A quick flight on JQ's Dreamliner

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dzinh

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Heaps more pics on my blog

It was a exciting morning as I looked forward to my first Dreamliner flight operated by Jetstar. I was browsing for flights and saw the opportunity to fly the 787 via the international terminal which was cheaper by miles than Qantas or Virgin so the decision to fly on Jetstar it was. Morning came and I was out of bed and into the car by 0930 for my journey to the airport which took 20 minutes. I had to ensure I was checked in one hour before the flight departed so I quickly made my way towards the empty check in desks at T2.



With a quick I.D check by the desk agent she issued my boarding pass and stuck on a bright orange Domestic sticker which I had to hold onto so I could clear immigration at both ends.


The plane looked very short and stubby from the outside.


Boarding commenced not long after I arrived to the gate and I waited for passengers to board before I eagerly made my way down the jet bridge towards the 787.
Sawasde, and welcome onboard sir, to your left please. That line confused me for a second until I realised the mini economy cabin was in front of the galley and doors 2L. I also thought I was on a flight to Bangkok as 99% of the crew were from Thailand besides the customer service manager Dee who was Sydney based.​





VH-VKE would be the plane operating the flight which was shiny and spankingly only six weeks old since her first flight which had the fresh and new plane smell once on board with seat's and exterior still new and fresh.


I found my seat of 10J and as expected the section of the plane was empty with the majority of passengers sitting down back of the plane. I had three seats to myself but due to the fixed armrest's I used the other seats to place my jacket and spread out my belongings.


The seating was moderately comfortable but as time ages and depending on how well care is taken of the plane the seating cushions could eventually be uncomfortable for a long haul flight. The seating width was accommodating and gave me space to move around.
Legroom was very adequate for the short flight although on longer flight's then selecting the bulkhead would be a higher desire as space is the key element for comfort while flying plus a bonus is that there was no seat in front hence no one to recline and take up additional space.


Below the seat was a universal power plug which would be used for power on longer flights, I found the usb port located on the entertainment device was more convenient for charging the Iphone during the flight.

It took a bit of pressure and pulling to extract the very responsive entertainment device as it was relatively new so the joints were very stiff, the device responded to the light touch of a finger so I didn't need to sit and jab at the device to scroll through sections and windows. The device had a variety of movies, TV shows and music for sale which were around $10AUD per movie.



Boeing air vent's and lighting.


Parked next to us was another one of Jetstar's dreamliner's and not far from that was a Royal Brunei's dreamliner which made it feel like it was dreamliner central at Melbourne Airport.​

As our plane pushed back a the safety demonstration began which was very self explanatory and thought of as contents were broken down and explained thoroughly as to why this and that can't be done and what to do on board in case of an emergency. It was very different to a standard full service carrier's demonstration as they don't go into detail which was very refreshing to the ears.

The taxi towards the runway was a short one as we turned and the next to silent GE engines thrusted and emitted a silent hum as the plastic plane soared down the runway. It was one of the smoothest take off's I've ever experienced as the plane rushed down the runway, the were no bumps or overhead compartment shaking as the plane gently penetrated the sky leaving Melbourne behind.


All clear for take off.



Leave the world behind you.

Once we were above the clouds the window's automatically adjusted the tint into a darker shade to keep eye's from squinting as the bright sun put the windows to test. The tint and shade could be controlled by a button below the massive window to preference which was a smart and cool idea.


The differences - the left is maximum tint while right is neutral.

Once the plane was at altitude and the seatbelt sign was switched off, I sprung out of my seat and began exploring the beautifully designed space. The 787-800 looks like a very short and stubby plane from the outside but looks can be deceiving! It was very spacious and different once inside. The curved sky interior and mood lighting definitely had a great comfort impact and enhanced the feel of the cabin to be a more relaxing and spacious environment.


I snapped up some pictures of the mini economy cabin as the flight attendants rushed to the rear galley to prepare on board sales.


The bulkhead seat's armrest's include the meal tray's as well as the entertainment remote.


I ventured to the back of the plane as the flight attendant's made their way forward with the buy on board trolley which they offered to guest's and seemed to sell a few items by the looks of it. On board the flight were roughly 50 guest's which was a delight as that meant I had plenty of room and space to move about the cabin.


Colourful lighting curves.





I made my way towards the left wing and saw row 44 which instantly caught my attention as it had the most amount of legroom in economy if you are sitting in seat's 44 B or C as seat A is right against the door. This row is sold under extra legroom which has a fee from $24AUD depending on flight route.





Beautiful left wing flex.


I made my way towards the right side of the plane and plonked myself down in row 54G&H. There are only two seats in 54/55 AC and GH as the curvature of the plane which makes it perfect if you are travelling in a party of two and don't mind being seated down back.




a bit of knee space in the standard seating row.


The pilot announced he would begin descent into Sydney and asked crew to prepare the cabin for landing. I checked my watch and we had only been in the air flying for 23 minutes which was really a shirt period of time compared to flying in a one aisle aircraft.


We descended and smoothly touched down at Kingsford Smith airport at 12:45PM which was 15 minutes earlier than the estimated time of arrival which was fantastic. The flight was a very smooth and fantastic first experience flying on Jetstar. Crew were very fun, friendly and polite which made it a pleasant flight combined with being on the Boeing Dreamliner. I wouldn't mind flying again on Jetstar as it was a simple and straight forward pay for what you want flight.

 
Great review.

Shame JQ couldn't get colour coded engine covers.
 
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Nice report. I've been on the JQ 787 twice this week, also in row 10 :)
A bit annoying they block the blinds control until ~15 min after departure and again ~30 min before landing.
 
Nice report. I've been on the JQ 787 twice this week, also in row 10 :)
A bit annoying they block the blinds control until ~15 min after departure and again ~30 min before landing.

thank you Boomy! It's a pretty cool aircraft isn't it :cool: Row 10 is quite good being in the mini cabin so I find it's very relaxing there! I did notice that too with the blind situation, kept pressing the button until I figured it was disabled!
 
I am looking forward to my first flight on the 787.

I have searched a few times and just nothing aligns to make it happen.
 
My wife and I took the Dreamliner to Bali in May, had very comfortable flights, both ways in the exit row.

Cheers
BF
 
Thinking of flying Jetstar to coughet Dinh would you recommend Y or should we upgrade to Star class at least for the return journey. Would I cope in Y? Your suggestion would be appreciated.
 
I am looking forward to my first flight on the 787.

I have searched a few times and just nothing aligns to make it happen.

Have a look for a SYD - MEL flight on JQ35! There's a little dreamliner icon that pops up under the flight info to let you know!

My wife and I took the Dreamliner to Bali in May, had very comfortable flights, both ways in the exit row.

Cheers
BF

Indeed the exit rows make a more comfier flight with the extra legroom doesn't it! :)

Thinking of flying Jetstar to coughet Dinh would you recommend Y or should we upgrade to Star class at least for the return journey. Would I cope in Y? Your suggestion would be appreciated.

Magpie10, If you can snag a row 44B&C seat then you should be fine with the legroom, and for the duration of the flight it should be just right. Keep in mind that the armrest's are fixed in their positions at the bulkhead seats. If the upgrade to Starclass is within range for yourself and partner then why not upgrade! You get baggage as well as food and beverage plus better reclining seating! :)
 
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