Jetstar travellers will need to arrive at the airport earlier, after the carrier announced a series of changes it hopes to "boost punctuality and reliability".
Check-in, bag drop and boarding gate closure times will be changed from May 23.
The new changes were first communicated to Jetstar customers on Tuesday morning, by email and text message.
Let's unpack what the changes are.
Domestic travellers
- Check-in and bag drop will close 40 minutes — 10 minutes earlier than previously
- Boarding gates will close 20 minutes — 15 minutes earlier than previously.
International travellers
International travellers will need to watch the clock even more closely.
- Check-in and bag drop will close at least 60 minutes before international flights
- Boarding gates will close 20 minutes before domestic and international flights.
Why are these changes being made?
“We know our performance hasn’t been up to scratch, and we are working hard to boost punctuality and reliability," Jetstar's chief operating officer Matt Franzi says.
He says the changes brings them into line with other budget airlines across the world.
“To improve our performance, we’re also recruiting more airport staff, cabin crew and engineering team members and making changes to our check-in, bag drop and boarding times, to bring them in line with other low-cost carriers around the world.
“Everyone across the airline is committed to getting Jetstar to its best while delivering the lowest-possible fares so our customers can fly to more places, more often.”
What about other low-cost airline check-in times?
- Bonza: check-in and bag drop closes 40 minutes before departure
- easyjet: online check-in closes 2 hours before departure and bag drop closes either 40 or 60 minutes before to departure
- Ryanair: check-in closes 40 minutes before departure and boards 20 minutes before departure
- Scoot: check-in and bag drop closes 60 minutes before departure.
