finder.com.au
NEW! Download App

Overview of Jetstar 787 Business Class

Is it worth looking for luxury on a budget airline?

Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

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.

What's in this guide?

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.

luggage_carousel_airport_Shutterstock

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.

Jetstar_businessclass_seats

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.

Jetstar_entertainment_businessclass

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.

Jetstar_businessclass_meals

Where can I fly?

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

FromTo
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Ho Chi Minh City
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Singapore
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Honolulu
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Bali (Denpasar)
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Phuket
Melbourne (Tullamarine)Bangkok
SydneyHonolulu
SydneyBali (Denpasar)
SydneyPhuket
SydneyHo Chi Minh City
BrisbaneBali (Denpasar)
Gold CoastTokyo (Narita)
CairnsTokyo (Narita)
CairnsOsaka

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

Back to top

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

6 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    PeterAugust 7, 2019

    Looks like we are coming home to Sydney from Thailand on Jetstar Business class, we are Gold with Qantas, do they have a lounge at Phuket International and does our Gold get us into that lounge (if it exists)?

    Reply
      Default Gravatar
      NikkiAugust 8, 2019

      Hi Peter,

      Thanks for getting in touch! As Qantas doesn’t fly to Phuket, there is no Qantas lounge there.

      Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    CarolJuly 2, 2019

    Good morning! I’m flying Business class to Bali in August, am wondering if I can choose my seats on line and also the cost. Is there a Lounge available at Tullamarine for Business class Jetstar travellers?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JeniJuly 3, 2019Staff

      Hi Carol,

      Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

      You may choose Business class seat so long that your chosen flight still has more available ones. For the cost, please check out their official page. There’s no lounge for Jetstar traveller available at Tullamarine.

      I hope this helps.

      Thank you and have a wonderful day!

      Cheers,
      Jeni

      Reply
    Default Gravatar
    DarrenApril 8, 2019

    Hi! I am flying business class to Bali at the end of April. Do I get access to the Qantas lounge as part of my ticket?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MaiApril 9, 2019Staff

      Hi Darren,

      Thank you for reaching out.

      The eligibility of Qantas lounge access may depend on the flight that you have. If you’re flying overseas on a Qantas or Jetstar flight, or on an Emirates flight with a QF flight number, your lounge pass could get you access to international lounges operated by Qantas. You may refer to our guide to complimentary Qantas lounge invitations and look for the part that says “Qantas Club lounge pass access for international flights” to check the lounges that you can access.

      Hope this helps, Darren.

      Kind Regards,
      Mai

      Reply
Go to site