a no-frills LCC. Ground staff in Brisbane brilliant and they even gave me priority boarding (open seating) as I am 6'8" and really need an emergency exit seat. Ground staff in Mackay exact the opposite. Was told I would have to pay higher fare to get priority boarding. Seems certain people can only follow company guidelines and don't have a clue about customer service. Overall great airline but will not fly them again until they introduce assigned seating which should be later this year

Jetstar Airways - by Mike Jackson
3 August 2006

Sunshine coast - Melbourne in Economy. First issue, one that the airline is rectifying, is no seat allocation. All within earshot were complaining. Once on board, the aircraft looked very good, with the grey leather seats actually quite soft and comfortable. But if the seat pitch is any greater than 29ins. then I am very surprised. I was jammed into my seat for the 2 hour + journey. Service was adequate at best. The return flight was eased somewhat by getting to the airport 2 hours early to secure the prized blue pass, and then getting to the head of the queue to be first on board after the women and children. It was cheap, but not really worth the effort. Next time I might drive!

Jetstar Airways - by P Major
30 July 2006

Adelaide to Cairns return. Fairly uneventful flying with Jetstar, now I've got used to the unallocated seating; however, I will be pleased when at the end of October Jetstar will do away with the silly practice. Check-in in Adelaide was quick and easy - first flight to Cairns for the school holidays at 6:35 didn't see too many arrive at 5:15 to check-in, and we got our first blue boarding passes! ADL-CNS flight okay, although rude ground staff in Adelaide; we had staff telling a member of our group in an obnoxious manner to put a set of headphones back in a trolley when he picked them up as they were "not for use on this aircraft"! Still, we were didn't need to buy any headphones onboard as we had some from a previous Qantas flight (the way to go unless you want to fork out $3). Attendants were pretty friendly and weren't too obtrusive with the drinks and snacks. Luggage pick-up at Cairns was a bit slow due to the fact a Virgin Flight using the same belt had came in just before us. Return flight very similar minus the rudeness at check- in. Bags came through a little faster in Adelaide. Both flights were pretty much fully booked; no cordoning off of rows this time. However, I still think, like most budget airlines, Jetstar only survives due to price. I'm sure you wouldn't fly them voluntarily if a Qantas or Virgin flight was a similar price.

Jetstar Airways - by Warren Barlow
24 July 2006

I have flown Newcastle to Melbourne and Newcastle to Brisbane and find Jetstar very good (compared to Qantas). The staff are friendlier and I actually like the free seating as I can usually be assured of getting an Exit Row (being 6'2" and appreciating the leg room). The thing I can't fathom is that in the summer, you can catch a Jetstar flight from Melbourne to Newcastle at around 6:30pm. In winter, that flights leaves around 4:30pm. Unfortunately, you can't do business leaving a clients site at 2:30pm to catch a flight. It's got me baffled why we are reduced to catching a Qantas Link Flight in the Winter which takes 2hours 5 minutes instead of a Jetstar flight which takes 1hour 10mins. Seems like Newcastle people are the poor relatives when it comes to Qantas and Jetstar.

Jetstar Airways - by David Rose
11 July 2006

Melbourne to Cairns at 9.45am on 9 July. Aircraft cancelled at 4am, but no-one bothers to inform 90 per cent of passengers. No assistance in finding alternative flights, no interest in passengers at all from the ground staff. The attitude was "well you took a risk in booking with a low cost carrier, and the gamble didn't pay off". Next flight was five and a half hours later. The contrast between the very helpful cabin crew and the surly, disinterested, obviously overworked check-in staff at Melbourne was incredible. The flight attendants seemed to be embarrassed working for Jetstar. Verdict: To be avoided at every cost.

