So you have heard and seen all the hype about the magic and beauty of Cook Islands holidays and you are keen to check it out for yourself, or maybe you have been before some years ago and cannot wait to go back now that there is a direct flight from Sydney three times weekly* available?

Only, some things have changed in the flight space and you aren’t so sure about flying Jetstar long haul from Sydney to Rarotonga? No problem. I’ll let you know my honest review and experience from booking, changing my flights and travelling each way with Australia’s budget airline.

Booking – don’t forget to add baggage!

Like many airlines these days, the basic airfare with Jetstar does not automatically include luggage. This way, they can keep the prices low by offering a “no frills” option for travellers who want to pack light. There is carry-on luggage included in the basic option, you just need to be aware of the international carry-on restrictions when you travel.

I did pay for check-in luggage in this instance, around $40 each direction, and if I am being honest – I didn’t need it for a week in Rarotonga!

After waiting a long time in the baggage drop-off line at Sydney Airport, and again at the baggage carousel when arriving home, you can imagine how frustrating it was when all I wore were the same sundresses and boardshorts all week during my Cook Islands travel adventure -  that could have fit overhead! But you live and learn.

What about meals?

Again, Jetstar offer this as a “no frills” option and do not automatically include a meal on the flight. You can choose to add food when booking, or purchase from the options available on-board.

I did choose the hot meal option, and was presented with a toasted sandwich each direction.

If I am honest, with the flight leaving at 9.30pm from Sydney, I had already eaten dinner so this toastie sadly ended up in the bin. However, the return flight was at 7am, right on breakfast time so I enjoyed the food on the return.

If you are going to prepurchase food on Jetstar flights – I would definitely recommend checking your Cook island travel times. I definitely didn’t think about it!

Oh no I need to change my dates of travel!

That’s cool, I just spoke to the team at Spacifica Travel, and they updated my travel dates for me so I could extend my Cook Island holidays. This was a very smooth process, and although I had to pay the airline change fees and fare difference, my preferences all transferred across to my new flight which was comforting.

Check in process & baggage handling

Sydney airport, no matter what time of day I go there has always been complete chaos. So I wouldn’t say this was Jetstar’s problem, just that our nation’s iconic town can be a tough airport to get through, so I made sure to give myself at least 3 hours to get through bag drop-off, security, duty free & have a bite to eat before heading off on holiday!

In Rarotonga, the process is smooth as!

Get off your flight on the tarmac via stairs (note if you have mobility issues you definitely need to let your travel agent know, so they can let the airline know so they are ready to accommodate).

The Cook Islander people are so amazing and welcoming. Arriving at such a small airport that is only staffed when a flight comes in or out was definitely a unique experience for an international airport. Security, baggage claim and arrivals was all run perfectly. On your return home to Australia, you would be wasting your time to arrive at the airport too early!

The airport staff check in all airlines, so they are only at the desks when the flight opens two hours prior.

The duty free in Rarotonga Airport was small but a good range of products, and much easier to navigate than Sydney Airport Duty Free for basic items only. You won’t be finding any Christian Dior perfume in Raro!

Domestic connections – I don’t live in Sydney

This was a relatively seamless process, the only bummer is the changing of airports i.e. I arrived in Sydney domestic, collected my bag, transferred on the T2 bus to International and had to check into International airport.

It all worked as smoothly as it could, Jetstar staff were incredibly helpful, and it’s a small price to pay for travelling to paradise direct from Australia.

OK, I feel more comfortable to travel with Jetstar to the Cook Islands!

Awesome, get in touch with the team at Spacifica Travel on 1800 000 150 722 who can easily help you with your dream holiday to the Cook Islands – or check out our Cook Islands holiday packages. This doesn’t just mean flights, the team at Spacifica specialise in end-to-end travel packages to suit your needs and budget.

*flights three times weekly from Sydney valid at 1 October 2023