Overview of Jetstar 787 Business Class

Jetstar is probably better known for cheap fares than in-flight luxuries. However, flying business class on the airline’s 787 Dreamliners might just be the best of both worlds, with relatively low prices for quite an un-Jetstar experience.
We experienced Jetstar's 787 Business Class seat from the Gold Coast to Seoul. Read our full review for our verdict.

Pre-flight privilege

You’ll notice the first perk when you make your booking, with a sizable 30kg luggage allowance included in the ticket price, and another 10kg available at an extra cost.

You also get a dedicated business class check-in area, and priority boarding so you can get settled ahead of economy class travellers.

Frequent flyer rewards

Jetstar doesn’t have a frequent flyer program like most other airlines, but it does have loyalty rewards and partner programs that offer a range of additional perks and amenities for travellers.

And if you’re a business traveller, a Jetstar Business Max subscription might offer more value.

Business Max

A Business Max subscription offers the following benefits:

• Qantas airport lounge access on eligible flights where available
• Earn Qantas Points and Status Credits
• Refundable fares
• No fees for changes to your booking

Non-refundable tickets and pricey rebooking fees are a staple condition of most budget airline bookings, so the Business Max bundle could be a very practical option to make Jetstar a reasonable business travel choice.

Space and seating

There are just 21 business class seats in the 787, arranged in three rows of 2–3–2 seating. The seats don’t convert to lie-flat beds like they do with some other airlines, but you certainly have substantially more room than in economy. Seats in business are 48cm wide, have 23 of recline and enjoy a pitch (the distance between a point on one seat, and the same point on the seat in front of it) of 96cm for more leg space.

Although it is more spacious than economy, Jetstar’s business class still won’t give you that “room to move” feeling that you get with other airlines. At the end of a long flight, you’ll probably still be glad to disembark.

What’s the best seat in the house?

If they are available, look for seats 3G and 3J. They are on the right-hand side in the third and final rows of business class.

These are designated crew rest seats, and you can enjoy a pleasant 28cm recline rather than the usual 23cm of other business class seats. However, on some routes they will be reserved for crew only.

Amenities

Jetstar business class travellers can look forward to blankets, pillows and an amenity pack. On some flights you might also be greeted with a complimentary glass of wine. Cheers to that! Your amenity pack can include an inflatable neck pillow, ear plugs, tissues, pen, skincare kit, socks, eye mask and toothbrush.

Each business class seat also has its own air conditioning outlet, and a USB socket for charging your devices. That socket might well come in handy, because even in business class the selection of in-flight entertainment isn’t quite as tantalising as you’ll find elsewhere.

Entertainment

Depending on the route, you might find yourself looking at seat-back TV screens, or fold-out armrest TV screens. The latter are probably preferable, as they have 10.6in touch screens that can be adjusted to suit your preferred angle from any position you are sitting in.

However, in both cases you might be hampered by the selection. You can expect new releases, but only a modest range, and a fairly limited choice of TV shows. You get the same viewing options as passengers in economy, but you won’t need to pull out a credit card if you want to watch a movie.

If you’re not too picky there’s more than enough to see you through a flight, but it’s a good idea to have your own entertainment ready to go as well.

Unfortunately, there’s no in-flight Wi-Fi aboard Jetstar’s 787s, no matter which class you’re flying.

Dining and refreshments

Most reviewers agree that the food in Jetstar’s 787 business class is a distinct step up from the carrier’s usual fare, and might well be one of the highlights.

As there are only 21 business class seats, you can look forward to well-prepared complimentary meals, as well as snacks and other refreshments.

As usual, the menu depends on where you’re flying to and from. Beverage service is included and you can generally expect a bit more service and personal attention in business class than economy.

Where can I fly?

Jetstar’s 787 Dreamliner currently flies some of the most popular tourist routes from Australia.

Is it worth it?

Depending on the flight, you could pay about the same, or a just a little more, for a Jetstar business class ticket than you would for a full-priced economy airfare with another carrier. The trip is definitely a distinct improvement on a luxury airline’s economy class. All in all, it could prove a pleasing blend of value and comfort, if you can get a seat. That’s easier said than done, with only 21 business class spots on each flight, compared to 314 in economy.

The in-flight amenities, included luggage allowance, dedicated business class queues and priority boarding are more than enough for you feel you’re flying in style. But if you are hoping for a lot of extra space, you’ll probably be disappointed.

Ultimately, most of the benefits might come simply from flying in a 787 Dreamliner rather than in an older aircraft. Standard features include electronic window tinting that cuts away glare without removing the view; a more advanced air circulation system; and a little more humidity to prevent you drying out as much as you might on other aircraft. Large windows and unusually efficient soundproofing are also standard throughout the plane.

You do get a bit more space with a business class ticket, which helps justify the price. But the main value probably comes from the luggage allowance, priority queuing, potential for bonuses and loyalty rewards, rather than from the seat itself.

If you’re looking for more than just economy class but can’t justify the cost of business class on another airline, or want to earn rewards with a Jetstar loyalty program but don’t want to fly budget economy, then Jetstar business class might be right for you.

Pictures: Jetstar