Jetstar Airways - by J Boxall
5 July 2006

Brisbane to Newcastle on A320. Check in no problems at all, each destination has it's own check-in line. They are very careful with weighing luggage, as well as making you weigh and measure hand luggage. Crew was ready to leave early but a few stragglers made us wait until scheduled departure time. Their new A320 aircraft are great, seats wider than usual 737s. You can choose your own seat and the exit rows are great - no paying extra like Virgin. Service is minimal as the crew only say hello, make sure you're belted in, and sell you drinks. I'm sure if you needed help they'd be happy to oblige. Drinks and snacks aren't cheap - but you don't fly low cost carriers to eat. Flight very smooth, eight channels of audio (bring your own headphones) and flight landed smoothly on time and safely. Bags at carousel in ten minutes - perfect.

Jetstar Airways - by Jake Marshall
1 July 2006

I usually travel Melbourne to Hobart - I've found that they treat you very poorly on the ground, but once the plane takes off service is pretty good. That said, I am thankful for the check in crew who allowed me to check in after I'd missed the 30 min close (never having checked baggage helps). I've been able to get an exit row seat most flights. Comparing it to Virgin, you can't beat virgin's web check in for convenience if you don't have to check baggage - just arrive with enough time to make it to the gate before departure time and you'll be fine. Virgin sells better beer on their flight (Crown vs Tooheys New on Jetstar). That said, Jetstar's schedules and pricing seem to consistently beat Virgin these days. Jetstars seats are more comfortable than Virgin, although I'd prefer narrower seats and more leg room.

Jetstar Airways - by Stephen Dowding
18 June 2006

NTL-MEL return. Have flown this route several times in the last year and have never experienced any major problems. Check-in staff at Melbourne and Newcastle all friendly and helpful, boarding procedure works well if people do as they're told, and onboard service is adequate for a short- haul route. The only issue I've had was over excess baggage using JetStar connecting from a long-haul flight from the UK. This made a huge difference, especially being a Qantas Silver Frequent Flyer with increased baggage allowance. Overall though , a far better experience than flying Ryanair in Europe which was cramped, had only 15kg baggage allowance and was a total bun-fight onboard.

Jetstar Airways - by Ian Benson
6 May 2006

BNE-ADL return. A320 planes were good - 5 FA's on each flight. Boarding system is quite good except for older people who have all their relatives with them and they can all get on first. We saw 5 people use the orange system with one senior citizen. Should be the senior and one only. Otherwise good and would fly with them again.

Jetstar Airways - by Dylan Bingham
26 March 2006

Mackay-Brisbane, flown JQ several times over the last 12 months flight was punctual , plane was clean, service for an LCC polite, unalocated seating not a problem if you check in early , we have had exit rows on 4 out of 6 flights by being organised, the whole point to point carrier system is a pain and I would not fly them to make connections, Virgin Blue do this far more satisfactorily. n summary nice planes, okay crews but perhaps as potentially the provincial city carrier for QF a more user friendly transfer system would win more custom from business and international pax

Jetstar Airways - by Anthony Donohue
9 March 2006

SYD-MCY. Having flown Jetstar for the second time, have very little to complain about. I got what I paid for. Virgin Blue does offer more service especially at check in and boarding but cannot really complain got there on time.

Jetstar Airways - by David Amor
9 February 2006

Sydney-Christchurch. Competitive prices and convenient schedules won me over. Check in at Sydney took 1hr, seat pitch is really quite tight but for the price I guess you get what you pay for. Return trip ? Two JetStar flights leaving 30mins apart. 2 check in counters for each flight, 90 minutes to get thru. (Irritatingly Qantas had 4-6 almost empty check in counters with staff having nothing to do). Seat pitch really was an issue on the return as pax in front reclined seat early, leaving hardly enough room to read a book let alone a newspaper. Won't talk about food, eat before flight and have drink if you need one. Cabin crew were OK both ways.

