Jet* [StarClass] Questions

[MrJetset]

Given that Simon Westaway has joined AFF, I wanted to post a few questions in the forum for his response:

Simon, I'm flying *class in a few weeks for the first time. I've heard good reports, however two issue that keeps coming up are that seats that were selected by the pax often get changed. Why does this happen more often than other airlines, particularly for *class passengers? I understand this may be an operational requirement, however I have several friends on full *Class fares that have experienced this.

Secondly why do *Class pax have to fight for the priority check-in that is a benefit of the fare?

While I appreciate that you don't recognise WP, I'd like you to honour both of the above.

 

[samh004]

Secondly why do *Class pax have to fight for the priority check-in that is a benefit of the fare?

While I appreciate that you don't recognise WP, I'd like you to honour both of the above.

I’m guessing this question will come up, so what do you mean by 'fighting for the priority check-in'?

I’ll relay two experiences to you I’ve had with other airlines:

1. Air New Zealand - Back in the day when I was Start Alliance Gold I one turned up to BNE checkin and found a completely full Y line and an empty J line. I was about 14/15 and with my sister, my dad was parking the car. I stood in the priority queue and in no time at all had a lady telling me I was in the wrong spot and should move, I flashed my Star Alliance Gold card and she shut up fast.
2. Pacific Blue - I stood in the Premium Economy/Velocity Gold/Silver line recently with my mum and again had the checkin staff check I was in the right spot, considering the very long Y queue to my right. Flashed the card, and that was that.

I realise as you say that there is no way to verify you have access to the line with JQ StarClass, but it’s not uncommon to have staff question your right to be in the line. I’d expect with the StarClass line that if you waited in it and got to the counter without a valid ticket, they’d have every right to bump you to the back of the Y line.

So I’d recommend if you’re questioned to just stand your ground, if you know you’re entitled to be there, then you have nothing to worry about. If anything you can always try on your DYKWIA costume

 

[MrJetset]

I wasn't referring to fighting with the staff, rather the other pax. Serfty, and others have mentioned that check in doesn't open until 2 hours prior to departure, and often Y pax use the *Class priority check in. Cross referenced with my friend's recent SYD-HNL trip, as well as TR on airlinequality it would appear the screaming matches happen while the ground staff bury their head.

 

[medhead]

Jet* Questions

In my experience on 2 starclass flights I was asked both times if I was booked in starclass when standing in the priority line. All it took was a simple 'yes', certainly no fighting required.

 

[samh004]

I wasn't referring to fighting with the staff, rather the other pax. Serfty, and others have mentioned that check in doesn't open until 2 hours prior to departure, and often Y pax use the *Class priority check in. Cross referenced with my friend's recent SYD-HNL trip, as well as TR on airlinequality it would appear the screaming matches happen while the ground staff bury their head.

So you’re worried the staff don’t do enough policing, and you don’t want to do it yourself, fearing for the outcome? I guess that is a worry.

 

[MrJetset]

So you’re worried the staff don’t do enough policing, and you don’t want to do it yourself, fearing for the outcome? I guess that is a worry.

Yep. If others don't think it's an issue that's good news, but as I said, my mate used the term screaming match as pax from the other lines kept moving to the *Class line and the ground staff didn't enforce anything.

Still don't understand why Jet* change pax's seats so often though. An official response would be nice

 

[tuapekastar]

Thankyou OP and respondents, I have an inaugural *Class trip MEL-SIN-MEL looming in January, so this info is arming me for that trip.

I do note that the JQ website says checkin for international to/from Australia JQ/3K flights opens 3 hours ahead - hope this is correct.

And I would hope, as reported, that the priority checkin line is appropriately policed.

I have heard comments re *Class seating, that the bulkhead is good, other seats bad. I have a mild phobia re bulkhead seats, but am happy to fight it if this is indeed true - currently in row 2, but happy to switch to row 1 if necessary (and available)

 

[MrJetset]

Thankyou OP and respondents, I have an inaugural *Class trip MEL-SIN-MEL looming in January, so this info is arming me for that trip.

I do note that the JQ website says checkin for international to/from Australia JQ/3K flights opens 3 hours ahead - hope this is correct.

And I would hope, as reported, that the priority checkin line is appropriately policed.

I have heard comments re *Class seating, that the bulkhead is good, other seats bad. I have a mild phobia re bulkhead seats, but am happy to fight it if this is indeed true - currently in row 2, but happy to switch to row 1 if necessary (and available)

This is my first trip too. We've chosen row 1 as googling images shows that pitch between seats isn't great. My understanding is that although check in is supposed to open 3 hours prior, it actually occurs at 2 hours.

 

[medhead]

Jet* Questions

I should have mentioned the seating as well. With my 2 flights I didn't get moved from my selected seats. This was CNS-NRT-CNS, so A330. I got 1J on the way up and it was a great seat, there were only about 4 of us in the *class.

On the way back I checked which seats where taken and ended up moving to 4J as there were a number of blocked seats in rows 1 and 2 but none blocked further back. There ended up being about 10-15 in starclass mostly in the front 2 rows. So row 4 was pretty private. Do check the seat selection options a couple of times.

Also IIRC there was no 1D, so 2D had plenty if leg room.

