Why fly Jetstar?

[Spongbob]

I did a search of AFF, but could not find a thread specifically answering this question. Unless the reason is for timing, scheduling or connections, why fly J*?

I have done a few dummy bookings with J*, and the price is always more than a QF flight for the same benefits (QF ff points & sc, baggage allowance etc).

Then there is the way they often treat their pax: delayed & cancelled flights, missed connections, taking no responsibility for their decisions etc.

Reading the J* FaceBook "customer care" website is just depressing. I feel sorry for the poor staff at J* who consistently have to reply to messages with "We regret your unfortunate experience with Jetstar ... ".

 

[JohnPhelan]

Unless the reason is for timing, scheduling or connections, why fly J*?

You've answered your own question, with the addition of: or Qantas doesn't fly to that port.

 

[get me outta here]

If an extra special fare is bought on sale with no attempts to change the bkg and the offer a paid upgrade just before the flight is rejected, it's a 'normal' LCC. Best to keep an eye on it too as they change the flts bkd without actually letting the traveller know.

Also, JQ has been known to be used as a cheaper way to get cheaper status if buying the full Monty J class.

 

[mannej]

Playing Devil's advocate here, doesn't JQ have one of the lower percentages of cancelled flights amongst VA, JQ, QF and TT?

 

[Grooba]

You've answered your own question, with the addition of: or Qantas doesn't fly to that port.

Work wise this is the only reason I'll fly JQ.

Personal travel is different, $500 fares SYD-HNL-SYD are almost too good not to take up.

Almost grabbed a JQ SYD-MEL-SYD (tullamarine) for $18 last Friday.

JQ most certainly has it's place IMHO.

 

[Deleted member]

JET* and other LCC's wouldnt be around were it not for demand for a Public transport "BUS " type service. this idelievers "cheap" and maybe not so cheerul flights to the great unwashed (and other mere mortals.
However you dont need to fly with them (although it is becomming increasingly more difficult to avoid as LCC on many routes).
so my 2 cents worth is "suck it up, or dont fly with them" (i dont unless its absolutly the only option.

 

[Spongbob]

Thanks for all your comments.

While the price sensitive occasional flying pax might be attracted to J*, for QFFers in Y- there is not much value.

JQ SYD-MEL-SYD on 8/16 June 14 with 30kg, value bundles & IFE is $281. The same timed flights on QF are $290.

While with business class the difference is more (JQ $958 v QF $1400), there was a QF J class sale a few weeks ago for the same dates at only $998.

 

[markis10]

Playing Devil's advocate here, doesn't JQ have one of the lower percentages of cancelled flights amongst VA, JQ, QF and TT?

Highest actually from the airlines you nominated, and above average when you throw in regional ops of VARA and QFLink.

 

[mannej]

Highest actually from the airlines you nominated, and above average when you throw in regional ops of VARA and QFLink.

Funny that, perhaps they have had some good months previously when we have discussed this previously.

 

[boomy]

Thanks for all your comments.

While the price sensitive occasional flying pax might be attracted to J*, for QFFers in Y- there is not much value.

JQ SYD-MEL-SYD on 8/16 June 14 with 30kg, value bundles & IFE is $281. The same timed flights on QF are $290.

While with business class the difference is more (JQ $958 v QF $1400), there was a QF J class sale a few weeks ago for the same dates at only $998.

You gave an example here where JQ is close in price to QF (do you really need to purchase IFE for 1 hour flight?) but in many other cases JQ is half price or even less then QF on the same route and sometimes even same departure time (+-5 min).
My rule is, if JQ is $100 cheaper on the same route and time on short east coast flights, I will consider them.
And then you also have those JQ flights SYD-MEL / MEL-SYD "bundled" with QF F lounge to consider

 

[burmans]

While the price sensitive occasional flying pax might be attracted to J*, for QFFers in Y- there is not much value.

JQ SYD-MEL-SYD on 8/16 June 14 with 30kg, value bundles & IFE is $281. The same timed flights on QF are $290.

Well clearly QFFers are not the target demographic. I just did a quick comparison on flights to Melbourne, 75 for Jetstar vs $145 for Sydney. Yes I understand other airlines have sales which bring the price closer but then so does Jetstar.

I once got the whole family (4 of us) to HCMC on a 2 for 1 sale, under $800 all up, this was only one way but would be keen to understand if QF ever matched that.

Note that they are by no means my preference but as shown for the right deal of course I'll consider them.

