![Jetstar business class cabin on the 787 Dreamliner.](/web/20170422173257im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/l/x/0/d/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtjzaq.png/1492597190723.jpg)
Our rating
THE ROUTE
Tokyo (Narita) to Cairns
THE PLANE
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
FLIGHT TIME
7 hours 5 minutes
![A Jetstar 787 Dreamliner ready to take off.](/web/20170422173257im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/x/b/d/l/image.related.articleLeadwide.520x294.gtjzaq.png/1492597190723.jpg)
FLIGHT FREQUENCY
Daily
THE SEAT
Business, seat 1F. There are just 21 business-class seats on the plane, set in a 2-3-2 layout. The seat pitch is 38 inches (96cm) with a width of 19 inches (48 inches).
BAGGAGE
Up to 30kg of checked baggage and 14kg of carry-on baggage. If you're switching to a domestic connection that has no business class seats, your business class baggage allowance will still apply.
![There are just 21 business-class seats, in a 2-3-2 layout.](/web/20170422173257im_/http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/l/x/0/c/image.related.articleLeadwide.520x294.gtjzaq.png/1492597190723.jpg)
THE LOYALTY SCHEME
Passengers can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points, depending on the type of fare.
COMFORT
Although this is business class, it's still Jetstar, so you're paying a lot less than you would on a full-service airline and, with that in mind, you get what you pay for.
The business seats do not convert into flat beds like most long-haul business-class seats on full-service airlines. However, you do get significantly more room than in economy. That said, my particular seat faces the bulkhead and the galley entrance. The latter means crew are coming and going throughout the night, making it hard to get some sleep.
A blanket and pillow is waiting for us on board and we're also given an excellent amenities pack (which can be kept as a tablet cover) containing socks, an eye mask, toothbrush and paste, earplugs, tissues, a pen, an inflatable neck pillow, lip balm and moisturiser.
THE FOOD
Meals are included in business class, though we're not given a menu to select from as we were on the flight over – we're verbally given the options, "fish with rice", a sushi plate or vegetarian lasagne. I opt for the marinated fish, which comes with a bread roll and banana crumble and it's all quite good. Breakfast is also served late in the flight. A bottle of water is provided to all guests in the business cabin.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
In-flight entertainment is also included in the business-class cabin, via seatback TV screens. The touchscreens are not as responsive as they could be – I find myself poking and pressing multiple times before getting a response. The movie selection is decent, with a choice of recent releases and older favourites. TV shows are a little more limited in choice but provided you're not too picky, there's enough to keep you entertained for this haul. Decent earphones are also provided to business-class passengers.
THE SERVICE
The Japanese have high service standards and Jetstar's crew delivers on this front. They're friendly and helpful. The call button is responded to within a few seconds and requests for drinks are met with efficiency.
ONE MORE THING
Jetstar recently announced it is ending its direct Melbourne-Narita route, but the Cairns flight offers domestic connections to the major cities.
THE VERDICT
Japan is one of the hottest destinations for Australians and you're unlikely to find a more comfortable option than this for the price, particularly if you can get a sale fare. However, this is one rare occasion where sitting in the first row is less desirable than the second, due to the bulkhead.
Score: ★★★½
The writer travelled as a guest of Jetstar
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