A Morning Departure to Southeast Asia
The route between Perth and Singapore has long been one of Australia’s most important international air corridors. Linking Western Australia with one of Asia’s premier aviation hubs, the service attracts a diverse mix of leisure travellers, business passengers, visiting friends and relatives, and those connecting onward to destinations throughout Asia and beyond.
With multiple airlines competing on the route, travellers have no shortage of options. Full-service carriers such as Singapore Airlines and Qantas offer premium products and extensive connectivity, while low-cost operators provide a more budget-friendly alternative. Among them, Jetstar has established itself as a significant player, operating regular services between Perth and Singapore using its modern Airbus A321neo LR fleet.
For this journey, I boarded Jetstar flight JQ97, a morning departure from Perth International Airport scheduled to arrive in Singapore shortly after lunchtime. The flight promised just under five hours in the air, providing a perfect opportunity to assess how Jetstar’s latest narrowbody aircraft performs on a medium-haul international route.
Would the experience justify choosing the low-cost carrier over its full-service competitors? Here’s a detailed look at the entire journey.
Perth Airport Experience
The day began well before sunrise at Perth Airport’s Terminal 1 International. Arriving at approximately 4:30 a.m., the terminal was already beginning to come alive as passengers prepared for a busy morning departure bank.
One of the pleasant surprises was the efficiency of the check-in process. Despite travelling during a busy holiday period, queues remained relatively short. Traditional staffed check-in counters were operating smoothly, and within roughly ten minutes baggage had been dropped and boarding passes issued.
For Australian passport holders travelling to Singapore for tourism purposes, the process remains straightforward. Documentation checks were minimal, and the overall experience felt considerably more streamlined than many international departures elsewhere.
Before proceeding through security, Perth Airport’s landside departure area deserves special mention. Unlike many airports where family and friends have limited opportunities to spend time with departing travellers, Perth offers a comfortable pre-security zone featuring cafés, restaurants, convenience stores, and one of the airport’s most underrated attractions—its indoor international viewing deck.
The viewing area provides aviation enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to watch aircraft movements regardless of weather conditions. Fully enclosed and accessible around the clock, it remains one of the better public aviation viewing facilities in Australia.
Security and Immigration
Security screening and passport control proved equally impressive.
Perth Airport has invested heavily in modern passenger processing technology, and it shows. The latest generation eGates allowed travellers to clear immigration in seconds simply by scanning their passports.
Meanwhile, advanced CT scanners at security meant laptops, tablets, and liquids could largely remain inside carry-on bags, significantly reducing processing times.
From entering the queue to reaching the departure area took approximately five minutes—an exceptional result for an international airport.
It’s difficult to overstate how much these efficiencies improve the overall travel experience. Rather than feeling rushed or stressed before an early morning departure, passengers are left with ample time to relax before boarding.
Airside Facilities and Duty-Free
As with most Australian international terminals, passengers are directed through an extensive duty-free shopping area immediately after security.
While duty-free shopping can certainly offer value in selected categories, particularly alcohol, many of the retail offerings are not necessarily cheaper than prices available domestically during promotional sales.
Travellers planning significant purchases may benefit from comparing prices beforehand rather than assuming duty-free automatically represents a bargain.
That said, the retail precinct itself is modern, bright, and offers a reasonable range of products, from cosmetics and luxury goods through to travel essentials.
For those with additional time before departure, Perth Airport’s international terminal provides a pleasant environment with good seating availability and attractive apron views.
Aspire Lounge
Prior to boarding, I spent time in the Aspire Lounge, conveniently located within the international departures area.
Having visited the lounge several times previously, expectations were already relatively high. Once again, the facility delivered a solid pre-flight experience.
Access is available through multiple avenues including business-class tickets on participating airlines, lounge membership programs such as Priority Pass and LoungeKey, or direct paid entry.
The lounge caters effectively to a wide range of travellers. Seating options include dining tables, workstations, comfortable lounge chairs, and areas suitable for families or larger groups.
