Is Jetstar business class worth it? On this new route it is

Sri Lanka has always been that destination sitting quietly in the background while its louder neighbours like India, Thailand, and Vietnam grabbed all the attention. Not any more my friends.

The island (which is smaller than Tasmania) is having its moment, and if you haven't put it on your radar yet, consider this your sign.

Picture ancient ruins rising out of the jungle, elephants wandering across the roads like they own the place (they kind of do), a food culture that will rock your taste buds, and exceptional hospitality that makes you feel like you’re a family member returning home.

Game-changing new Melbourne to Colombo direct flight

For Australians, the barrier has always been the same, getting there. Until now.

Jetstar has just launched the first direct low-fares service between Australia and Sri Lanka, with Melbourne to Colombo operating three times a week, year-round, with fares starting just north of $300 one-way.

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It's a genuine game-changer, and stepping onto that inaugural flight, I could feel it.

There was an energy on board that you don't usually associate with budget flying.

The crew were buzzing, genuinely excited about the route, and that energy was felt through the whole flight.

Looking around the cabin it was the full spectrum: wide-eyed tourists primed for adventure, and Sri Lankan Australians finally getting a direct line home to see family.

Melbourne is home to Australia's largest Sri Lankan community, so I’ve got a feeling this flight is going to be very well received.

So, what’s Jetstar business class actually like?

I was lucky enough to enjoy the perks of business class on the newly refitted 787 Dreamliner.

It felt like a mix of business and premium economy standards that I’ve experienced on other international airlines, and it was modern and quite stylish which you don’t really expect on a low-cost carrier.

Most importantly it was comfortable. The kind of seats that recline properly, give you room to breathe, and let you actually arrive feeling human. The whole refit feels fresh and sparkly new.

The food surprised me. It’s hard to look super glamorous emerging from an aircraft galley I admit, but the lamb shank punched considerably above the weight that the phrase “Jetstar meal” usually promises.

A pleasant moment as I dove in, accompanied by one of the Aussie wines on the menu. Snacks were also on hand throughout the flight, and although healthy options were a bit few and far between, there was plenty to choose from.  

What you need to know before you fly

One heads-up worth noting: there are no seat back screens. Jetstar has gone full BYOD - bring your own device and stream via onboard Wi-Fi.

It’s probably best to load up your device before you leave home just to be sure, but the system all worked well on board.

Interestingly, it can be a bit patchy during the flight depending on the satellite connections so just don’t expect the worlds best streaming while you’re up there.

A couple of movies, a few episodes of Ricky Gervais stand up, some well-deserved sleep – and at 10.5 hours, you’re in Colombo before the jet lag has had time to introduce itself.

The verdict

Sri Lanka works for everyone. Couples can lose themselves in boutique hotels and beach towns. Families will find it warm, safe and endlessly stimulating – I mean who doesn’t lose their mind over elephants stopping traffic!

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Solo travellers will find a place that's easy to navigate, rich in experiences and surprisingly affordable once you're on the ground.

Getting there just got easier.

Jetstar's Melbourne to Colombo service isn't just a new flight route it’s literally just opened the door to one of Asia's most underrated destinations.

Maybe it’s time to step through it?

David travelled as a guest of Jetstar. All opinions are his own.