Which is the most reliable airline for domestic flights in Australia?

Hi there,

Since I’m not familiar with Australian airlines, I’d appreciate some advice.

I need to book a domestic flight from Adelaide to Sydney quickly, and I see Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas as options. On paper, Qantas’s schedule and price are less appealing.

Which of the three is the most reliable (fewer flight cancellations, since this is the last flight of the day) and easiest to book on their website?

Thanks!

Hi there,

I’ve flown with Jetstar twice in New Zealand: - Super cheap flights (compared to Air New Zealand or Aircalin) - Regular daytime flights - Just watch the baggage weight limits (like all low-cost flights) I’ve used Qantas for a Nouméa/Sydney flight and a Sydney/Alice Springs flight, and the prices are way higher. I’ve never flown with Virgin, though.

Fred

Hi Fred,

Thanks for the info.

Jetstar is Qantas’s low-cost carrier, so it’s a bit cheaper but more likely to have delays. Qantas and Virgin are pretty much on par, though Qantas might have a slight edge, which is why it’s sometimes pricier. Prices can vary depending on the day of the week and departure time. Have a great trip Down Under

Hi Xavier,

Thanks for the feedback.

On Jetstar’s site, the Mastercard isn’t going through—even after switching browsers and trying payment in either € or AUD. Weird 😕

I’ll give Virgin a shot. Otherwise, Qantas, but it’s the last flight of the day, and I’d hate for it to be canceled. Jetstar and Virgin both have a later flight in the evening.

Hi,

Use PayPal, it works great.

Hey,

For the Jetstar flight that worked best for me, neither the Mastercard nor AMEX went through, but PayPal worked right away. I barely use it because I find their exchange rate less favorable, but it’s handy in cases like this. Got my ticket just a few minutes later.

Yes, I don’t use PayPal’s exchange rate—I pay in euros directly on the seller’s site, or you can change the currency when paying by card on PayPal before confirming to avoid the conversion fee.

Hi Jérôme. I used Virgin and Jetstar on my trip there, no problems at all.

Did you end up including Kangaroo Island in your itinerary?

Hey Bruno,

I booked with Jetstar using PayPal. This flight wasn’t part of my original plan. I had my Qatar Airways flights—arriving in Sydney and departing from Adelaide on 21/3. That ticket was refunded. I rebooked others, but as a round-trip via Shanghai, one day before the initial departure but two days later on the return. That way, I don’t disrupt my itinerary and just get a little extra time in Sydney, which is a good thing. I added this Jetstar flight (and when I include it, I end up paying the same as the original Qatar fare) and two extra nights on the return (arriving at 10:00 AM instead of 6:50 PM, so no need for that). Phew, I’m really happy with how it turned out.

But I can’t help thinking about the people stranded there and the tourists stuck in the Middle East and all over the world. It could’ve been us 😢

Yeah, you convinced me to go to Kangaroo Island, and I booked the same accommodation as you. Thanks again for all your info and tips 😊

Discovery Parks - Kangaroo Island Caravan & Holiday Park

On the other hand, I’ll leave the car in the parking lot at Cape Jervis port, with the ferry crossings already booked, and rent another one at Penneshaw port since there’s a Hertz office there. I brought up this important point right here:

Kangaroo Island after the fires: what’s left to see? | Forum: Australia | Voyage Forum

Yeah, I remember the discussion we had about ferry insurance (which I had completely forgotten about at the time, by the way).

I saw in other discussions that you were worried about your Qatar flights. I’m glad you found a financially acceptable Plan B that, most importantly, lets you secure your trip! Having canceled a month in Sri Lanka last December for medical reasons, I know that frustration all too well!

Especially since I have a flight to Jordan at the end of April—I’m already preparing a Plan B while waiting for the airline to get moving!

Safe travels to you—the 21st is just around the corner, you’re going to love it!! And I’m counting on a travel journal when you get back, VF is way too quiet without them!!

For the stranded tourists, I just can’t feel empathetic when I think about the people truly under the bombs.