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ABOUT 60,000 Jetstar passengers have missed their flights because of the no-frills airline's strict check-in policy.
Check-in is closed 30 minutes before scheduled departure and customers who arrive a minute late are likely to be turned away.
Passengers with flexible fares are moved to the next flight without extra cost, but those travelling on cheaper tickets incur a $50 penalty each and $100 for a family.
The tough policy has led many to accuse Jetstar of being inflexible and lacking compassion, but Qantas's low-cost carrier insists the measure keeps fares down and that fewer than 1 per cent of passengers have missed flights for being late.
Based on the six million-plus people who have flown Jetstar since its launch 17 months ago, about 60,000 have been caught out.
The revelation comes as Jetstar prepares to launch its first international services this Thursday. The airline is offering flights from four Australian destinations to Christchurch in New Zealand.
There will be nine return services a week between Melbourne and Christchurch.
Check-in for these flights will close an hour before departure and seats will be allocated, unlike the first-in-best-dressed rule on domestic services.
The same penalties for being late will apply, but on most days passengers will have to wait 24 hours for the next flight.
Qantas has also confirmed that, subject to board approval, it will probably set up a separate Jetstar International carrier to initially service some Asian routes next year.
Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said yesterday the airline's strict check-in policy was the same used by successful low-cost carriers overseas.
Mr Westaway said Qantas and Virgin Blue advertised the same check-in deadline as Jetstar.
Mr Westaway said the check-in deadline enabled flights to be turned around more quickly and planes to be used more efficiently, providing cheaper fares.
Qantas executive general manager John Borghetti said Jetstar International could be operating within a year if approved by the board next month. He denied JI would become a substitute for full-service Qantas flights.
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