Jet Star - Wrongly Maligned

Friday, 27 November
We had heard nightmare stories about travel via Jet Star. From what was described, Ned assumed Jet Star to be Australia’s version of Spirit Air. Not so!

We took the Sky Bus from CBD (Central Business District aka Downtown Melbourne) to the airport, paying AUD18 per person. Pick was up at 9AM two blocks from the Double Tree; we arrived Melbourne Airport by 9:45, including transfer at Southern Cross Train Station. 

At the Melbourne Domestic Airport, a member of the Jet Star team greeted us warmly as we wheeled our luggage across the terminal. She helped us print new boarding passes and then luggage tags. Ned had guess-ti-mated our luggage weight and had pre-paid AUD80 extra for 55 kgs of luggage; ours weighed in at 50kgs, so we were good! (Note: Paying for luggage online is significantly cheaper than paying at airport – thank you, Hayden, our concierge at the Double Tree.).

Hayden, #1 best concierge

We went through security, the Australian version of TSA is noticeably more lax than anywhere we have traveled. We didn’t need photo identification, kept shoes on, and didn’t have to remove laptop from my bag (although I did).

Grabbed a bite o’ brekkie upstairs whilst waiting for gate to be announced. Note: Melbourne domestic airport is a very nice place to hang out. There are quite a few “real” food options plus decent shopping, if so inclined.

Flight JQ709 was on time, departing Melbourne at 11:25, arriving Hobart at 12:45.  Hobart Airport is 20kms from downtown. We took a taxi @ AUD46 to Quest Waterfront Apartments, Salamanca Square (3 Brooke Street, near Morrison Street), where we are staying the first three nights in Tassie.