Breakfast service was underway during my visit, featuring a mixture of continental and hot options. Highlights included scrambled eggs, hash browns, chicken sausages, pastries, cereals, fresh fruit, and various bakery items.
While the selection may not rival premium airline-operated lounges in Asia or the Middle East, it comfortably exceeds expectations for an independently operated contract lounge.
Coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages were also available throughout the lounge’s operating hours.
However, the facility’s standout feature remains its elevated viewing terrace.
The terrace provides exceptional views across the apron and runways, making it one of Australia’s finest airport lounge locations for aviation enthusiasts. Aircraft movements are visible throughout the day, offering excellent opportunities for photography and plane spotting.
Combined with comfortable seating and reliable Wi-Fi, it creates an enjoyable environment in which to spend the pre-flight period.
Boarding the Airbus A321neo LR
As departure time approached, passengers were called to the gate where a modern Airbus A321neo LR awaited.
The aircraft operating the service was less than three years old, having joined Jetstar’s fleet relatively recently. This new-generation aircraft represents an important part of the airline’s international growth strategy.
The A321neo LR enables Jetstar to operate longer routes more efficiently than older aircraft types while offering improved fuel economy and lower operating costs.
Boarding commenced on schedule and appeared well organised despite what looked to be a very healthy passenger load.
Unlike some Perth departures that require remote stands and bus transfers, today’s flight utilised an aerobridge, providing a more convenient boarding experience.
The lengthy walk down the jet bridge eventually led into one of Jetstar’s 232-seat Airbus A321neo LR cabins.
Cabin and Seat Review
The cabin immediately presents a clean, modern appearance.
Jetstar has fitted the aircraft with slimline Recaro economy-class seats arranged in a standard 3-3 configuration throughout the cabin.
As expected for a low-cost carrier, seat pitch is relatively tight at approximately 29 inches in standard rows. While this is competitive within the low-cost market segment, taller travellers may find legroom restrictive on flights approaching five hours in duration.
Fortunately, I had secured an exit-row seat through Jetstar’s Flex Plus package.
The additional legroom dramatically improved comfort levels, providing space comparable to what many passengers might expect in premium economy on other carriers. For medium-haul sectors such as Perth-Singapore, the upgrade is highly worthwhile.
Beyond legroom, the seats incorporate several practical features. Each includes a personal device holder, fold-out tray table, cup holder, and USB charging port.
These additions reflect how modern travellers increasingly consume entertainment through personal devices rather than seatback screens.
The cabin itself felt bright and contemporary, aided by the aircraft’s modern interior design and larger overhead bins.
Initial impressions were positive, particularly considering Jetstar’s low-cost positioning.
However, one issue would become increasingly apparent as the flight progressed: seat cushioning.
While the Recaro seats look sleek and maximise cabin space, padding is minimal. After several hours in the air, comfort begins to suffer somewhat compared with the more generously cushioned seats found on many full-service airlines.
Still, given Jetstar’s business model and fare structure, the overall seat package remains competitive within the low-cost sector.
Departure and Climb Out of Perth
With boarding complete and the cabin doors closed, the crew conducted the usual safety demonstrations before pushback commenced. Despite a busy morning departure period at Perth Airport, the flight remained impressively punctual.
The captain soon welcomed passengers onboard, confirming a planned flight time of approximately four hours and fifty-six minutes. Weather conditions along the route were expected to be favourable, with only limited turbulence anticipated during the journey north toward Southeast Asia.
Taxiing from Terminal 1 provided excellent views of Perth Airport’s growing international operations. As Western Australia’s primary aviation gateway, the airport handles an increasingly diverse mix of airlines connecting Perth with destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Before long, the aircraft lined up on the runway and accelerated smoothly into the early morning sky.
The Airbus A321neo LR’s new-generation engines immediately demonstrated one of the aircraft’s most notable characteristics. Compared with older narrowbody aircraft, cabin noise levels during takeoff felt noticeably reduced. While no narrowbody jet can match the quietness of a modern widebody, the A321neo delivers a surprisingly refined experience.
