Welcome To My Trip Report on Jetstar Pacific - a Vietnamese based Low-Cost Carrier!
Jetstar Pacific
*Aircraft photos are credited to the respective photographers on Airliners.net and Jetphotos.net
Jetstar Pacific's Airbus A321
Introduction
I had a few choices to fly from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. Flying out of BKK gets the priority and a few airlines came into mind: Jetstar Pacific, Jet Airways, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and a few others. Jet Airways was an option but I didn't know until recently. I would have picked it and flew this airline instead from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore if I had known. Back then, looking at the other options, Jetstar Pacific was my first choice.
History of Jetstar Pacific
Jetstar Pacific is formerly known as Pacific Airlines, set up in 1991. This airline first started out by operating cargo airlines and is based in Ho Chi Minh City. From 1996 to 2005, this airline, along with other local companies were operated under Vietnam Airlines. The government which owned Vietnam Airlines, sold some shares to Qantas and the airline adopted the Low-Cost operation model and the name was changed to Jetstar Pacific in 2008, becoming part of Jetstar network. In 2012, Vietnam Airlines bought 100% stake in this carrier and compliment with its own airline's network. However, the airline is still part of the Jetstar network and continues to retain its current branding.
Current fleet: 13 Airbus A320 and 2 Airbus A321
History of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the 2 international airports in Bangkok officially opened on 15 September 2006 with limited domestic flights in operation and it is fully opened to most domestic and international flights on the 26 September 2006. This airport was built to replace Don Mueang Airport as this airport had limited space and was not in consideration for expansion and terminal upgrade to continue operation. However, it will continue to operate for Low-Cost Carriers and small airlines. The IATA code BKK was transferred from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang's IATA code was changed to DMK. The word 'Suvarnabhumi' was chosen by King Bhumiboi Adulyadej. Currently, this airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world and operates with 2 runways, 01L/19R and 01R/19L.
My opinion of this airport: The airport has only one terminal building. However, it is quite huge. Walking from one end to the other takes quite a while, so it is better to come early to pass through the immigration and security checks. If you have time, you can spend some time shopping or grab some food at the cafe. The prices are slightly overpriced but that's expected. Planespotting for aviation enthusiasts is a disappointment as the glass window is not suitable for photography and no outdoor observation deck. To plane spot, outdoor photography is the only option. I am pleased that the airport has made the effort to introduce free WiFi through its troublesome to log in. A train station connects the airport to the city and that's quite important for travellers. Overall I am not a fan of this airport, but it is certainly my preferred airport over DMK (Don Mueang).
Airline's website
Sorry, I don't have photos of it but all I can say is it is pretty user-friendly and had no problem booking my flight. You can make your booking via the Jetstar.com
On the day of departure
I stayed at the Phoenix hotel which is near BKK airport and I did some plane spotting before I left.
Airline's safety card
Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the 2 international airports in Bangkok officially opened on 15 September 2006 with limited domestic flights in operation and it is fully opened to most domestic and international flights on the 26 September 2006. This airport was built to replace Don Mueang Airport as this airport had limited space and was not in consideration for expansion and terminal upgrade to continue operation. However, it will continue to operate for Low-Cost Carriers and small airlines. The IATA code BKK was transferred from Don Mueang to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang's IATA code was changed to DMK. The word 'Suvarnabhumi' was chosen by King Bhumiboi Adulyadej. Currently, this airport is the 10th busiest airport in the world and operates with 2 runways, 01L/19R and 01R/19L.
My opinion of this airport: The airport has only one terminal building. However, it is quite huge. Walking from one end to the other takes quite a while, so it is better to come early to pass through the immigration and security checks. If you have time, you can spend some time shopping or grab some food at the cafe. The prices are slightly overpriced but that's expected. Planespotting for aviation enthusiasts is a disappointment as the glass window is not suitable for photography and no outdoor observation deck. To plane spot, outdoor photography is the only option. I am pleased that the airport has made the effort to introduce free WiFi through its troublesome to log in. A train station connects the airport to the city and that's quite important for travellers. Overall I am not a fan of this airport, but it is certainly my preferred airport over DMK (Don Mueang).
Airline's website
Sorry, I don't have photos of it but all I can say is it is pretty user-friendly and had no problem booking my flight. You can make your booking via the Jetstar.com
On the day of departure
I stayed at the Phoenix hotel which is near BKK airport and I did some plane spotting before I left.
Finnair's Airbus A350-900 on arrival to runway 19R
Jet Airways Boeing 777-300ER arriving from Mumbai
Aeroflot Boeing 777-300ER arriving from Moscow
The entrance to the Phoenix Hotel - there is a free shuttle to the airport every hour.
My favourite Thai restaurant, near the hotel
Ordered a bowl of delicious Pork and Duck meat noodles - cheap and delicious
Once I was done, I rested for a while and took the shuttle at noon to the airport. My flight departure was at 3.30 pm so plenty of time to explore the airport and grab a bite.
