How to get cheap flights
MethodWhy it worksSavings
Booking directly with airlineOTAs and travel agents often up the price by adding a service fee2% — 10%
Flying on weekday
Weekend flights tend to cost slightly more More →5% — 10%
Group bookingAirlines offer discounts for groups of 9+ travelers More →5% — 20%
Layovers / stopoversNon-direct flights with layovers/stopovers often offer lower fares10% — 20%
Flying early morning
Lower demand for flights departing 1am - 5am15% — 20%
Early booking
As departure day nears, airfares start to rise More →10% — 30%
Flying during low-seasonLess demand = lower prices10% — 30%
Booking round-trip flightsAirlines encourage longer commitment by offering discount10% — 35%
Frequent flyer programsAirlines offer discounts to foster customer loyalty10% — 40%
Sales and promotionsAirlines often offer special promotions to boost demand Promotions →10% — 50%
SuperDealsExpert-picked deals are much cheaper due to insider knowledge SuperDeals →40% — 80%
Air Traveler Club™Free newsletter with airline sales, promotions, and SuperDeals Sign up →40% — 80%

Why is Jetstar Airways so cheap on ATC?

Jetstar Airways can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing. Moreover, Jetstar Airways flights associated with their main Australian hub airportMelbourne Airport MEL — are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale and streamlined operations.

Airline flight super deals
A few examples of SuperDeals sent to ATC subscribers.

Air Traveler Club has a team of experts who diligently monitor for price reductions, promotional offers (often not widely advertised), under-the-radar airline sales, and other potential savings on flights. In the case of Jetstar, we particularly focus on tracking prices for flights originating from their Melbourne hub.

These valuable findings are then promptly relayed to our subscribers as exclusive SuperDeals.

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Jetstar Airways reviews 2023,A.I. summary

We let the A.I. analyze thousands of Jetstar reviews for an averaged, more accurate rating and opinion. Please note: this is an experimental feature.

★★★☆☆ 3/5 decent

Overall rating

Airline services rating
Baggage handling★★★☆☆
Seat comfort★★★☆☆
Food
★★☆☆☆
Entertainment★★☆☆☆
Crew★★★☆☆
Customer support★★★☆☆

Is Jetstar Airways a good airline?

Jetstar is considered a decent airline, earning a 3/5 rating from passengers primarily for its budget-friendly options and extensive network in the Asia-Pacific region.

In terms of destinations, Jetstar offers a competitive range, especially for low-cost carriers, including popular tourist locales across Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The airline is lauded for its competitive pricing but has received mixed reviews regarding comfort and legroom, often cited as adequate but not exceptional.

Service on Jetstar tends to be efficient, although passengers frequently mention ancillary fees for services like baggage and in-flight meals as a downside. Ultimately, Jetstar is perceived as offering good value for money, especially for cost-conscious travelers willing to forego some amenities.

Strengths

  • Budget-friendly fares: Jetstar is widely praised for its affordable ticket pricing, making air travel accessible for cost-conscious passengers.
  • Extensive network: The airline offers a diverse range of destinations, especially within the Asia-Pacific region, providing greater flexibility and options for travelers.
  • Efficient service: Reviews often mention the efficiency of Jetstar’s service, from online booking to boarding, catering to passengers who prefer a hassle-free travel experience.

Weaknesses

  • Ancillary fees: While ticket prices are low, passengers commonly criticize the airline for its additional fees for services like baggage and in-flight meals, which can quickly add up.
  • Comfort and legroom: The seating and overall comfort are frequently cited as merely adequate, particularly for longer flights, indicating room for improvement.
  • Inconsistent customer service: While many find the service efficient, some passengers have reported uneven customer service experiences, from check-in to in-flight interactions.

Passenger's experience

Is Jetstar Airways a budget airline?

Yes, Jetstar Airways is a budget airline. Jetstar is referred to as a LCC (low-cost carrier) due to its business model which is focused on offering basic air transportation services at the lowest possible cost.

The low-cost model has a few key characteristics that distinguish Jetstar Airways from traditional full-service carriers (FCC). The Australian airline predominantly operates short to medium-haul flights, and it adopts a high-density seating configuration in its aircraft to maximize passenger numbers and revenue per flight. Jetstar also offers an “unbundled” fare structure, where the base fare usually only includes the seat and a small personal item. Additional services such as checked luggage, seat selection, extra legroom, and in-flight meals may be available but incur extra charges.

These strategies allow Jetstar Airways to keep operating costs low. The savings are then passed on to passengers in the form of lower ticket prices, hence earning it the label of a budget airline.

What can I expect when flying with Jetstar?

When flying with Jetstar, passengers can expect budget-friendly fares coupled with a fairly extensive route network, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region.

The airline is designed for efficiency, from straightforward online booking processes to quick boarding procedures. However, travelers should be aware of ancillary fees for additional services like checked baggage or in-flight meals. While the seating arrangement is generally adequate for short-haul flights, comfort and legroom may be limited on longer journeys.

Overall, Jetstar offers a no-frills, efficient service targeted at cost-conscious passengers, but the experience may vary when it comes to comfort and customer service.

What are the seating options?

Jetstar offers several seating options to cater to various passenger needs, each designed with specific amenities and comfort levels in mind:

  • Economy Class: The standard option offering basic amenities. Seats are designed for short to medium-haul flights with moderate legroom. Meals and in-flight entertainment may cost extra.
  • Business Class: Available on some long-haul routes, Business Class offers a more luxurious experience with wider seats that recline more, priority boarding, and complimentary meals and beverages.

Is Jetstar Airways economy comfortable?