Jetstar Airways - by Dianne Frazer
21 December 2005

I have flown Jetstar numerous times over the past year and think this is a good airline. I've had delays due to weather or due to another fellow passenger taking his/her time to get to the gate or for unseen reasons which sometimes just can't be helped. I don't think any airline sets out to inconvenience their passengers as some first time flyers or uneducated Jetstar passengers seem to think. They do things a little differently but it's just a case of getting use to a different system. If expecting first class comforts, pay for a first class ticket and fly another airline.

Jetstar Airways - by Peter Thwaites
19 December 2005

SYD to OOL. Arrived in Sydney on an international flight. Taken to Qantas domestic terminal, then had to find our way to Terminal 3 , the terminal for Jetstar. When we arrived they were checking in a flight to the Gold Coast, but as we were booked on a later flight, would not check our luggage in. We were travelling on Qantas Frequent Flyer tickets and because Qantas only have two flights a day to the Gold Coast, we had to travel Jetstar. The annoying thing being, no other flights were being checked in during the three and a half wait we had to check in. They told us our luggage would go astray if checked in too soon. How could they go astray, as the next flight and only flight checked in was our flight to the Gold Coast. I do not believe the information we are fed that Jetstar carries more passengers than Virgin nand is more efficient. The Virgin counters were no far away and all check in counters (11), Jetstar (3) were flat out and most flights listed on the departure board were Virgin flights. It was a scramble to get on board and find a seat as the plane was full of "Schoolies" going to the Gold Coast, most of them being girls and the noise they created on board was deafening - screams and yelling for the hour flight. The cabin crew were very pleasant and one steward did apologize for the noise, which naturally, was not his fault. Jetstar would be much better if they did something about the checking in. I would never travel with them again if transferring from an international flight. If this is their way of doing things, I cannot see them being successful when they start going international. I know I would never travel with them.

Jetstar Airways - by Roderick Eime
13 December 2005

Cairns - Sydney. I've grumbled about Jetstar before, but this time I really was left totally unimpressed. I've flown Qantas for over 25 years, so perhaps I'm spoilt, but this new Jetstar thing just doesn't sit right with me. I watched two checkin clerks treat every passenger, and then me, with utter contempt. The underlying message: "If you're so tight-ar$ed to fly Jetstar, then what do you expect?" First time in over thirty years of flying I was charged for excess baggage. "You're x-kilos overweight. That'll be thirty-five dollars. How would you like to pay for that, sir?" Stony-faced (thing) stares me out. "Will cash be okay?" I respond after a suitably uncomfortable pause. Even though I am in the first dozen checked passengers, I still get the second stampede. Flight is packed, but still doesn't stop hosties having a sit-down and chit chat. When I say it's like flying Franklins, Aussies will know what I mean (!) Had to laugh when I heard Mr Dixon proudly announce this "airline model" is ready for the international market.

Jetstar Airways - by Nick Russell
24 November 2005

Gold Coast to Sydney. I always like to check in early and with Jetstar it really does pay to. As other reviewers have mentioned there is no seating allocated at check-in but if you are early you get a higher priority boarding pass and can therefore get on the plane sooner and have a better chance of grabbing a good seat. After reading the horror stories, I found Jetstar was surprisingly efficient. Flight on time, staff professional, drink and food prices reasonable. $29 total for the fare was very good - in fact the only reason I went to Sydney at all. Improve seat pitch and I would fly more often.

Jetstar Airways - by Edmund Carew
15 November 2005

Edward Cogdon is correct. Depending on the month, Jetstar can cancel flights to and from AVV. If four return SYD-AVV-SYD services are scheduled, often only three run. Not so much a problem in school holidays, but beware on days like Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday in off peak times such as August, November and February. In 2005 for almost a month, the ADL-AVV-ADL did not operate Weds and Sats although shown in timetable as 'daily.' In contrast, most DJ flights operate as advertised - as they should.

Jetstar Airways - by Kieran McGregor
20 October 2005

Melbourne to Hobart return, both on Airbus A320, which is pitched as having leather wide seats. MEL-HBT flight was almost empty which gave all pax a great seat choice. Must say, having flown Qantas domestic earlier this year, that Jetstar wins my vote. Ok, so I paid $60 AUD return but they are good and fill a niche. After the grumbling QF staff in July ( MEL-SYD), it was refreshing to have a cabin crew who where polite, answered questions and where helpful. And $5 for a glass of wine is fine given you pay that domestic QF anyway. They specialise in quick turnaround, so my only gripe is that both flights where delayed 20 mins due to the incoming plane running late and then needing re-servicing. Otherwise, clean aircraft, courteous crew and easy check-in procedure.

Jetstar Airways - by Edward Congdon
9 September 2005

Melb (Av) Syd and return same day a few times this month. Think 5-30 departure from Sydney too early if they are trying to attract business. Also disgusted that Avalon has no wifi for laptop -but not surprised as there isnt even mobile reception at some parts of Kingsford Smith and in the early days same at Avalon. Only Optus and Telstra wifi at Kingsford Smith. (no iPass) What about an open hotspot at both airports? It is so grasping to charge for a basic internet service.. I like the car park access at Avalon as I and others have missed a flight because the long term car parking coach at Tullamarine is tardy. No such problem at Avalon. Also no toll charges and the rate is cheaper for the day. Could we have credit card entry and exit like Tulla? But all those speed humps on entry -they wreck front ends ! I find Jetstar also does not increase the fare rate to some enormous amount like Virgin and Qantas as departure date approaches. But as posted earlier, book a long term commitment with wariness.

Jetstar Airways - by Alasdair Brooks
31 August 2005

Jetstar is merely an excuse for Qantas to maximise profits by cutting services on flights that aren't typically used by business travellers. By pretending that Jetstar is a 'new', 'budget', airline, Qantas can minimise criticism that would have been directed their way if they'd tried to cut services on ordinary Qantas flights while also cutting into the profits of chief rivals Virgin Blue. Tasmania in particular has been badly affected by the introduction of Jetstar, with a majority of flights on Qantas/Jetstar now with the 'new' airline (see Simon East's comments below). My wife flew Melbourne-Hobart this week on Jetstar; she had a full-price ticket paid for by her company, so was able to board early, but in all other respects it was the worst flight she's ever had in Australia. Fortunately for her, she flies back with Qantas. Unless our employers are paying, neither of us will fly Jetstar again - why would anyone when Virgin Blue is more or less equal in fare but so much better in service and convenience?

Jetstar Airways - by R Pickering
20 August 2005

Flew Melbourne-Launceston-Sydney. My ticket price was excellent although it meant I was low priority for boarding, but if you arrive at the airport early enough and head to the gate area then it's no problem. I still fail to understand how no seat allocation makes my ticket price lower! Flights were fine although a little cramped with minimal legroom and staff were friendly enough although they were a little aloof. Two FAs discussed a fellow passenger in full hearing range of myself and those around me. Not quite professional! Food selection is good if you want to buy anything. I think I was lucky as my flights were on-time and were not cancelled (unlike other flights on the same day I was travelling).

Jetstar Airways - by Edward Congdon
16 August 2005

For the second time Jetstar have cancelled flights which have mucked up my itinerary for a holiday interstate. I regard it as a useless airline now to book any way ahead or base any plans upon. There is too much risk of the cheap, or even not so cheap, flight that you reserved, being cancelled, and you then cannot get the same fare or connection, let alone the let down feeling and hassles of hotels to be cancelled. I also find it outrageous that they require transfer of funds from an account within a day to make a booking, yet when you are forced to cancel because of them, they want two weeks to transfer the funds back !! I suspect that a lot of people pay by credit card and thus have to pay interest on the monies for the period the booking is outstanding, whilst Jetstar earns interest on prepaid monies on the money market.

