That’s correct, you won’t get Champagne and Caviar on Tigerair Australia because it is a low-cost, budget airline and does not pretend to be anything else.
With Tigerair Australia, you pay for what you want. If you want extras, then that is up to you. If you are expecting more than this and paying very low fares, then you are unrealistic. Simple.
What Most Passengers are Looking for?
Contents
We travel a lot, as one would expect in our jobs. What travelers do not want or need is to pay for services that you don’t need on flights. Passengers want the lowest fares possible. What you want is to get through check-in as quickly and as seamlessly as possible. You definitely want the flight to leave and arrive on time, to be comfortable, and not to be waiting around for your bags at the end.
Our Experience Sydney to Cairns
Most international visitors to Australia will make their way to the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Domestic travelers will also travel to the Great Barrier Reef, as this is the world’s largest coral reef and one of the seven wonders of the natural world. This is one of the reasons that we were making this trip, the other being to sample the culinary delights of the Atherton Tablelands.
The easiest way to get to Topical North Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef is to fly into Cairns. This is a 3-hour flight from Sydney, 3 ½ from Melbourne and 2 hours from Brisbane. If you are flying from other cities in Australia, you will go via one of these cities. You don’t want to pay a lot for this flight, considering that Australia is not the cheapest country though it is the most beautiful country in the world.
Our experience with the low budget carrier Tigerair Australia was seamless because it positively addressed all of our needs. But then, we did read what Tigerair, tell you when you make the booking.
We did not exceed baggage allowances, and we turned up on time. This appears to be simple.
Check-in
We arrived at Sydney airport at 6.30am, 60 minutes before the flight. There was a queue at the check-in counter, with people who had check-in baggage. There were 40 people in the queue in front of us.
There was a lady from Tigerair with an iPad, checking people in the queue and printing boarding passes on the spot for those with carry-on luggage and thus thinning out the line considerably.
This is a Tigerair initiative. Max Airport by Levarti is an app, and this means that they can move out from behind the desk and engage with customers from anywhere in and around the terminal. If you want assistance to change flights or purchase optional add-on items such as extra luggage or extra legroom seating, then this can be done on the spot. If you don’t, then you don’t have to.
We checked our bags, went through security and were drinking coffee by 6.45am. We were in shock. We then made our way to the gate as our plane was leaving at 7.25am. And it did. On the dot as we had been told it would. It also arrived in Cairns at 10.30am as it said it would.
On Board
On board, our seats were comfortable and wider than seats we have had on non-budget airlines. Service was attentive and pleasant from the check in and on the flight itself. The staff came around with the food trolley, called the Tigerbites menu, where you can purchase if you choose or even pre-purchase if you select this option. As the flight was only 3 hours, we didn’t bother, and I slept most of the way anyhow. The big advantage of Tigerair is that you only pay for the services that you want.
Baggage Collection
Because Tigerair turns around quickly, the bags were on that carousel as we sauntered towards it. The bags beat us there. We travel all of the time and never has that happened before, and you know what? We loved it. We were out of there to explore the Atherton Tablelands of Queensland before the Great Barrier Reef and some serious snorkeling.
“Good luck with that one”.
So, it begs the question. Why are people still bagging out Tigerair Australia?
I posted on my Facebook that we were flying with Tigerair from Sydney to Cairns, Queensland and got back the response “good luck with that one”. Another response was from a friend who uses Tigerair a lot and loves them, particularly in the last year or so, who said, “They are fantastic”. The disparity needs to be addressed.
Tiger Airways Australia is now a subsidiary of Virgin Australia and with that acquisition; there has been an enormous change in everything that they do.
Tigerair is the major competition to the other low budget Qantas carrier Jetstar, and Jetstar are not too happy with the dramatic improvements shown by Tigerair.
Why Tigerair is the Player to Watch
This year Tiger led Jetstar on on-time departures, something we applaud. Too many times we sit on the main carriers waiting for all of the customers to show the courtesy of arriving on time so that we can all leave at the designated time.
Customer satisfaction also rose 11 points to 75 percent, meaning the majority of passengers are happy with what Tigerair is doing. I had a look online at some of the complaints.
No people, you are not going to be served champagne and caviar on a budget flight that you paid very little for. Budget means budget.
Tigerair has also expanded their product offerings considerably, far beyond just offering affordable fares. These include web check, self-serve check-in kiosks, and automated bag drop facilities in key ports. There is also the opportunity to purchase queue jump priority boarding and Express Fares. Check their user-friendly site.
Even the hardened industry watchers are now saying that Tigerair Australia has dramatically improved under Virgin’s reign.