The ride to the airport took around 10 minutes. After thanking the driver, I made my way to the check-in counter.
Free Wifi is now available at this airport, but only for 2 hours for each account. So after 2 hours, you have to create a new one. (Correct me if I am wrong)
It was quite busy during this timing
Making my way to row E where Jetstar's check-in counters are
This row includes both Jetstar Pacific and Jetstar Asia's flights. I was 10 minutes early so I went around snapping some photos before returning.
Overview of the Departure Hall (landside)
Once it was time, I made my way back to the check-in counter and it was opened. I was asked to produce my trip itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Singapore, and only after checking my itinerary, she continued to proceed with my check-in.
Got my boarding pass not long after. It is interesting to see that this airline also codeshares with Qantas.
Once I was done, I made my way to the air side. It took around 35 minutes to get through both security check and immigration. Once that was done, I decided to grab a bite at one of the restaurants. Prices are overpriced but that's typical common at airports around the world.
I went into one of the restaurants and the staff obviously saw me but after sitting for a while and getting no attention from any of them. I stood up and left, whether they had any reaction, I don't know but I glad I did because I found another restaurant that was willing to earn my money.
Got me a glass of banana smoothie and Sweet and Sour Fish Rice. It was average.
Did a quick check on flightradar24, VN-A555 was supposed to take me to Ho Chi Minh City.
However, VN-A557 was on its way instead. I guess the airline did an aircraft change since it departed late.
The aircraft just took off at SGN airport
Some air side photos
You know you are in Thailand when you see this
The walk to the gate may be time-consuming, so always check the departure time and plan ahead in order to avoid missing the flight.
Checking my flight, our flight was delayed due to the late arrival of the aircraft. Our original aircraft VN-A555 had probably broken down and a change of aircraft was done which resulted in a delay.
Lots of duty-free shops to check around. It is difficult to avoid them with this layout.
Making my way to the gate
The problem is the windows are not photography friendly
My aircraft wasn't there yet
Here it is, my ride to Ho Chi Minh City - VN-A557
My ride: VN-A557
Date of departure: 14th January 2016
Airline: Jetstar Pacific
Flight: BL662
Route: BKK-SGN
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Registration: VN-A557 (leased from BBAM)
Delivered on 14th December 2012 (Flown with Kingfisher Airlines)
Age of aircraft: 10 years old (Jan 2016 update)
Engines: 2 X IAE V2527-A5
Configuration: Y180
Load: 100%
MSN: 2670
Seat: 8F
Gate: C2
Duration: 1 hr 10 mins
Schedule departure time: 1525
Push back: 1554
Boarding: 1525
Take off: 1612
FL: 250
Actual arrival time: 1718
Schedule arrival time: 1705
Departure runway: 19L
Arrival runway: 07R
Boarding started late and those sitting at the rear was told to board the aircraft first but since there wasn't anyone checking the passengers' tickets, most of us made our way through the glass door towards the aero-bridge. However, everything was in order so there wasn't any problem.
Greeted by the Vietnamese crew, with one of them looking elsewhere. What was he looking at, I had no idea. Once the passengers in front of me started moving, I made my way to my seat. Not a good first impression from the crew.
The interior looks different from Jetstar Asia, here are the photos.
Brown colour leather seat without headrest cover
Greeted by the Vietnamese crew, with one of them looking elsewhere. What was he looking at, I had no idea. Once the passengers in front of me started moving, I made my way to my seat. Not a good first impression from the crew.
The interior looks different from Jetstar Asia, here are the photos.
Brown colour leather seat without headrest cover
Bulkhead row is highly recommended for those who need legroom space
It turned out to be a full flight
The tight seat pitch - common among the Low-Cost Carriers
This is my seat. Fortunately, the ride was less than 2 hours.
View from my seat
I was hoping for the middle seat to remain vacant, but it was not meant to be when a couple of guys turned up.
The passenger in front of me reclined his seat and that made me slightly uncomfortable.
As you can see how tight the legroom space is for me (I am 192 cm tall)
For a short flight like this, I don't see a need to pay more for legroom space.
The old Airbus A320 overhead panel
Overhead panel
In-flight experience
Boarding the aircraft was a fast affair as most passengers want to get there on time. With the flight delay, we missed our take-off slot and our Australian Captain was apologetic about it, he gave us detailed information on our flight path and weather on the route. He also came on the speaker before descending to give us some update on the weather in Ho Chi Minh City.
As for the cabin crew, they didn't seem interested in their job. They looked tired but at least they did the mandatory checks and the in-flight service (BOB and duty-free service).
Aircraft was pushed back and we taxied to runway 19L for departure. As the traffic was light, we departed not too long after reaching the threshold. We were 3rd in line for departure and took off smoothly and headed towards the destination of Ho Chi Minh City. It was a smooth flight, hardly any bumps along the way.