Jetstar Airways - by Sean Hertmanni
8 August 2005

Sydney - Coolangatta - Sydney. The flight was quite full. Was the new A320 Aircraft with leather seats. Though Jetstar have a few issues with staff, at Check I, only 3 staff members were on, doing 3 destinations at once. The boarding system is quite dis-organised as there are no seating arrangements on the aircraft. They use Orange, Blue and Silver Passes for boarding. Boarding commenced after the other passengers disembarked, and we quickly boarded the aircraft. Meals were served, and after 45 minutes we prepared for landing. On the way back, Flight was delayed from Sydney for about 30 mins, later resulting in another 20 minute delay for cabin staff change. I recommend Jetstar as you get more than you pay for as a discounted Legroom a bit cramped, But I give it a 3 out of 5.

Jetstar Airways - by Tim Linsley
8 August 2005

Sydney-Hobart rtn on Jetstar. Service OK, flights on time but nothing special. The facilities in Hobart are atrocious, with totally inadequate waiting room -needed at least another 50 seats before the boarding scrum. Seated at the back of the cabin, the pitch on the seats is inadequate, and I pity the poor person who sat next to me, who received plentiful pokings from my elbows. With the pricing parity between JQ and Virgin, I will be staying with Virgin, who at least pretend to care.

Jetstar Airways - by Kenneth Cheng

2 August 2005

Gold Coast (Coolangatta) - Melbourne (Tullamarine). The A320 was a very new aircraft. The black leather seats were very comfortable. I somehow find it much more comfortable than Emirates Economy, which was really a nightmare! The cabin manager was very unfriendly, but another rather senior flight attendant was friendly and provided excellent service on a budget flight. Our flight took off on time and landed at Tullamarine just as scheduled. Really warm service and a great first-time experience on an Australian domestic.

Jetstar Airways - by Edmund Carew

25 July 2005

Simon East's comments are accurate. At a conference, delegates from Hobart mentioned that Jetstar had received so much negative publicity that many locals now autmoatically booked Virgin Blue. Qantas deserves praise for trying to cut unionised costs with Jetstar, but Virgin is better regarded for on-time running and friendly service than Jetstar, with a recent Consumer Association survey suggesting consumers ranked Virgin Blue ahead of the two others on every indicator except in-flight entertainment.

Jetstar Airways - by Ryan Michaels

19 July 2005

SYD-AVV. Smooth check-in at Sydney and the "staggered", no seat allocation boarding seemed to work okay, though still having trouble making the connection between it and a reduced cost structure. Furthermore, on a fullish flight such as this it means a lot of people wandering around the aircraft looking for two seats together etc. Jetstar doesn't seem to appreciate the benefit of lower tunraround times by boarding a plane from the front and rear doors, considering we were made to board the rear of the plane via the stairs (rather than use the aerobridge, somewhat odd I thought). Take off was pretty much on time and we were offered the usual drinks, food etc to purchase the one time around. Arrived at Avalon on time where the fun really began, as another JQ plane had arrived not long before us, there was only one set of stairs. As a result we waited around 15 to 20 minutes to get off the plane, and again, exit through one door only. I'm aware that the matter of poor staircase availability is probably the responsibility of Avalon, but seeing that Jetstar appears to be its only customer, maybe they could exercise some leverage and get them to buy another set? Disembarked the plane and entered what I would not call a terminal so much as a very large shed (though it appeared that they were extending it). Given that two A320s had just arrived it was very crowded in there, with not so fond memories of the old "express" terminal at Sydney Airport flooding back to me. This was the first time I had flown Jetstar, and given that I fly SYD-MEL a few times a year I was curious to try it out and compare it to Virgin Blue and sister Qantas more than anything else. After the flight I would have to say that despite the fact that I would rate Qantas over Virgin, given the choice between Virgin and Jetstar I would pick Virgin. It wasn't so much that I didn't not enjoy the flight (though the stairs incident at AVV was a joke), but it left no indelible impression on me whatsoever. Despite the bubbly television advertisements, the actual flying experience was dull, with the staff displaying no personality, be it surly or pleasant, and having minimal interaction with the passengers. If Qantas markets itself as being "More than just a seat", then maybe it could drop the first two words of that slogan, and use it to advertise Jetstar.

