Jetstar Airways Review [2025]: Nightmare or trustworthy airline?

With ancient verdant rainforests, awe-worthy scenery, turquoise bays, vibrant cities, and rich natural escapes, Australia is a country that boasts it all. This part of the world is truly something special. But because it's such a big country, it's getting from A to B is a little challenging.

Traveling around the vastness of Australia usually requires a sturdy airline. If you've been planning a trip to the land Down Under, there's no doubt you'll have heard of Jetstar Airways.

As one of the country's most affordable carrier options, it's a great alternative to more expensive, top-end flights. Jetstar Airways claims to be a budget-friendly airline but does its customer service, additional costs, and so-called deals really live up to the hype?

What is Jetstar Airways?

Launching nearly 20 years ago in Australia, Jetstar Airways is one of Asia Pacific's biggest budget-conscious airlines nowadays. Boasting over 5,000 flights each week servicing over 250 million passengers, this is a game-changing group that's making a difference for backpackers and budget-inclined travelers.

The Jetstar Group is made up of:

• Jetstar Airways operates in Australia and New Zealand.
• Jetstar Asia Airways is based in Singapore and operates throughout Asia.
• Jetstar Pacific Airlines is based in Vietnam and operates throughout Asia.
• Jetstar Japan services the Japanese market and nearby destinations.

Jetstar Airways could be considered one of the most budget-friendly options in Oz, often likened to Europe's Vueling Airlines and Aegean Airlines. But even though it boasts a lower price tag, is flying with Jetstar Airways really worth it? Let's discover more information about the carrier.

Where Does Jetstar Airways Fly to?

Jetstar Airways offers low-cost domestic and international flights. 

In Australia, this airline flies to and from: 

• Canberra
• Byron Bay
• Newcastle
• Sydney
• Uluru Ayers Rock
• Darwin
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Gold Coast
• Hamilton Island
• Hervey Bay
• Mackay
• Sunshine Coast
• Townsville
• Whitsunday Coast
• Adelaide
• Hobart
• Launceston
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Busselton and Margaret River

Internationally, Jetstar Airways flies to and from: 

• New Zealand
• South Korea
• Cambodia
• China
• Cook Islands
• Fiji
• Hawaii
• Indonesia
• Japan 
• Malaysia
• Myanmar
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Vietnam

Whether you want to jet-set off abroad or keep it all in one country, Jetstar seems to have plenty of options on offer.

What is the Baggage Allowance of Jetstar Airways?

When it comes down to carry-on baggage, things are made simple. With a Starter Fare, Plus Bundle, or Max Bundle, you can bring up to two items weighing 7 kg total together. Additionally, you can pay an extra fee to ramp that figure up to 14kg. 

Depending on the bundle or fare you select, checked baggage allowance varies greatly.

Note, if you turn up at the airport with a heavier bag, you'll have to pay an expensive excess fee. Check out all the information on checked baggage restrictions.

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The Jetstar Airways Best Price Guarantee

Jetstar Airways promises that if you happen to find a lower airfare online, they will beat it by 10%. We've all heard this trick before, so what's the catch with this offer? 

If Jetstar considers the competitive price to be from an eligible third-party website, and it's less than what you can see on Jetsar.com, they will match it and slash it by 10%. So how does this offer work? 

To claim, you must first read the terms and conditions and hit the "Apply Now" button. Then fill in your information, including the competitor's offer, dates, and the number of passengers. If it's verified and considered eligible, you'll have to pay for the discounted Jetstar flight straight away. So, if your bank balance reads empty at the time, you'll most likely miss out on the deal.

Cancellation and Refund Policy of Jetstar Airways

Jetstar Airways claims that they are committed to putting the customer first. If a delay or cancellation takes place within three days of the departure time and changes your departure time by 3 hours or more, it will re-book you on the next flight at no extra cost.

Customers can also get a refund should no suitable flight be available. Or if they're unable to get on the flight due to overbooking.

What Are People Saying About Jetstar Airways?

Based on thousands of reviews, Jetstar Airways seems to have a pretty decent reputation as a budget airline.

Most of the positive reviews are about the low prices and kind customer service. Customers are generally happy with the massive number of destinations on offer. That flying can be made easy from Asia to Australia and New Zealand, in particular. It seems that people are generally pleased flying Jetstar.

That being said, most of the bad reviews are around timeliness. Some customers were upset about late departures and arrivals.

Other complaints revolve around the fact that even if you're 1kg over the luggage weight limits, Jetstar will try to make you pay hefty extra fees. For budget travelers, such strict policing isn't ideal, especially if you're short of a financial backup.

Is Jetstar Airways Worth It?

With affordable flights, decent customer service, and a large range of destinations to choose from, Jetstar Airways is a satisfactory budget airline. And, if you do so happen to be one of those travelers who can squeeze in every last kilogram without going over the limit, its strict baggage policy shouldn't be a problem for you.

However, if timeliness is your main concern, Jetstar may be a so-so option for you.

My Rating: 3.8/5

Pros:

• Plenty of domestic and international destinations
• Affordable flights & deals
• Good customer service

Cons:

• Late departure and arrival times
• Strict baggage policy and extra fees

Plan Your Trip With Pilot!

Whether you're jet-setting off to the land Down Under or you're planning a budget-friendly backpacking trip through tropical Asia, Jetstar Airways may be the carrier for you.

If you're still stuck in the planning process, give Pilot a go! We can help you organize your trip so that you can kick the hassle and start feeling excited today.