Soon after departure, Perth’s suburban landscape gave way to Western Australia’s vast coastline. The aircraft climbed steadily toward its cruising altitude of 34,000 feet before turning north and tracking along the state’s western shoreline.
For aviation enthusiasts, this route offers some fascinating scenery. The aircraft initially follows the Western Australian coast before eventually leaving the mainland behind near Shark Bay and crossing the Indian Ocean toward Indonesia and Singapore.
The seatbelt signs were switched off shortly after reaching cruise altitude, allowing passengers to move around the cabin and settle in for the journey ahead.
Cabin Atmosphere
One aspect that immediately stood out throughout the flight was the calm and relaxed atmosphere onboard.
Despite operating with a full or near-full passenger load, the cabin never felt chaotic or uncomfortable. The relatively modern aircraft interior certainly helped create a more pleasant environment than some older low-cost airline cabins.
The overhead bins accommodated luggage efficiently, reducing the usual struggle for storage space that often accompanies busy flights.
Cabin temperature remained comfortable throughout the journey, and the crew appeared proactive in monitoring passenger needs without becoming intrusive.
Jetstar’s Airbus A321neo LR may not feature the premium finishes of a full-service airline, but the overall presentation felt modern, clean, and well maintained.
The aircraft’s age undoubtedly contributes to this positive impression. Being less than three years old, the cabin still retains a fresh appearance that many travellers will appreciate.
Crew and Service
The cabin crew deserve considerable credit for helping create a pleasant onboard experience.
Throughout the flight, interactions were consistently friendly, professional, and efficient. Announcements were clear, service delivery was well organised, and crew members appeared genuinely engaged with passengers.
This is particularly important on low-cost airlines where onboard service often becomes a key differentiator between carriers offering otherwise similar products.
The crew struck a good balance between maintaining efficiency and providing a welcoming atmosphere.
Requests were handled promptly, meal service flowed smoothly, and there was a visible effort to maintain a positive onboard environment.
While passengers should not expect the personalised attention associated with premium cabins on full-service airlines, the overall service standard exceeded what many travellers might expect from a budget carrier.
The captain also provided regular updates throughout the flight, keeping passengers informed regarding routing, weather conditions, and estimated arrival times into Singapore.
These updates contribute significantly to the passenger experience and help create a stronger connection between the flight deck and cabin.
Inflight Dining: Beef Lasagna Review
One of the benefits of purchasing Jetstar’s Flex Plus package is the inclusion of a complimentary hot meal on international flights.
For this journey, I pre-selected the beef lasagna option.
Airline catering rarely wins awards for presentation, particularly in economy class, and this meal was no exception. Served in a standard foil container alongside basic accompaniments, it looked functional rather than luxurious.
However, appearance only tells part of the story.
Once sampled, the meal proved surprisingly satisfying.
The pasta was cooked well, the beef filling had reasonable flavour, and the tomato-based sauce provided enough richness to make the dish enjoyable. Importantly, the portion size felt generous.
This is an area where some airlines occasionally disappoint. Passengers on flights approaching five hours understandably expect a meal substantial enough to keep them comfortable throughout the journey.
Jetstar delivered in this regard.
The lasagna provided a filling and genuinely enjoyable meal that exceeded expectations for a low-cost carrier.
A hot beverage was included as part of the meal package. While the coffee itself was fairly standard airline fare and unlikely to impress dedicated coffee enthusiasts, it complemented the meal adequately.
Overall, the dining experience represented good value and reinforced the practical benefits of purchasing the Flex Plus bundle when travelling internationally.
Buy-On-Board Menu
For passengers not travelling with a bundled meal package, Jetstar offers an extensive buy-on-board menu.
The selection is broader than many travellers might anticipate.
Available options include snacks, sandwiches, toasted items, pastries, confectionery, hot meals, and various beverages ranging from soft drinks to beer, wine, and spirits.
Browsing the menu revealed pricing that felt largely reasonable by airline standards.
