Basic AU domestic questions e.g. QF/JQ differences, timing at airport
Aug 5, 2022, 5:31 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 474
Basic AU domestic questions e.g. QF/JQ differences, timing at airport
It has been many years since we have done domestic in AU so looking for some advice from the experts.
- If timings are important e.g. same day meetings in different cities, is there a clear choice between JQ and QF, or just what timing works? Either carrier more likely to get delayed or cancelled?
- How early do you need to arrive at the airport (SYD and MEL) for domestic - and does this differ JQ and QF? Flying hand lugagge only.
- Any "tricks" or "gotchas" to be aware of. E.g. from a quick look the JQ flex bundle seems a no-brainer; flexibility, can put into credit, up front seat, more hand luggage.
Thanks for any input
- If timings are important e.g. same day meetings in different cities, is there a clear choice between JQ and QF, or just what timing works? Either carrier more likely to get delayed or cancelled?
- How early do you need to arrive at the airport (SYD and MEL) for domestic - and does this differ JQ and QF? Flying hand lugagge only.
- Any "tricks" or "gotchas" to be aware of. E.g. from a quick look the JQ flex bundle seems a no-brainer; flexibility, can put into credit, up front seat, more hand luggage.
Thanks for any input
Aug 5, 2022, 9:00 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2021
Programs: Qantas
Posts: 7
Keep in mind that JQ is a low cost carrier compared to the full service QF. I would no doubt fly QF over JQ any day. Also JQ leave from a separate terminal in SYD so if you have access to the QF lounge due to status you won't be able to use it unless you do 2 sets of security and change terminals. I fly through Sydney airport each week with hand carry only and 1 hour is plenty of time, however the Jetstar terminal does get busier and VA, REX and other airlines fly from there so id give it a bit of extra time.
Aug 5, 2022, 2:34 pm
#3
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,590
I would take whichever has the better fare. On Jetstar, 1C is a great seat for legroom and for quick disembarkation at the destination. Compare total price for whar you want ( e.g. extra legtoom / baggage / timing ) and book accordingly
The only downside is if you would have lounge access via OW status is that you wouldn't get lounge access when travelling on JQ
The only downside is if you would have lounge access via OW status is that you wouldn't get lounge access when travelling on JQ
Aug 6, 2022, 4:07 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,018
For SYD-MEL also have
VA https://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/
REX https://www.rex.com.au/
Aug 7, 2022, 7:21 am
#6
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 196
Aug 9, 2022, 4:15 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,405
This. My last few domestic flights were on Virgin and Rex, no lounge access so I was in the main departures hall. There were many announcements over the tannoy for Jetstar pax on flight [insert number and destination] to ‘present themselves at the gate for their hand luggage to be weighed’.
Aug 10, 2022, 6:19 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP/LTG | UA P
Posts: 13,530
My last QF domestic flight (a few weeks ago) was completely full. The SYD gate staff were in a fluster organising themselves to patrol the crowd trying to grab excess bags for gate checking. Their criteria were "more than 2 bags" and "anything that looks bigger than normal". Bag weights were not an issue.
Aug 13, 2022, 8:02 pm
#11
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
This. My last few domestic flights were on Virgin and Rex, no lounge access so I was in the main departures hall. There were many announcements over the tannoy for Jetstar pax on flight [insert number and destination] to ‘present themselves at the gate for their hand luggage to be weighed’.
I usually book into row 1 on Jq and the flighties are very good at saving bin space so I don’t worry about it too much
personally I find JQ (in row 1) better than QF in economy (I am rarely if ever successful at getting row 4 on a 737, not sure if it’s necessity (DRW based) or mindset but QF has been disappointing of late
Aug 14, 2022, 4:34 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 474
Thanks all for the input. I flew JQ and it was uneventful, but nothing special.
They did indeed weigh bags and put stickers on them, and boarding was a zoo with a large queue. Seats were not spacious and were basic (not seat pocket etc) but the flight wasn't long so not really complaining. Plenty of announcements that aren't relevant, but that's what noise cancelling earphones are for!
For 1/4 of the price and the same timings I would use JQ again.
They did indeed weigh bags and put stickers on them, and boarding was a zoo with a large queue. Seats were not spacious and were basic (not seat pocket etc) but the flight wasn't long so not really complaining. Plenty of announcements that aren't relevant, but that's what noise cancelling earphones are for!
For 1/4 of the price and the same timings I would use JQ again.
Aug 16, 2022, 3:46 am
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 474