Not “up to scratch”: The Jetstar changes that could mean you miss your flight

Rear view shot of group of people walking with luggage at modern airport terminal. Passengers in airport corridor.
Edited by Travel Weekly


Jetstar has made changes to its check-in time in an effort to improve its on-time performance.

From Tuesday 23 May 2023, check-in and bag drop will close 40 minutes before departure for Australian and New Zealand domestic flights and 60 minutes prior to departure for flights departing from an international terminal.

The boarding gate will close 20 minutes before departure for both domestic and international flights.

The changes bring Jetstar’s check-in times in line with other low-cost carriers in Australia and globally.

Customers are being updated by email, text message, at jetstar.com and via signage in our terminals.

Jetstar’s Chief Operating Officer, Matt Franzi, commented on the changes before swiftly changing the subject.

“We know our performance hasn’t been up to scratch and we are working hard to boost punctuality and reliability.

“Our Airbus A321neo LRs are some of the newest aircraft in the world and our current fleet of six has delivered world beating mechanical reliability for its aircraft type.

“We are excited to be adding the seventh NEO to our fleet.”

It’s unclear if the new NEO arrived on time, however.

“To improve our performance, we’re also recruiting more airport staff, cabin crew and engineering team members and making changes to our check-in, bag drop and boarding times, to bring them in line with other low-cost carriers around the world, Franzi said.

“Everyone across the airline is committed to getting Jetstar to its best while delivering the lowest possible fares so our customers can fly to more places, more often.”

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