I'm about to head off from MEL to BKK in Starclass. I am returning Tuesday. This service started last Thursday week and runs Thu, Sun & Mon. So I was booked on the 5th running of this flight.
Here I will post impressions, images and information about this trip.
serfty
Dec 14, 06, 11:10 pm
I arrived via the Melbourne Skybus at 10:40; I knew I could not check in until 3 hours before the 14:10 departure. I was a bit early as this timing enabled mrs serfty to drop me off at the local train station.
Anyway on arrival, international check in was a zoo; There are 6 flights departing between noon and 1pm today including at least 4 747's in QF25, QF73, QF93 and UA840. Also the queue for NZ125 appeared very long.
I decided to scout my check in counters before heading up to the Domestic QP for some refreshment. Looking at the screens/boards I could not see any mention of my JQ29 flight at all. :confused: Listings were into the evening including the JQ407 A320 flight to CHC. But as for my flight; NADA! :shock:
Thinking on the run I rechecked the 3 counters listed for the CHC flight and having a punt that the same would be being used for BKK I wandered over. I saw two girls wearing blazers in,what appeared from a distance to be, JQ ochre setting up barriers for queue lines. As I approached them I saw they indeed had JQ badges. I asked one about where to check in for my Flight as it was not mentioned on any of the signage.
Her reply with a smile was along the lines of "We were wondering that too ... but you can use these three counters from 10 past Eleven.". No worries then, so off I strolled to the QP from where I am started on this.
I will head down to check in shortly; don't want to leave it too late in case the Check-in queues are large, but I am hoping immigration clears soon with all that outbound SLC.
serfty
Dec 14, 06, 11:12 pm
On arrival at the check-in counter it was 11:40; they actually had 6 counters set up rather than the advertised three. Five were occupied with people checking in with the Starclass counter free. There was a small queue of people waiting in the JetSaver/Flex queues with the Starclass queue empty.
Checkin was painless; the young guy seemed quite bored as he advised me to be through customs and be at Gate 4 by 1:30pm, 40 minutes before the flight. Perhaps he had not had much to do. My BP had a sequence number of 81 so a few had already checked in during the preceding 30 minutes. 1K, the seat I requested was on the BP.
Immigration was not much of a problem; There were a good two hundred queued but 9 counters were being operated and I was through in 10 minutes. Strangely the APEC/D/Aircrew queue was quite long with 50-60 people and I had less waiting time than those using the sole counter for the special queue.
As I walked through the terminal I checked out gate 4; NZ125 was just being pushed back from it; so no opportunity yet for a photo of my chariot.
I arrived at the Lounge entrance and it was mayhem; I had to wait a minute or two before handing over my BP and WP card to the harried agent. She did not scan the BP; simply writing someting down then without indicating left or right she said I could go through to "the lounge". Which Lounge? I went to my Left.
serfty
Dec 14, 06, 11:13 pm
I went upstairs about 12:45 order to get some images of the aircraft; but it was not there; coming back at 1:00pm it had arrived
Endeavouring to get some good images images of VH-EBB proved difficult; but Gate 4 is a tough one air side for this. I managed a few however and went back to the lounge to prepare; everything seemed on time.
I intended to be at the gate lounge at 1:30pm when boarding was due to be called, but decided a few shrimps washed down with another glass of Moët was a better option. :cool:
Boarding was called in the lounge at 1:35; I finished my snack and headed up.
"Passengers in the front rows and all remaining" were just being called as I arrived, so I queued up. My BP stub was torn off; no use of the reader here.
On seeing my BP, I was escorted to my seat and offered Juice or Water. I took the Juice option and it was delivered in a plastic flute.
As there had been only 5 seats including mine showing as preallocated I did not expect many people to be in StarClass. However, I was surprised that when boarding had finished there were only 4 passengers in the cabin.
I was offered another juice by the attentive FA's which I accepted. I noted there seemed to be about 3 FA's of Oz origin; the others 4-6 were of obvious Asian heritage.
The cabin had quite a strong smell of new leather; looking closely I surmised the seating had been upgraded with new covering and power supply but not completely replaced.