 

[straitman]

Thankyou OP and respondents, I have an inaugural *Class trip MEL-SIN-MEL looming in January, so this info is arming me for that trip.

I do note that the JQ website says checkin for international to/from Australia JQ/3K flights opens 3 hours ahead - hope this is correct.

And I would hope, as reported, that the priority checkin line is appropriately policed.

I have heard comments re *Class seating, that the bulkhead is good, other seats bad. I have a mild phobia re bulkhead seats, but am happy to fight it if this is indeed true - currently in row 2, but happy to switch to row 1 if necessary (and available)

tuapekastar,

As medhead points out there is no 1D so 2D has lots of leg room. Just a slight chance of getting your feet trodden on. 1E & 1F are centre bulkhead seats with plenty of leg room and my preference. The outer row 1 seats are a risk as they have bassinet capability.

The other seats are way too close together for comfort if they can be avoided.

 

[serfty]

StarClass Observations

Observations (MEL and SYD) for JQi:

• There have been times the *Class queue does not exist - I go to JQ the customer service desk and ask; I have then been escorted to the front.
  ​
• Other times the *Class queue exists but there is no signage. What's with that?
  ​
• Check-in is supposed to open 180 minutes before the flight. While there are often staff around, they lollygag, chatter, procrastinate and generally take their sweet time. Rarely does check-in open at 3 hours, more often ~2¾ or worse - once I experienced 2¼.:-|

 

[tuapekastar]

Thx again all for the info posted. There are two of us travelling so I'll see what seating options are still available to us when I get home tonight and move if I can find something better than the 2AB I think we currently have (+1 normally likes a window so we may be a little restricted for choice).

I'm not a complainer (only ever lodged one 'question' with QF in my life IIRC) but if there is any significant tardiness in opening checkin or having a priority line as per previous posts then JQ can certainly expect one (I'm sure they're quaking in their boots at the prospect )

 

[dk4]

IME;

• I have only been moved from my pre-allocated JQ seat, when it was a bulkhead bassinet & required use as such.
• MEL T2 JQ check-in has service issues; ranging from general staff attitude, slack opening time adherence and missing designated star class line. (The fact that SYD T1 out shines it in all these areas, makes MEL T2's performance, seem even more lacklustre.)
• I have seen active and extremely professional queue controllers in SYD T1 & MEL T1, but never at MEL T2.

My conclusion - Jetstar has a check-in attitude problem at Melbourne International.

 

[moa999]

Both times I have flown JQ there has been a separate line and enforced (albeit over 12 mths ago) and from SYD.

Both times I have been in Y, gone to the service desk first (avoiding the Y queue) and asked about paid upgrades. Processed on spot, then used *C queue.
Will see what the MEL experience is like on JQ7 in Jan.

 

[Flying High]

I've flown *Class several times to HNL and never had a problem with the check-in process. Got reallocated seats at the desk once and when I queried it I had a vague reference to a mother needing the bassinet capacity. Strangely, at the gate I was changed back to my original seat and there were no children in *Class at all on that flight. Very odd.

Best seats are undoubtedly the front row, and unless you have a desire to be next to a window, the centre two seats are the pick of the bunch.

Just remember that despite Jet* using the phrase "business class" in their promo materials, it is best viewed as a premium economy type product. If you take that view you won't be disappointed. But you do get QFF Business Class SCs and points - so it's a good deal, particularly if you can grab a discounted fare.

 

[MrJetset]

Do all of the fron row seats have bassinets or just the two sets on each side of the aircraft?

Perhaps they move people in case there is a baby even when unrequired? It seems to happen a lot.

 

[straitman]

Do all of the fron row seats have bassinets or just the two sets on each side of the aircraft?

Perhaps they move people in case there is a baby even when unrequired? It seems to happen a lot.

As per my post #10 above, seats 1E & 1F do not have bassinets (I understood what I meant) and are definitely the pick if you can pry yourself away from needing a window.

 

[bossreggie]

I've flown *Class several times MEL-BKK. I usually only do it if I can't be bothered going via SYD with QANTAS.

I have never been moved seats. I have always chosen 1B as I like the front row.

The check in has never opened 3 hours prior... However, unlike Serfty, I have not had to wait 45 minutes. It's generally been less than 15 minutes. Does eat into the FLounge time.

I have not had issues with Y Pax in the *Class line... If it happened though.. I would politely tell them to P#@s off!!

I would consider *Class to be on par with DOM Business in terms of seating. In terms of catering I am assuming it's more like Y?? Although I don't have any recent Y experience.

I have only had positive experiences with JQ cabin crew and I have found them to be young and refreshing.

Enjoy your trip

 

[oz_mark]

I would consider *Class to be on par with DOM Business in terms of seating. In terms of catering I am assuming it's more like Y?? Although I don't have any recent Y experience.

I have only had positive experiences with JQ cabin crew and I have found them to be young and refreshing.

I would agree with this - the * class config matches the dom J product that the aircraft often came from. Catering is not a strong point of * Class.

 

[straitman]

I would agree with this - the * class config matches the dom J product that the aircraft often came from. Catering is not a strong point of * Class.

My *class meals experience is from two flights only and I have to say one was good and the other the best airborne breakfast I've ever had. (With plastic cutlery)