Any difference between airlines?

snowyskiesau · #1 27-06-2008, 02:26 PM

I'm planning a trip to Tassie for a week or so and have been browsing the various airline offerings.
Is there really that much difference between airlines for a short haul flight?

The only difference I've noticed since I last flew (18 months ago to WA) is that VirginBlue now charge $35 extra for the exit door seats i.e. the extra leg room. Baggage allowances seem to have dropped as well - enough for the binoculars I hope.

erick (Eric) · #2 27-06-2008, 03:22 PM

Sydney to Hobart - not that short a haul! Legroom would be nice, but there isn't much these days. Online, their cheapest fares are much the same between Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue. Remember Qantas will give you something to eat and drink included in the fare. Also, they don't seem to want to weigh your carry-on luggage, Jetstar do! And don't run late with Jetstar - you'll not be able to checkin. Oh, and Jetstar seats hardly recline!

DJDD · #3 27-06-2008, 04:06 PM

I usually go with whichever airline has the cheapest fare out of Virgin and QANTAS.

Getting fed is nice (QANTAS) but not essential and then i usually buy the muffins on Virgin. Their white chocolate and macadamia muffin was a treat!

I have not flown Jetstar. Probably would only would if their fares were heaps cheaper than the others. For example, Jetstar to Japan with the current cheap fares they are offering. actually, if you are looking to buy new photographic equipment (lens, etc.) then a for the same price overall you could fly to Japan, buy the gear and have a holiday!

erick (Eric) · #4 27-06-2008, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJDD

..... For example, Jetstar to Japan with the current cheap fares they are offering. actually, if you are looking to buy new photographic equipment (lens, etc.) then a for the same price overall you could fly to Japan, buy the gear and have a holiday!

If you can stretch out and actually stand up after you get there! Well I don't actually know - I've only flown Jetstar domestic - but the haul from Melbourne to Darwin is a struggle with the tight space bewteen seats and small recline angle.

snowyskiesau · #5 27-06-2008, 04:53 PM

Someone else has just warned me off Jetstar so, as the only cheap flight tomorrow was with VirginBlue , I've booked with them.
$109 each way which given current fuel prices is not too bad.

Now I just need to check the baggage allowance and weigh the binoculars...

The last flight I took was to Perth (5 hours) so Sydney to Hobart (<2 hours) is just a stroll
I don't know how people can manage the length of overseas trips. Perhaps the free alcohol helps ...

DJDD · #6 27-06-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erick

If you can stretch out and actually stand up after you get there! Well I don't actually know - I've only flown Jetstar domestic - but the haul from Melbourne to Darwin is a struggle with the tight space bewteen seats and small recline angle.

well, i have not actually flown with Jetstar so may not enjoy the experience!
and, i am only 175 cm tall.
and, i rarely recline that much, anyway.

still, when i was there over Xmas nearly every person from Australia that I met had flown Jetstar (not that I met hundreds of people, though).
Less than $700 to Osaka from Sydney!

anyway, as the original question was for domestic flights (my fault for the diversion), i still say go with the cheapest.

madtuna (Steve) · #7 27-06-2008, 05:28 PM

When Flying overseas I could only reccommend QANTAS.
Sydney to L.A. was fine, the food good and a decent selection of movies or docos on the tv.
The only prob I had was when I tried to pop out the door for a quick cigarette and they crash tackled and cuffed me.

Domestic flights..yeah go with the cheapest

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

Someone else has just warned me off Jetstar so, as the only cheap flight tomorrow was with VirginBlue , I've booked with them.
$109 each way which given current fuel prices is not too bad.

Now I just need to check the baggage allowance and weigh the binoculars...

The last flight I took was to Perth (5 hours) so Sydney to Hobart (<2 hours) is just a stroll
I don't know how people can manage the length of overseas trips. Perhaps the free alcohol helps ...

acropolite (Phil) · #8 28-06-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Someone else has just warned me off Jetstar so, as the only cheap flight tomorrow was with VirginBlue

Despite the bad press I've always flown Jetstar (aka Latestar) and have never experienced any problems.

snowyskiesau · #9 28-06-2008, 12:41 PM

The 'warning' I was given about Jetstar related to leg room or rather a lack of it.
I'm 190 cms tall so a little extra room to stretch is nice.