No onboard purchase is ever truly inexpensive, but Jetstar’s prices remain competitive compared with other low-cost carriers operating throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Passengers seeking a light snack can do so without spending excessively, while those wanting a more substantial meal have multiple options available.
Later in the flight, curiosity led to the purchase of a mini bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from the onboard menu.
At approximately twelve dollars, the pricing was fairly typical for airline alcohol service.
The wine itself was pleasant enough and served as a refreshing accompaniment while enjoying views of Indonesia’s island chains passing beneath the aircraft.
The buy-on-board offering ultimately succeeds because it provides sufficient variety without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
Travellers can spend as little or as much as they wish depending on their needs.
Entertainment Options
Entertainment is one area where Jetstar’s low-cost model becomes particularly evident.
Unlike full-service airlines that provide complimentary seatback screens loaded with movies, television programs, music, and games, Jetstar relies on a streaming entertainment platform accessible through passengers’ own devices.
The concept itself is sensible. Many travellers already carry smartphones, tablets, or laptops capable of streaming content.
However, access to most of Jetstar’s entertainment library requires payment.
The airline offers an all-access package priced at approximately nine dollars, while a children’s package is available at a lower cost.
Whether this represents good value depends largely on individual preferences.
For passengers who arrive onboard without their own entertainment options, the fee is relatively modest considering the length of the flight.
For others who travel with downloaded Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube Premium, or similar content, paying additional fees may feel unnecessary.
One minor disappointment was the inability to fully preview available content before purchasing access.
A clearer overview of available movies and television programs would help passengers make a more informed decision.
On the positive side, Jetstar does provide a complimentary moving map system.
While basic compared with the sophisticated flight trackers found on premium airlines, it performs its primary function effectively, allowing passengers to monitor progress throughout the journey.
A small selection of free games and limited content is also available without charge.
Ultimately, Jetstar’s entertainment offering is functional rather than exceptional.
It reflects the airline’s low-cost philosophy while still providing passengers with options should they wish to remain entertained during the flight.
Power and Device Support
One area where Jetstar deserves praise is onboard device support.
Modern travellers increasingly rely on personal electronics for entertainment, communication, and productivity. Recognising this trend, the Airbus A321neo LR fleet incorporates USB charging ports at each seat.
Throughout the flight, charging performance proved reliable and consistent.
Combined with the integrated device holder built into the seatback, passengers can comfortably stream, watch downloaded content, read e-books, or work using their own devices.
The device cradle is a particularly useful feature.
Rather than awkwardly balancing a smartphone against a tray table or water bottle, passengers can position their screens at an optimal viewing angle.
It’s a small detail, but one that noticeably improves the experience on longer flights.
For many travellers, these practical technological additions may ultimately prove more valuable than traditional seatback entertainment systems.
Lavatory Facilities
Toward the latter stages of the flight, I took the opportunity to inspect the aircraft’s lavatory facilities.
Jetstar’s Airbus A321neo LR fleet is equipped with three lavatories in total—one located at the front of the aircraft and two positioned at the rear. Given the aircraft’s 232-seat capacity, these facilities inevitably experience significant demand during longer international sectors.
The rear lavatory visited during this flight was typical of what passengers would expect on a modern narrowbody aircraft. Space was limited, as is standard across most single-aisle airliners, but the facility remained functional and reasonably well maintained.
Most importantly, cleanliness standards were good.
Despite the flight already being several hours into its journey, the lavatory remained tidy and adequately stocked with the usual necessities. The sink area was clean, waste bins were not overflowing, and supplies appeared to be replenished as required.
Basic amenities included a baby-changing table, mirror, coat hook, and standard handwashing facilities.
While no airline lavatory is likely to become a highlight of the travel experience, the facility served its purpose effectively and reflected positively on the cabin crew’s attention to maintaining the aircraft throughout the flight.
Cruising Toward Southeast Asia
As the flight progressed, Australia gradually disappeared behind us and the aircraft continued its journey across the Indian Ocean.
One of the unique aspects of travelling between Perth and Singapore is the geographical transition passengers experience. Few routes showcase such a dramatic shift from the isolated landscapes of Western Australia to the densely populated and economically vibrant regions of Southeast Asia.