Push back was a little delayed at 2:18pm with quite a long taxi out past the fire training areas; very unusual for aircraft to use this runway from that direction.
Takeoff was to the South East at 2:32pm with a smooth long rollout, several right hand banks and soon I was looking at Mt. Macedon receding into the distance out of my window.
serfty
Dec 14, 06, 11:16 pm
Here an image of my BP; note the stub is labeled "Boarding Pass" and the large has "Customer Copy" printed on it.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/bp.jpg
When you board the stub is removed and the rest handed back to you. This is very important for those down the back, as this indicates what the passenger is entitled to as part of their fare, lose your BP and you may not get fed!
I did not mention that before pushing back, I was given the amenities that were included with my StarClass fare. This comprised a set of noise canceling headphones, a "comfort" kit and a video player. The headphones and the "Comfort" set were for me to keep.
The "Comfort" Pack consisted of a outer cloth like paper wrap held together with Velcro strips. This had two zipped pockets containing an ear-plug, socks, toothbrush (& paste), eye-shades a blanket and inflatable pillow. I did not use any of these on the way to BKK as it was a day flight. I road tested them on the way back last night and seemed ok.
The headphones were reasonably effective in noise canceling, it came with it own AA battery. However during the flight the battery started to run out of juice; which resulted in clicking noises rather than noise canceling. I was simply given another set of 'phones when I mentioned it. The plug on these is quite inventive. It can be used with a standard single pin stereo socket, but had a second pin that folded away. When wishing to use with the aircraft's in seat audio sockets you simply swing the second pin out to make a two prong plug.
The cabin is basically the same as for the QF Domestic J class the 332's were configured. As posted the seats are basically the same ones recovered in leather and having power supply sockets attached.
I found them quite comfortable when using them for eating, drinking, watching movies etc.. For sleeping they don't recline as much as I would like and with the leather covering it gets a bit stickier with one's perspiration. I was ready for this having done a red-eye 757 flight ANC-DFW earlier this year and had with me a set of QF F pajamas which I wore while sleeping. Without them I imagine any clothes I was wearing would become a bit earthy after several hours. Still with the inflatable pillow and blanket supplied I manage a good 6 hours sleep during the overnight flight.
Seat 2D: This would be the preferred seat in this cabin for overnight flights as there is no seat directly in front and you can stretch out. I had preallocated it for the return but moved to 2F for a bit more privacy as the cabin was so empty.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/2e.jpg
Looking across the centre seats of row 2. Seat 2F is in the centre of the image.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/2h.jpg
Taken from beside 6J; you can see the armrest between 5D/5E in the lower left foreground.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/rear.jpg
As you can above, aside from the personal VOD unit there is mainscreen available. Skyshow is also displayed on these.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/skyshow.jpg
The power supply sockets between seats 1J/K. Note the multi plug style.
http://www.footy.aus.nu/images/StarClass/power_point.jpg
serfty
Dec 14, 06, 11:23 pm
Catering consisted of a "Lunch" shortly after take off and a refreshment later with drinks available throughout the flight.
Almost immediately after the seatbelt signs went out I was offered a pre-dinner drink. On asking what was available I was told "many things". No lists were apparent, so I simply asked for a scotch on ice with a soda on the side. I was presented with a plastic cup of scotch and ice with a can of soda. Beer, white white, red and sparkling wine were also available. Looking across I could see the guy in 1B with a can of VB. The scotch was reasonable; not JW Gold but palatable enough. A packet of salted cashews was also presented for my enjoyment.
While sipping away at the scotch and was asked what I would like for lunch. There was a choice of "Chicken with Asian Vegetables", "Beef and Vegetables" or a "Vegetarian Pasta with Pesto Sauce". I enquired about the beef and was told it was a stir fry so I went for the chicken. My drink was again refreshed.
The chicken was very nice; almost a dry curry style reminiscent of a rendang. Washed down with a couple of glasses of quite nice sparkling wine. I asked to see the label and it was from from a winery near Canberra.
