Jetstar's reduced baggage allowance to Honolulu

[Evan]

I am still amazed that people think 20kgs is not enough (excepting divers and sporting goods) for a normal person.
I had a discussion with my boss the other day and he like me has his bags usually weight in about the 13kg area, and thats for a work trip to Europe for example.

Maybe people need to invest in some lighter lugguage ?

In any case LCC get what you pay for dont like it fly full service.

E

 

[straitman]

I am still amazed that people think 20kgs is not enough (excepting divers and sporting goods) for a normal person.
I had a discussion with my boss the other day and he like me has his bags usually weight in about the 13kg area, and thats for a work trip to Europe for example.

Maybe people need to invest in some lighter lugguage ?

In any case LCC get what you pay for dont like it fly full service.

E

It may sound like banter but it's a serious comment.

On most occasions 20kg is enough for my wife and she often packs the kitchen sink for me to carry :!:

 

[Ynotc2001]

Insulting people hardly helps. It is quite possible to go on a week's business trip without taking checked luggage by packing appropriately into a rollaboard carryon; not eveyone needs to check the kitchen sink in.

Again, it would seem that for your personal requirements, JQ will not be the best choice of airline and one of the other options may well be suitable. There are others who would not fly Jetstar economy and would pay the extra for a full service airline in economy for other reasons.

For a premium cabin, JQ's price is $2800 vs $7800 on HA . How much better HA's business class is I am not sure, but I doubt that I would be likely to value it as worth $5000 over JQ.

Different people have differernt priorities on what they look for and for those that want to take large amounts of luggage , JQ is not the choice

Others who may be focused on price may decide that 23Kg per person is quite adequate and in general , evidence would suggest it is given that 20Kg *is* the standard allowance for economy class in most of the world

When I travel to UK, for example, I have a wide choice of carriers. If I need to take large amounts of luggage then I would choose BA for the part of the journey that has the luggage requirements since they allow 3*32Kg in 1st plus an extra bag , if needing more, is GBP72 whereas Qantas would be 40Kg plus 15Kg status bonus and most other carriers allow 40Kg

If not taking large amounts of luggage , then I would take an airline such as CX which has, imo, a much nicer product than BA and am considering given EK a try this year

It is a case of horses for courses. Just because an airline's change is bad for you does not mean that it is bad for the airline. They may , for example, be able to sell more cargo space which is quite profitable

Dave

Time will tell, Dave, time will tell. FRe "insulting people". Pot+Kettle = black. What makes YOUR opinon so superior??

 

[Dave Noble]

Time will tell, Dave, time will tell. FRe "insulting people". Pot+Kettle = black. What makes YOUR opinon so superior??

My opinion did not involve calling those that do not need 64Kg allowance as

"the Ozzie Oi Oi Oi Kouta type crowd" and say

"some of us take more take a change of undies and a dirty shirt"

I have nothing against you having an opinion that you believe that the changes will be adverse to JQ, just against the comment suggesting that the only type of traveller capable going away with less was as described

Dave

 

[Ynotc2001]

My opinion did not involve calling those that do not need 64Kg allowance as

"the Ozzie Oi Oi Oi Kouta type crowd" and say

"some of us take more take a change of undies and a dirty shirt"

I have nothing against you having an opinion that you believe that the changes will be adverse to JQ, just against the comment suggesting that the only type of traveller capable going away with less was as described

Dave

That's what you implied. Anyway, this is getting pathetic. I asked a simple question and got supercilious lecturing. Some helpful forum.

 

[Ynotc2001]

I am still amazed that people think 20kgs is not enough (excepting divers and sporting goods) for a normal person.
I had a discussion with my boss the other day and he like me has his bags usually weight in about the 13kg area, and thats for a work trip to Europe for example.

Maybe people need to invest in some lighter lugguage ?

In any case LCC get what you pay for dont like it fly full service.

E

That's fine, Evan, but we're talking at cross purposes. FYI I was one of Qantas' first >1 million mile frequent flyers which I racked up in the first 15 months of my membership when they first instituted the programme. I still have a gift from them which I treausre - an original edition of The New York Times on the date of my birth, bound in a beautiful folder. And yes, I could fly Europe in winter, via India, and then down to Brazil with just carry on luggage on the same trip. And yes, I did fly first class which meant I had no problem carrying on board art purchases, for example. So, sadly for the unpleasant posters, I do know the issue.
I raised this issue because Hawaii is not a business destination for most travellers. If you care to watch the advertisements, they do extol the virtues of shopping in Hawaii. I don't personally care much for it and can agree I have rarely seen a single man in department stores. Especially not one in a scuba outfit. But for those who do like to buy Spode crystal for anniversaries (not generally available here and if so, too expensive) or those who like to go to Wilson Sonoma, one of the best kitchen outlets in the world (not necessary if hamburger is your forte) or those who like to buy heavily discounted Christmas toys and quality clothing for their kids, will understand.
Anyway, as many a politician has found out to their dismay, take something away from the punters and you're likely to regret it.
Incidentally, we are travelling to Honolulu shortly. I have just tried a dummy booking and no problems in getting 12 seats in StarClass both ways so who can guess the load factor at the back?
I suggest the marketing person who came up with this great idea may have trouble selling his CV to his hoped for next employer.

