Jetstar guarantees lowest fares in Australia

Originally called a low cost carrier and now apparently called Australia’s low fares airline, Jetstar, in a move clearly intended to head off Tiger Airways prior to their entry into the market, announced today at Australian Tourism Exchange a major commitment to its low fares leadership position, by guaranteeing that the lowest fare for flights within Australia will be on www.jetstar.com or the customer will get a voucher for double the difference.

Speaking at a media conference at ATE with parent Qantas, Mr Joyce said that from today any customer who finds a lower fare online for a domestic flight on the same city pair, for example Sydney to the Gold Coast, on the same date and at the same time, within one hour either side, when compared with an available Jetsaver fare, Jetstar will double the difference in a Jetstar voucher, when the Jetstar fare is purchased and vouchers can be used towards future travel booked with Jetstar.

Mr Joyce said the Jetstar “Double the Difference” Voucher Guarantee enshrined the airline’s ongoing commitment to low fares leadership through Jetstar.com when flying in Australian skies.

He said, “For the past three years Jetstar has been committed to offering the lowest domestic fares throughout the existing twenty Australian destinations and the extensive route network we now serve”, adding, “If there is ever an occasion where this is not the case, then we will acknowledge this with Jetstar travel vouchers for use towards future flights.

“Coupled with ongoing improvements in inflight service, online seat reservation and allocated seating, we believe Jetstar represents amazing value for money and we are now giving any customer in Australia, if they haven’t tried us before, a concrete reason to try us now!”

Customers who believe they have sourced a lower web fare must contact Jetstar Reservations on 1300 369 516 and if the airline can verify the availability of the lower fare, buy our fare and Jetstar will double the difference in Jetstar vouchers.

The Jetstar “Double the Difference” Voucher Guarantee can only be used when identifying a lower online fare prior to booking and claims cannot be made after a booking has taken place.

Vouchers are valid for six months from the date of issue and a voucher for each passenger will be emailed within 31 days to the person who makes the payment for the Jetsaver booking.

Normal telephone booking fees will not apply to bookings made under this offer.

Mr Joyce also said the Qantas Group’s future two brand growth strategy would see Jetstar as the first Group airline to take delivery of the Boeing 787 in 2008 for Jetstar’s growing international operations, adding, “Our customer research is indicating a very positive reaction to our value based international services since our launch last November, offering two classes of service with an initial long haul fleet of A330s”.

He also confirmed at ATE that Jetstar will receive 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners beginning from next year for future long haul international services, an increase on the initial 12 committed to the carrier by the Qantas Group.

“Jetstar International is not only creating new flying markets for the Qantas Group, but also inspiring more people to travel with around 10% of our long haul passengers travelling for the first time overseas via Jetstar.”

Report by The Mole on location at ATE 2007.