I'm doing one of the longest DOMESTIC trips there is in a few weeks and am flying a full-service airline.
I do this trip usually a couple of times a year and have been burned by Jetstar one too many times, pre-Covid I made the decision to just pay the extra and be done with it. Never regretted it.
Some of my family still insist on Jetstar even though they can easily afford the alternatives, and it's a never ending tale of delays, cancellations, lost luggage (on DIRECT flights?!?!), broken seats and misery and tears.
Best long-haul flight of my life was an Economy Qantas flight 8 years ago, from Sydney to LA in the little 'secret' Economy section on the top deck of an A380. Stalked those seats online and changed ours when they came free a week or so before we left.
It was like Business-lite for an Economy fare. A little section of really only a few rows. Quick boarding, heaps of room, friendly, attentive staff, two-abreast seating so it was just my wife and I with no random third wheel. Made the trip SO much more comfortable.
The return trip downstairs was like being wedged into a cattle truck in comparison.
In the long run it's the same cost and much more reliable to buy business class tickets. Delays cost money , having to rebook costs money, extra baggage costs money, food, lounges now cost money, having to recover from long flights with too many layovers all subtract from quality and value and cost money.
I've actually had nothing but good experiences internationally with Jetstar. Have done Japan and Hawaii with them. Internationally they seem to have their shit together, I think maybe because airport costs are higher for delays where the airline is at fault....? Domestically, a different story - would always spend more to avoid.
Iβve done it to Hawaii, there was no other direct flight option from Melbourne. It was ok enough, but food options are rubbish, so I reckon buy your own at the airport and take it on the plane.