Scheduled departure was at 0005 and we arrived at airport at 2120, a bit early. A queue quickly formed in front of the Tiger check in desks a mix of MEL and Singapore passengers. At approximately 2145 they started checking the MEL flight and although they moved the Singapore to a separate queue and desk, we were 6th in the queue but it took some 30mins to be seen. They were rigidly enforcing the weight limits with pass having to take items from their check in bags to their hand luggage at the desk and with only one agent checking in this delayed everything.
Anyway after checked in and given 21D&E we went up to the lounge - standard shared lounge with comfy chairs. It was very busy as DJ, QF and TT have flights to MEL within an hour apart from other flights and it is not a huge lounge.
Boarding started late at 0000 and we used the same gate as the JQ flight simultaneously. Although once boarding pass checked it was down the stairs and along a footpath to the actual gates where passes were checked again to ensure folks got on the right plane.
I have no idea about the inflight service as I put on my eyeshades and earplugs before the crew were released to start their duties. Although when I did wake the cabin was in darkness. Again we had 3 seats for the two of us.
Arrival in MEL was at 0600 and a rather bumpy landing. Disembarked and hiked back to the terminal and was shocked to find the baggage reclaim was a cage. Admittedly it had a roof but the sides were wire mesh fencing and open to the elements (and here in MEL it does get cold in the winter months by Australian standards) and the exit was through those revolving metal spike doors like you would find at a football stadium - although bigger so you could get your bags through with trollies only available after exiting. It is then a 150m walk to the DJ terminal to get a cab.
Low cost does really mean low cost however the service was no different to DJ or JQ.
I would choose them again .
Rob