Jetstar Airways - by M Wilson

12 July 2005

I have flown JQ many times and have never had a problem, not with there aircrafts, staff or policies. I think Australia is extremely lucky to have such a competitive airlines to flight for the poorer Australia. Otherwise we would be stuck with expensive airfares with just Virgin Blue and Qantas. However hope everyone supports all three airlines because we need them all three of them to keep airfare prices down so low!!!

Jetstar Airways - by Simon East

12 July 2005

We fly Jet Star from Melbourne to Hobart because we have to. As there are only two Qantas flights a today it is generally impossible to get connecting Qantas flights from international flights without having to wait for 6 hours or more in Melbourne. So we fly Jet Star and put up with crap service, insufficient baggage allowance and other inconvieniences. Jet Star is a significant negative to tourism in our country. International customers un knowingly can book Jet Star flights as part of an international flight. There were many people in Melbourne that had got off a Qantas international flight only to be told that their domestic flight was with Jet Star and not Qantas. As you can only check in 2 hours before your flight these people had to wait at the terminal for up to 5 hours before they could check in. Jet Star changed our flight time to an hour earlier. This ment we would miss the flight. I called them and they said I had to pay a fee to change my flight to a later one. After arguing the duty manager I got them to waive the fee, but their schedule change meant we had a 7 hour wait in Melbourne. How ridiculous for an airline to change a flight time and then expect you to pay a fee for changing your flight if you are unable to make it. Surely no other airline would do this? Jet Star is incredibly difficult with excess baggage. The 20kg limit and $5 per kg excess fee is nothing more than a means of re- couping lost revenue on their discount fares.

Jetstar Airways - by R  Meltzer

15 June 2005

Sydney-Mackay-Brisbane-Sydney. This was our first and possibly last flight with Jetstar. I would prefer to pay the extra to avoid the frustration of flying with Jetstar We arrived for check in at Sydney, smooth, managed a blue pass so we had reasonable seats. Several rows cordoned off...is this standard practice on all their flights (noting above comments from several reviews)? Return fight from Mackay to Brisbane was running 2 hours late. As we had to transfer to Qantas at Brisbane we were not going to make our return connection. Check in attendant (male) was very indifferent, blamed us for booked 2 different airlines, and was quite dismissive of our plight, muttering something about fog in Newcastle in the morning. At our insistance he bumped us to the last flight of the night from Brisbane. There were many disgruntled passengers at Mackay Airport, and not even an apology from Jetsar. It is apparant from talking with locals that Jetstar is frequently late arriving at Mackay. We later approached a female check in attendant as the plane was now almost 3 hours late and another Jetsar flight had arrived and was leaving for Brisbane before our scheduled plane had arrived. What a delightful young lady, she immediately booked us on this flight, gave us an orange boarding pass so we could get off the plane quickly at Brisbane and organised our bag to be placed on this flight. Once again seats were cordoned off, why?? The FA's onboard were aware of our situation and had us met at the plane by Qanats groundcrew and take us, at speed, to our connecting flight. We arrived at Brisbane at 9pm and our departing flight was leaving at 9.10pm. The Qantas crew were fantastic having met us at the gate with our tickets in hand and arranging to have our luggage delivered to our home the next day. On board FA's so concerned at our difficult situation, insisting on giving me a much appreciated glass of wine to settle. Well done Qantas, poorly done Jetstar.

