Any thoughts re Jetstar "business" to Bali?

[oldenglishwhitemga]

Herself travels VERY pointy end approx 20/30 times a year into Asia/Europe etc.
Wont travel unless flat bed etc. As a result, we havent yet been to Bali!. Will travel cattle on short hope within
countries as we burn miles on hols. Certainly fun being the handbag on holidays , can't complain about the 5 star hotels and the like, but still determined to get to Bali.
Herself has even suggested doing the Syd-Sing Denpasar loop or similar. Life is just too short to spend it looking at wee flat screens and trying on free track suit togs etc
So, just how good is the Jetstar deal or should we look at Virgin business or whatever it's called these days?

 

[The Rok]

There is no J Class (Business) on this route, Just PE. I dot think it is even operated by DJ, it could be Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue or something.

 

[casanovawa]

Not many, apart from i won't be using it... Its Bali for pete's sake, is business really required??? Anyway, each to their own...

 

[yohy?!]

There is no J Class (Business) on this route, Just PE. I dot think it is even operated by DJ, it could be Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue or something.

Business starts in Jan as announced recently. Flights are operated by DJ but I think may have PB crew.

Basically you could pay PE prices at present and get lucky with a new aircraft configured to J (read last week of 2 new 737s in DPS at once).

Can't say it sounds like your other half would be satisfied with JQ or DJ perhaps Garuda is the best option?

 

[Awesom Andy]

Go via SIN on an A380 from the carrier of your choice, where you can connect to other airlines such as Jetstar Asia if you want to do it as a cattle short hop, or transfer to a long-haul configured aircraft such as the one from Qatar Airways with their 5th freedom rights.

 

[Hvr]

There is no J Class (Business) on this route, Just PE. I dot think it is even operated by DJ, it could be Pacific Blue or Polynesian Blue or something.

Who mentioned DJ?

The OP asked about Jet* who have business class on their planes. It is a basic business class that is similar to PE on other airlines. There is a recline in the seats but they are not lie flat. The fares can be cheap enough if you don't need the points or SCs which you have to purchase for a lot extra by buying the Business Max package.

 

[tuapekastar]

Herself travels VERY pointy end approx 20/30 times a year into Asia/Europe etc.
Wont travel unless flat bed etc. As a result, we havent yet been to Bali!. Will travel cattle on short hope within
countries as we burn miles on hols. Certainly fun being the handbag on holidays , can't complain about the 5 star hotels and the like, but still determined to get to Bali.
Herself has even suggested doing the Syd-Sing Denpasar loop or similar. Life is just too short to spend it looking at wee flat screens and trying on free track suit togs etc
So, just how good is the Jetstar deal or should we look at Virgin business or whatever it's called these days?

Haven't done it to DPS, but flew MEL-SIN-MEL in JQ 'Business' (then called Star Class) in January, and it was fine for what it was (think domestic Qantas business class for the seating, for I think that's exactly what it is, apart from the seats being leather instead of fabric). There was priority check in, priority boarding (I think), lounge access (I imagine you may already have this), probably extra baggage allowance (I don't ever need it, so not sure what it was) and QF business class earn for SCs and points. There was pre takeoff fizz served, and the Asian-based crews were quite enthusiastic, if a little rough around the edges. Plenty of OK (but not brilliant) food and drink during the flights.

However, I have gone off them for the following reasons. When they changed from 'Star Class' to 'Business Class' they lowered the base fare a little, but excluded the lounge access and the points/SCs earning from the deal. The only way to get those was to add money each way to make a 'MAX' package. What cost in January 2011 about $1460 became about $1760 for January 2012 so I thought stuff it. The MAX package gets you the two things I mentioned above and a more flexible ticket. For me: flexible ticket - nice to have but not essential; Business lounge access - I already have F lounge access so irrelevant; Earning QF Business class SCs and points - why on earth else would I fly JQ *class/business class.

I think even when JQ business class specials are on, the MAX package still adds money onto the fare (I think it is AUD200 each way to both Bali and Singapore, possibly more to places like Japan). As long as the MAX package remains as is, JQ will not be getting my business for international flights (they already don't get it for domestic).

Can't comment on Virgin.

 

[The Rok]

Who mentioned DJ?

The OP asked about Jet* who have business class on their planes. It is a basic business class that is similar to PE on other airlines. There is a recline in the seats but they are not lie flat. The fares can be cheap enough if you don't need the points or SCs which you have to purchase for a lot extra by buying the Business Max package.

Re read the opening post. It asks about DJ.

