Jet Star is part of the Qantas group and operates out of Singapore under the Jet Star and Valuair (catering mostly to Indonesian destinations) names. Being a budget carrier, it is all about low fares and keeping overhead costs to a minimum. If you require any add-on services (extra leg space, meals on flight, preferred seat, first to disembark, extra baggage etc) be prepared to pay extra. However, the early bird fares are truly fantastic. Sometimes fares can be as low as SGD 30.
Whats going for the airline :
1. Cheap fares. Basic fares are quite attractive and would appeal to those who don't have any time constraints. Like most budget airlines, fares for preferred slots like late nights on weekdays and mid afternoon on Sundays are significantly more expensive than the early morning weekday and late night weekend fares.
2. Offers excellent connectivity in the Asia Pacific region and especially to Australia.
3. Operates out of Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport rather than Budget Terminal which makes for a smoother airport experience.
4. Food and beverage options are reasonably priced. Cannot comment on quality since I haven't tried them.
5. Website is easy to navigate. There is a significant discount if you book add-on services at time of original booking vis-a-vis availing these services at the check-in counter. So think through your additional requests beforehand since time available for completing booking process is quite short.
What can do with some help :
1. Seats are very cramped and leg space would be the least amongst all airlines I have flown. If you are assigned a middle seat, you better be waif-thin.
2. Overhead compartment space is very limited. Since check-in baggage has a cost, travellers tend to maximise their cabin baggage allowance (10 kgs) and almost everyone has hand baggage. Be prepared to rush in when boarding starts else you won't find space.
3. Cleanliness is a big issue. Seats and tray tables are often dirty. Since on-time performance is crucial for budget carriers (small aircraft fleet), hygiene becomes a casualty. Don't be surprised to find rubbish on the floor and in seat pockets. I advise you to carry wet wipes.
4. Jet Star offers the option to pay extra for being given priority to disembark. To ensure this the back door is never opened at final destination. If you are claustrophobic or in a hurry but don't want to pay for the early disembarkation service, choose your seats carefully so as not to be stuck at the rear. Maybe it would be easier if they charged extra for the last row of seats as well but opened both doors for disembarkation?
5. On-time performance record seems to be a hit and miss. Most of my flights have been delayed but maybe that was just my luck.
Overall rating : 3/10. Inspite of low fares, given the actual in-flight experience, fly Jet Star only if you must. Here's hoping the arrival of new budget entrant - Scoot - will propel Jet Star to get its act together.
Whats going for the airline :
1. Cheap fares. Basic fares are quite attractive and would appeal to those who don't have any time constraints. Like most budget airlines, fares for preferred slots like late nights on weekdays and mid afternoon on Sundays are significantly more expensive than the early morning weekday and late night weekend fares.
2. Offers excellent connectivity in the Asia Pacific region and especially to Australia.
3. Operates out of Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport rather than Budget Terminal which makes for a smoother airport experience.
4. Food and beverage options are reasonably priced. Cannot comment on quality since I haven't tried them.
5. Website is easy to navigate. There is a significant discount if you book add-on services at time of original booking vis-a-vis availing these services at the check-in counter. So think through your additional requests beforehand since time available for completing booking process is quite short.
What can do with some help :
1. Seats are very cramped and leg space would be the least amongst all airlines I have flown. If you are assigned a middle seat, you better be waif-thin.
2. Overhead compartment space is very limited. Since check-in baggage has a cost, travellers tend to maximise their cabin baggage allowance (10 kgs) and almost everyone has hand baggage. Be prepared to rush in when boarding starts else you won't find space.
3. Cleanliness is a big issue. Seats and tray tables are often dirty. Since on-time performance is crucial for budget carriers (small aircraft fleet), hygiene becomes a casualty. Don't be surprised to find rubbish on the floor and in seat pockets. I advise you to carry wet wipes.
4. Jet Star offers the option to pay extra for being given priority to disembark. To ensure this the back door is never opened at final destination. If you are claustrophobic or in a hurry but don't want to pay for the early disembarkation service, choose your seats carefully so as not to be stuck at the rear. Maybe it would be easier if they charged extra for the last row of seats as well but opened both doors for disembarkation?
5. On-time performance record seems to be a hit and miss. Most of my flights have been delayed but maybe that was just my luck.
Overall rating : 3/10. Inspite of low fares, given the actual in-flight experience, fly Jet Star only if you must. Here's hoping the arrival of new budget entrant - Scoot - will propel Jet Star to get its act together.
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