TRAVEL | It was announced in 2015 that Jetstar would stop flying from Melbourne to Tokyo (Narita), with the route being picked up by Qantas. While strictly true, you can in fact fly from Melbourne to Tokyo with Jetstar, it’s just that instead of a direct flight there’s a stopover in Cairns.
Jetstar operate up to seven flights a week between Cairns and Tokyo, depending on the time of year. The plane that’s currently used on the route is the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner (“Dreamliner”). Having previously flown Jetstar long haul to Ho Chi Minh City from Melbourne in Business class on the Dreamliner, I was interested to see how a similar length flight in Economy would fare.
Check In
As I was flying from Melbourne, I didn’t need to worry about checking in at Cairns. The international terminal at Cairns is a small one, but it seems to be adequate for the job at hand. Observing those who were checking in at the counters it didn’t look like there were any hassles for anyone. Online check-in is not available for international Jetstar flights to or from Australia. Flying Economy means no fast track through security or lounge access. Also note that there aren’t too many food options at Cairns’ international terminal – grab something to eat beforehand if you can.
Luggage
When flying international with Jetstar Economy, your checked luggage allowance will depend on your fare. On the basic Economy Starter fare you can purchase between 15-40kg of checked luggage allowance in 5kg increments. A Plus bundle gets you 20kg with the option to purchase up to 20kg more, and the Max bundle gets you 30kg with an option to purchase up to 10kg more. For carry-on it’s one main plus one small bag up to 7kg total, with an option to purchase and additional 3kg.
Service
I had no complaints about the service of the staff at all stages of my flight experience. Staff were friendly and helpful, but not overbearing.
Cabin
The Jetstar Economy cabin on the Dreamliner that flies from Cairns to Tokyo features 314 seats, in a 3-3-3 layout. There are enough flight attendants around so getting the attention of someone should you need assistance isn’t an issue. Colour wise it’s orange, and varying tones of grey, in line with Jetstar’s branding. When it comes to cleanliness, everything nice and clean.
Seat
The leather seat has dimensions of about 76cm x 43cm, on the smaller end of the scale but in line with what you find on most low cost airlines flying this sort of distance. Like any economy seat, it doesn’t recline that far back. There’s an adjustable cushioned headrest which is handy when you want to get some sleep, and not often found on low cost carriers.
There are small armrests, and a leather pocket sleeve at the back of the seat in front to place a few things. There’s not much space to get work done with the tray down if you’ve got a laptop, but for a tablet sized device it’s possible to get some productive stuff done.
There’s a USB port for charging devices, and a power outlet (two for each bank of three seats) but do be aware that the power provided is at USA power standards of 110V AC 60 cycles (Hz), not Australian power standards of 220V AC 50 cycles (Hz).
Entertainment
Unlike a lot of low cost carriers, Jetstar’s Economy seats do have seat back screens (22.9cm), however to make use of the entertainment you’ll have to pay AUD$10 to access it. Entertainment is also included with some of the fare bundles that you can pre-purchase before your flight.
There’s a general selection of the latest movies and TV shows from the USA, Japan and elsewhere, plus music and a few radio stations and podcasts. The radio stations are free and don’t require the entertainment bundle. I opted to load my iPad with a few games and movies rather than pay for entertainment so can’t speak to the quality of the headphones that come with the entertainment bundle.
Food
Food isn’t included with Jetstar’s base Starter fares, but you can pre-purchase a meal, or choose from the on-board menu. If you add one of the bundles to your fare you’ll generally get a meal or meal voucher included. Food options include things like salads and sandwiches, noodle bowls and a variety of snacks and drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic. If you choose to pre-purchase the options are similar to what you find in Qantas economy. I can’t vouch for the quality of the food on this particular flight as I purchased a sandwich, chocolate bar, and water from the airport to bring on board.
Amenities
No amenities are included with the base Starter fare but you can pre-purchase a comfort pack for AUD$10. This includes an inflatable neck support pillow, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, socks, eye mask, and Ecothread blanket.
Verdict
Overall I enjoyed my Jetstar flight from Cairns to Tokyo. When I purchase a seat on a low cost carrier the main thing I’m looking for is a good flight price, friendly service and a comfortable seat. All of the other extras I can live without. By this measure, this Jetstar flight impressed me and I’d happily fly them to Tokyo again.