 

[Limewood]

Just did a trip SYD/HNL/SYD Jetstar so called J (business class), believe same they use to some Asian destinations, service good, food too, seat bit wider than Y (economy) best seats are the bulkhead, no AVOD video had portables (I used my iPad instead with iTunes movies loaded), could hardly reach wall in front. Can rack up full QFF flyer and status points too, classed as full J for bit extra.

 

[stomplad]

I think tuapekastar has described it well. I am guessing that $ value is not your top priority. I would say that the unless you are considering a stopover in SIN is it worth the extra time, 6 hrs vs 12+ hours, changing planes and an extra airport to deal with? A lie flat bed is nice but I would rather spend the time on a lounge at a resort or back in my bed.

I took the jetstar Business Class MAX MEL-SIN and found it very comfortable. I always take pictures and never get around to doing trip report so here is a brief one.

LOUNGE - I have access to QF lounges anyway as I guess u might. If not paying for J* Max is still cheaper than QF J via SIN. U also get status credits and points.

SEAT - comparable, I would say better than the newest QF business class seats, leather, wide and comfortable. I am 6'4 and found the leg room good albeit tight if seat in front reclines all the way back. Some seats had that annoying metal mesh underneath, not sure which one, I moved. Bulkhead row not ideal for me but I know other travellers like them.


Food - I found it very good, nice hot meal, followed by dessert cart with ports, cheese, Gateaux chocolates.
Service - I found friendly and attentive. Fantastic on the way over when flight not full. Very good on way back full flight. Again depends on crew and I have had some ordinary crews on QF J & PE. (Cant seem to upload photos)

IFE - I find those portable players clunky, this is a downside but watchable on a short 6 hour flight when you consider take off, landing and eating, not much time fr more than 1 or 2 movies at most. I used my laptop, watched a movie. Good, satisfactory Noise Cancelling Headphones

AmENITIES PACK - Decent, comparable to QF J

 

[stomplad]

OK I guess too many pics for last post, here are some more:
Food

Dessert n Cheese Trolley


IFE

 

[Hvr]

Re read the opening post. It asks about DJ.

Whoops so it does. Sorry.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

or consider garuda... angled full flats... good service... lounges... champagne... hot towels... nice lounge in DPS and perhaps the biggest bonus is arrival in Bali by about 2pm... at the beach by 3.30... don't waste the first day of your trip.

Would also recommedn the arrivals 'meet-and-greet' service... whichever airline you fly. They meet you at the gate, sit you down while they do all the visa processing... fast track through crew channel and carry your bags to the transfer. About $30 per person. We were out of the airport in 20 mins.

 

[yohy?!]

Great pics Stomplad- afraid they haven't convinced me to try JQ "Business" anytime soon though!
(don't mind me...spoiled for life by J on SQ A380

 

[Alanslegal]

Herself travels VERY pointy end approx 20/30 times a year into Asia/Europe etc.

Tell her to drop her expectation by about 150% and JQ business class will be OK. How many degrees do those JQ seats recline again? 5? :shock:

 

[freofan]

or consider garuda... angled full flats... good service... lounges... champagne... hot towels... nice lounge in DPS and perhaps the biggest bonus is arrival in Bali by about 2pm... at the beach by 3.30... don't waste the first day of your trip.

Would also recommedn the arrivals 'meet-and-greet' service... whichever airline you fly. They meet you at the gate, sit you down while they do all the visa processing... fast track through crew channel and carry your bags to the transfer. About $30 per person. We were out of the airport in 20 mins.

MEL_Traveller, where does one book/access such a service? I would definitely pay for this on my twice yearly Bali romps... Thanks

 

[mannej]

MEL_Traveller, where does one book/access such a service? I would definitely pay for this on my twice yearly Bali romps... Thanks

That is only on their A330 service, AFAIK PER-DPS is all 738 ops

 

[freofan]

That is only on their A330 service, AFAIK PER-DPS is all 738 ops

And 320 for Jetstar and Air Asia, however MEL_Traveller infers the service is available, for pay, for any pax?

 

[mannej]

And 320 for Jetstar and Air Asia, however MEL_Traveller infers the service is available, for pay, for any pax?

From ports served by the 330 it would be.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

MEL_Traveller, where does one book/access such a service? I would definitely pay for this on my twice yearly Bali romps... Thanks

There are several companies that offer this... google 'VIP arrival service Bali' (or variations of that). The value of the service may depend on your scheduled arrival time, and how many other planes are due to arrive at the same time. You can check via the Bali airport arrivals information section. If several planes are due in around the same time as you then people report significant time savings... if you are the only one due at a certain time then you might save your money (YMMV).

I tried to find the one we used but it was over a year ago now and I can't seem to locate their email...