Flight to island paradise feels as easy as a regular work commute

The airline: Jetstar

• Route Sydney to Port Vila, flight JQ123
• Frequency Four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday)
• Aircraft Airbus A321neo
• Class Economy, seat 6E (window)
• Flight time 3 hours, 30 minutes (arrived on time)

Checking in

The lines are formidable in Terminal 2 when I arrive at 8.30am on a Saturday for a 10.20am departure. The snaking queue of travellers bends back on itself several times before reaching the partitions. I mentally prepare for a long wait before spotting a cheat code: a small sign ushering travellers to Port Vila past the unending queue of Seoul-bound travellers to a free check-in counter. Within minutes, I’m parted from my checked luggage. A booking error listing me as male is quickly corrected. My ticket is missing a gate number. “Remember gate 26,” the check-in agent tells me as I head to security.

Baggage

A Starter Plus fare offers economy passengers up to 20 kilograms of checked luggage and 7 kilograms of carry-on, including one main bag (maximum dimensions:56 x 36 x 23 centimetres) and one smaller personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag. If you’re on a more basic Starter Fare, it’s $26 one way for a checked bag up to 20 kilograms.

Loyalty scheme

Club Jetstar is the airline’s membership program, which costs $65 for the first year, and gives members access to benefits including discounted flights, early access to flight sales, seat selection and 20 per cent off baggage. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points on Jetstar flights depending on the type of fare purchased.

The seat

I’m in a window seat (E6) in the economy cabin with a 3-3 configuration. Seat pitch is 29 inches (73.7 centimetres), with a width of 18 inches (45.2 centimetres). As I arrange my belongings my passport falls through a hole in the netted seat pocket; my seat neighbour eventually retrieves it for me. I’m just over 175 centimetres and my knees touch the seat in front unless I scooch right back, but the space is comfortable enough for me on this short trip. No elbow wars, and no need to recline on the mid-morning flight.

Entertainment + tech

Jetstar’s new fleet of A321neos don’t feature seat-back screens, but a QR code lets me connect my iPhone to the Jetstar Entertainment+ app; for $7, I can access a decent selection of movies and television series. A USB port lets me charge my phone as it rests on the flip-down device holder at just the right height for viewing.

In hindsight, my choice of The Brutalist was terrible, not because the film was bad (it was very good), but once I had settled in and hit play, the movie’s running time exceeded the flight time. Poor Adrian Brody was suspended in torment until my return flight. Its explicit sex scenes also had me hiding my screen for fear one of the small children behind me might catch a glimpse.

The tech is glitchy. My film buffers after every cabin crew announcement, and I need to relaunch the browser each time. It’s unclear whether the problem is with my device or the service, but my companion doesn’t experience the same issue.

Service

Cabin crew are friendly, warm and efficient. I press the call button twice and am greeted within two minutes each time. Refreshment orders are fulfilled expeditiously and rubbish collected swiftly.

Food

My Starter Plus package comes with a pumpkin and feta quiche, and a spinach and ricotta roll ($12), which are warm, filling and tasty. There is also a good selection of hot and cold meals, snacks, and drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) for purchase. My companion’s ‘Loaded’ chocolate chip cookie is cold and rock-hard, but improves once it has thawed for a bit.

Sustainability

Jetstar has committed to a zero-emissions target by 2050. Jetstar passengers can purchase carbon credits to offset a portion of their flight emissions at the time of booking. The credits fund global projects, including supporting the Arnhem Land Fire Abatement in the Northern Territory. *

One more thing

Jetstar is the only carrier offering direct flights from Sydney to Port Vila following its launch in December 2024, about seven months after the collapse of Vanuatu’s national airline, Air Vanuatu.

The price

From about $400 return from Sydney to Port Vila (Vanuatu) with no checked baggage.**

The verdict

This feels like a ludicrously short international flight. The accoutrements supplied are all that are necessary, since I bring what I would for a normal work commute (headphones, phone, and a charging cable). It’s an affordable option for a quick getaway.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer flew as a guest of Jetstar.

* For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org

**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.