Jeju Air Review: Flying from Singapore to Busan on a Budget

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Busan, South Korea? Jeju Air, South Korea's leading low-cost carrier, offers a convenient and affordable option for travelers flying from Singapore to Busan. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into our recent experience flying with Jeju Air, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value for budget-conscious travelers.

Booking Process and Costs

Booking a flight with Jeju Air is a straightforward process that can be completed online through their official website or via travel agents. The airline offers a range of fares to cater to different budgets, including economy, smart, and flex fares.

The base fare for an economy ticket from Singapore to Busan typically starts around SGD 120 (USD 85) one-way, while smart and flex fares offer additional benefits such as seat selection, checked baggage allowance, and priority boarding for an additional fee.

Check-In and Boarding

Jeju Air operates its flights to Busan from Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 4. Check-in counters open approximately three hours before departure, and the boarding process commences 30 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time.

As a budget airline, Jeju Air does not assign seats during the booking process. Passengers are assigned seats on a first-come, first-served basis at the check-in counter or at the boarding gate. However, seat selection is available for an additional fee under the smart and flex fare options.

Cabin and Seat Comfort

Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800 aircraft used on the Singapore-Busan route feature a standard two-class configuration with 189 economy seats and 12 smart seats. The economy seats are arranged in a 3-3 configuration and offer a comfortable amount of legroom and recline for short-haul flights.

The smart seats, located in the front of the cabin, offer extra legroom, a wider seat pitch, and a more spacious overall seating experience. However, it is important to note that these seats do not recline as far as the economy seats due to the presence of a divider separating them from the rest of the cabin.

In-Flight Amenities

As a budget airline, Jeju Air does not provide complimentary inflight amenities such as in-seat entertainment, meals, or drinks. However, passengers can purchase a variety of snacks and beverages from the onboard menu.

The airline also offers pre-order meals and duty-free shopping options through its inflight magazine. Additionally, passengers can connect to the airline's inflight Wi-Fi service for an additional fee.

Service and Crew

The cabin crew on our flight was friendly and attentive, ensuring that passengers had a comfortable and pleasant experience. They were responsive to passenger requests and provided assistance whenever necessary.

Arrival and Baggage Claim

Our flight arrived in Busan's Gimhae International Airport on time. The baggage claim area was well-organized, and our luggage was delivered promptly on the baggage carousel.

Overall Impression

Overall, our experience flying with Jeju Air from Singapore to Busan was positive. The airline offered a convenient and affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. The booking process was straightforward, the check-in and boarding process was efficient, and the cabin and seating were comfortable. While the lack of complimentary inflight amenities is a common feature among budget airlines, the friendly service provided by the crew made up for this minor inconvenience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight experience with Jeju Air, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Not booking in advance: Jeju Air flights tend to be popular, especially during peak season. Booking your flight in advance will increase your chances of securing a seat and obtaining a lower fare.
• Not checking baggage allowance: Jeju Air has strict baggage allowance limits. Make sure to check the baggage allowance for your fare type and avoid exceeding it, as excess baggage fees can be significant.
• Not arriving at the airport early: Jeju Air recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security screening.
• Not bringing your own entertainment: Jeju Air does not provide complimentary inflight entertainment. Consider bringing your own books, magazines, or electronic devices to entertain yourself during the flight.

Conclusion

If you are seeking an affordable and convenient way to travel from Singapore to Busan, Jeju Air is a viable option to consider. The airline offers competitive fares, a comfortable cabin, and a friendly service. While it does not provide certain amenities and services typically found on full-service airlines, the overall value for money makes it a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers.