Flying across Australia is never just a flight—it’s a journey over one of the most vast and visually striking landscapes on Earth. This review covers a truly unique domestic route with Jetstar, travelling from Perth to Cairns aboard the Airbus A320.
Stretching over 3,400 kilometres, this flight cuts diagonally across the Australian continent, offering the potential for breathtaking views of the Red Centre, including the iconic Uluru. However, this particular journey came with added uncertainty, as a developing tropical cyclone threatened operations in North Queensland.
Starting at Perth Airport’s Iconic Viewing Deck
The journey begins at Perth Airport, one of Australia’s fastest-growing aviation hubs. Before heading to the terminal, time is spent at the airport’s long-standing indoor viewing deck, a hidden gem for aviation enthusiasts.
Located within Terminal 1, the viewing deck offers excellent perspectives of runway operations and apron activity. Despite recent redevelopment reducing its size, it remains one of the few publicly accessible observation areas in Australia that does not require passing through security.
Perth Airport itself has seen rapid growth in recent years, surpassing 18 million annual passengers and cementing its position as Australia’s fourth busiest airport. With major infrastructure investments underway, including a third runway and terminal expansions, it is increasingly positioning itself as a global gateway.
A Unique Cross-Country Route with Jetstar
Unlike typical east-west flights, this route takes a diagonal path across Australia, from the southwest to the tropical northeast. Covering a great circle distance of approximately 3,443 kilometres, it ranks among the longest domestic routes operated by Jetstar.
The scheduled flight time of just over four hours makes it an ambitious sector for the Airbus A320, an aircraft more commonly associated with shorter routes. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, particularly in 2026 as newer aircraft types like the A321neo dominate Jetstar’s fleet on longest cross country flights.
Terminal Transfer and Check-In at Terminal 2
Jetstar now operates from Terminal 2 at Perth Airport, a short walk from Terminal 1. While convenient, Terminal 2 is widely regarded as the least impressive terminal at the airport.
Check-in is handled entirely at staffed counters, with no self-service kiosks available. Despite a modest queue, the process is efficient and completed within minutes.
Security screening is quick and modern, allowing passengers to keep electronics in their bags thanks to CT scanning technology. However, once airside, the limitations of Terminal 2 become apparent.
Terminal 2 Experience: Functional but Lacking
Terminal 2 has undergone some upgrades, particularly in seating capacity, but it still lacks the atmosphere and facilities of other terminals at Perth Airport.
Views of the apron are limited, and dining options are relatively basic. Fortunately, a covered walkway allows access to Terminal 1 Domestic, where a wider range of food outlets and better plane spotting opportunities are available.
Delays and Communication Issues Before Departure
What began as a routine departure soon turned into a frustrating waiting experience. Initial delays were communicated as minimal, but the situation quickly escalated into a wait of over two hours.
The lack of clear communication from Jetstar during this period was a notable drawback. Passengers were left in uncertainty, unable to leave the gate area due to the constantly changing boarding status.
Eventually, it was revealed that multiple factors contributed to the delay, including additional fuel loading due to forecast weather conditions and runway availability constraints at Perth Airport.
Boarding the Jetstar Airbus A320
Boarding at Terminal 2 is conducted via stairs rather than aerobridges, with passengers walking to the aircraft. This adds a slightly old-school charm to the experience.
The aircraft operating today’s flight is a Jetstar Airbus A320, delivered in 2010 and now over 15 years old. While aging, it remains a core part of the airline’s fleet.
Cabin and Seating: Extra Legroom Makes a Difference
The A320 cabin is configured with 180 to 186 seats in a high-density layout. Standard seats offer a pitch of around 29 inches, typical for a low-cost carrier.
However, sitting in the front row provides significantly more legroom, improving comfort on this long flight. The trade-off is a fixed armrest and tray table stored within it, but the additional space is well worth it.
Takeoff and Climb Over Western Australia
Departure from Perth’s runway 03 is smooth, with the aircraft climbing over the agricultural regions of Western Australia. The transition from urban landscape to vast farmland is striking, highlighting the sheer scale of the state.
Inflight Experience: Buy-On-Board and Flex Bundle Value
Jetstar’s buy-on-board menu offers a wide range of snacks, meals, and beverages. Passengers travelling with the Flex bundle receive a voucher, which in this case covers a simple yet satisfying snack and drink combination.
The Flex bundle also includes additional benefits such as seat selection, baggage, and Qantas Frequent Flyer points, making it a strong value proposition.
Entertainment and Connectivity on Jetstar
Jetstar’s Entertainment Plus system is gradually being rolled out across the fleet, but it was unavailable on this flight. As a result, personal devices and pre-downloaded content become essential.
When available, the system offers a paid streaming service with movies, TV shows, and more. While not complimentary, it is reasonably priced for a low-cost carrier.
Flying Over Australia’s Red Centre at Night
One of the biggest disappointments of the delay was missing daylight views over the Red Centre. Flying over landmarks like Uluru at sunset would have been a highlight of the journey.
Instead, the flight continues through darkness, removing one of the most unique aspects of this route.
Arrival into Cairns Amid Cyclone Uncertainty
Approaching Cairns, weather conditions are surprisingly calm despite earlier forecasts of cyclonic activity. The system has tracked further south, sparing the region from severe impact.
Due to humidity and condensation, visibility during landing is limited, but the arrival itself is smooth and uneventful.
Landing at Cairns Airport just before midnight marks the end of a long but ultimately successful journey.
Final Verdict: Jetstar A320 Perth to Cairns Review
This flight encapsulates the essence of flying with a low-cost carrier. While the ground experience and communication could have been improved, the onboard product delivers exactly what is expected.
Jetstar provides a reliable and affordable way to travel across Australia, and when paired with the Flex bundle and extra legroom seating, the experience becomes significantly more comfortable.
For a price of under $300 for a flight covering nearly the entire width of the country, the value is undeniable. Despite delays and missed scenic opportunities, the journey ultimately delivers where it matters most.
For travellers seeking an affordable way to cross Australia in 2026, Jetstar’s Airbus A320 remains a solid, no-frills option that gets the job done.
Disclaimer: This article has been repurposed from the original transcript of my own flight review on the Aussie JetSetter Youtube channel with the assistance of AI technologies. Please be advised whilst I have taken the utmost care to review and revise this article where necessary to reflect the upmost of accuracy at time of publication please be advised my reviews whether written or in video form are for entertainment and general information purposes only. They reflect the objective views in good faith of the person only whom is presenting them unless otherwise noted. Any decisions you make resulting from consuming my content must take into consideration your own circumstances, research and responsibility as I can not be hold responsible for any inaccuracies or future changes effecting the relativity of such reviews. All Rights Reserved by Aussie JetSetter from 2022 >