Tigerair Australia will fly to Bali
Bali has long been a very popular destination for Aussies. Tigerair Australia has recently announced new international services from Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide to Bali commencing 23 March 2016.
This is going to put a cat among the pigeons on this very popular route. A cheap fare, seamless check in, paying for what you want, leaving and arriving on time. hmmm watch out other airlines.
Still no Champagne and Caviar
If you expect champagne and caviar, then this will be reflected in the fare that you pay. I don’t want these things, and if I did, I would add them on, at my expense, and not at the cost of all of the other passengers.
We will fly Tigerair Australia again. We will look forward to getting through check-in quickly, leaving and arriving on time, being smiled at, and having our bags riding round the carousel waiting for us.
So yes, “good luck with that one”, because it was.
It sounds like Tigerair Australia offers better service for the money than a lot of international airlines!
That is exactly what I think. We travel long haul a lot. and I can tell you that Tigerair is a lot better than many
We have our own version of Tiger Air called Spirit. They are just what they claim to be, nothing more and every time I’ve flown them, had a great experience. It is important to follow the rules and have your expectations in check. I am constantly amazed by people who think they are entitled to more.
I think that you have got this totally correct, people who feel that they are ‘entitle’ to more. They are not. Deal with the rules or pay more.
We have never had the opportunity to fly Tiger Airlines, but have flown other low cost carriers. I agree, if you follow the rules and level set your expectations to not include champagne, you are usually okay. We have heard the “good luck with that” stories before with Tiger, but would give them a try when we return to Australia!
Exactly. Too many people think they can walk up whenever they feel like it, with bags well over weight and that the airlines will turn a blind eye. It is good that rules are clear and simple and that there is no mucking about. Our return flight was just as faultless.
TigerAir sounds like it delivers! I’ll take polite, efficient and comfortable over champagne and caviar anytime. Thanks for the tip!
Ditto; polite, efficient and comfortable wins
I like your article. I’ve never heard of TigerAir but if they’re an airline that performs well then I can only applaud them.
I love Easyjet in Europe and AirAsia and NokAir. They were just greeeeeeeat!
Thanks Victoria, all any of us want is good performance. I haven’t heard on NokAir but will keep an eye out for it.
first time on your blog and I love it. I love the design style of this post and look forward to learning more about blogging from yours!
Thanks so much Vicki, I welcome you to Contented Traveller.
I’d never heard of Tiger Air, but hearing they’re run by a Virgin subsidiary, I’d use them. I didn’t see a mention of paying for seats or luggage, my two pet peeves. Hearing the seats are roomier is a plus. Sound like a contender.
You are able to pay for extra leg room. For me it is never an issue, so I asked Gordon who is a big man. He said that he more room than on x and y, which we had recently flown with ..internationally.
Thanks for the report on TigerAir. I had never heard of the carrier before~
They are based in Australia and also Asia Irene.
I flew them in 2004 – the first year they were in business – log before the Virgin acquisition – looks as if things have improved considerably. When I flew them I was afraid they were saving all of their money on safety. Cheap, reliable, safe and pay for what you need works for me!
I think that the acquisition has seen enormous improvements, and we found then on task in everything.
The iPad checkin is a wonderful feature. Not sure I would fly TigerAir but I loved your article.
Thanks Charles, I think the iPad will be adopted by a lot more airlines.
If we’re wishing for a throwback to air travel in the heyday of champagne service several decades ago, we have to remember that it wasn’t affordable for the average person. Even now, a non-discounted “economy” seat is hundreds more than a budget seat. Competition will force budget carriers to improve their service profiles. Your post will have us consider Tigerair in SEAsia this year. We’ve flown Jetstar in the past and have had a good experience.
Too true Betsy, I was never in that elite class years ago, where they were dripping all over you. Definitely consider Tigerair.
Sounds good to us. We are looking for good prices and getting there safe and sound. Looks like Tiger is doing a good job of that.
That’s all we want too; the bags beating us was a bonus.
People always complain about low price carriers and services, but overall they are efficient and great prices so that is keeping it real especially in expensive Australia.
This is true Noel. Australia, while lovely and yes I am biased is not the cheapest country, so any savings you can make, the better
I think I flew Tiger Air from Penang to Chiang Mai and recall getting a rather nice pineapple tart snack for free (which makes me wonder if I am misremembering the airline). Anyways, I dearly miss those budget airlines now that I am back in the USA. Budget here is nowhere near as cheap as budget in Asia. Overall, I don’t mind paying for extra services as long as the price is reasonable. I don’t like having to pay twice as much for a sandwich in the air as I would on the ground. I also attribute my reluctance to pay for water to my American expectations for free water as is customary in restaurants.
I am not sure Michele, I haven’t flown Tigerair in Asia yet, but we will.
Thanks for sharing about Tiger Air Australia. We will be traveling all over Australia beginning 2017 so this is such welcome news. Virgin really makes a difference! You are spot on about what we travelers want!
That is great news Carol. You will find that Australia is a big country, and traveling by Tigerair is a realistic way to get around. Looking forward to seeing you here.
We are rarely disappointed with any flight – primarily because our only expectation is that we don’t crash! We don’t expect comfort, food, or (sadly) even courtesy now, so when we get a measure of any of the three, we are already happy campers!
The old adage of getting what you pay for seems particularly true for fights and even business class doesn’t always offer that phenomenal an experience. So read the fine print, pack your own snacks, and be extra organized (because, remember, you chose to pay less in return for less personnel). So far, so good for us.
LOL, I think most of us prioritise getting there in one piece. The staff were very friendly so this was a bonus.
I’d heard so many things about Tigerair that I’ve avoided them like the plague. Thanks for such a positive heads-up. I’ll definitely give them a go now 🙂
Yes, we had heard the stories too, but based on our experience they are definitely worth traveling with.
I flew a couple of low cost airlines during my recent trip to Asia, and I’ve flown Easyjet and Ryanair and Norwegian here in Europe. Tigerair sounds like it’s found the right combination of no-frills and efficiency. The two I flew in Asia (one was Vanilla, but I forget what the other was…) weren’t very efficient. There was no possibility to check in on-line, so all the passengers had to get in line in the airport. That wouldn’t have been a problem except for the several groups who were also taking LOTS of extra luggage that they had to pay for. It slowed everyone right down, which was infuriating given that I only had a carry-on bag! And neither of them had enough legroom for me, but for a short flight even that isn’t a problem if the flight is cheap and efficient! I’d also rather not pay for extras I won’t be using!
That is why I like that Tigerair are out from behind the counter and sorting out problems on the floor. If they see a person with a carryon, they print the boarding pass there and then. We literally waited a minute or two.
We have always steered clear of TigerAir because of the flight cancellations and general problems it suffered when it first began operating here but you have made me think we should have another look at it.
I think that there has been a marked improvement and you may find yourself very happy with Tigerair.
I haven’t used Tigerair but I’ve flown with a lot of the UK budget airlines. They seem to get bad publicity but I’ve always had good experiences with them (and of course they are much cheaper than the regular airlines).
Maybe people just don’t want to say they like budget airlines. Just maybe there is a snobbery element to this. Then it is easier to give them bad publicity than to admit that they were actually very good.
Love the budget airlines! They give you what you need without all those unnecessary bells and whistles. Especially if you are going for a shorter distance flight, no need for anything. But looks like this budget airline tops them all!
I think most of us just want to get there as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thanks for your comment.
Looks like you hit the jackpot! I have flown with some of these types of providers but I really don’t like having to pay extras for every little thing and usually have a bag to check, etc. I travel with a few airlines that I hear people talking bad about, too, and cannot understand why as they have always done a good job for me and have new planes with utmost legroom.
I think some people are hyper critical and want it all. That is why i was blunt when I said, budget is budget people.
We definitely don’t need all of those extras on a plane anyway. I much prefer the cheaper ticket price and bringing my own drinks to paying more for what they may or may not even give you anymore. The last low-cost airline we flew was Norwegian and it was a fantastic experience. Their planes are way better than typical planes too. And it was sooo cheap!
Isn’t it amazing that when it gets down to it, none of us really want the extras. With being able to bring your own food and drinks and your entertainment, you can set yourself up well. I slept the entire way, because I was comfortable. That is always a good sign.
It is nice to have the option of lower cost airlines. I don’t want to pay for any frills either, especially on flights of 3 to 4 hours or less. One of my concerns that is not easily apparent to a traveler is whether or not budget carriers are also trying to save money by scrimping on safety and maintenance. Let’s hope not!
I think in light of the very unfortunate and sad accidents, that no airline ever wants to be in that position. I would imagine that they are all very safety conscious.
Yea, I totally agree. People should realize what service they are getting if they go with a budget airline. Personally, I love budget airlines on shorter flights, and they have really saved me a lot of money in the past. And, thanks for the article. Now, I know what to look for if I fly in Australia 🙂
I also love to save the money from flying with a budget airline. There are other things I prefer to spend my money on.
here in the US Jet Blue and SouthWest have had success with a similar formula — low fares, no frills, they are matter of fact about what they offer and what they don’t. And they have very good customer service.
