Flight review: Jetstars red-eye flight in economy class is not as bad as it sounds
We tried out a six-hour overnight international flight on this budget airline’s new planes on a new route. Here is what happened.
We tried out a six-hour overnight international flight on this budget airline’s new planes on a new route. Here is what happened.
Take a seat
There are 232 economy seats in a 3-3 layout with a single centre aisle. There is no business class or premium economy on this route. Seats are 46cm wide with a pitch of 73cm and recline of about 5cm. My exit-row aisle seat has a bit more legroom with an 86cm pitch. Seats are firm, bordering on hard, but are wider than those on older Jetstar planes. Overhead lockers are also bigger. There are no footrests, seatback screens or amenities. Passengers can buy an “international chill kit” ($27) packaged in a tote bag and containing a blanket, inflatable pillow, eye mask, earplugs, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks,lip balm, hand cream, wet wipe and a pen. As the plane is only half-full, many passengers move to empty rows. I sleep for four hours, though the cabin is cold for most of the flight.
Tech
One USB-A socket is in the seatback, along with a flip-down device holder for a phone or small tablet to watch your own device.
On the menu
Service is offered twice, at the start and towards the end of the flight. Complimentary cups of water, tea and coffee are offered, while beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, juices, bottled water and food are sold at reasonable prices. Purchased pre-flight, my “veg duo” of spinach and ricotta roll and a pumpkin and feta quiche arrives freshly microwaved in a cardboard box. It’s piping hot and soggy, but edible. My neighbours order a steak pie and sausage roll, which takes 30 minutes to prepare. Other light options include soups, sandwiches and toasties, with some gluten-free and vegan options. Packaged snacks include lemon tea cake, banana bread, mixed lollies, Lindt chocolate, Pringles, popcorn, olives, cheese and crackers. Larger hot meals are not served on Jetstar flights to Pacific islands.
That’s entertainment
Jetstar is rolling out a new entertainment program for all passengers to buy onboard, which they can stream to their personal devices.
At your service
The crew are chatty at boarding and friendly during food service, but there is minimal interaction on this overnight flight, with lights dimmed after two hours.
In the bag
Starter Plus fares include 20kg of checked luggage plus two carry-on items totalling 7kg.
Make your points
Jetstar has no loyalty program. Qantas points and status credits can be earned on select fares (Jetstar Economy Starter Plus and Economy Starter Max).
On the ground
Qantas frequent flyers (Gold or above) can access the Qantas business lounge before a Jetstar flight. No priority check-in or boarding privileges. On the downside, a six-hour flight is too short to get a decent sleep before arriving at dawn. Consider booking the prior night at your hotel so you can check in upon arrival rather than have to hang around for the customary mid-afternoon release of rooms.
In the know
Due to the mind-bending fact that Rarotonga is a day behind Australia and New Zealand, not to mention the northern hemisphere, this overnight flight arrives in the morning of the same day as departure, so you get a bonus day at your destination. Of course, you then lose a day upon return when Jetstar departs Rarotonga at 9am and arrives in Sydney about 1pm the next day.
The bottom line
A one-way flight from Sydney to Rarotonga from $399, based on an airline website search departing three months from publication. Fares vary according to days of the week; look for regular sale offers.
The verdict
This red-eye flight on Jetstar in economy class is not as horrendous as it sounds, as the new aircraft is quieter and slightly more spacious. It would be improved by taking your own pillow, blanket, entertainment and headphones. My flight had empty middle seats and rows to lie down, but school holiday periods would likely be busier. As the only direct flight from Australia to the Cook Islands, it’s better than the non-direct alternatives.
Louise Goldsbury was a guest of Jetstar.
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