Looking out the window, the vast ocean eventually gave way to the scattered islands of Indonesia.
From cruising altitude, countless tropical islands appeared beneath the aircraft, surrounded by brilliant blue waters and framed by occasional cloud formations. Even frequent travellers on this route can find themselves appreciating the scenery.
Weather conditions remained favourable throughout most of the journey, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride.
The captain’s earlier prediction of limited turbulence proved accurate, allowing passengers to move around the cabin freely for much of the flight.
This contributed significantly to the overall comfort of the experience, particularly on a narrowbody aircraft where opportunities to stretch and move can make a noticeable difference during flights approaching five hours.
Descent Into Singapore
Eventually, the aircraft began its gradual descent toward Singapore.
For aviation enthusiasts, the arrival into Singapore is often one of the most enjoyable parts of the journey.
As the aircraft approached the city-state, spectacular views emerged of the Singapore Strait—one of the busiest maritime corridors anywhere in the world.
Cargo vessels, container ships, tankers, and countless other vessels dotted the waters below, creating a remarkable visual reminder of Singapore’s importance as a global trade hub.
The density of shipping traffic is genuinely impressive and offers a fascinating contrast to the remote stretches of ocean crossed earlier in the flight.
As the aircraft continued descending, the unmistakable skyline of Singapore gradually came into view.
Even before landing, there is a noticeable sense of arrival in one of Asia’s most dynamic and sophisticated cities.
The cabin crew conducted their final preparations for landing efficiently, ensuring the cabin was secured and passengers were ready for arrival.
Shortly thereafter, the Airbus A321neo LR touched down smoothly at Singapore Changi Airport.
The arrival was right on schedule, if not slightly ahead of timetable, capping off a flight that had been operationally excellent from start to finish.
Arrival at Singapore Changi Airport
Stepping off the aircraft at Singapore Changi Airport is always a pleasure.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest airports, Changi consistently sets global benchmarks for efficiency, cleanliness, passenger experience, and innovation.
After approximately eighteen months away from Singapore, returning once again served as a reminder of why the airport enjoys such an outstanding reputation.
Passenger processing remained efficient, signage was clear, and the overall arrival experience felt seamless.
Even for travellers simply transiting through Singapore, Changi provides an environment that is noticeably superior to many competing international hubs.
The airport’s reputation is well deserved.
Combined with the smooth inbound flight from Perth, the arrival process ensured the journey concluded on an equally positive note.
Punctuality and Operational Performance
One of the most impressive aspects of this particular flight was its operational reliability.
In an era where airline delays and disruptions have become increasingly common, Jetstar delivered an experience that was remarkably punctual.
Boarding commenced on schedule.
Departure occurred on time.
The flight progressed efficiently.
Arrival was achieved slightly ahead of expectations.
This level of operational performance deserves recognition.
For many travellers, punctuality ranks among the most important factors when evaluating an airline. Whether travelling for business, connecting to another flight, or simply maximising holiday time, reliable scheduling matters.
On this occasion, Jetstar executed the operation exceptionally well.
Value for Money Analysis
Assessing value for money is perhaps the most important aspect of reviewing any low-cost airline.
After all, budget carriers are built around the premise of delivering affordable travel while allowing passengers to choose which extras they wish to purchase.
Interestingly, this particular ticket was not especially cheap in absolute terms.
The fare, including the Flex Plus package, totalled approximately AUD $600.
Under normal circumstances, many travellers would hope to secure a lower fare when flying with a low-cost carrier on a route such as Perth to Singapore.
However, context is important.
The booking was made only around one week before departure and coincided with the busy Easter holiday period, one of the most expensive travel times of the year.
When compared against competing airlines, Jetstar actually represented excellent value.
At the time of booking:
- Singapore Airlines fares exceeded AUD $1500 one way.
- Qantas fares were similarly expensive.
- Scoot fares approached AUD $900 on comparable services.
Viewed through this lens, Jetstar was clearly the most competitive option available.