 

[JohnK]

I have never seen a satisfactory answer to that question.

Very limited SYD-BNE schedule and outside of their gimmick sales airfares are more expensive than Virgin.

 

[boomy]

I have never seen a satisfactory answer to that question.

Very limited SYD-BNE schedule and outside of their gimmick sales airfares are more expensive than Virgin.

SYD-BNE is a actually a great example to the cost savings JQ offer. Let's look at JQ814 vs. QF536 vs. VA957 (similar departure time) on next week Monday to Thursday.
Average price on JQ is $100 (plus bundle).
Average price on QF is $260 (Red-e-Deal).
Average price on VA is $159.
I only bring this example because I was "forced" to use JQ814 more then once due to the huge price difference.
When you have QF lounge access, earn points & SCs and receive $5 f&b voucher to use onboard, I really can't see any reason why not go with JQ on a 1 hour flight.

 

[codash1099]

Well clearly QFFers are not the target demographic. I just did a quick comparison on flights to Melbourne, 75 for Jetstar vs $145 for Sydney. Yes I understand other airlines have sales which bring the price closer but then so does Jetstar.

I once got the whole family (4 of us) to HCMC on a 2 for 1 sale, under $800 all up, this was only one way but would be keen to understand if QF ever matched that.

Note that they are by no means my preference but as shown for the right deal of course I'll consider them.

Would you feel the same if it was a C2C flight?

 

[Spongbob]

Yes but boomy, if you select an earlier afternoon flight for a comparison (JQ 816 v QF 530) the like with like difference is $137 (no IFE) v $146.

 

[boomy]

Yes but boomy, if you select an earlier afternoon flight for a comparison (JQ 816 v QF 530) the like with like difference is $137 (no IFE) v $146.

I was trying to compare similar departure times for business on weekdays.
If you are flexible and can fly outside peek time (7-9am & 4-6pm) then you can probably find good deals on all carriers.

 

[markis10]

Yes but boomy, if you select an earlier afternoon flight for a comparison (JQ 816 v QF 530) the like with like difference is $137 (no IFE) v $146.

Lunchtime flights are hardly peak and irrelevant for most people travelling on business, something closer to evening peak is a much more relevant story, mind you JQ is actually $62 if you book a week ahead and price match to tiger at $68 for their 1.55PM flight, something you cannot do with QF

 

[knasty]

Price beat helps. Just booked SYD-OOL for $46 each with no credit card fees. Makes a big difference with 5 travelling.

 

[PaulST]

I have done a few dummy bookings with J*, and the price is always more than a QF flight for the same benefits (QF ff points & sc, baggage allowance etc).

You have to remember that a lot of people don't care about the benefits in those bundles so a good comparison would be between the cheapest QF seat vs the cheapest JQ seat. Whenever I fly with JQ, all I pay for is the extra luggage (~10kgs is usually enough) and that's it. I don't care about paying more for a few QFF points, minimal status points or food for a short flight.

I note that I've booked Y+ seats on an upcoming QF flight and I believe the baggage limit if 40kgs! Even for a 6 week holiday I'll stuggle to carry any more than 10kgs. So yes, there are perks with QF, but are they worth the extra cost?

 

[JohnK]

SYD-BNE is a actually a great example to the cost savings JQ offer. Let's look at JQ814 vs. QF536 vs. VA957 (similar departure time) on next week Monday to Thursday.
Average price on JQ is $100 (plus bundle).
Average price on QF is $260 (Red-e-Deal).
Average price on VA is $159.
I only bring this example because I was "forced" to use JQ814 more then once due to the huge price difference.
When you have QF lounge access, earn points & SCs and receive $5 f&b voucher to use onboard, I really can't see any reason why not go with JQ on a 1 hour flight.

If you are going to use that comparison then you will allow me to use my comparison. Random date of Sunday 15 June.

- Jetstar $134 for 3:55pm flight for starter plus with luggage and $144 for 6:40pm and 7:40pm flight for starter plus with luggage
- Virgin 7 flights in evening $119 saver lite or $135 saver with luggage but I have status already
- Qantas 5 flights in evening $146 including everything

I think Friday night BNE-SYD gets even worse. I am not going to purchase my airfares during the gimmick sales but I could purchase a little in advance.

Oh and Jetstar has those 3 flights on Sunday afternoon/evening. What do you think would happen if I was on say the 6:40pm flight and it was cancelled. When do you think I would be able to get to BNE for work? Tuesday? Wednesday?

So why would I fly Jetstar?