Jetstar has quietly updated the inclusions of its Starter Plus and Starter Max bundles. This has lead to the inclusion of a baggage allowance on Starter Plus fares, and an increased allowance on Starter Max fares. In addition, on selected flights there is now a snack or meal offering. The changes, which came into effect at 6pm on July 16, 2015, also came with an uplift in the price of the bundled offering.
These changes come on to of the recent changes that allowes members of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn Qantas Points on all Jetstar New Zealand flights.
Baggage Allowance
The changes provide for a Baggage Allowance for both Starter Plus and Starter Max fares – although there is some slight variations across the Jetstar Airlines. In all cases, there are options to purchase an additional baggage allowance to bring the total to 40 Kg. While this may be spread across as many bags as you like, there is a maximum of 32 Kg for any individual bag.
The change means that the Starter fare is the only option remaining without a baggage allowance.
Starter Plus
For Starter Plus passengers on Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) or Jetstar Pacific (BL) flights, the bundle now includes a 20 Kg baggae allowance. In the case of Jetstar Japan (GK) a 10 Kg allowance is included in the bundle. For passengers booking an itinerary with a connecting flight between Jetstar, Jetstar Asia or Jetstar Pacific and Jetstar Japan, then the higher allowance will apply for the Jetstar Japan sector.
It is possible to purchase an additional allowance, to bring to total baggage allowance up to 40 Kg. Passengers will be able to purchase an additional 30 Kg allowance on Jetstar Japan, and an additional 20 Kg on the other Jetstar airlines.
Starter Max
In the case of Starter Max, there has been an included baggage allowance of 20 Kg. From July 16, the included luggage allowanc was increased to 30 Kg. Again there is the option of purchasing an extra allowance bringing the total up to 40 Kg.
Food and Beverage
There have been a few changes made to the Food and Beverage inclusions, although these are more route specific. Again these changes affect passengers that purchased tickets after July 16.
Domestic New Zealand
For Domestic New Zealand flights, Jetstart will now be including a snack offering to Plus and Max customers. This is a change from the current offer of a $10NZD in flight voucher that could be put toward an item of your choice.
Short Haul International
Shorthaul International Passengers on Jetstar (JQ) flights will now have a meal included with their ticket price.
On a test booking for a flight from Melbourne to Auckland the meal offer was an item that would normally cost $8, such as a toasted sandwich, or a wrap.
Existing Customers
According to Jetstar, any passengers that booked prior to the changes on July 16 that subsequently attempt to modify the booking, will find they are moved onto the new bundles with an increased cost. This means that there will be a change fee if they try to modify their booking online. Any passenger that wished to remain on their existing bundle will need to contact Jetstar Reservations to make the change.
Overall it is an interesting change to include baggage and snacks/meals in the bundle, although it has caused an increase in the price of the bundle. This can make the bundle seem expensive if you only wanted to take advantage of one or two of the included items.