Furthermore, the Flex Plus package added several valuable inclusions:
- Exit-row seating with significantly improved legroom.
- A complimentary hot meal.
- Greater booking flexibility.
- Frequent flyer benefits.
- Additional convenience throughout the journey.
When these extras are considered collectively, the overall value proposition becomes much stronger.
Would the flight have represented exceptional value at AUD $300? Absolutely.
At AUD $600, it was certainly not a bargain.
However, relative to prevailing market prices during a peak travel period, the fare remained highly competitive.
Jetstar Airbus A321neo LR: Strengths and Weaknesses
After spending nearly five hours onboard, several clear strengths and weaknesses emerged.
What Jetstar Does Well
Modern Aircraft
The Airbus A321neo LR represents a substantial improvement over older narrowbody aircraft. Fuel efficiency, reduced noise levels, modern interiors, and improved passenger amenities all contribute positively to the experience.
Friendly Crew
The cabin crew consistently delivered warm, professional service throughout the journey.
Good Operational Reliability
Punctual departure and arrival enhanced the overall experience significantly.
Practical Seat Features
USB charging ports and device holders add meaningful convenience for modern travellers.
Competitive Pricing
While not inexpensive in absolute terms, Jetstar remained the most affordable option available during a peak travel period.
Solid Meal Quality
The pre-selected beef lasagna exceeded expectations and provided a genuinely satisfying inflight meal.
Areas for Improvement
Seat Comfort
The slimline Recaro seats are functional but heavily padded they are not. After several hours, the lack of cushioning becomes noticeable.
Limited Complimentary Entertainment
Many competitors continue to offer more comprehensive entertainment options without additional fees.
Tight Standard Legroom
Passengers in standard economy rows may find the 29-inch pitch restrictive on flights approaching five hours.
No Adjustable Headrests
The absence of headrests slightly reduces comfort during longer journeys.
These shortcomings are hardly surprising given Jetstar’s low-cost business model, but they remain factors prospective passengers should consider.
Final Verdict
Jetstar’s Airbus A321neo LR service between Perth and Singapore ultimately delivers exactly what a modern low-cost international flight should.
The airline successfully transports passengers between Australia and Southeast Asia aboard a modern aircraft while maintaining reasonable service standards and competitive pricing.
No, the experience does not rival the premium offerings available on Singapore Airlines or other full-service carriers.
Nor is it intended to.
Instead, Jetstar focuses on delivering a straightforward, reliable, and largely comfortable journey at a lower price point.
On this particular flight, that objective was achieved convincingly.
The highlights included efficient airport processing, a comfortable exit-row seat, friendly crew, a surprisingly enjoyable meal, reliable punctuality, and the opportunity to travel aboard one of the newest aircraft in Jetstar’s fleet.
The main compromise remains seat comfort. Travellers booking standard economy seating should be prepared for firmer seats and tighter legroom than they would encounter on many full-service airlines.
However, passengers willing to purchase an exit-row seat or bundle package will likely find the experience significantly more comfortable.
For travellers seeking an affordable way to reach Singapore from Perth, Jetstar remains a compelling option.
The route is well suited to the Airbus A321neo LR, and the airline continues to provide a product that effectively balances cost and convenience.
Overall Rating
Check-in and Airport Experience: 9/10
Lounge Experience: 8.5/10
Boarding Process: 9/10
Seat Comfort: 7/10
Legroom (Exit Row): 9/10
Food and Beverage: 8/10
Crew Service: 9/10
Entertainment: 7/10
Aircraft Condition: 9/10
Value for Money: 8.5/10
Punctuality: 10/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Jetstar’s Perth-to-Singapore service aboard the Airbus A321neo LR may not be luxurious, but it is dependable, modern, and competitively priced. For travellers looking to cross the Indian Ocean without paying full-service airline fares, it remains one of the most attractive options available from Western Australia.
After a smooth flight, friendly service, and an on-time arrival into one of Asia’s greatest cities, it is difficult to ask for much more from a low-cost carrier operating a five-hour international route.
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 >
