Jetstar vs Air New Zealand: True Cost With Bags & Seats

Jetstar sells a low base fare and lets travellers add baggage, seats, food and flexibility or choose a bundle. Air New Zealand uses several short-haul Economy products, including seat, theworks and worksflexi between New Zealand and Australia.

Write down the included services beside each fare before comparing prices. A traveller with only a small carry-on has a different best option from a family checking bags and wanting seats together.

Jetstar Starter currently includes 7kg carry-on for flights departing before 2 February 2027, shared across two items, while checked baggage is an extra unless included through a bundle. Buying too little and paying at the airport can be substantially more expensive than adding the correct allowance online.

Air New Zealand seat includes a 7kg carry-on but no checked bag. The airline says theworks includes one checked bag up to 23kg. Use the allowance on the final e-ticket, especially when another airline operates a sector.

Jetstar offers paid seat selection or includes a seat choice with eligible bundles. Air New Zealand charges for advance standard selection on a trans-Tasman seat fare, while a standard seat is included with theworks and worksflexi.

Air New Zealand says a passenger who does not select in advance will be allocated a seat at check-in. That may be acceptable for one adult, but groups should decide what sitting together is worth rather than assuming it will happen free.

Take an illustrative return trip for two people. Jetstar is $720.00 in base fares, then $200.00 for checked bags and chosen seats, making $920.00. An Air New Zealand option is $860.00 with the needed bag and standard seats included, making $860.00.

In this example, Air New Zealand finishes $60.00 cheaper despite the higher base fare. The numbers are illustrative rather than live quotes. Replace every amount with the current total for your passengers and travel dates.

A cheap non-flexible fare can become expensive when dates change. Compare the change deadline, fee, fare difference, refund form and whether a credit expires. Do not describe a fare as flexible only because a change is technically permitted.

Booking direct with the operating airline can reduce the number of parties involved when disruption occurs. If an online travel agent offers the fare, check whether the agent adds its own service process or fee on top of airline rules.

Price both trips through to the last review page without paying. Use the same travellers, route, dates, bags, seats and payment method, then check schedule, airport, on-time practicality and fare conditions.

Enter each total in the flight comparison calculator. If the cash totals are close, use the schedule and change conditions as the tie-breaker rather than chasing a small headline saving.