BYO refreshments for a budget flick and flight

Fran Metcalf

14jan06

We like budget travel when it means cheap air fares but it seems we`re still happy to pay for those creature comforts automatically provided on full-fare flights.

For instance, the low-cost airline Jetstar recently introduced the Digeplayer for its budget flyers – a compact, easy-to-drive entertainment unit with the latest movies, television shows, music clips and more downloaded.

A step up from the $3 rental headphones which plug into Jetstar`s audio system for music, comedy or news, the long-span battery-powered Digeplayers cost passengers between $7 and $12, depending on the flight duration.

The units stand on the tray tables in front of passengers and provide flight information and route maps, plus entertainment – but competition is already upping the inflight ante.

That other low-cost airline, Virgin Blue, which currently provides Digeplayers for rent on board its trans-Tasman and South Pacific routes for $12, is upgrading later this year to live-to-air television for all flights.

``It will be real-time TV, like Foxtel,`` says a spokeswoman.

``You`ll be able to choose music, videos, movies, news, sport – whatever you like.`` But Freedom Air, the low-cost airline that flies between Australia and New Zealand, isn`t getting caught up in the frenzy.

It has no plug-in audio system on board and will be sticking with the DVD players it rents to passengers for $15 a pop (two people can watch the movie at once) with no plans to upgrade its in-flight entertainment options.

Freedom Air isn`t upgrading its menu of snacks either, unlike Jetstar and Virgin.

While there`s a trend for full-service carriers to scale back their menus and make meals healthier, Jetstar and Virgin are finding new ways to broaden their in-flight food options to meet consumer demand.

Whereas bacon and eggs was a commonplace breakfast on full-service carriers only a couple of years ago, these days you`re more likely to be served natural muesli, low-fat milk and a piece of fruit in pre-packaged sachets and containers.

Jetstar, however, has added hot meals to its cold menu and now serves pizzas and noodles from about $5 while Virgin offers dishes such as tortellini with pesto and roasted vegetables for about $8.50.

All drinks – even a glass of water – cost money on low-cost flights ($3 for a 600ml bottle) but all three budget airlines say they encourage their passengers to bring their own food on board if they`d like.

I wonder how many do?