Jetstar Airways

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Jetstar Airways

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Jetstar Airways Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Airline for You?

As the low-cost carrier subsidiary of the Qantas Group, Jetstar Airways is heavily utilized by budget-conscious travelers across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia-Pacific region. Operating on a strictly “no-frills” model, Jetstar offers incredibly cheap base fares, but requires passengers to pay extra for nearly everything else.

Whether you are jetting off to Bali or making a quick domestic trip to the Gold Coast, our comprehensive review breaks down exactly what you need to know to fly Jetstar without getting caught out by hidden fees.

Jetstar Airways at a Glance

  • Parent Company: Qantas Group
  • Frequent Flyer Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer (Points can be earned on select bundle fares)
  • Main Hubs: Melbourne (MEL), Sydney (SYD), Brisbane (BNE), Gold Coast (OOL)
  • Best For: Ultra-low-cost domestic travel, budget holidays to Asia and the Pacific, and backpackers traveling light.

In-Flight Experience: What to Expect Onboard

Qantas positions itself as a premium, full-service carrier. Here is how the experience holds up across different cabin classes:

Economy Class

Qantas Economy offers a comfortable standard for long-haul travel, frequently praised for seat comfort on its A380 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleets. Passengers receive complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages (including alcohol on international routes).

Premium Economy

A highly rated middle ground, Qantas Premium Economy offers wider seats, dedicated check-in, elevated dining menus, and noise-canceling headphones. It is widely considered one of the best ways to tackle 15+ hour flights without paying Business Class fares.

Business & First Class

Qantas Business features lie-flat beds (the “Business Suite”) on all A330, 787, and A380 aircraft, with direct aisle access for every passenger. First Class, available strictly on the A380, offers ultra-spacious suites, a dedicated sommelier, and access to the renowned Qantas First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne.

Tip: If you are flying domestically on a smaller aircraft (like the Boeing 737 or Q400), overhead bin space can be limited, and the experience is noticeably more basic compared to international configurations.

Qantas Baggage Allowance & Policies (2026)

A major advantage of flying with Qantas is that checked baggage is included in all standard fares. Below is a general overview, though limits can increase if you hold elite Qantas Frequent Flyer status (Silver, Gold, or Platinum).

Cabin Class Carry-On Allowance Domestic Checked Baggage International Checked Baggage (Weight Concept)
Economy 1 piece (up to 10kg) or 2 pieces (up to 14kg total) 1 piece (up to 23kg) Up to 30kg total weight
Premium Economy 1 piece (up to 10kg) or 2 pieces (up to 14kg total) N/A (International only) Up to 40kg total weight
Business 1 piece (up to 10kg) or 2 pieces (up to 14kg total) 2 pieces (up to 32kg each) Up to 40kg total weight
First 1 piece (up to 10kg) or 2 pieces (up to 14kg total) N/A (International only) Up to 50kg total weight

Important 2026 Safety Update: Following recent international safety protocols, Qantas strictly limits passengers to a maximum of two power banks per person (each under 160Wh). These must be kept in your carry-on luggage and cannot be used or charged during the flight.

Customer Service & Reliability

While Qantas remains one of the safest airlines in the world, recent customer feedback regarding their support systems has been mixed.

  • The Highs: Onboard cabin crew and ground staff are frequently praised for their friendly, upbeat, and professional demeanor.
  • The Lows: Passengers dealing with canceled flights, delayed baggage, or ticketing errors often report that the Qantas call center can be difficult to reach. If a problem arises, frequent flyers recommend handling it at the airport help desks rather than over the phone whenever possible.

Pros & Cons of Flying with Qantas

Pros:

  • Generous, inclusive checked baggage allowances on all standard fares.
  • Excellent safety record and world-class pilot training.
  • Comprehensive domestic network across Australia.
  • High-quality in-flight entertainment (IFE) with free Wi-Fi on most domestic routes.

Cons:

  • Fares are generally higher compared to competitors like Virgin Australia or Jetstar.
  • Customer service phone support can have long wait times.
  • Older Boeing 737 domestic planes lack the comfort and modern amenities of the newer wide-body fleet.

Have You Flown with Qantas?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you enjoy the famous Qantas lounge, or did you encounter issues with baggage claims?

FAQs About Qantas

Is food and drink free on Qantas flights?

Yes, Qantas is a full-service airline. Complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages (including alcohol on international flights and selected domestic flights) are included in all ticket types.

Does Qantas offer free Wi-Fi on board?

Qantas offers free, fast Wi-Fi on the majority of its domestic Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 flights. Currently, international flights do not have Wi-Fi access, though Qantas is planning to roll this out on its ultra-long-haul “Project Sunrise” flights.

How strict is Qantas with carry-on baggage weight?

Qantas can be quite strict, especially on busy domestic routes. If your carry-on exceeds the 10kg limit per piece (or 14kg total for two pieces), you may be forced to check the bag at the gate, which can incur additional fees if it pushes you over your checked allowance.

Can I pick my seat for free on Qantas?

Seat selection is free for domestic flights, as well as for all Business and First Class passengers. For international Economy passengers, standard seat selection requires a fee unless you hold elite frequent flyer status (Silver, Gold, or Platinum) or wait until online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the airline before booking.