Jetstar Airways - by Andrew Wright

9 June 2005

Avalon to Sydney on an A320: Flying by myself so I had no problems with the unallocated seating - although I did queue early. The plane itself looked very clean and the grey leather seats were more impressive than those on the Qantas 747 I had flown in earlier. No headrest adjustment, however. The crew were attentive and the whole flight proceeded without fuss. The real negative was the need to catch the Sunbus coach to Avalon about an hour twenty minutes before the flight, then sit idly by at Avalon for an age. If you want to maximise your time in Melbourne city, fly from Tullamarine, otherwise Jetstar at Avalon could be a good option.

Jetstar Airways - by Chrys Stevenson

4 June 2005

Bne-Whitsunday-Bne: I was concerned about booking my 81 year old mother on a Jetstar flight because of the lack of allocated seating. However, I went ahead and then rang the airline and asked if it would be possible for her to get an Orange boarding pass so she would be seated in the first group of passengers. I explained that she was completely independent, but tended to get flustered and also bruised easily and I didn't want her jostling for a seat. 'No problem', they said, just get to the airport 1 1/2 hours before checkout. We did this and were given the Orange Boarding pass. When it came time to queue, I placed her at the front of the appropriate line. Then a Jetstar employee called her name and let her (only her) through the gate and gave her a good headstart onto the plane. She was first on the plane and had her pick of the seats. On the return journey, my sister- in-law got her to the airport early. When ready to board they again called her name and put her on board first. The flight attendant was incredibly attentive. He not only lifted her handbag up into the baggage compartment for take-off, but returned later to get it down for her use during the flight. She was offered a wheelchair on arrival at Brisbane airport but felt that she could manage the stairs. When she arrived at the gate, another staff member stopped her to ensure that she had someone to meet her. I cannot speak too highly of the caring way in which the Jetstar staff looked after my elderly mother. Yes, it was a pain having to be at the airport so early, but the flight was cheap and Mum said she could not have felt more important if she'd flown first class with Qantas.

Jetstar Airways - by M Wilson

18 May 2005

AVV-BNE-AVV. May 16 Decided to give Jetstar a shot and booked flights on net at a good price of $69 one way, arrived at Avalon not long after the flights check-in opened, friendly staff and the ground crew baggage handlers (i think the lady at check-in called them EGH) even came out from the back to pick up my Surfboard from me at the check-in counter which i thought was great, it saved me from walking it over to the oversized belt which normally happens at most major airports and airlines. Flight Departed on time and was on the new Airbus which was great. Friendly service and I brought a coffee and sandwich which was pretty cheap to what you normally pay at the airport. Arrived in Brisbane 10min early, and on the way back to Avalon the service was great too. All and all I would rate Jetstar 7 out of 10.

Jetstar Airways - by D Fraser

11 May 2005

My first and last flight with Jetstar was taken on Sunday 8 May on flight 870 Brisbane- Cairns. Obviously frequent flyers with Jetstar know that the grouping system is not taken seriously which resulted in organised confusion. Those who did take the grouping system seriously were left with the crumbs, which was made worse as a large slice of seating was sectioned off. If my experience was a one of then I am not prepared to take the chance and give the airline another go. The only positive thing I can say about Jetstar is they did get us to Cairns even if it was late.

Jetstar Airways - by Julien Froidevaux

30 April 2005

Great "happy hour fare" $135 Bris-Mel return. Travelling to Avalon and free for all seating no big deal.717 feels a little rough ( I prefer the Airbus) leg room not a problem for such a short distance (emergency seat quite generous actually!) 2 problems with this airline Never experienced (in a plane) such dry and stuffy air (a ploy to sell drinks?) thankfully refreshments are fairly priced. Staff, except for one fellow, consisted of folksy "hey guy types" or giggly school girl types (they could'nt even get through the safety demo without laughing - in all honesty would prefer indifferent staff to this type of carry on.

Jetstar Airways - by Michael Zoh

30 April 2005

SIN-TPE and return. The checking-in was very smooth and seats allocations has improved. We did not face any problem checking-in and seats were allocated according to our request. The cabin crews were very friendly and performed well. The seats were not very comfortable for a 8 footer like me. The legs space are very narrow. They are very strict with the 20kg baggage allowance and charges for excess. Do not shop too much if you don't wish to pay the extra.

