Sydney to Hamilton flight offers affordable travel
Airline: Jetstar
- Route Flight JQ165 from Sydney (SYD) to Hamilton (HLZ), New Zealand
- Frequency up to four times a week
- Aeroplane A320-200neo
- Class Economy; seat 13F (window)
- flight duration Two hours and 51 minutes
Logging in
I was dreading the godless 7.05am start, especially since we live in Newcastle (over a two hour journey on the M1). Overnight at Rydges Sydney Airport makes this totally doable (even fun). Watching flights take off and land from our room keeps us awake later than planned, but I take comfort in knowing we’re only 100 meters from the international terminal.
After checking in online, we wander in at the (almost) civilized hour of 5.30am. Jetstar recommends checking in three hours before departure for international flights, but I like living on the edge.
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Most passengers have checked in, there are no queues and we get through security and immigration control in record time. I drink coffee when I wake up at 5.40 in the morning. There’s even time to eat toast at McDonald’s and shop.
luggage
“Starter packages” include a checked 20-kilogram bag plus two pieces of carry-on luggage with a total weight of up to 7 kg. For the cheapest “Start” fares, adding up to 20kg of checked luggage on this route costs $37 one-way.
loyalty plan
Jetstar Club membership costs $55 per year and offers discounts on flights. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points on Jetstar flights as well as book reward seats on the airline.
Armchair
I just opt out of aisle seats ($40 extra each way) so things are more comfortable. There are 232 seats in a single economy class cabin in a 3-3 configuration.
Entertainment + technology
You can connect to the Jetstar pay-per-use entertainment system via your device for $9, and there are device cradles with USB outlets in the seatbacks. I prefer to download programs to my iPad in advance.
Service
The crew is efficient and we depart on time. Unfortunately, we have a grumpy crew member. He snaps at passengers and looks surprised when I ask for help putting my bag in (a requirement when you sit in exit rows). Not that I can’t do it myself, but I’ll have to climb over two passengers and we’re getting close to pushing back.
He points to his back and says he can’t push himself. I understand Crew shouldn’t have to lift heavy bags, but my crossbody bag weighs 200 grams. On the bright side, his grumpy demeanor creates an instant bond with the woman sitting next to us. He tells us about the Waikato region and time flies.
Food
I pre-ordered the banana bread and it arrived before standard service. We also get tea and hot chocolate. The menu includes toasties, noodle bowls, cheese and crackers, olives, as well as the usual sweet snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You pay for everything.
Sustainability
Jetstar, part of the Qantas group, has committed to reducing emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.*
One more thing
Jetstar launched its new services from Sydney to Hamilton (Gold Coast-Hamilton services were also launched) in June last year. Landing at Hamilton, a mid-sized regional airport, is a breeze, even if immigration is fairly slow. After we pass, our bags wait on the carousel and we set off within minutes. The advantage of leaving early means arriving before noon so you won’t waste a day on your holiday trip.
Price
Rebate costs for the Starting Fee start at approximately $343.** See jetstar.com
Decision
The first international flight to Hamilton Airport in 13 years, this no-frills flight provides an easy and affordable way to cross the ditch and a new gateway to the North Island. There are short trips to the Hobbiton movie set, the Waitomo glowworm caves, the legendary surf breaks of Raglan and the hot springs of Rotorua.
Our rating out of five
★★★½
The author flew as a guest of Jetstar.
*For more information on air travel and sustainability, see iata.org
**Fares are based on prices valid for travel for three months from the date of publication and are subject to change. Fares quoted may currently be higher than average due to rising fuel prices
Sheriden Rhodes is a travel writer and photographer who frequently travels the world with her small flight, Ella.Connect with: X.
