From next Tuesday (23 May 2023), Jetstar is changing check-in and bag drop times for its domestic and international flights.
So what time do you have to remind your clients to get to the airport?
Domestic travellers
- Check-in and bag drop will close 40 minutes before departure (which is 10 minutes earlier than previously).
- Boarding gates will close 20 minutes before departure (15 minutes earlier than previously).
International travellers
- Check-in and bag drop will close at least 60 minutes before departure of international flights.
- Boarding gates will close 20 minutes before departure of international flights.
While the changes aren’t massive, travellers who are used to ducking to the loo before boarding their flight (or sneaking in some duty-free shopping) will need to keep an eye on the clock.
And it’s all in the name of getting flights away on time — which is what we all want.
Jetstar’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Franzi, said that everyone across the business is working hard to strengthen Jetstar’s operations.
“We know our performance hasn’t been up to scratch and we are working hard to boost punctuality and reliability,” he said.
“We’re also recruiting more airport staff, cabin crew and engineering team members and making changes to our check-in, bag drop and boarding times, to bring them in line with other low-cost carriers around the world.”
Jetstar is updating its customers via email and text message. And reminders are visible on its website and through signage in Jetstar’s terminals.
Quieter, more fuel-efficient planes
Jetstar’s seventh Airbus A321neo LR (NEO) aircraft has just arrived in Melbourne. And the airline is set to receive another 11 NEOs by the end of 2024, bringing the next-generation fleet to 18.
The NEO is quieter and uses up to 20 per cent less fuel, the airline said. And Jetstar uses them on its domestic services and when flying between Australia and Bali.
From 29 June, the NEOs will also fly between Sydney and Rarotonga when Jetstar launches the only direct service between Australia and the largest of the Cook Islands.
“Our Airbus A321neo LRs are some of the newest aircraft in the world and our current fleet of six has delivered world-beating mechanical reliability for its aircraft type,” says Franzi.
According to the COO, investing in new aircraft is another part of Jetstar’s ongoing efforts to improve the carrier’s punctuality and reliability.
Jetstar’s Airbus A321neo LRs:
- Are 50 per cent quieter than similar size Airbus A320/A321s
- Burn up to 20 per cent less fuel to reduce emissions
- Have an extra fuel tank to fly further (about 3,500 nautical miles / 6,482 kilometres)
- Boast 232 wider seats each with USB power
- Have extra-large overhead storage bins with 40 per cent more space
Jetstar recently began its first-ever Brisbane–Auckland direct flights. Read more about them here.