Jetstar Airways - by Stuart Wines

28 April 2005

Singapore-Bangkok one way in early April. Impressive for a low cost carrier. Almost no line at check-in, got the aisle seat I wanted. They seem very strict about baggage allowance, weighed my carry on bag as well, so beware! Efficient boarding by row number, nice seats and cabin environment, pleasant and smart cabin crew. Leg room tight but as expected for an LCC. Drinks service smooth and efficient, did not try the sandwich or hot meal on sale. Left and arrived on time. Would definitely use again.

Jetstar Airways - by P Garde

26 April 2005

Sydney-Launceston on Jetstar on 21 April afternoon. Not a full flight & pleasantly arrived 20 minutes early into Launceston but the aggressive & hectoring tone of the female attendant during the exit row pre-take off spiel was most unwelcome indeed, especially after telling her that I had read in full the exit row safety card. Maybe Jetnanny would be more appropriate for her vocation ? The subsequent flight form Launceston to MEL 2 days later was more civilised & on time.

Jetstar Airways - by Malcolm Davies

26 March 2005

SYD-AVV. Chose Jetstar as I was going to the Avalon Airshow. Fare including taxes and surcharges was AUD 82.The aircraft an A320 was new and clean. Departure and arrival were on time. The flight was not full and I was able to obtain a window seat without difficulty. The seat pitch did not cause problems as the flight was short and I am only of medium height. I did not purchase any food or drink on board as the selection was not particularly interesting and I had breakfast at home. All in all nothing to complain about especially the price.

Jetstar Airways - by Michelle Jackson

4 March 2005

BNE-ROK-BNE. Arrived just on the 30 minutes prior to departure and just managed to get in before I would be forced to purchase another ticket for a later flight. Didnt have any hassles with the free seating policy, found the line up was similar to that when flying with Virgin and Qantas previously, everyone pushing into line to get on board asap. Flight was short and sweet, purchased a muffin and fruit juice for $5.50 which was cheaper than the overpriced airport cafe. Arrived with time to spare and staff were friendly and attentive. Baggage was available for pickup shortly after landing. Return flight arrived at Rockhampton airport 4 hours prior to departure (due to ferry operating times from Great Keppel Island) and had sequence number 1. Was surprised to see so many people board ahead of me and there was a much more rushed/race feeling as people were power-walking across the tarmac to the aircraft. Still managed to get a window seat which as I am not overly tall was all I really wanted. In flight the experience was similar to that on the way up, all my needs were catered for. I would fly Jetstar again as I have previously had bad experiences with Virgin, though if I was to choose between Jetstar and Qantas, if the price was right I would probably choose Qantas just to get the meal and have some mild form of entertainment. I would also like to add a note regarding the free seating. I have since taking this flight asked a staff member how it can save money, they advised me that it costs Qantas $8 per passenger to have a seat allocating system. With flights as cheap as $39, $8 can make a difference. I also asked about the seat blocking straps, unfortunately the crew aren't given any more info about it other than that they block them because of the free seating as if there were a seat allocation system the trim would be calculated based on that and passengers would be seated where required, where without the straps there is no control over where passengers sit.

Jetstar Airways - by S Johnson

24 February 2005

Sydney to Mackay and Return. Thinking that Jetstar is new I should give it ago. Never again! Check in was alright, arriving early just to board early. The boarding system is hopeless, I have never seen people move so quickly before. On a very old 717 bit cramped and my table was really hard to get down. The FA's were struggling to get through the safety demo at the same time. After the food trolley had been through we then hardly ever saw the FA's during the flight. On my return flight only 2 FA's serviced the cabin, while through the entire trip the other 2 FA's were eating and chatting behind a curtain. I wonder if they get trained in customer service?? Or it that budgeted as well?