Checking in
Checking in should be an exciting beginning to your family trip. So at Jetstar we make it as smooth as possible for you and your kids. You can request your preferred seat, change your mind up to 24 hours before you depart, and even check in–all online. You can also request bassinets and organise approval for your infant car seat beforehand by calling 131 538.
Make sure you leave yourselves enough time to get the car packed, drive to the airport, find a park and check in. If you're parking in long term parking it can take some time to transfer to the terminal depending on which airport you are flying from. As a parent you know that everything seems to take twice as long with kids. Allow extra time and you can all arrive at the airport relaxed and happy.
Remember, strict check in time limits apply on all Jetstar flights.
Cabin baggage
Each passenger is permitted one main item of cabin baggage and one other small item, with a total combined weight of up to 10kg.
If you are travelling on a StarClass fare you are permitted an additional main item of cabin baggage provided that each main item does not exceed 10kg, with a total combined cabin baggage weight of up to 20kg. Only one main item may be a suit pack or garment bag.
Main items must not exceed 56cm (width), 36cm (height) and 23cm (depth) for an overnight bag, laptop bag or briefcase. Or 11cm (height), 60cm (width) and 114cm (length) for a suit pack or garment bag (measured unfolded).
Small items for domestic flights may be a small handbag, pocket book or purse, coat or umbrella. For international flights this includes duty free goods (where permitted).
For parents on international flights you can take a collapsible pusher on board if it is no bigger than 100x25x23cm. This will, however, form part of your cabin baggage allowance.
These allowances apply to all passengers with an allocated seat. So kids can bring their own bags or backpacks with the things they’ll need to keep them entertained. It makes them feel more independent and takes the pressure of their parents’ hand luggage too.
The comfort of your infants is important to us. We are happy for you to bring essential items on-board; things that you will need for the duration of each flight, like bottles, sipping cups, nappies, baby-food, milk or formula and a change of clothes. So long as they comply with current cabin baggage regulations and weight limits.
Liquids, Aerosols and Gels
For all passengers travelling in and out of Australia there are limits on the amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels you can bring on-board. All of these items must be in containers 100ml or less, and all of these containers must be presented to airport security in a single clear, re-sealable plastic bag no bigger than one litre. However, for parents travelling with infants, you can still bring whatever milk, formula and baby food you need for the flight. For further details and updates on regulations click here (link to www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/security/aviation/LAG/index.aspx)
HOT TIP
Buy your kids a backpack or cool trolley bag for their own stuff. They’ll feel very grown-up.
Checked baggage
Jetstar Domestic and Tasman Services
Our JetSaver Light fares are a cheaper option for families who are only traveling with carry on baggage. These fares do not include any checked baggage allowance.
Passengers with a JetSaver Light fare who travel with more than the permitted carry on baggage allowance will need to check in their baggage and charges will apply.
With JetSaver fares you can take up to 20kg of checked baggage per person for free. If you have more than 20kg the excess can be carried for a fee.
Jetstar International Long Haul Services
Economy class passengers can take up to 20kg of checked baggage per person for free and excess baggage for a fee. If traveling on a JetSaver Light fare (available for all international long haul services except Hawaii and Japan), there is no checked baggage allowance.
StarClass passengers can take up to 30kg of checked baggage per person for free and excess baggage for a fee.
Bulky Items
All the extra gear can make travelling with kids feel more like you’re moving house than going on a holiday. Strollers, car seats, toys, bottles, nappies, kitchen sink. Whether it’s for the weekend or a month, there are things you just need. At Jetstar we’re happy for families to take these essential items, especially things that are going to make the holiday more comfortable and safer. Here’s a list of the bulkier things families can check on Jetstar flights without attracting excess baggage charges:
- Strollers or pushers
- Porta-cots and bedding
- Infant car seats
- Portable high-chairs
Anyone who has paid for a seat is entitled to the full baggage allocation: 20kg of check-in and 10kg hand luggage. Another great reason for purchasing a ticket for infants.
HOT TIP
Make sure that your stroller and porta-cot lock shut to minimise risk of damage in transit.
Strollers and Pushers
We understand how indispensable compact strollers or pushers can be on holiday. Most parents with small children wouldn’t dream of going away without one. Nor should they have to. At Jetstar we’re happy for you to bring one along in addition to your regular baggage allowance.
On domestic and Tasman flights you must check pushers or strollers in with your other luggage. Larger pushers can travel as ‘special luggage’. Make sure it clips shut so it’s easier to handle.
For your convenience parents can bring a fully collapsible pusher on-board our A330s (International long haul flights) so long as it is no bigger than 100x25x23cm.
HOT TIP
While we always do our best to ensure your luggage arrives safely, sometimes strollers can be damaged in transit. Protect your stroller by placing it in a bag or in plastic wrap.
ID and Security
When your family checks in for a domestic flight, you need to produce either your itinerary or your ID with your name on it. We may require proof of age for infants traveling for free if we believe they may be older than two years.
For Australian domestic flights departing from International terminals all family members over the age of 18 years need to provide us with acceptable photographic ID.
These are the only acceptable forms of identification, all of which must be valid at the time of travel:
- National Passport; or
- Motor Vehicle driver’s licence issued under a law of the Commonwealth of Australia or of an Australian State or Territory
- A document that identifies you, issued by either the Commonwealth of Australia, an Australian State or Territory or an authority of those
- Aviation security identification card issued by the operator of the aircraft or the operator of an airport in Australia.
Children and infants travelling with an adult must be recorded on the back of their parent or guardian's boarding pass.
For our international flights all parents are required to have a valid passport, with the required validity period for the trip. If you are Australian, your children require their own passports. It is your responsibility at all times to have appropriate travel documentation and entry permits such as visas. Some countries may require proof of onward or return travel and 6 months validity on your passport.
From check-in your family proceeds to airport security. For parents travelling on an international flight with baby food, milk or formula it’s a good idea to have it all together in a bag to present for inspection.
HOT TIP
Buy a cheap money belt or bum bag to keep your family’s ID, tickets and valuables in at the airport. It will help keep your hands free for wrangling kids and baggage and you can pack it away when you’re on-board.
Lounges
Qantas Club lounges are the perfect place for families to refresh, relax and wait for their onward flight. When you fly Jetstar you are welcome in the Qantas lounges with your kids if you are a:
- Qantas Club member, or
- Qantas Gold or Platinum Frequent Flyer
There are a couple of provisos: Your Jetstar ticket has to be for an onward flight that day. You need to keep a close eye on your kids. They can’t access the Business Centre. And they’re not to operate any equipment in the Lounge for safety reasons. Apart from that you’re all welcome to relax and enjoy the amenities.
If you are traveling in StarClass you can access the lounge on the day of departure when traveling on a Jetstar operated flight with a JQ flight number. Access is only permitted in the port where Jetstar StarClass operates from.
HOT TIP
Take the kids for a shower when you are in transit. It is a bit of an adventure. It also keeps them occupied and refreshes them.