For dessert the choice was "Tira-Misu" or a "Fruit Platter". I went for the cake and it was nice. I washed it down with black plunger coffee which was very reasonable.
That was it for a while; my Sparkling was topped up a couple of more times; then I asked for a beer. The VB was quite cold and I settled down to watch a move on the Video unit; I also had the option of watching the main screen movie, but this did not interest me.
Interestingly, I found that while the Video tablet I had been given was wide screen; the movie I watched were all standard 3:4 formatted for airlines; right down the the QF watermark that appears occasionally. These displayed on the tablets in wide screen stretched horizontally to fit which I found disconcerting. Luckily I found one of the buttons would swap the picture between wide screen and standard mode.
Thus amused, I whiled the daytime flight away, even having a 30 minute nap.
About 5 hours into the flight I was offered my choice of a light refreshment. There was a choice between a Frittata or a Meat Pie; I chose the pie; "Sure" was the reply and advice was given that it would take 30 minutes to heat. No worries ... Soon enough, out it came and it was quite good washed down with a few servings of quite a quaffable red wine. I forgot to get a look at the label.
This was followed by a fruit platter which seemed very fresh. However, for contrast, I was glad I had the tira-misu that was offered earlier.
The sun was setting late into the flight. Seemingly in a choreographed dance a very bright moon rose in the East. It was quite a surreal scene as the moonlight could be seen reflecting off ground water in a seeming multitude of ponds, lakes, swamps etc below.
The seat belt sign came on about 50 minutes before landing; quite early I thought. Soon the reason was revealed as we flew NE then NW around some storms. I could see some lightning to the south of the city.
Landing was at 7:31pm local time and with a some taxiing around we were at the gate at 7:40. I was first off the aircraft; immigration was a breeze and I was virtually straight through to the arrival hall of Suvarnabhumi (Soo-wvanna-bhoom) airport.
Swiss Tony
Dec 15, 06, 12:59 am
Cool review - would it be fair to say that the service is like regular economy on QF, but you get the bigger seat and what looks to be quite a weighty amenity pack?
What's the premium like over the rear cabin?
serfty
Dec 21, 06, 7:10 pm
Cool review - would it be fair to say that the service is like regular economy on QF, but you get the bigger seat and what looks to be quite a weighty amenity pack?
What's the premium like over the rear cabin?The service is more like Oz domestic J.
I have been advised food is the same between the cabins; those on the cheapest fares have to purchase theirs separately, either when booking or on the flight.
Surprisingly, the amenity pack is actually quite light.
serfty
Dec 25, 06, 1:23 am
From airport at 8pm I simply showed Email with Hilton's Name and address to the Taxi Controllers at the Airport Level 1 taxi desk. They filled out the paperwork and walked me over to a waiting taxi.
Before we moved off I looked carefully for the meter being turned on and when it was not I said "Meter", driver looked at me and said 550 Baht; I said "Meter" again, more firmly. She shrugged and turned the meter on saying "now you pay toll". I did pay tolls; B25 & B40. arriving at the hotel the fare was B293 including B50 airport fee; so total cost was B358.
serfty
Dec 25, 06, 1:25 am
My hotel was the Hilton Millenium; nice place. Upon entering I approached the HHonors desk and after a quick check of my booking I found myself being escorted to the executive lounge for check in.
There I was informed that I had been upgraded to the executive levels as an HHonors Gold. It was too late for the evening cocktails, so I went down to the restaurant and enjoyed the buffet there for ~AUD29.
In the morning I found the "continental" breakfast on the exec floor to be exceptional. They even had a chef cooking egg based meals to order.
I was out most of the morning and arrived back to hotel around Noon. I had a wonderfully refreshing shower, washing away the grit of the mornings activities. Packing was next as check out was looming.
serfty
Jan 6, 07, 12:02 am
I needed to check out by 1pm; I did so at the executive lounge desk and was able to use the lounge for the remainder of the afternoon. This was great after my mornings wanderings.
