And My Jetstar Saga continues

[MEL_Traveller]

...

but does anyone like LCC? wouldn't most people prefer one fare (a higher fare) that is all inclusive like the good ole days?

yes - as pointed out above... when Jetstar has sales (even sometimes when they don't), their business class fares (equivalent to premium economy on legacy carriers) can come in much cheaper than normal economy on those legacy carriers. Why pay $1100-$1200 to fly Qantas economy to Japan when you can be in premium economy (with all the extra benefits) on Jetstar for $200-$400 less?

 

[JB expat]

yes - as pointed out above... when Jetstar has sales (even sometimes when they don't), their business class fares (equivalent to premium economy on legacy carriers) can come in much cheaper than normal economy on those legacy carriers. Why pay $1100-$1200 to fly Qantas economy to Japan when you can be in premium economy (with all the extra benefits) on Jetstar for $200-$400 less?

Fair point - I too would seriously consider a JQ business seat in those circumstances

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Fair point - I too would seriously consider a JQ business seat in those circumstances

The points difference is marginal for their business class. But not sure how you'd go about changing it (if there was availability).

 

[mannej]

Yes people do like LCC's.

Not everyone travels with checked luggage, or expect a meal or IFE on some of these LCC.

As always do your research prior to booking.

 

[under the radar]

who would have thought that posting on a social media site would attract various comments from others who may/may not agree with/support you!!! :shock:

 

[JB expat]

update...so, at the suggestion of posters, I have talked to both Q and Jetstar...

some good news....

although JQ did not contact me - "someone" added (no charge): luggage - 40kgs/person (way way more than we need); iPads for all (no charge) - I am waiting for an email so I have this in writing (I have a screen shot of our luggage allowance) - what they did not add is seat selection (but that is $7 person as the extra leg room seats are gone and we have little kids - getting on & off the plane quickly even if up front sit is a fantasy) or food and I'm debating whether we should order meals or bring our own - not because of the cost but because of quality - are the JQ paid for meals decent? I consider Q business class meals decent...sometimes the Q economy meals but if you are paying for the meals on JQ perhaps they are more like Q business meals or is that wishful thinking.

Q will check our bags all the way through upon check-in at Melbourne (and I only have 2 hours between landing in SYD and departing SYD-HNL, so that's good) - and here's the kicker - because this is a FF ticket, our JQ allowance (with the freebee allowance above) is now greater than our Q allowance as apparently your status baggage allowance doesn't apply to FF bookings. I have learned so much from this - most of it is not what I wanted to hear, but at least I know it now.

We go over light, we come home from the USA heavy so I will need to determine if we need to purchase additional Q allowance for the way home but at least I can do that from HNL (apparently need to do 3-4 hours in advance - once they open check-in you can't pre-purchase)...and of course, in the US, there is always the option of giving a really good tip to the skycap and voila, no additional fees (a good tip is less than the fees)

I know many of your think my complaints were without merit...but at least someone at both Q and JQ saw some merit in them and did something about them...and I'm fairly happy at this point - mostly because I got something for my aggravation (I'm no difference than most...I just want to be heard (and agreed with )...I'm still not looking forward to flying long haul non-direct with my kids, but oh well - we cannot afford a sky nanny at this point (said in jest - for the most part)

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Jetstar economy meals are standard economy meals... not upgraded ones that you can purchase on some other carriers (where for a hefty fee they will supply you with business class offerings).

It's a long flight to Honolulu - I'd recommend getting at least one main meal for the adults - it'll be hot, and comes with a drink. Otherwise your own sandwiches are good for snacks.

Not sure about your status comment re baggage. For jetstar your Qantas FF allowance wouldn't apply... whether you paid for your ticket or used FF points.

For Qantas FF tickets (operating on Qantas or Oneworld carriers), your Qantas status will apply for any additional allowances (ie there is no difference between apid or FF tickets).

 

[medhead]

Status baggage allowance does apply for points bookings on qantas aircraft. Not sure why they've said it doesn't. Maybe that only applies to the JQ flight. :?:

 

[JB expat]

Good to know re: baggage. If Q rules apply regardless of whether its a points or pay ticket, we should be fine as that allowance is plenty for us...and I have the extra JQ allowance that they seem to have provided which I really don't think we will use on the way over. I also just went to try to buy JQ seats and it looks like premium seats have been allocated to us. Maybe I'm being too optimistic but it looks like JQ is fulfilling all my requests (free luggage allowance, free seating, free iPads for all 4 of us - not sure about meals but I am fine with having to purchase these or not - have plenty of time to decide). What I cannot do is email the itinerary to myself so that I have proof - it seems like they have hard coded that out - I'm hoping that it is just because someone at JQ is updating the booking. In any event, I just spoke to Q customer service exec on Friday so I suspect by the end of this week I will have written confirmation of whatever the end result is.

 

[JB expat]

Moral of the story (in my view) - send a letter if you have a problem...just got off the phone with a senior jetstar customer service rep - basically, my wishes have been granted in terms of luggage, entertainment and seating (and more - more luggage than original booking, better seats than original booking, and 2 more entertainment packs than original booking as I had just booked for the kids) on my JQ leg. All I'm doing now is waiting for his email that confirms the foregoing.

Q did what they could in terms of making sure JQ got in touch with me and treated me as I thought I should be treated (not saying this arrogantly, but as a 2x/year long haul business class flyer it is how I think customers should generally be treated). Only possible issue is with Q luggage amounts but I think from what I can see is that the above posters are correct - my Q status allowance will apply to my Q flights.

So I called both Q and JQ out when they failed, and I have to give them points for coming through - it really will influence my future decisions (as will everything I learned from this experience).

 

[JessicaTam]

I am pleased for you that JQ have come out above and beyond what I would have expected. I hope by the time you travel the angst of having to deal with a cancelled flight has faded and you can enjoy the experience.

If I read it correctly, you have a larger luggage allowance for your JQi flight than your QFd connecting flight. My understanding is that that is taken as the luggage allowance for the domestic leg as well, even if your booking does not show it. Especially as it is the one PNR and the luggage is being interlined. Someone more learned than me will correct me on that if I am wrong. This may not apply for the return journey though, as you will have to collect your luggage and recheck it on your return to SYD.

For the small cost, I would choose and order your meals before you fly. It is cheaper than on board and you are guaranteed to receive your choice. As stated above, it is hot, and not bad quality. It will also give you something to do for an hour. If you choose to order onboard, have a credit card handy, as JQ do not take cash.

I will keep an eye out for the trip report!

 

[ethernet]

We'll see how I go with SCOOT. FOUR months and no replies via email. In 4 attempts, they reply 14 working days afterwards and say they need a bit longer then nada - hoping you give up. I suspect their relaunched site has fixed the problem, and I suspect they will not activity refund cheated customers of their boo-boo.

While I find Tiger Australia the most infuriating, when they first launched any flight cancellations - they let you re-book both legs, which often happened on what i assume lightly loaded Tuesdays. No worries - just book peak holiday dates - easter - grand final etc, and buy another ticket.

On all airlines I assume some probability of being f...ed over with, so better have a plan B. Not sure what is best for kids milk - stilnox, mogadon or a diazapine.