Jetstar 8/4/2010 Brisbane to Newcastle

• Check in went smoothly, though I couldn't do OLCI since booking with Qantas meant I never got a number to use with the Jetstar system. I've learnt now that multi stop flight bookings are best avoided if the flights are on seperate days.

• The single aisle 3-3 arrangement of the plane meant it was fairly crowded and definitely getting close to "cattle class". That said, for a one hour flight it was very tolerable.

• Bording was a bit odd, with the front half bording via aerobridge while the back half had to go down stairs to the tarmac and then up another set to board via the rear of the plane. It would be interesting to know if they abandoned this in rain or if they just made passangers get wet.

• The whole Jetstar experience feels a little drab compared to other airlines - even compared to VirginBlue who is supposed to be its Low Cost Carrier competitor. Staff don't seem quite as professional, the interior of the plane feels a bit faded and so on.

• My fears of becoming an airline snob proved unfounded as I found the flight more than adequate and will definitely keep Jetstar in mind where they have noticable price benefits over their competitors.
  

• Qantas has service benefits (and frequent flyer) overVirginBlue, however the better operation and newness of VirginBlue planes keeps it well ahead of Jetstar as preferred carrier.