At 4:30PM Monday, the Taksin Bridge could be seen from the exec lounge as being totally clogged. I toyed with the idea of using the ferry and getting a taxi from the Sheraton on the other side but decided I did not wish to juggle my bags/equipment across the water. So I decided on a taxi from the hotel.
Heading out down past reception I went out to the desk there. The porters called up by radio to the secure entrance. While waiting (without asking) I was told the meter would be used & it would be about 90 minutes to airport.
The driver actually did not take the Taksin bridge; he drove further South to take the Rama III expressway, thereby driving around the Jam. I was at the Airport in 65 minutes for B290 + B65 in tolls. :)
serfty
Jan 6, 07, 12:22 am
Arriving at the airport, the taxi dropped me off at the East end around ¾ an hour before checkin was due to open.
As it happens, the JQ checkin is at the West end of the terminal and it was quite a distance from one end to the other. Undeterred, off I went, checking out the new layouts on the way. Reaching the other end, I identified the area where JQ checkin was to occur and then proceeded to explore further.
I was keen on getting a good view of the new airport and I noticed there are two viewing platforms up near the roof inside this vast building. I decided to check the West one out.
These are reached by either elevator or escalator to a restaurant mezzanine level, then a ramp up higher with one 180 degree bend; sort of a zig without the zag as it were. This platform is an area about 40 metres by 20; when I reached the top I was amazed to find about 150 people seemingly camped up there. The platforms' inner edges were covered with blankets/rug/mats taking up over half the available floor space. These people were sitting, lying down and walking around; talking, playing cards, reading books etc. Why they were there I know not; I guess I could have asked someone.
The entry and viewing window areas (to the South of the platform) were the only places without floor coverings and while I could see outside, it was dusk and the windows appeared dirty giving an unclear view. I was able to identify the pier/gate where my flight was scheduled to depart and, slightly disappointed headed back down to the check in area.
Here there was movement with about four staff setting up those flexible barriers and otherwise readying for check-in. Soon thereafter they were joined by half a dozen others and, with blank boarding cards, JQ bag tags and other paraphernalia being handed out, were soon ready to commence check in. Including myself there were 25-30 waiting for this. I positioned myself near the counter that looked like it was to be for :-:class while the other expectant PAX spread themselves around the other 5 or 6 counters.
Five minutes before scheduled check-in was to open several of the other counters opened up; the staff at the counter I was at was still getting ready. The counter next to me became free and I moved across to it. There was some difficulty with printing my BP, but otherwise everything went smoothly. The agent confirmed my preselected seat and handed this back to me along with a gray card with an invitation in silver printing to the "Loui's Tavern" Business class lounge. I was also asked about my luggage and I indicated my laptop bag and my 106cm wheelaboard. I was handed two stickers about 5x20cm with "Jet:-: CABIN BAGGAGE printed on them; telling me I needed to stick them onto both my bags. I assume this was a signal to permit them to be taken on board.
He also instructed me where and how to buy the THB500 tax voucher. I had already identified a booth for this close to the nearest emigration entrance so after a brief stop off to get one I proceeded through the door. I needed to show my THB500 voucher, BP and PP to a uniformed guy at that entrance.
Emigration was again a breeze and shortly after 6pm I was browsing the Duty Free stores.
Grabbing one of those mini trolleys you find airside at many airports I had a good look around. While not quite a labyrinth, Suvarnabhumi Airport is extremely large and after completing my requisite purchases (prices are far less expensive than at any Oz Duty Free Store) I decided to hunt out this "Loui's Tavern".
Ascertaining from the map on the back it was down one level near an intersection with my flight's E concourse I located it. I also espied the F lounge nearby and like any good Frequent Flyer attempted to gain access to that brandishing my QF WP card. No dice; I was nicely but firmly advised that the business class lounge around the corner was my only option. Off I toddled to the Fish Tank lookalike otherwise known as "Loui's Tavern".
Well written, well photographed - an excellent report. Perhaps I missed it but how does the fare on JetStar compare with Business Class on the full service carriers?