 

[Ynotc2001]

My opinion did not involve calling those that do not need 64Kg allowance as

"the Ozzie Oi Oi Oi Kouta type crowd" and say

"some of us take more take a change of undies and a dirty shirt"

I have nothing against you having an opinion that you believe that the changes will be adverse to JQ, just against the comment suggesting that the only type of traveller capable going away with less was as described

Dave

My humble apologies, Dave. I did not see this post. It was not aimed at anyone in particular. If you feel it fits you, far from me to disabuse.

Kind regards,
etc

 

[Annuity]

Incidentally, we are travelling to Honolulu shortly. I have just tried a dummy booking and no problems in getting 12 seats in StarClass both ways so who can guess the load factor at the back?

Interesting comment. My wife and I returned from Hawaii with JQ in November and the plane would have been no more than 60% full. In fact, with JQs 2x4x2 seating we enjoyed having 6 seats 2x4 to stretch out on, as did many other passengers throughout the economy section.

I can't imagine that the recent changes to their economy baggage allowance will do anything to increase their future load factor. Surely no-one, not even Dave, would consider the weight reduction to be a positive marketing move by JQ.

 

[comint]

Surely no-one, not even Dave, would consider the weight reduction to be a positive marketing move by JQ.

My last few flights to HNL with JQ have been hand-baggage only. Personally I like the concept of unbundling services from the ticket price, why should I pay for baggage services that I won't use? (Similar for those who can fly checked under 20kg, why should they pay the same as someone who struggles to come in under 64kg?)

Of course, often JQ doesn't have a very low price, and in these instances (where you want ancillary services) you may be better off with a "full service airline", one that includes all these extras in their fare.

Jetstar is following the Wesfarmer's model, not the LCC model. ie. heaps of advertising, including TV advertising ($$$) to create the perception of low prices - e.g. Bunnings - lowest prices are just the beginning. (The reality of a comparative shop between Bunnings and Kmart or Big W, leads to the realization that at Bunnings - lowest prices are nowhere in sight!)

Additionally Jetstar ditched its former price beat guarantee, lifted from Ryanair, as this type of price promise was likely costing it money - as only a true price leader could ever get away with such a gimmick. And their new price promise is incredibly similar to Bunnings! (i.e. it sounds impressive, but in reality it's too much hassle for customers to try and use, for very little reward.)

 

[Ynotc2001]

My last few flights to HNL with JQ have been hand-baggage only. Personally I like the concept of unbundling services from the ticket price, why should I pay for baggage services that I won't use? (Similar for those who can fly checked under 20kg, why should they pay the same as someone who struggles to come in under 64kg?)

Of course, often JQ doesn't have a very low price, and in these instances (where you want ancillary services) you may be better off with a "full service airline", one that includes all these extras in their fare.

Jetstar is following the Wesfarmer's model, not the LCC model. ie. heaps of advertising, including TV advertising ($$$) to create the perception of low prices - e.g. Bunnings - lowest prices are just the beginning. (The reality of a comparative shop between Bunnings and Kmart or Big W, leads to the realization that at Bunnings - lowest prices are nowhere in sight!)

Additionally Jetstar ditched its former price beat guarantee, lifted from Ryanair, as this type of price promise was likely costing it money - as only a true price leader could ever get away with such a gimmick. And their new price promise is incredibly similar to Bunnings! (i.e. too much hassle for customers to try and use, for very little reward.)

Quite right. And fat people, tall people etc should swim. Why, for example, cannot both propositions be accommodated? If YOU want to travel with a T-shirt and a hat. Good. But if others don't then why not sensible pricing rather than bank-style gouging? I repeat, if Jetstar think it is clever to disenfranchise a large portion of their customers, then be prepared to wear the consequences.

