Jetstar has recently reduced the price of its Max Bundle dramatically. This now makes it a relatively attractive option, not only for adding flexibility to your fare but also for earning Qantas points and status credits.
The changes to the Max Bundle are twofold. On one hand, some of the flexibility has been removed. It is now only possible to make flight changes prior to airport check-in opening. This occurs two hours before the scheduled departure for domestic flights, and three hours prior for international flights. It’s also no longer possible to obtain a full refund on bookings with a Max Bundle. Instead, the refund is in the form of a Jetstar credit voucher.
The change deadline will also be prior to check-in opening time and a refund will only come in the form of a voucher. I’m not sure how much of a change this is, but I would imagine if I bought a completely flexible ticket I would want my money back, not a voucher, if cancelled… so that’s not great!
On the other hand, Max Bundles are now significantly cheaper. Although they were previously priced well above the Plus bundle, they now command only a small price premium.
On balance, this would appear to be a welcome change.
I would certainly consider a Max bundle on all fares now, as the premium seating combined with better earn rates make it very compelling. Rare that such an enhancement is good!
Jetstar’s basic fares, known as “Starter” fares, do not typically come with any bells or whistles. Qantas points do not come as a standard inclusion with any Jetstar ticket, except for New Zealand domestic flights. But Jetstar flyers can purchase a bundle to add extras.
The basic “Plus” bundle includes checked baggage, standard seat selection, food, and Qantas points & status credits at the “Economy” rate. In addition to these benefits, the Max Bundle offers a higher baggage allowance, extra legroom seats and flexibility. Qantas points & status credits are awarded at the higher “Flexible Economy” rate.
Max Bundles now represent a reasonably good value method of picking up extra Qantas status credits, as they earn around double the status credits of the Plus Bundle. This could also come in useful for anyone considering a status run.
I can never seem to go past JQ57, so had a look at an upcoming flight for this Tuesday, 24th October. The difference between a Plus and Max bundle was $40!!
QF wants $200 for all discount Economy flights and $508 for all flex Economy flights that day. That’s between 15 and 30 SC. JQ wants $184 for the Max bundle, giving 30 SC, F lounge if you’re WP and upfront seating (something you won’t get on QF).
One member points out that using Jetstar’s Price Beat Guarantee is still likely to be the cheapest method of booking Jetstar on many routes, particularly within Asia. The Price Beat Guarantee provides a 10% discount on any competitor’s price, if the competitor’s flight departs within an hour of the Jetstar flight. However, you cannot add any bundles (and therefore cannot earn points or status credits) on Price Beat Guarantee bookings.
If you are going for a bundle, the Max is definitely the go now. Using the PBG is still far cheaper when booking 3K however.
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