Kiwi Flyer
Jan 8, 07, 6:07 pm
Much lower, as you'd expect when star class is really a premium economy product (and at that not even as good as some true premium economy eg BA, NZ, VS).
It seems so far JQ is having trouble filling star class with reported success upgrading from the cheapest economy fares for A$200 per sector.
serfty
Jan 8, 07, 11:54 pm
Thanks for that.
The current standard MEL-BKK-MEL :-:Class fare on JQ is about AUD1,980. It is a fully flexible fare, so flights can be changed readily. It is almost fully refundable (less a $30 fee).
I flew on an introductory "promo" fare which cost ~AUD1,780.
Note that Qantas Frequent Flyers earn full Business SC's and FF Points (including any applicable bonus points) for :-:Class.
As a QF WP my return trip netted over 20,500 FF points and 240 SC's.
serfty
Jan 9, 07, 12:04 am
As mentioned, the Loui's Taverns are down on level 3 near the intersection of concourses F, E, G & D. The First lounge is about 30 metres along from the beginning of 'F' to the right. As you walk down concourse D though the intersection of E & G it become concourse F. The Business lounge entrance is on the right about 40 metres down concourse G from the intersection.
I used the term "Fishtank" in reference that those inside are very visible to people in the concourses. "Fishbowl" may be better but the lounges are rectangular with glass walls and I find 'tank' is more descriptive.
This Tank effect is very much the same with the Loui's Tavern F lounge; it's near the J lounge on the same level, just around the corner. Here is a shot taken of it from near the J lounge entrance. You can see the west transfer desk located beneath it, one level down.
The J lounge had a varied offering of sandwiches and cold pastries such as mini sausage rolls. There was a selection of canned soft drinks and beers, various spirits as well as a red and a white wine. There was also a coffee machine. This was all self serve. A bookshelf contained a selection of magazines and newspapers from Asia and Europe.
Seating was in the form of low squarish chairs/sofas. They were comfortable enough. I found the lighting a bit strange and needed to relocate a few times until I finally found a seat sans any annoying glare.
Some indoor greenery had been placed here in a reasonably successful attempt to break up this starkness. There was also a large TV screen but this was not working. Actually from its screen it appeared to be operational but it was simply not getting a signal.
I had few sandwiches and an ale or two then went to investigate my gate. Finding x-ray would need to be negotiated before I could get there, I resolved to allow some extra time when heading out for boarding commencement.
ozstamps
Jan 10, 07, 8:50 pm
Great report - great photos! ^
I walked past the Louis Tavern last week in BKK and recall it was at start/intersect of C concourse as well?
serfty
Jan 10, 07, 10:43 pm
Thanks Glen; my memory was a bit hazy, so I have rechecked.
You can see the lounges on this map: (Level 3 - meetings (http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/86))
D, E & F are correct. The other concourse is 'G'. I've clarified my post above.
The Business lounge is represented on the map with the only TeePee symbol on concourse G; There may have been other locations for Loui's Taverns, but these were the only ones indicated on the back of my invitation.
ozstamps
Jan 11, 07, 7:49 am
There may be more than one. We walked for MILES at that white elephant airport down huge concourses for every arrival and take off, so my brain might have been addled by then!
I recall seeing one by the TG lounge around that C wing, and maybe it is another one altogether.
Can I ask what kind of camera you are using for those pix. Very sharp pix. ^
serfty
Jan 11, 07, 5:04 pm
... Can I ask what kind of camera you are using for those pix. Very sharp pix. ^Sony Ericsson K800i (http://www.sonyericsson.com/spg.jsp?cc=au&lc=en&ver=4000&template=pip1&zone=pp&pid=10407) (3.2 Mpix). Yep, its a 'phone, Only real issue when comparing to a dedicated camera is the lack of an optical zoom. I don't use digital zoom; simply take a full resolution image and crop as necessary.
http://www.sonyericsson.com/images/spgd/GPD_40888_1507_0_4000.pnghttp://www.sonyericsson.com/images/spgd/GPD_40887_1507_0_4000.png
To publish here I've actually reduced the original image files (and hence resolution) from ~800kB down to ~50Kb. (Thinking of those on Dial up ;) )
ozstamps
Jan 11, 07, 5:53 pm
Wow. these come out better tha n my new 7 mega pixel Fuji on fine rez!
serfty
Jan 11, 07, 10:38 pm
Looking at this Level 4 - Departures (http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/87) Map, you can get an idea of where the x-ray is.
