Welcome to my latest trip report on Jetstar Pacific, my 2nd time flying on this airline!
*Aircraft photos are credited to the respective photographers from Airliners.net
Introduction
Flying to Ho Chi Minh from Singapore has limited choices especially for direct flights. Currently, the choices are Jetstar, Jetstar Pacific, Tigerair, Lionair, Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Checking the airfares of all of them a few weeks before my scheduled flights, the Low-Cost Carriers' airfares were cheaper than the premium carriers by quite a bit so after considering for a while, I decided to book one way with Jetstar Pacific and return with Malindo with a stop-over in Kuala Lumpur. For the return, I considered both Malindo and Singapore Airlines but because Malindo was selling the one-way ticket for the U.S $67 one way ticket including a stopover, I went for it. It was a good decision too as the following day, the price went up to U.S$ 90 plus. Since I had a bit of time there, I decided to once again do a joyride trip with Vietnam Airlines for the Boeing 777, however that plan was foiled when the airline changed both of my flights aircraft to Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. More information on that on my next trip report.
I had already flown with this airline on BKK-SGN sector earlier this year, you can check out the trip report over here.
Confirmation email after making my booking
I chose the morning flight as I could spend some more time on Friday since I had that day off.
On the day of departure
I woke up at around 6.30 in the morning. Usually not a fan of waking up early, but for flights, I won't mind at all even if my flight is at 6 a.m. Grabbed my luggage, I took the bus service 53 to the airport. Had to miss one as it was fully packed. Fortunately, the next one came not long after. Once on board, we were off to the airport via expressway. I stopped at Terminal 3 and took the Skytrain, avoiding the delay along the way by bus to terminal 1. Once there, I did my check-in and soon was on the airside.
Flying to Ho Chi Minh from Singapore has limited choices especially for direct flights. Currently, the choices are Jetstar, Jetstar Pacific, Tigerair, Lionair, Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. Checking the airfares of all of them a few weeks before my scheduled flights, the Low-Cost Carriers' airfares were cheaper than the premium carriers by quite a bit so after considering for a while, I decided to book one way with Jetstar Pacific and return with Malindo with a stop-over in Kuala Lumpur. For the return, I considered both Malindo and Singapore Airlines but because Malindo was selling the one-way ticket for the U.S $67 one way ticket including a stopover, I went for it. It was a good decision too as the following day, the price went up to U.S$ 90 plus. Since I had a bit of time there, I decided to once again do a joyride trip with Vietnam Airlines for the Boeing 777, however that plan was foiled when the airline changed both of my flights aircraft to Airbus A330-200 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. More information on that on my next trip report.
I had already flown with this airline on BKK-SGN sector earlier this year, you can check out the trip report over here.
Confirmation email after making my booking
I chose the morning flight as I could spend some more time on Friday since I had that day off.
On the day of departure
I woke up at around 6.30 in the morning. Usually not a fan of waking up early, but for flights, I won't mind at all even if my flight is at 6 a.m. Grabbed my luggage, I took the bus service 53 to the airport. Had to miss one as it was fully packed. Fortunately, the next one came not long after. Once on board, we were off to the airport via expressway. I stopped at Terminal 3 and took the Skytrain, avoiding the delay along the way by bus to terminal 1. Once there, I did my check-in and soon was on the airside.
The underground bus terminal - the main reason why double-decker buses cannot be deployed on airport bus services.
Terminal 1
Checking my flight schedule, no status is good news
I was deciding this or getting the proper boarding pass, I went for the latter.
I went to do my check-in at the early check-in counter. No fees required for it, unlike Scoot you have to pay $5 to check-in early.
Got my boarding pass
After that, I did a check on Flightradar24 to check what aircraft I was flying on. I was hoping for the VN-A561 but I got VN-A559 instead, just 2 numbers short.
For those flying premium classes of the following airlines listed below, you can use this premium check-in lounge.
Once that was done, I made my way to the airside.
Air Side
Checking my flight once again for updates
I settled for breakfast at Coffee bean, the main reason is I get the window view of the central apron.
Once done, I made my way to gate C16.
Signs are everywhere so its hard to get lost
Here I am, at one of the smallest gates.
Flight route: SIN-SGN
Miles: 675
My ride: VN-A559
Current livery
Previously, it was in this livery
Soon it was time to board the aircraft, boarding the aircraft was done by rows. As usual, those sitting near the rear got to board first and I prefer to board early so that I could put my stuff on the overhead bin compartment first instead of searching for space if I board later.
