I love Jetstar’s newest planes, but the crew don’t seem very happy

The airline: Jetstar

• Route Auckland to Melbourne, flight JQ216
• Frequency Daily
• Aircraft Airbus A320neo
• Class Economy; seat 4C (aisle)
• Flight time 4 hours 5 minutes (we depart five minutes behind schedule but arrive 13 minutes early)

Checking in

Just as I’m airport-bound with time up my sleeve, an accident closes the motorway. Eventually, my rideshare driver weaves around the chaos, reaching airport drop-off just 12 minutes before boarding starts – yikes. I have to run, but online check-in with only cabin baggage saves the day.

Baggage

All fares include two cabin bags with a combined weight of seven kilograms. Checked bags are charged as an add-on – $NZ35 ($28.75) for 20 kilograms on the cheapest “Starter” fare – or included with the higher-priced bundles. Those booking a Classic Reward seat using Qantas points receive a gratis allowance of 30 kilograms.

Loyalty scheme

Qantas Frequent Flyer, but not all fares accrue rewards. Purchase a “More” or “Max” bundle to earn 1375 Qantas points plus 25 status credits, one-way. Alternatively, book this as a Classic Reward flight for 16,600 Qantas points plus $NZ112.31, one-way.

The seat

Mood lighting sets the tone and it’s a welcome alternative to the harsh fluorescence of Jetstar’s older A320s, which otherwise remind me of a petrol station after midnight. Calming colours ease the stress from the airport rush as I settle in.

Seats follow a standard 3-3 layout with a pitch (legroom) of 28-29 inches (71-74cm). It’s tight on paper, but the smart design carves out space around the knees by moving all the pre-filled clutter upward, behind the tray table. With a cushion width of 18.2 inches (about 46cm), my broad shoulders are comfortably accommodated. There’s a tablet holder, too.

An upside of Jetstar is access to the forward toilet – typically off-limits unless in business class. This avoids hiking down past row 32 for the other two lavatories when seated upfront.

Entertainment + tech

I appreciate having seatback power (one USB-A, one USB-C outlet) after a day spent out and about. Streaming entertainment is available for a price ($8.99 for full access, $6.99 in child mode), but today, the portal won’t load. I work on my laptop instead, persisting even after the passenger in front of me fully reclines. The situation gets an affectionate laugh from my seatmate.

Service

Inflight announcements are abrupt – I feel like I’m back in school, being lectured on how to behave. Don’t drink your duty-free. Don’t drink too much, period. Don’t block the aisle during service. Meanwhile, my fare bundle didn’t include a smile, and I certainly didn’t get one … but I’m also mindful that Jetstar’s crews must put up with a lot.

Food

Charges apply for everything beyond tap water, unless included in your fare. Expect to pay $NZ5 for cheese and crackers or a small can of Pringles, or $NZ8 for instant noodles. The vegetable teriyaki noodles ($NZ15) catch my eye but aren’t available on trans-Tasman flights, despite appearing on the menu. I can’t bring myself to pay $NZ12 for a mere cheese and tomato toastie, so I tide myself over with a cookie plus a Coke Zero for $NZ10.

Sustainability

Jetstar’s A320neos reduce fuel consumption by 15-20 per cent versus the standard A320, with carbon emissions similarly trimmed. Travellers can also pre-select their meal choice when purchasing an eligible fare bundle, helping to reduce surplus catering and food waste.*

One more thing

From the start of this month, passengers on Jetstar international flights are excluded from Qantas lounge access, affecting Qantas Club members plus Gold and Platinum frequent flyers. Platinum One members are the exception on international itineraries, while Jetstar domestic flights are unaffected.

The price

From about $460 from Melbourne to Auckland return for a Starter fare in economy class.**

The verdict

I don’t often fly Jetstar as the overall cost with bundles or add-ons often becomes more expensive than booking a full-service airline. But today, with only carry-on baggage, Jetstar’s flight was about $300 cheaper than Qantas – and departing just five minutes later. In the same circumstances, I’d absolutely book with Jetstar again.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer flew at his own expense.

*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.