[Not sure how true it is about leg room in jetstar aircraft. All I know is that they fly A320-200 but I can't find any information about configuraton]

DJDD · #10 28-06-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

[Not sure how true it is about leg room in jetstar aircraft. All I know is that they fly A320-200 but I can't find any information about configuraton]

somewhere on their site i think they list the number of seats on their planes. of course, you then have to know the length of the cabin, which is probably about somewhere.

Stephen65 · #11 28-06-2008, 04:48 PM

Flying domestically; Jetstar is the absolute pits and to be avoided at all costs, Virgin Blue is OK if you can't get on Qantas, Qantas is the only good option.

PS: if you do a search for "seat pitch" you will find data about the various airlines, Jetstar has the narrowest seats with the smallest legroom.

Louwai (Bryan) · #12 01-07-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen65

Flying domestically; Jetstar is the absolute pits and to be avoided at all costs, Virgin Blue is OK if you can't get on Qantas, Qantas is the only good option.

PS: if you do a search for "seat pitch" you will find data about the various airlines, Jetstar has the narrowest seats with the smallest legroom.

I agree, QANTAS is the only way to go.
I must admit most of my flying is for work & my employer takes QANTAS as a first option. So when ever I fly privately I will use my FF points & fly Q. If I have no points left then I'll choose the cheapest one.
With the amount of flying I do, anything up to 4hrs is a short trip & so any seat is bareable.
Over 4hrs I'll use points for an upgrade to Business.

As for the recline bit. When in a standard seat, I absolutely can not stand it when the one in front reclines & leaves me with about 4" to work & eat etc.
It annoys me even more when they recline & then spend their time "sitting up".
As such I make a point of not reclining on the person behind me unless I'm sitting in front of an exit row or am in Business where there is much more space.

madtuna (Steve) · #13 01-07-2008, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louwai

I
As for the recline bit. When in a standard seat, I absolutely can not stand it when the one in front reclines & leaves me with about 4" to work & eat etc.
It annoys me even more when they recline & then spend their time "sitting up".
As such I make a point of not reclining on the person behind me unless I'm sitting in front of an exit row or am in Business where there is much more space.

ditto! my pet hate.
that's when I put my knees up and accidentally and unknowingly fidget a hell of a lot.. that's accidentally and unknowingly and not on purpose of cause

JimmyH155 · #14 03-07-2008, 12:52 PM

I agree about the reclining seats. People who use them are so selfish, think nothing of fellow passenger behind. Sometimes I got the back of their chair in my face. At meal time, they did not even have the decency to return the seat to the upright position, until one of the cabin staff told them. No,..... WELD THE STUPID THINGS IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION

On the tilt train here in Queensland, they also have reclining seats in 1st class. I had to get the hostie to move me last time. It is all to do with the old fashioned idea that we should have some thoughts for our fellow travellers, and dont get me started on those headphones on trains or I will go BESERK

JimmyH155 · #15 03-07-2008, 12:56 PM

Yes, Madtuna, I wriggle around, stick knees into back of chair, accidentally "knock" my tray and also I usually develop a bad cough which I dont cover up with my hand 'cos I havent got enough room

VK2KR · #16 03-07-2008, 03:21 PM

Hi

Having been to Tassie 3 times in the last 18 months I can recommend
Jetstar over Virgin. The Airbus has wider seats and better legroom than
the Boeing 737. The seats are also leather in the airbus making them more comfortable. There are frequently (or were) specials to Tassie
from Sydney ranging from $59 (Launceston) to $69 (Hobart) each way - a real bargain.

Pity I did not have room for the 80mm Iopron gear as I brought back
a heap of Cascade cider (Tassie isssue only).

Have fun on you trip down

regards

Alex

garyp · #17 03-07-2008, 09:40 PM

I go for the cheapest. I recently flew Jetstar as it was cheapest at the time but you just have to prepare a bit before hand or you will spend too much money on the flight. you have to pay for every thing on board. Food drink entertainment etc....
When I went I only bought a coffee. All the food I brought was from home.

Here is a general comparison of prices. I can't remember the exact amounts now, so it's just a rough guide.

pringles: Jet star $2.50 (small),Coles $2.00 (Large.)

1 snack bar: Jet star $2.00, Coles $2.50 a box

sandwich& coke: Jet star $5.00, coles a lot cheaper than $5.00!!!

water: Jet star $3.00, Home -FREE

Movie: Jet star $10.00, Greyhound bus- FREE

The prices may not be 100% accurate but you get the idea.

Happy flying