My ride parking at C16
Philippines Airlines Airbus A321 was ready for departure
Date of departure: 24th June 2016
Airline: Jetstar Pacific
Route: SIN-SGN
Flight: BL656
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Registration: VN-A559
Delivered on 23rd January 2014 (Leased from ILFC)
Configuration: Y180
Engine: 2 X IAE V2527-A5
Gate: C16
Seat: 25A
Terminal 1 (SIN)
Departure time: 1100
Boarding: 1033
Push back: 1106
Take off: 1128
Duration: 1 hr 35 mins
Load: 100%
Scheduled arrival: 1205
Actual arrival: 1230
Departure runway: 02C
Arrival runway: 25R
It turned out to be a full flight but luckily it was only a short flight so it was bearable. I wasn't very hungry so I skipped the in-flight meal.
It turned out to be a full flight but luckily it was only a short flight so it was bearable. I wasn't very hungry so I skipped the in-flight meal.
Economy Class (Y180)
Typical Low-Cost Carrier configuration, with different seats from VN-A557, my previous flight experience with this aircraft. The aircraft Jetstar leased used to operate for other airlines so seat product may be different.
The airline also operates an Airbus A320 leased from Freebird based in Turkey.
Photos of the Economy Class cabin
My window seat
Tight legroom space
Watching the other passengers entering the cabin
Leather seat is pretty common among narrow-body operators
The last row of the aircraft usually offers limited legroom space and these seats cannot be reclined
The working space for the cabin crew based at the rear
The rear door - do not open unless instructed by the cabin crew
Most of the crew were in the front, helping other passengers. I feel one should stand at the rear to monitor the activity.
Tight legroom space
Obviously no Individual In-flight entertainment system on this aircraft
View from my seat
Time to go!
Last few shots before I left the aircraft
Emergency rows offer better legroom space but at a price
What's inside the seat pocket?
2 safety cards of different versions
In-flight experience
There were 2 male and 2 female crew on board my flight. While the female crew were friendly, the male crew were nonchalant. Their mind seemed to be elsewhere. No improvement in their attitude later on during the flight. When I sat down at my seat, the first thing I noticed was the lack of in-flight magazine and the food menu. Only the safety cards were in it, guess there wasn't enough magazines and menu on board.
We sat at the gate for a while as someone on our flight left her belonging at the gate and the cabin crew had to make an announcement twice before the blur passenger came forward to claim her items. Because of her, the departure time slot was lost and we had to wait for a while before the ATC (Airport Traffic Control) gave us the green light to push back and engine start-up. So for the delay, it was not the airline's fault.
Once engines were started and clearance was given, we taxied to runway 02C which took around 15 minutes. No announcement for the cabin crew to sit down doesn't matter anyway since they were already seated way before the aircraft entered the active runway.
After take-off, we made a turn towards our assigned heading and for some parts, it was quite bumpy especially flying through clouds. Weather on the route wasn't good - gloomy weather until we started our descent and that's when the weather condition improved. The Captain made an announcement to update us on the weather in Ho Chi Minh City, however, his speech got cut off for most parts of it and we heard only the 'Thank you for flying with Jetstar Pacific' part.
For the in-flight service, BOB service was done but most of us were not interested so it was an easy job for the crew.
Arriving at Ho Chi Minh City was smooth and soon we taxied to the terminal and parked at the aero-bridge gate. I spotted passengers at the gate heading to Bangkok and that's where my aircraft was heading to next.
Overall, it was a normal flight, nothing much to shout about. The male crew could learn to be more friendly and interactive with the passengers.
Window-shot photos
We were supposed to depart before the Air Asia aircraft (old livery) but it went off first.
There were a few departures while we were taxiing
It was a normal flight from point A to B with this Vietnamese Low-Cost Carrier. That's what folks want is to pay for what they need and to get there on time. Jetstar Pacific is reliable so book with this airline without worry. Between Jetstar Pacific and Vietjetair, which airline do I prefer? It is a tough call really. The latter is expanding quite a bit especially with a recent order of another 100 aircraft (Boeing 737 Max). I would have to go for Vietjetair - newer aircraft and slightly better meal selection.
This airline also code-shares with Vietnam Airlines on some domestic routes, routes that are more profitable with the A320 than the larger A321 aircraft. For Vietnam Airlines, the gap between the ATR-72-500 and Airbus A321 is massive so for routes that require the capacity of in between, it just codeshares with Jetstar Pacific, as it makes sense financially.
That's it for this trip report! Hope you enjoy it.
For my other Jetstar Pacific trip report, click here.
Do check out my Vietjetair trip reports at the links below.
