jo888

Can anybody give me a review of this budget airline - JetStar? The airfare is pretty cheap but the luggage charge of 15kg is almost as expensive as the airfare. We will be flying from Auckland to Queenstown and back to Auckland. The 1st leg of our holidays, we will be allowed 2 checked-in bags of 32 Kg free on the international flight to Auckland but then we will be flying domestic to Queenstown and that cost a bomb on JetStar. Gosh, it is difficult to pack less for a 18-day trip. I am trying to fine cheaper alternative methods to store our luggage instead of taking them with us to South Island. I know there are storage lockers at the Auckland airport but that cost just as much for 8 days.

I welcome suggestions and tips on store luggage.

Melnq8

I like Jetstar, but I've only flown them on domestic flights within Australia.

They're very strict with luggage and check in times.

Have you checked Air NZ? Who are you flying to Auckland (international carrier)? Do you have any status with an airline alliance? Knowing all of this would help us answer your question.

Sometimes a higher domestic fare saves you in luggage fees over a budget carrier as there are agreements with international carriers.

It's easy to pack lightly for long trips...just pack a week's worth of clothing and do laundry as you go. Self-service landromats can be found all over NZ - most accommodation has them on-site, if not, every town has one.

Think layers - this will save you having to pack bulky items.

We get by with a fleece jacket and a waterproof layer that fits over our fleece on every trip to NZ, regardless of time of year. We often go in the winter months, and pack the same way, but add waterproof pants which we wear over a pair of silk long underwear - perfect for winter hiking. We also toss in fleece hats and gloves, and we're good to go.

NZ is very casual, no need to dress up.

Do be aware that NZ airlines are also very strict with carry on luggage - they don't like roll aboards and will very likely weigh your carry on bags too. If they have to be checked, you could incur more fees.

I fail to see the point of paying to store luggage. If you have to store it, you can't use it, so why take it?

tt7

I'm no help I'm afraid - my only suggestion would be to learn to pack light (and as Melnq8 suggests, do some laundry).

I've never flown the Deathstar and I hope I'll never have to. You don't say where else you're going and at what time of year but I've never understood people who get concerned about baggage allowances. I did a 3 week trip to the UK and the US last month, with only a 7kg bag that meets QF's carry-on limit. Over the years, I've come to learn that I never wear half the stuff I take so now leave it at home. That and a bit of laundry now and again works wonders.

AlanJG

I can (would often like to) carry 7 Kg of reference materials!

golfernz1

I use Jetstar here quite a bit and never had an issue with the airline. If you want to take all that luggage you just have to pay the fare, Air New Zealand in general is more expensive. Can't you leave some of your luggage with the hotel you will be staying at in Auckland? 32kgs to me is an enormous amount of luggage, I take 7kgs max. to Europe, the airlines and taxi drivers love me. How do you manage to carry/drag it without putting your back out?
The usual fare to Queenstown one way with Air New Zealand is $79 and that to me is dirt cheap, check out the costs with your luggage weight on their website.

jo888

golfernz1- I booked our flight with Jetstar and paid one check in luggage of 20kgs. I didn't think of leaving with the Hotel in Auckland but it is too late now. I paid NZ$69/pp for AKL to ZQN-pretty economical but then there are other fees to be paid and it came to NZ$168 total for 2 my hubby and I.

ThulaMama

I have a close relative who is a pilot for Jetstar. He jokes that he flies a snack bar around the sky.

If you have a tight connection to make, or need to be at a vital meeting, don't rely on Jetstar to get you there on time. There are just not enough back up flights to pick up any delays - at this time. Things are changing fast.

As for luggage - like some comments above, I travel with only 7 kgs carry on plus a coat and have done so for 25 years. It's a mystery to me what people carry in those heavy suitcases.

nelsonian

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to check in. If you are in the line with 35 minutes to check in, and still haven't been processed at 30 minutes to go, they will close the line. You need to be checked in at least 30 minutes before departure time, not just in the line!!!

jo888

thanks for the info. So we need to get to the airport at least 2 hours before departure. We need to go airport early because we have to return the rental car (Jucy) and then head for the Jetstar. Our flight leaves at 9 in the morning so we have to leave our hotel @ about 6am. It is about 22 km and takes about 30 mins.