In the weeks leading up to my first-ever trip to Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun – I told a handful of friends I was flying Business Class with Jetstar. It was met with shock and surprise, as if I’d just said I’d given birth to a three-legged monkey. You see, our flagship tangerine-coloured budget carrier is known for many things – super-cheap Bali flights, stinging you with extra baggage costs, on-point socials, etc. But Business Class? Jetstar? Indeed, the rumours are true.
I’m all for snagging a ridiculously cheap fare on short-haul trips (hello, Melbourne) – that’s one of my favourite things about flying Jetstar. It makes weekend getaways more accessible. But the flight from Sydney to Osaka takes nine hours and 40 minutes. Was I keen for way more legroom and free-flowing bubbles? You bet.
Here’s everything you need to know about Jetstar Business Class – including what you get, the food and drink offerings – and why I reckon you should consider it for your next trip to Asia (or any holiday, for that matter).
What is Jetstar Business Class?
Think of Jetstar Business Class as the airline’s most bougie offering. There are only two seating types on Jetstar’s international flights – Economy and Business Class – with no Premium Economy on board. Jetstar Business Class features 21 seats, which are wider and offer more legroom than your usual economy spot, arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration. They’re comfy leather recliner seats with in-built power – so your phone’s ready as soon as you land – though they don’t convert into lie-flat beds. Space-wise, it felt similar to Premium Economy – but with all the bells and whistles of Biz Class.
One of my favourite things about flying Business Class was priority check-in and boarding – I didn’t have to line up and just walked to the front like a rockstar. All passengers get 14kg of hand luggage – that’s double what you get in Economy! – and up to 30kg of checked baggage, making it a desirable choice for shopping and book lovers (hi, it’s me).
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As soon as I was sat and comfy, I was welcomed with a glass of chilled bubbles – and could order as many as I pleased (alongside other Aussie wines, beers and spirits) throughout the journey. In-flight entertainment is also included, so I spent my flight watching Wicked and then binged The Real Housewives of New York City. I’m not even sure what season it was. It was glorious. Plus, I got two delicious hot meals, as many snacks as I wished for, headphones, earplugs, a pillow and a blanket. I’m happy to report I slept.
Another bonus of Business Class is no change fees – perfect for those times when life just happens (though fare difference applies). And if you opt for the Business Class Max Bundle, you’ll have access to Qantas lounges. How good’s that?
What food and drinks are included with Jetstar Business Class?
I’m so glad you asked. As Food & Drink Editor for Time Out Sydney, I take my meals seriously – nothing upsets me more than under-seasoned, lacklustre dishes. The meals I ate on my flight were anything but. Think: slow-braised lamb shank with potato mash, green veg and tomato sauce, served with fresh bread, butter and a cute sachet of Olsson’s sea salt. Dessert was a sweet almond cake perfumed with orange and gone in a jiffy. I was also a fan of the chicken and cheese quesadilla, and the stir-fry noodles with seasonal veg looked like a solid option for the vegos among us. Snacks were available anytime on request. I repeat: anytime.
Is there anything else to know about Jetstar flights to Japan?
Jetstar is the largest low-cost carrier flying between Australia and Japan, offering more than 860,000 low-fare seats each year and up to 25 flights a week.
Here’s a fun fact: Jetstar is the only airline flying direct to Osaka from Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns, and to Tokyo from Cairns and Brisbane. You can do as I did – fly straight to Osaka, spend a few days and nights exploring (maybe even hit Kyoto), then catch the Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, to Tokyo. Let’s be real: who likes stopovers?
Is Jetstar Business Class worth it?
Yeah, I reckon. While Jetstar Business Class isn’t as luxe as some other airlines, I was surprised by how special it felt – and the best part is the fares can cost thousands of dollars less. So you can experience a taste of the good life – lotsa legroom, heaps of baggage, delicious meals, free-flowing booze, comfy seats and in-flight entertainment – for a fraction of the price.
It’s still Jetstar, but it was pretty lush. So if you're heading to Japan – the home of pretty cherry blossoms, easy-to-knock-back sake and banging coral-toned sashimi – or anywhere in the world, I reckon Jetstar Business Class is the way to go.
Find out more and book your next dream holiday here.