When ‘the flight is full’ is what you want to hear before boarding

The airline: Jetstar

• Route Newcastle to Denpasar, flight JQ88
• Frequency Three times a week (four from March 2026)
• Aircraft A321LR aircraft
• Class Economy, seat 29C (aisle)
• Flight time 6 hours and 35 minutes

Checking in

I’ve never felt so happy hearing the words “The flight is full” (more on this later), even though this means zero chance of moving to a window seat, or anywhere near the front of the plane. I’ve checked in online, but there’s no bag drop so my friend and I join the lengthy queue, taking turns to use the bathroom. We whiz through the new customs and immigration facilities, although we need to clear security twice.

Baggage

Starter bundles include one checked 20-kilogram bag, as well as two pieces of carry-on luggage with a combined weight of up to seven kilograms.

Loyalty scheme

Jetstar Club membership costs $55 a year and offers discounts.

The seat

I upgrade from an upfront seat ($28) to exit aisle seat 29C for an extra $12. There are 232 passengers in a single economy class cabin in a 3-3 configuration. The 17.7-inch-wide seat (45 centimetres) with a 29-inch (73.7 centimetres) pitch is snug and, annoyingly, the passenger in the middle seat claims both armrests.

I have more legroom but being on the aisle means I get bumped by passing passengers – including one who manages to knock over my tonic water. A crew member brings me a replacement and asks for payment. I decline and am given the drink for free after she speaks with her supervisor.

The row has no window as it’s an exit door with a handle. If that doesn’t bother you, 29A is the best seat with endless legroom as there’s no seat directly in front; seat 29F is similarly good, aside from take-off and landing when the jump seat is pulled down and occupied by cabin crew seated in front of you.

There are three toilets: two at the rear and one at the front and, yes, there’s a constant queue. Large overhead bins mean ample room for everyone’s bags.

Entertainment + tech

There are no entertainment screens on the backs of seats, but you can connect to the Jetstar pay-per-use entertainment system via your device starting from $5 for children to $9 for movies, TV shows, games and podcasts. Flip-down smartphone and tablet cradles with USB power outlets are offered on the backs of seats. However, the entertainment system’s not working on today’s flight so many passengers have to endure without it.

Service

The crew on this particular flight are based outside Australia even though the operating aircraft is based in Newcastle. They work hard the entire flight and are respectful and attentive. Water is offered regularly.

Food

It’s a good idea to pre-purchase meals as they’re delivered before the standard service. I’ve ordered a bacon and egg roll, as has my friend, but she receives teriyaki noodles instead (which don’t look appetising for breakfast). Thankfully, they swap it for her. You need to buy all food and drinks onboard (except water), including tea and coffee.

Sustainability

Jetstar, part of the Qantas group, has committed to a 25 per cent emission reduction by 2030 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.*

One more thing

Jetstar’s inaugural Newcastle to Bali flight in October 2025 marked Newcastle Airport’s return to international travel after five years. It’s the first permanent international service from the recently opened $110 million terminal which has expanded the airport to eight gates, including its first aerobridge.

The price

Newcastle-Denpasar starts from $249 one way for a starter fare. **

The verdict

Packed flights are uncomfortable, but I’m overjoyed knowing strong passenger numbers increase the likelihood of more international flights from my home airport.

I even fly the overnight return service to Newcastle, something I usually try to avoid, happily crammed in seat 23A without a wink of sleep.

Days after landing home on JQ89 (which takes just five hours), Jetstar announces a fourth weekly service between Newcastle and Bali, giving travellers the ability to continue on to Singapore – citing exceptionally high demand from the Hunter, Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer flew courtesy of Jetstar. See jetstar.com

*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 (outside peak travel periods) and are subject to change.