 

[MikedOut]

WE are travelling to HNL in May and bought our tickets pre the change to luggage allowance so would be interested to know if anyone who did the same experiences any issues on the return flight. Also can anyone comment on the cost of upgrade at the airport to *class, last year we did this for $300 each AU and $250 US for the return journey. Has it increased at all?
Thx
Noreen

Just came back from HNL yesterday and like you had purchased tks before the change. I had no problem either way with regard to to the baggage allowances (had 2 bags 1x suitcase 13kgs and 1 snowboard bag x 16kgs). Check-in staff didn't even mention the single bag change. A couple of comments though, JQ check-in staff at SYD are the rudest i've ever come across (not a good start), compare that to the JQ check-in in HNL, these were amongst the friendliest and most helpful I've come across. I flew in the back of the bus...horrid. The seats felt like there was no padding at all, it makes 10hours seem like a very long time. Don't know what *class is like but if I ever flew J* again (unlikely) I'd go for that.

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Thanks so much for the response, yes * Class with the upgrade at the airport is worth the extra cost but then again depends on whether they have put the price up, was the plane full? We have been going to HNL every year since 97 but with the reduced allowance from now on will probably not bother with Jetstar again.

 

[MikedOut]

Yes, it looked completely full. I did hear someone say that that they'd cancelled the previous days flight (don't know whether that was correct or not)

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

They have already changed our returjn flight once, we were due to leave on a Friday and they moved it to a Saturday so no wonder obviously to fill the plane....thanks again

 

[Annuity]

I took the information straight from their website regarding allowance to Sydney

Their checked baggage information states that there is a USD50 charge for each overweight piece with no exception listed for Sydney

For your personal situation, then HA may be a better option but it would seem that you will be paying $200 extra. If you are happy to pay extra to fly on a full cost airline then that is great, but JQ is and markets as a low cost carrier. Just because an airline's change does not suit your personal needs, it does not make it a bad decision for the airline.

There are a lot of people who focus on price and $200 * 4 for a family , for example, may make them lean towards the lower cost, especially if they are not going there for a shopping trip

Dave

Just to clarify the situation I contacted Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu regarding their current policy on checked-in baggage on the Sydney to Honolulu flights. They confirmed, as I have previously stated, that the checked baggage is and remains 2x32kg per passenger (not 2x23 kg). Below is the answer I received.

Subject
Hawaiian Airlines Sydney-Honolulu Baggage Allowance
Response (CAO Manager)

03/05/2009 08:07 AM​

This is to confirm Hawaiian Airlines two free bags at 32KG per bag between Sydney and Hawaii.

Thank you.

 

[Annuity]

They have already changed our returjn flight once, we were due to leave on a Friday and they moved it to a Saturday so no wonder obviously to fill the plane....thanks again

Jetstar have cancelled their Friday departures. They have now reduced the weekly Sydney to Honolulu flights from five to four.

 

[needaholiday]

Just booked a Qantas FF 'classic' award flight SYD-HNL as a partner award fling JQ in early April, I've been ticketed as travelling on QF283/4.

Originally the booking read 2pcs under checked bagagge - I notice there is nothing under checked baggage now on my booking online - and when I click on checked luggage it takes me to the Qantas policy on lugagge...which is two pieces of 32kgs each... I wonder what will happen when I get to the airport given I am ticketed as a Qantas passenger....

 

[Dave Noble]

Just booked a Qantas FF 'classic' award flight SYD-HNL as a partner award fling JQ in early April, I've been ticketed as travelling on QF283/4.

Originally the booking read 2pcs under checked bagagge - I notice there is nothing under checked baggage now on my booking online - and when I click on checked luggage it takes me to the Qantas policy on lugagge...which is two pieces of 32kgs each... I wonder what will happen when I get to the airport given I am ticketed as a Qantas passenger....

I would suggest checking with the airlines rather than gambling

Dave

 

[Annuity]

Just booked a Qantas FF 'classic' award flight SYD-HNL as a partner award fling JQ in early April, I've been ticketed as travelling on QF283/4.

Originally the booking read 2pcs under checked bagagge - I notice there is nothing under checked baggage now on my booking online - and when I click on checked luggage it takes me to the Qantas policy on lugagge...which is two pieces of 32kgs each... I wonder what will happen when I get to the airport given I am ticketed as a Qantas passenger....

Notwithstanding that you will be flying on a JS flight if you booked a Qantas FF ticket you will be allowed Q's current USA baggage allowance of 2x23kg (not 2x32kg). Qantas reduced their USA allowance from 2x32kg to 2x23kg in November althought their signage at Sydney airport still shows 2x32kg when I last looked.

As Dave said have a chat with Qantas FF (not JS) just to confirm your allowance and let us know the result.

 

[needaholiday]

Both good suggestions - will check with Q and post the answer.