With about 35 minutes to go before scheduled departure I collected my bags and went from the Business lounge to my gate in Pier E. I had to go up one level near the concourse intersection and through the E x-ray. There were no delays.
The walkways are elevated and run down the middle of the piers with staircases/escalators every so often leading down to each of the gate lounges. With the design these "lounges" reminded me more of 'holding pens' for livestock. My gate was the third along on the left so it was a significant walk.
Proceeding down to the gate lounge an announcement was made that there would be a 15 minute delay before boarding. So I located a seat near the gate and watched proceedings.
After about five minutes about 25 people appeared from the skybridge; they included a couple of "Suits" but were mainly Flight Attendants, some who I had travelled with on the way up. These people separated into two groups with the larger heading down the arrivals hallway. The remainder prepared to board us.
(Later on I was able to ask what it was about and I was told most were undergoing training. One of the 'Suits' was actually a high up executive with Jetstar and accompanied us in the StarClass cabin back to MEL.)
Boarding soon commenced, as I was near the gate I was straight on and soon seated in my 2E seat (now renumbered 2D) and sipping the proffered juice.
As the passenger boarded there was a bit of a kerfuffle with some Chinese looking people trying to bring a large bag on board. I could see this clearly from my seat. They were not happy at being told it had to be gate checked but I was not surprised; this bag looked like a cube about 1 meter in all dimensions. I have since heard that a lot of travelers in Asia deliberately try to carry on as much as possible, even knowing the carry-on limits, to avoid excess baggage fees; even if it gets gate checked they rarely pay an extra fee.
The were less StarClass passengers in this flight with myself, one PAX in 3A, 1A and the aforementioned exec in 4K.
Boarding soon completed; by this time it was 15 minutes after nine. We still waited another 5 minutes finally pushing back about 20 minutes late. With 20 minutes of taxiing/waiting/taxiiing it was 9:40pm before we took off.
After takeoff I migrated to 2G for a bit more privacy.
zer0
Sep 20, 07, 9:04 pm
Sorry for the necro...
Nice review.
Will definitely come in useful if I decide on Starclass for any of my upcoming travel.
I was wondering if anyone knew of the best seats in economy on the 330-200 they use for MEL to BKK.
It's a bit hard to tell from their seating charts.
I am 6'5" and am always looking for exit row seats.
Especially on longer flights.
cheers
Z
LHR/MEL/Europe FF
Sep 23, 07, 4:21 am
Sorry for the necro...
I was wondering if anyone knew of the best seats in economy on the 330-200 they use for MEL to BKK.
It's a bit hard to tell from their seating charts.
I am 6'5" and am always looking for exit row seats.
Especially on longer flights.
cheers
Z
Hi Z
Best way to look at a seating plan for Jet* is to make a dummy booking. Just enter in a name and go to the 'select seats' icon and the map will appear. The exits are clearly shown (four seats in total) although they always seem to be 'greyed out' (taken). I guess you either have to book extremely early or get them allocated at the airport. I dunno - I booked my flight to HNL about a month in advance and they were gone. As QF status means nothing on JQ you can't ring to get the seats opened up.
If you are considering JQ and the flight looks empty (as it did with mine), I picked a block of four seats at the very back of the aircraft. Although the flight filled up a little, people selected their seats from the front and I ended up with the row to myself. Also used this tactic on a domestic flight and had one of the only seats with a spare in the middle. The other thing is to book and pay economy and if it grabs you, upgrade at the airport on the day of departure (depending on availability). The upgrade ex AU is around AUD300.
Regards
lme ff
Downunder girl
Nov 28, 07, 8:41 am
Great report and pics Serfty ^
So do you think its worth the extra cash for Star Class??
