Jetstar will no longer accept cash payment for in-flight purchases from 1 May. From this date, you’ll only be able to pay for drinks, meals, entertainment, blankets and comfort packs with a credit card.
With cash payments on Jetstar flights being removed, Jetstar passengers without a credit card will no longer be able to purchase any of the overpriced food on board. But these items can be pre-booked on the Jetstar website at the time of booking or any time before the flight. Free water is available upon request on all Jetstar flights.
Cash payments on Jetstar are being phased out on both domestic and international services.
Jetstar’s move follows a general trend towards cashless payments. This extends beyond airlines, with many businesses now preferring not to handle physical cash. This reduces administration costs and removes the risk of money going missing.
Tigerair and Virgin Australia still accept both cash and credit card payments for in-flight purchases.
Interestingly, Qantas still accepts only cash for in-flight alcohol purchases on domestic flights. This is not a real problem because almost everything is complimentary on Qantas flights. But Qantas Economy passengers are still charged $6 for beer or wine on certain routes and times.
(Unfortunately) I had to fly JQ into OOL the other day and they announced this. The 18yo next to me didn’t have a cc. Thankfully he had enough cash, but I wonder what will happen in the future for his ilk?
On the way back I flew QF. Conversely, the person over the aisle had no cash (I forgot you had to pay for booze in the afternoon) and they didn’t take cc. Made me laugh.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: JQ Domestic cashless cabin – May 2018
