Disappointing experience flying Jetstar with QFF point

[GrandLux]

Would like to share my recent experience on booking and flying Jetster with QFF points from SIN to MEL. A very disappointing experience therefore I would not recommend it. But if you need to do it, at least be aware of the following:

1. It costs the same no. of reward points. So I assume the same level of service as I would from BA for example.
2. You can't select seat on Qantas website even though it has a Qantas codeshare no. Probably have to call Qantas or Jetstar to do it. What a pain and I did not bother.
3. All onboard meals, entertainment, amenities etc are not included, have to purchase them separately. I did not know that as I did not read all the fine prints. But why? You'd expect the same level of service!
4. Your FF status means nothing to Jetstar when checking in, boarding, disembarking etc. I had to queue for almost an hour at the Jetstar transfer counter in SIN to get my boarding pass as I was in transit. There was one one counter. The Qantas lounge is unable to issue boarding pass. I suspect there is also no increased luggage allowance (for platinum member, for example). I did not have too much luggage anyway.

So I wonder why would anyone fly Jetstar with QFF reward point. Never again for me.

 

[smit0847]

Would like to share my recent experience on booking and flying Jetster with QFF points from SIN to MEL. A very disappointing experience therefore I would not recommend it. But if you need to do it, at least be aware of the following:

1. It costs the same no. of reward points. So I assume the same level of service as I would from BA for example.
2. You can't select seat on Qantas website even though it has a Qantas codeshare no. Probably have to call Qantas or Jetstar to do it. What a pain and I did not bother.
3. All onboard meals, entertainment, amenities etc are not included, have to purchase them separately. I did not know that as I did not read all the fine prints. But why? You'd expect the same level of service!
4. Your FF status means nothing to Jetstar when checking in, boarding, disembarking etc. I had to queue for almost an hour at the Jetstar transfer counter in SIN to get my boarding pass as I was in transit. There was one one counter. The Qantas lounge is unable to issue boarding pass. I suspect there is also no increased luggage allowance (for platinum member, for example). I did not have too much luggage anyway.

So I wonder why would anyone fly Jetstar with QFF reward point. Never again for me.

Why did you think a flight on a LCC would be the same as a premium carrier?!?

 

[mannej]

Why did you think a flight on a LCC would be the same as a premium carrier?!?

That is an interesting point. If the OP was to purchase the flight with a QF code on JQ metal, all of those extras would have been included.

The information regarding this is available, perhaps QF need to make it more obvious (read: Pop up window stating all of the things not included) as this is indeed a common complaint regarding JQ redemptions.

 

[deadfish]

So I assume

There's the problem.

EDIT: On a more constructive note, I do agree that some sort of proper warning at the booking stage would go a long way. Not just in the fine print.

 

[harvyk]

Why did you think a flight on a LCC would be the same as a premium carrier?!?

But at exactly the same number of points as the full service carrier, and in the knowledge that services are available for purchase, one could easily assume that the points covered the cost of the pre-purchasable meals.

If JQ want to play the points game, so be it, but why should they be allowed to charge the full number of points as QF mainline does to give nothing more than a seat, where as on QF mainline, such a booking for the same number of points would have gotten baggage allowance, IFE, meals and drinks included etc...

QF need to be careful, sure have JQ as an LCC offshoot if they want. But trying to mix and match the two "as one when it suits" is a good way to lose customers IMHO.

 

[cdinoz]

Would like to share my recent experience on booking and flying Jetster from SIN to MEL. A very disappointing experience therefore I would not recommend it.

So I wonder why would anyone fly Jetstar. Never again for me.

I've edited your quote to make it easier to read.

 

[dajop]

That is an interesting point. If the OP was to purchase the flight with a QF code on JQ metal, all of those extras would have been included.

The information regarding this is available, perhaps QF need to make it more obvious (read: Pop up window stating all of the things not included) as this is indeed a common complaint regarding JQ redemptions.

Yes. For us (informed) it is even confusing as buying a QF coded Jetstar flight gets a different product (includes luggage, meals, IFE, blankets) to redeeming points for the same QF code on a Jetstar flight (only includes luggage) which also happens to cost the same number of points AND surcharges as a QF flight. For the less well informed it is even more difficult to decipher.

Basically though on the medium haul international flight, with the QF level surcharges it is just not worth redeeming (noting that Jetstar surcharges are much much lower on cash fares, but QF charge as if it was a QF flight). Dont know about other routes but on MEL-SIN route, you are usually much better off just redeeming 60,000 pts on Woolies vouchers and pay for Jetstar with cash.

 

[JohnK]

One thing I could never understand is why the points cost is the same for a seat in economy on a QF A380 or a JQ A330. The products are not even remotely similar.