Cheers,
Charles
2 safety cards of different versions
In-flight experience
There were 2 male and 2 female crew on board my flight. While the female crew were friendly, the male crew were nonchalant. Their mind seemed to be elsewhere. No improvement in their attitude later on during the flight. When I sat down at my seat, the first thing I noticed was the lack of in-flight magazine and the food menu. Only the safety cards were in it, guess there wasn't enough magazines and menu on board.
We sat at the gate for a while as someone on our flight left her belonging at the gate and the cabin crew had to make an announcement twice before the blur passenger came forward to claim her items. Because of her, the departure time slot was lost and we had to wait for a while before the ATC (Airport Traffic Control) gave us the green light to push back and engine start-up. So for the delay, it was not the airline's fault.
Once engines were started and clearance was given, we taxied to runway 02C which took around 15 minutes. No announcement for the cabin crew to sit down doesn't matter anyway since they were already seated way before the aircraft entered the active runway.
After take-off, we made a turn towards our assigned heading and for some parts, it was quite bumpy especially flying through clouds. Weather on the route wasn't good - gloomy weather until we started our descent and that's when the weather condition improved. The Captain made an announcement to update us on the weather in Ho Chi Minh City, however, his speech got cut off for most parts of it and we heard only the 'Thank you for flying with Jetstar Pacific' part.
For the in-flight service, BOB service was done but most of us were not interested so it was an easy job for the crew.
Arriving at Ho Chi Minh City was smooth and soon we taxied to the terminal and parked at the aero-bridge gate. I spotted passengers at the gate heading to Bangkok and that's where my aircraft was heading to next.
Overall, it was a normal flight, nothing much to shout about. The male crew could learn to be more friendly and interactive with the passengers.
Window-shot photos
We were supposed to depart before the Air Asia aircraft (old livery) but it went off first.
Finally, after 20 minutes plus of waiting, we were given permission to push back.
The weather had improved after the earlier downpour.
Taxiing on November Charlie 3
If runway 20C was in used, we were have reached SGN earlier.
Korean air's Airbus A330-300 taking off for Seoul
There were a few departures while we were taxiing
Air India Express Boeing 737-800 next to go
Followed by Garuda's Boeing 737-800
After that, it was our turn
Turning into the active runway
Off we go!
Take off was powerful
Off we go and the sight of SilkAir's Boeing 737-800 is getting common.
Scoot's Boeing 787 Dreamliner is prepared for departure
When departing from runway 02C, you get this view when sitting on the left side of the aircraft
Take off was smooth as the weather was clearing
Passing through some clouds along the way which made the ride a bit uncomfortable for some.
At this point, we started our descend
Weather at Ho Chi Minh wasn't good. During our descend, we encountered rain but no turbulence
On final approach and it was my 8th visit to Saigon! Great to be back here.
Landing on runway 25 Right, a Vietnam Airlines Airbus A321 preparing to take off at the other runway.
Touched down and soon we taxied to the taxiway which led us to the international terminal
The Vietnam Airlines Airbus A321 which was waiting at the other runway took off
Another Airbus A321 took off while we were on the taxiway
We were parked at the international terminal, besides this rare beauty - the Boeing 757 of Air Astana
Taking the cab was frustrating. The driver kept insisting she is right when my goggle map told me otherwise. It took me for a while to convince her and once I reached the hotel, she apologised to me.
My rating:
Airline's website: 7/10
Check-in staff: 7/10
Changi Airport Experience: 9/10
In-flight service: 6/10
Seat comfort: 6/10
Cabin interior: 7/10
Cleanliness: 8/10
Punctuality: 6/10
Aircraft condition: 10/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Overall rating: 72/100
Conclusion
It was a normal flight from point A to B with this Vietnamese Low-Cost Carrier. That's what folks want is to pay for what they need and to get there on time. Jetstar Pacific is reliable so book with this airline without worry. Between Jetstar Pacific and Vietjetair, which airline do I prefer? It is a tough call really. The latter is expanding quite a bit especially with a recent order of another 100 aircraft (Boeing 737 Max). I would have to go for Vietjetair - newer aircraft and slightly better meal selection.
This airline also code-shares with Vietnam Airlines on some domestic routes, routes that are more profitable with the A320 than the larger A321 aircraft. For Vietnam Airlines, the gap between the ATR-72-500 and Airbus A321 is massive so for routes that require the capacity of in between, it just codeshares with Jetstar Pacific, as it makes sense financially.
That's it for this trip report! Hope you enjoy it.
For my other Jetstar Pacific trip report, click here.
Do check out my Vietjetair trip reports at the links below.
Cheers,
Charles
No comments:
Post a Comment