Cabin crew came about to do the meal and duty-free service. I decided to skip the meal since I was still feeling full. I wasn't too pleased with the lack of legroom space, not to mention the person in front of me reclining his seat during the flight. Fortunately, it was still bearable. The flight went passed fast and before I knew it, we started our descend and touched down around 20 minutes late.
Boarding the aircraft was a fast affair as most passengers want to get there on time. With the flight delay, we missed our take-off slot and our Australian Captain was apologetic about it, he gave us detailed information on our flight path and weather on the route. He also came on the speaker before descending to give us some update on the weather in Ho Chi Minh City.
As for the cabin crew, they didn't seem interested in their job. They looked tired but at least they did the mandatory checks and the in-flight service (BOB and duty-free service).
Aircraft was pushed back and we taxied to runway 19L for departure. As the traffic was light, we departed not too long after reaching the threshold. We were 3rd in line for departure and took off smoothly and headed towards the destination of Ho Chi Minh City. It was a smooth flight, hardly any bumps along the way.
Cabin crew came about to do the meal and duty-free service. I decided to skip the meal since I was still feeling full. I wasn't too pleased with the lack of legroom space, not to mention the person in front of me reclining his seat during the flight. Fortunately, it was still bearable. The flight went passed fast and before I knew it, we started our descend and touched down around 20 minutes late.
What's inside the seat pocket?
Airline's safety card
Disposal Bag
In-flight magazine
Jetstar Cafe Menu
Perhaps next time - I was quite full at this point
Food and Beverages are cheap - worth giving it a try
Order the set meal to save money
Window shots (From take off to landing)
My rating:
The first impression of this airline wasn't good. This set of cabin crew is probably one of the poorest set of the crew among my Low-Cost Carrier flights so far. They didn't seem happy at all and a few of them seemed to be wishing they were somewhere else. At least they were not rude and managed to complete their tasks. Cabin service all depends on your luck. One set of the bad crew doesn't mean the airline is bad, you have to fly with the airline more often to have an idea of how the in-flight service is like. The flight crew, on the other hand, was efficient, he kept us well updated and it was nice to hear a cheerful Captain on the speaker. Overall, I had an average experience but would fly again with this airline in the near future.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Charles
Passing by Lufthansa's Boeing 747-400 - an aircraft type getting lesser these days.
At the main taxiway, heading to runway 19 Left
Xiamen Air's Boeing 737-800, and this reminds me of my flight experience.
Regent Air's Boeing 737-700 taking off
At the threshold waiting for another aircraft to take off before our turn came.
At the runway, we were given clearance for taking off
Rolling down the runway!
V1 Rotate.......positive climb... gears up
Enjoying the view of Bangkok, unfortunately, the sun was against my side for the first part of the flight.
Making a turn not long after take off
Flying in very good weather is what I enjoy most
The flight went past quickly and soon we on our descend. Weather on route to Ho Chi Minh City was expected to be smooth except on approach according to the First Officer.
However, the approach was smooth and we soon landed at SGN airport.
It was evening light when we arrived at SGN airport
Here is the video of the landing (Sorry for the poor quality)
Touched down smoothly!
My first sight of Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner!
Finally, we stopped at a remote parking lot and we took the airport bus to the terminal.
Bus or Airbus?
You can recognise this airline by its billboard titles
My aircraft parked besides Vietnam Airlines' Airbus A321 VN-A327 'Skyteam' livery aircraft
Thanks for the ride, VN-A557!
Vietnam Airlines Boeing 777-200ER, VN-A142 is the registration number.
This is the arrival hall
The domestic terminal, and you can check out my experience on this trip report.
Look at the number of bikes!
My hotel room near the airport at only U.S$18 per night
My rating:
Airline's website: 7/10
Bangkok (BKK) Airport Experience: 6/10
Check-in staff: 6/10
In-flight service: 6/10
Seat comfort: 5/10
Cabin interior: 9/10
Cleanliness: 5/10 (Lots of stains on seat and window shade)
Aircraft condition: 10/10
Punctuality: 3/10
Enjoyment mode: 8/10
Overall rating: 65/100
Conclusion
The first impression of this airline wasn't good. This set of cabin crew is probably one of the poorest set of the crew among my Low-Cost Carrier flights so far. They didn't seem happy at all and a few of them seemed to be wishing they were somewhere else. At least they were not rude and managed to complete their tasks. Cabin service all depends on your luck. One set of the bad crew doesn't mean the airline is bad, you have to fly with the airline more often to have an idea of how the in-flight service is like. The flight crew, on the other hand, was efficient, he kept us well updated and it was nice to hear a cheerful Captain on the speaker. Overall, I had an average experience but would fly again with this airline in the near future.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers,
Charles
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