 

[ashleyn]

Would like to share my recent experience on booking and flying Jetster with QFF points from SIN to MEL. A very disappointing experience therefore I would not recommend it. But if you need to do it, at least be aware of the following:

1. It costs the same no. of reward points. So I assume the same level of service as I would from BA for example.
2. You can't select seat on Qantas website even though it has a Qantas codeshare no. Probably have to call Qantas or Jetstar to do it. What a pain and I did not bother.
3. All onboard meals, entertainment, amenities etc are not included, have to purchase them separately. I did not know that as I did not read all the fine prints. But why? You'd expect the same level of service!
4. Your FF status means nothing to Jetstar when checking in, boarding, disembarking etc. I had to queue for almost an hour at the Jetstar transfer counter in SIN to get my boarding pass as I was in transit. There was one one counter. The Qantas lounge is unable to issue boarding pass. I suspect there is also no increased luggage allowance (for platinum member, for example). I did not have too much luggage anyway.

So I wonder why would anyone fly Jetstar with QFF reward point. Never again for me.

Hello ? This is Jetstar

 

[Austman]

One thing I could never understand is why the points cost is the same for a seat in economy on a QF A380 or a JQ A330. The products are not even remotely similar.

Yes, but it's the same when you actually buy a ticket. Service, even on the same airline, can be dramatically different depending on the time of day and the aircraft - at the same ticket price! It's the nature of the industry.

 

[dajop]

One thing I could never understand is why the points cost is the same for a seat in economy on a QF A380 or a JQ A330. The products are not even remotely similar.

They are much more similar though than a seat in "business" class on a QF A380 and a JQ A330. Which also have the same points cost :-<

 

[oz_mark]

One thing I could never understand is why the points cost is the same for a seat in economy on a QF A380 or a JQ A330. The products are not even remotely similar.

Cost of a redemption ticket is based on a fairly simple zone based system. I'd hate to see them come up with something more complicated.

 

[mannej]

Hello ? This is Jetstar

That is not the point. If the OP had the redemption as a QF Codeshare on JQ metal, why should it be any different to QF (i.e included meal, luggage etc).

If the OP was to book the same flight (QF codeshare), paying by cash, all of those things would have been included.

So - why the difference, and if there is a need for a difference, why not be transparent about it?

 

[Austman]

If the OP was to book the same flight (QF codeshare), paying by cash, all of those things would have been included.

Only if it had an actual QF flight number (I think?) in the final booking. In any event who (apart from AFFs) would know in the booking process?

 

[mannej]

Only if it had an actual QF flight number (I think?) in the final booking. In any event who (apart from AFFs) would know in the booking process?

Exactly - that is the problem. There are those thinking that they are booking a QF flight due to the number, and get extremely disappointed when the JQ plane rocks up.

 

[JohnK]

Cost of a redemption ticket is based on a fairly simple zone based system. I'd hate to see them come up with something more complicated.

I understand the system. I just don't quite understand the logic of treating both airlines the same when it comes to points redemptions.

This would appear to happen quite regularly. People thinking they have booked Qantas only to be extremely disappointed.

 

[dajop]

Cost of a redemption ticket is based on a fairly simple zone based system. I'd hate to see them come up with something more complicated.

But they do have a couple of tables for the zone system, depending on who the partner is. It could be very simple to give a 10-20% discount on points for taking a Jetstar flight.

 

[QF029]

Would like to share my recent experience on booking and flying Jetster with QFF points from SIN to MEL. A very disappointing experience therefore I would not recommend it. But if you need to do it, at least be aware of the following:

1. It costs the same no. of reward points. So I assume the same level of service as I would from BA for example.
2. You can't select seat on Qantas website even though it has a Qantas codeshare no. Probably have to call Qantas or Jetstar to do it. What a pain and I did not bother.
3. All onboard meals, entertainment, amenities etc are not included, have to purchase them separately. I did not know that as I did not read all the fine prints. But why? You'd expect the same level of service!
4. Your FF status means nothing to Jetstar when checking in, boarding, disembarking etc. I had to queue for almost an hour at the Jetstar transfer counter in SIN to get my boarding pass as I was in transit. There was one one counter. The Qantas lounge is unable to issue boarding pass. I suspect there is also no increased luggage allowance (for platinum member, for example). I did not have too much luggage anyway.

So I wonder why would anyone fly Jetstar with QFF reward point. Never again for me.

Your mistake was joining AFF after the flight (to complain) rather than before booking (to research). Welcome aboard!

 

[Newk]

MMM..I plan to never fly Jetstar again. And I imagine there are many people here who are the same.
And indeed one of the issues is being caught out booking them on the Qantas web site...either by cash or points.
It does throw out some warnings but you have to be wise
I empathise with the OP and also welcome them to AFF

 

[Mal Ware]

MMM..I plan to never fly Jetstar again. And I imagine there are many people here who are the same.
And indeed one of the issues is being caught out booking them on the Qantas web site...either by cash or points.
It does throw out some warnings but you have to be wise
I empathise with the OP and also welcome them to AFF

They will end up shooting themselves in the foot.

There are only so many shazza's and Dazza's around who want to fly to Bali and get on the piss for that first trip overseas.

Seems many people have been fooled into purchasing Jetstar business class tickets and or used QF points, but once you lose a customer they start looking elsewhere.

Yes it is budget and most people know that but many expect more from a Qantas group airline.