JetStar StarClass Flight Review Ho Chi Minh City to Sydney: On a recent trip from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Sydney I had another opportunity to fly Jetstar StarClass, and thought it would be a great opportunity to write about the experience.

Firstly what Jetstar StarClass is not, a full Business Class service, I would compare StarClass with a premium economy service, but with some business class benefits that I will mention later.

On arrival at Saigon’s new international terminal at Tan Son Nhat airport, I checked in via the dedicated StarClass counter collected my boarding pass (seat 3a) and business class lounge pass, then headed thru customs and up to the Daisy business class lounge.

On entering the daisy lounge I was met with one of the best business class lounges I had ever been in, the lounge was far from crowded, the mood was quiet and relaxed, and the food and drink was above what you would find in a Qantas Club/Business Class lounge. Food included high quality Vietnamese and Western dishes, being a Vietnamese food connaisseur I tried some Banh Cuon (flat rolled rice noodles with Vietnamese mints and Vietnamese ham) first. The self-service bar consisted of various beers, including the local 333 (Ba Ba Ba) and Heineken, a wide range of spirits and liquor’s including Scotch, Burbon and Hennessey VSOP was available, all this along with your regular juices, and soft drinks.   

Eventually it was boarding time, and I headed to my gate then into the aircraft and seat 3a. From boarding the flight I found the cabin staff to be very friendly and helpful, assisting a couple with a toddler, a passenger with a coat and other with an awkward shaped piece of Vietnamese art work.

The business cabin and seat was well maintained, with everything from a reasonably wide reclinable (38 inch seat pitch) seat, with reading light, laptop power outlet and personal video on demand units with noise cancelling headphones.

So how was the food service? It was quite good, and began with a choice of champagne or orange juice prior to take off then followed by dinner that consisted of a tasty hot sate chicken and rice dish with salad, dinner roll, wine after dinner chocolate, with beverages including beer, wine, spirits, soft drink or juice. After this desert was served, and a little later the cabin lights were dimmed and I settled in to watch the rest of the movie I started watching earlier in the night, throughout the night I was offered water and alcohol, finally three hours before arriving in Sydney breakfast was served, which consisted of a breakfast roll with egg, bacon and cheese with tea coffee or juice.

All in all the flight was great, the only complaint I have was with the Personal Video on Demand unit when pausing my move for dinner the unit switched off so I had to restart the VOD unit and movie then forward to where I was up to. If Jetstar could change anything they should include an in-seat Video on Demand unit that does not switch off when paused for a short period of time.

Full marks go to the cabin staff for making it an enjoyable journey.

The great thing about the trip is that StarClass flights earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points & status credits at the Qantas Business class rate

Jetstar StarClass offers passengers the following:

•  Dedicated check-in counter
• Priority baggage tag
• 32Kg checked baggage limit
• 2 pieces of carry-on luggage
• Full complimentary meal and drink service including alcohol
• Use of Qantas Club lounge within Australia and some partner lounges
• 36 Inch Seat Pitch
• In seat Laptop Power outlet
• Personal Video on Demand Unit with noise cancelling headphones
• Earn Qantas business class frequent flyer points and status credits
• Priority Boarding
• Complimentary travel kit including blanket, ear plugs, socks, pillow

So if you plan to fly Jetstar and are looking for a little more room service and comfort, Jetstar StarClass gets the Business Travel Guru’s thumbs up, for great service and quality at a reasonable price.