That is a very good way of describing it – matter of fact. I will check out these airlines in the US as we have 2 internal flights I need to organise.
Hi Paula, nice review. I don’t mind not having the frills in short haul flights so this sounds perfect. I love it when the baggage beat us to the carousel! It such a big bonus if you get such great service for budget airline.
That was such a mind blower having our baggage beat us. Now if that could only happen after a 13 hour flight, where the last thing I want is to watch the rotten carousel go round and round, and round again
I feel like low cost airlines always get a bad rep from people who don’t know what to expect and don’t read the booking terms or the extra fees, but I find them an excellent way to get from one place to another and save a lot of money.
We do too. It is a means to an end. I want to get there and that is it. The less money it costs the better. Though it helps when the staff are friendly too.
Reading the booking terms is really important. Even on Tigerair you can pay for any extras that you want like leg room etc, though I did find the seats seemed roomier than some other airlines I have been on
I’m about to fly TigerAir (not the Aussie brand though) when I leave the Philippines at the end of the month; so this was a good read! I’ve used Air Asia for more than 15 flights around Asia this year and had similar experiences with them – excellent low budget prices for no-thrills flying and always well managed flights with smiling faces.. sure beats the options we have in the States!
Hope that you have as good an experience as we do with Tigerair. I like low budget prices for no-thrills because I want to just get there. I also like when the staff are happy and proud with what they are doing.
Sounds like the kind of website we would be using while in Australia! Glad you had a positive experience!
You will find it invaluable and save money getting around this big country
Thanks for this post Paula – I have to admit, I did smirk when I opened the post about Tiger air, because I’ve heard so many horrible things, but really, you’ve changed my opinion of the airline, because it’s absolutely true – you get what you pay for, and too many people travel with ridiculous expectations expecting champagne and caviar when they’re unwilling to shell out the budget. I love your saying “budget means budget” because it sounds like it should be common sense, but some people really do need it drilled into them.
I think it comes down to realizing that Tigerair is a no frills airline, and it will quite literally just get you from A to B at the lowest possible price. Like you said, follow their rules and you’ll have a pleasant experience. Thanks for the overview Paula 🙂
Thanks Meg, you totally do understand it. I know I sounded harsh when I said budget means budget but I think some passengers still expect all of the bells and whistles ‘and’ the lowest price. I am very impressed with Tigerair and will continue to fly with them. I have signed up to receive their newsletter to get their specials to my in box, http://www.tigerair.com/sg/en/subscribe.php
We haven’t used Tiger Air yet but wouldn’t hesitate too, Jetstar is budget too and have found them to be great. I much prefer to use my travel budget when I get to the destination, to be honest airline food isn’t great on any airline, even in business class so I just want to get to my destination as soon as possible.
Could not agree more Toni. I would rather spend my money at the destination; just get me there. Airline food, not really.
I could write a list of complaints about every airline. Some have staff that are rude, others have horrible food, some make everyone wait while they drag a 1st class out of the lounge. I think that a low cost carrier is what it is and if it get’s you there, good.
I agree, I think we could all write a book about the big airlines not delivering, though some are better than others. I just want to pay as little as possible to get me somewhere.
I flew the Asian TigerAir once and was disappointed that they wouldn’t give a small cup of water so my husband could take his medicine. Water was like $4. That won’t stop me from flying with them again, and we often fly budget for regional travel, but I thought it was a bit much. I don’t expect champagne or caviar, but no water?
I would have to agree with you. Water is free and they definitely should have given your husband or anyone the water. That is something that they will need to address.
Sounds like a very pleasant flying experience. I wish other airlines followed their example.
Ditto, particularly some of the ones that we have to use on long haul flights.
We hate Jetstar and are definitely fans of Virgin when it comes to domestic travel. But we are venturing into the land of budget airlines and are giving the new Scoot Biz a try next January. I hope our experience is as positive as yours.
Worth thinking about Tigerair also Jo. They have really picked up their game.
I haven’t flown Tigerair Australia, but you are right that customers need to understand budget means budget. I flew AirAsia in SE Asia a few times. The flights were on-time and without issue. The planes were clean and comfortable. The crew was friendly. I understood I would have to pay a la carte for any additional amenities.
You have nailed it Jackie, budget does mean budget.I am pleased that you had positive experiences also.
I find the low budget airlines are such a gamble; sometimes they’re great and sometimes they suck – but saying that, I flew with what I thought was a mid-range airline company and had the worst airline experience of my life, so who knows. Cool article though! Never heard of Tiger Air
Thanks Carly. I resent paying big bucks and not getting what we thought we had paid for. We knew exactly what we were getting, but in fact we got more.
