Jetstar Plane on its way to Bali to pick up stranded passengers**
As Mike tidies up the final preparations for the Eurotrip, he reflects on how not dodgy, not underhanded and downright not unethical the travel industry and carriers have become.
On the front page of Tuesday’s SMH (Tuesday 4th August 2009), there’s a footer advertisement for Jetstar’s Sale – Bali – Denpasar for $779. But that’s not the $799 that you fork out, it’s the one with the asterisk. It’s $779*. So, keen on getting into the richness of this offering from Jetstar, he pulled out his Mike-O’scope and read on.
It turns out that it’s a one way ticket. Hmmmn. Helpful. So the immediate question is “how much is a return ticket ?”. Well, you could phone up to find that out.
But wait ! The fine print says that if you make a booking over the telephone, it’s an extra $25*.
And did I mention that you can’t travel on just any old day. There are three prohibited periods – nicely cutting out holidays and schoolies peak travel – and leaving you the freedom to go to Bali when the monsoon is on. Thoughtful !
I know how you like flexibility to deal with life’s little inconveniences – like dealing with Swine Flu or recovering from Shingles or motorcycle accidents, and I’ll bet that you’re mightily relieved to learn that changes to the ticketing ARE permitted and that Sale fares are refundable. Of course, being a reasonable person (as all our readers are. hahahha) you won’t mind learning that charges will apply.
Of course, these are not stated, but you will trust that they’re not punitive – like the difference between this asterisk sale price and full fare.
And when you might want to rebook, the generous $779* fare might not be available. AT least you were told – provided that you have a Mike O’scope.
If the Australian government travel advisory says it’s OK then rush right in and book. And if they change their mind because of a little spot of terrorism, and you’ve already taken up Jetstar’s generous asterix offer, then it’s f&ck you, Charlie !
So $799* might be a great deal – except that you can get to Europe one way for $760*. But a lot will depend on the cost of the Euro asterisk. Bring your own oxygen, perhaps ? Only 47 stopovers and 3 legs with Trans Yak Airways.
Mike needed to book a flight from Heathrow to Belfast. Great Internet deal ! The fare is only £12.95 ! Plus £33 for taxes and surcharges. Plus £8 for his bag weighing less than 20 kilos. Plus £4 or choosing a seat ! Plus £3 for using a credit card – interesting when there’s no other way to pay. Total cost for a £12.95 ticket ? A$129. Need a new currency converter that builds in a rip-off automatically ? Sure do !
* There’s the little added thing of shelling out $5 for a credit card usage. And the alternative way of paying over the internet to avoid the $25 phone call surcharge might be ?
** Read about the 300 or so Jetstar passengers who got stuck in Bali here ……
Window Dresser's Arms, Pig & Whistle 