The comfort level in Jetstar’s Economy Class can be subjective and largely depends on passenger expectations and the specific route.

Generally speaking, the seating in Jetstar’s Economy Class is designed for affordability, targeting short to medium-haul flights. The legroom is moderate but may feel cramped for taller individuals or on longer flights. Seats are fairly basic, and amenities such as in-flight entertainment or meals usually come at an additional cost.

Passengers looking for more comfort have the option to upgrade to Economy Starter Plus or Economy Starter Max, both of which offer added perks like extra legroom and optional meal services. Overall, if you’re seeking a budget-friendly option and are willing to forego some luxuries, Jetstar’s Economy Class is a serviceable choice.

How to get an extra legroom seat on Jetstar Airways plane?

Securing an extra legroom seat on a Jetstar Airways plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.

As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your Jetstar flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.

Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.

Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.

What is the baggage allowance?

Jetstar’s baggage allowance varies depending on the type of ticket purchased and the route. Below is a general outline of baggage allowances for Economy and Business Class:

Economy Class:

  • Carry-On: Typically, passengers are allowed one main item and one small item, with a combined weight not exceeding 7 kg.
  • Checked Baggage: The base Economy fare includes no free checked baggage allowance. However, baggage can be purchased in weight increments, usually 15 kg, 20 kg, 25 kg, 30 kg, 35 kg, or 40 kg. The maximum single-item weight is 32 kg.
  • Oversized Items: Sporting equipment or musical instruments may be carried for an additional fee and must adhere to the airline’s size and weight limitations.

Business Class:

  • Carry-On: Business Class passengers are generally allowed two carry-on bags with a combined weight limit of up to 14 kg.
  • Checked Baggage: Baggage allowance can vary, but often starts at 30 kg for domestic flights and goes up to 40 kg for international routes.
  • Oversized Items: As with Economy, oversized items like sporting equipment can be transported, but they will count towards the total baggage allowance or may require an additional fee.

Does Jetstar Airways have Wi-Fi?

Jetstar does not offer in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity on its domestic or international routes.

Does Jetstar Airways have refundable tickets?

Jetstar’s ticket refundability varies depending on the fare type selected. Here’s the breakdown by cabin class:

Economy Class

  • Starter Fare: Non-refundable
  • Flex Fare: Non-refundable
  • Plus Fare: Non-refundable
  • Max Fare: Refundable in Jetstar credit

Business Class

  • Business Fare: Non-refundable
  • Business Max Fare: Refundable in Jetstar credit

How do I obtain my Jetstar Airways boarding pass?

Jetstar Airways boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The Jetstar Airways boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.

How to check Jetstar flight status?

If you have the flight number at hand, you can conveniently check the Jetstar flight status on the airline’s website. Visit the flight status page to get the reliable information regarding the scheduled and actual departure and arrival times.

There are several online platforms where you can check the status of Jetstar Airways flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.

Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.

Jetstar Airways profile

Airline profile
Full nameJetstar Airways Pty Ltd
IATA codeJQ
CountryAustralia
Commenced operations2003
Typelow-cost
Cabin classesEconomy, Business
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary ofQantas
Airline alliancenone
Frequent flyer programClub Jetstar
HubsMelbourne Airport MEL, Auckland Airport AKL, Brisbane Airport BNE, Gold Coast Airport OOL, Sydney Airport SYD
Main destinations
Australia, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pacific Island, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Vietnam
Fleet size79
Aircraft

Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321-200, Airbus A321LR, Boeing 787-8

Official Websitehttps://www.jetstar.com/

Jetstar Airways shortcuts

Essential links to Jetstar Airways official website.

Jetstar Airways flight booking

Search Jetstar Airways flights and book your Economy, Business class ticket online.

Online check-in

How to check-in and receive your Jetstar Airways boarding pass?

Jetstar Airways baggage policy

Learn about checked and hand luggage regulations on Jetstar Airways flights.

Flexible tickets

Want to change your flight? Jetstar Airways flexible booking offer and policies.

Refunds and cancellations

Guidelines on returning a Jetstar Airways ticket and getting your money back.

Jetstar Airways help & support

Get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.

Jetstar Airways tips

How to ensure smooth transit between Jetstar Airways connecting flights

Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.

Additionally:

  • You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with Jetstar Airways. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
  • When flights are booked on separate tickets, Jetstar Airways is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
  • Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
  • If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes. Consider purchasing “hot seats” if available on your plane — they cost extra, but it may be worth it.
  • When flying domestically, try not to book the last flight out of your connecting airport. In case of a cancellation, the airline will put you on its next flight, but it will require an overnight stay and arrival a day later.
  • Flights can be delayed or canceled. Have a backup plan in case you miss your connecting flight. Know your rights and the Jetstar policy on missed connections.

Booking group flights with Jetstar Airways

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with Jetstar Airways can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Jetstar Airways website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.

A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for Jetstar Airways and can help with logistics and scheduling.

There is no Premium Economy on Jetstar Airways fights

Jetstar Airways does not offer a Premium Economy Class on its flights. The lack if the “Economy Plus” is part of its current business model, as the airline may see only a limited demand for this product.

The concept of Premium Economy has gained significant popularity among airlines in recent years. This cabin class, situated between Economy and Business Class, offers a middle-ground option for passengers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities without the higher price tag. With features such as extra legroom, wider seats, upgraded dining options, and priority boarding, Premium Economy cabin provides a more enjoyable travel experience — and still affordable for most people.

If you’d like to upgrade to a premium seat on a Jetstar Airways flight, consider the viable alternative: hot seats.