Airline review: Jetstar economy, Singapore to Bangkok

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 8 years ago

Airline review: Jetstar economy, Singapore to Bangkok

By Tim Richards
Jetstar Asia Airbus A320.

Jetstar Asia Airbus A320.

THE PLANE

Airbus A320. Jetstar Asia operates 18 of these planes, which have the widest cabin of any single-aisle aircraft.

THE ROUTE

Singapore to Bangkok

THE LOYALTY SCHEME

Qantas Frequent Flyer program (oneworld alliance).

CLASS

Economy, seat 3C.

DURATION

Advertisement

Two hours, 20 minutes.

FREQUENCY

Up to six times daily.

THE SEAT

The pitch is 74 centimetres; the width is 45 centimetres. There are 180 economy seats in a 3-3 layout.

BAGGAGE

With a starter fare, additional charges apply for a checked baggage; more expensive fare types allow from 20–30 kilograms. It's best to organise your allowance at the booking stage; checking in additional baggage at the airport is more expensive. One carry-on bag and one additional personal item may be taken aboard, totaling seven kilograms.

COMFORT

We're jammed in fairly tightly though, surprisingly, there is enough space for my knees to clear the seatback in front. There's also sufficient room for a full-sized tray table to fold down, and for me to get a little typing done on my iPad en route. The seats are well padded and have a limited recline, though the headrest is non-adjustable and pushes into my shoulders. I'm lucky to have no one between me and the passenger in 3A, giving us both some valuable elbow room.

ENTERTAINMENT

"Would you like us to sing a song for you?" asks a flight attendant jokingly when I inquire about the entertainment options. This is one of those rare flights where the passengers provide their own amusement, mostly in the form of phones and tablets. I while away the time with an ebook.

THE SERVICE

The flight attendants are friendly and energetic, kept busy with food and beverage service on this relatively short flight.

FOOD

As part of my Max Bundle fare I receive $S10 credit to be used toward the inflight food service. I go light with the $S10 combo, which is a tomato and cheese toastie and a soft drink. It's not a great success: the sandwich is tiny and not particularly hot. More substantial hot meals on the menu include teriyaki chicken, herb chicken with gravy, nasi lemak and vegetarian fried rice (all $S11). There are various other snacks and drinks on sale, including wine and beer.

ONE MORE THING

It's worth considering which fare level is best for you, rather than automatically booking the starter fare. Add-ons at the higher levels include food and beverage credits, priority seat selection, booking flexibility and Qantas frequent flyer points.

THE VERDICT

It's hardly luxurious, but this budget carrier provides exactly what it promises over the short-haul route: a cheap fare and cheerful, unfussy service.

Reviewed by Tim Richards, who travelled at his own expense and was upgraded to the Max Bundle by Jetstar Asia.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading