With limited ways to use frequent flyer points the latest debate is whether to use Qantas Award points to redeem Qantas or Jetstar flights. We recently took a return flight from Ballina flying up with Qantas and returning Jetstar using our popular Covid Hack. While I am a Qantas fanboy Julie surprised me by being a Jetstar fangirl!
When booking flights on the Qantas website you are offered both Qantas and Jetstar flignts. There is now a handy search tool that allows you to select either Qantas or Jetstar.
In this post:
What Is The Points Difference Between Qantas and Jetstar
There is a modest price difference between Qantas and Jetstar. For the Sydney to Ballina flights Jetstar is 1,600 points cheaper and $5 in Airport taxes. I would value that at around $21 each way. With very little ways to use points at the moment the price difference is negligible.
I currently have enough points for over 50 return Qantas economy flights from Sydney to Ballina, so this is not an issue.
Qantas Sydney Domestic Lounge Access
While there are limited lounge opportunities available across Australia, the Sydney Business Class Domestic lounge is open. You don’t need to be a Platinum/Gold or Qantas Club member to access the lounge. Many credit cards such as the Westpac Altitude Black or Qantas American Express Ultimate card offer lounge access. While in theory you can use the lounge when flying Jetstar you need to switch terminals and go through security twice.
Lounge access alone is worth flying Qantas. FYI there is no lounge in Ballina.
Better Seat Choices With Qantas
As a platinum flyer I have free access to the seats at the front of the plane. While I initially booked row 6 with Qantas I was able to move to Row 3. Jetstar by comparison ignored my Platinum status and put me in a middle seat in row 16 with no option for changing it.
Dash 8 Vs A320 – 200
I love flying in a DeHaviland Dash 8 for short hops such as Sydney to Ballina. The time difference between the bigger faster plane is a marginal 5 mins.
It also flies lower which means you get cracking views during the whole flight.
Dash 8 Is A Noiser Plane
The Dash 8 is certainly a noiser plane. However this did not stop us eavesdropping on the movie types in row 2 discussing the next Chris Hemsworth movie.
Dash 8 Wins With Seat Comfort
While the Dash8 is a smaller plane it appeared to provide e more leg room than the Jetsar A320.
With a 2+2 configuration vs 3+3 you never get a stuck in the middle. I have been in the unfortunate situation with Jetstar where my neighbours belly took control of the arm rest!
Qantas Domestic Still Provides Water And A Snack
Having filled up in the lounge we did not need the water or snack provided. However we found the water useful during our car trips and the snack useful on our hikes. Not a benefit I add any value to to.
Qantas and Jestar Both Offer Masks
Masks and sanitary wipes are availabe for both Qantas and Jetstar, they are cobranded so no difference here.
Summary
When given a choice I will always choose Qantas over Jetstar. I value the lounge, plane size and seat choice. The only caveat is access to awards seats and making sure the plane departure time works.