It seems the seats arent much wider than econ?
serfty
Nov 28, 07, 5:06 pm
I depends upon how much extra cash. If you are happy take the risk of not getting an on departure upgrade against being upgraded for ~$200 it is worth it.
The millenium seats are about 25% wider I believee.
Downunder girl
Nov 29, 07, 6:32 am
I depends upon how much extra cash. If you are happy take the risk of not getting an on departure upgrade against being upgraded for ~$200 it is worth it.
The millenium seats are about 25% wider I believee.
Thanks for the info. Currently for the timing I am looking at, the fare difference is $600 AUD o/w, so its a bit more than $200 ;). It ends up being $1200 x 2 (I have to buy a tix for mini DG) so the cost is a consideration for me.
Keithrez
Dec 24, 07, 5:55 am
I depends upon how much extra cash. If you are happy take the risk of not getting an on departure upgrade against being upgraded for ~$200 it is worth it.
The millenium seats are about 25% wider I believee.
Serfty, love the report. So I have a couple of ? for you. First, what are millenium seats? Second, my mom is coming to Oz/NZ with me and we need to get her a ticket. She would love to fly upfront, and we are looking @ all options. She is 5' tall. It looks like the Starclass tix are about $500-$600 more each way in USD than the cheapest seats in coach. Is there enough of a difference in the seats to justify that?
Tnx Keith
kaukau
Dec 24, 07, 9:34 am
We took advantage of JetStar's upgrade to StarClass at airport check-in option (if seats available) for USD$250.00 per seat each way on our HNL-SYD-HNL trip.
If you're going to try to u/g at check-in, do not pre-purchase any "Feed Me", "Comfort Me", or "Entertain Me" options: each is included with the u/g!
BIMMERKID2
Dec 24, 07, 5:35 pm
Those queues in most countries seem long to me anyways.. My guess is they have to check of each pilot's credentials and Flight Orders etc. etc.
On arrival at the check-in counter it was 11:40; they actually had 6 counters set up rather than the advertised three. Five were occupied with people checking in with the Starclass counter free. There was a small queue of people waiting in the JetSaver/Flex queues with the Starclass queue empty.
Checkin was painless; the young guy seemed quite bored as he advised me to be through customs and be at Gate 4 by 1:30pm, 40 minutes before the flight. Perhaps he had not had much to do. My BP had a sequence number of 81 so a few had already checked in during the preceding 30 minutes. 1K, the seat I requested was on the BP.
Immigration was not much of a problem; There were a good two hundred queued but 9 counters were being operated and I was through in 10 minutes. Strangely the APEC/D/Aircrew queue was quite long with 50-60 people and I had less waiting time than those using the sole counter for the special queue.
As I walked through the terminal I checked out gate 4; NZ125 was just being pushed back from it; so no opportunity yet for a photo of my chariot.
I arrived at the Lounge entrance and it was mayhem; I had to wait a minute or two before handing over my BP and WP card to the harried agent. She did not scan the BP; simply writing someting down then without indicating left or right she said I could go through to "the lounge". Which Lounge? I went to my Left.
serfty
Dec 26, 07, 12:55 am
Serfty, love the report. So I have a couple of ? for you. First, what are millenium seats? Second, my mom is coming to Oz/NZ with me and we need to get her a ticket. She would love to fly upfront, and we are looking @ all options. She is 5' tall. It looks like the Starclass tix are about $500-$600 more each way in USD than the cheapest seats in coach. Is there enough of a difference in the seats to justify that?
Tnx KeithIf you are larger than the average PAX, Millenium seats have more space.
For JQ millenium seats look at the images I included, as well look (under Jetstar - Airbus A330-202) and click:
http://www.icns.com.au/qflyer/StarClassBanner.png (http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1230129/L/)
panwestern
Dec 31, 07, 6:29 pm
Thanks for the info all, very helpfull. I was dissapointed on a qauntas run between brisbane and adelaide, where biz was empty yet an upgrade was still close to 1000.
I like an airline that tries to maximize profit's, by filling hi value seats, albeit it premium economy.