I think this is what we can expect from a low-cost airline. As long as they run smoothly and have a good value I don’t really care about the extras. I use Ryanair and Easyjet for short flights in Europe and it usually delivers.
I think that is what we all want, to pay as little as possible, to have friendly staff and to leave and arrive on time. Our bags beating us what just a brilliant bonus.
I don’t really care much what kind of airline company I’m going with as long as there’s not much about it in the news of pilots who can’t handle flying a plane. 🙂 But I probably won’t take a budget airline (with everything to be paid extra in-flight) if the flight is more than 3 hours. I’d require a non-stop and free movie marathon on that one. :p
I would probably go 6 hours and pack some snacks. Tigerair allows you to use your electronic devices on the flight, so would probably fill my iPad with movies.
I am bring my family ti Australia in Janury. Will we be able to fly from Perth to Sydney and how much will it cost for my wife and 3 children?
Yes, Tigerair Australia flies from Perth to Sydney. I have provided the link here so that you can check the prices for your family, as prices do change according to when you travel and how old your children are. http://www.tigerair.com/au/en/ Make sure you check your baggage allowance and do turn up for your flight in plenty of time. Have a wonderful time in Australia. If you are looking for ideas of what to do in Sydney, you will see a lot of ideas on our site.
Excellent review on Tiger. I’d also heard so much negative about them in the past but lately the experiences are more and more positive, just like yours. Will be interesting when they start flying to Bali.
Thanks Jolene, I think many people are noticing the very positive changes. I think that the fares to Bali will be very competitive.
I have flown several budget airlines over the years and find them easy to deal with and as a matter of fact…usually the flight crews are amazing and super nice.
We have found the same. The flight crews and check in staff were all very pleasant and efficient.
I want to think the Aussie version is better than the Asian one I fly so often. I used to like tiger over all the other Asian low cost which I fly several times a year but the day before yesterday in Singapore, they started pullung the “Jetstar tricks”. They pay security officers (not police) to weigh passengers carry on and charge them $25 per kilo of extra weight. This is an ugly trick because it’s done as you’re going through immigration and by people not dressed I tiger outfits. What is more, the check in person doesn’t ask anything about your carry on. I was 3kg above as it is impossible to pack carry on for 10kg with laptops and cables weighting already 5kg. So I proceeded to threaten I would leave stuff on the counter or wear everything – which I did. The result? We bargained to 1kg extra and I paid (after wearing all the clothes I could and stuffing my pockets with tshirts). This is something Jetstar does and I stopped flying them for. Now, I’ll stop flying tiger for it too bot because they are charging for overweight but because the ugly way they are doing it. Shame cause I do think they were the best of the lot
Mar, I am sorry that you had an unpleasant experience, but the way i see it is; if everyone was 3kg over … it is stated very clearly what is the weight for carry on. It also states clearly that people will pay extra if they are over. I know that with all of the computers and cables that we carry,we have to be very careful in how we pack, or ‘know’ that we will pay the extra. I am unaware of Tiger using security guards.
My brother lives in Melbourne and I love going down there. It is the cheapest airline for me to get there and I have no complaints.
I think most of us just want the cheapest flight we can get and for it to be reliable. It really is that simple.
Tiger Air used to be pretty ordinary. But I agree with you, they have improved a lot and now my wife and i use them all the time to visit the grandkids in Brisbane
It is great for us as customers to have an efficient airline that gets us where we want to go and on time. Enjoy visiting your grandkids.
You had a positive experience and seems like the airline more than met your (realistic) expectations. I think sometimes people are unable to manage or adjust their expectations when it comes to budget airliners and this leads to dissatisfaction rather than something the airliner did or did not do.
I agree; Tigerair is a budget airline and a very efficient one at that. There are a lot of people who are not very realistic and also do not bother reading some very obvious things like when to arrive at the airport and baggage requirements.
Great to hear a discount carrier performing so well.
I haven’t flown Tiger air, but I firmly believe that when you book anything flights, accommodation, cruises etc. you need to do your research and be fully aware of what is and isn’t included. If you expect more than what they offer, the of course you will be disappointed.
Totally agree. Many people have unrealistic expectations. A budget airline gets you from point A to point B, and does it efficiently just as Tigerair Australia does. Plus, they are very friendly and the innovation of using the iPad to get out and amongst the passengers is genius.
Interesting…
Thanks, you would be thrilled with the value for money you get with Tigerair Australia