Airbus A320-200
Jetstar Asia has 18 of these aircraft in its fleet; they claim the lowest fuel burn, emissions and noise footprint of any aircraft in its class.
Singapore to Yangon
Jetstar doesn't have a loyalty program, but passengers who book the Plus or Max Bundle fare types can earn frequent flyer points from Qantas or Emirates, and points accrued on these programs can be redeemed on Jetstar flights.
I'm happily ensconced right up the front in 1B, an exit row seat. Passengers on the all-inclusive Max Bundle fare can request seats on any of the aircraft's three exit rows at no additional cost; those on the no-frills Starter Fare and the middle-of-the-range Plus Bundle fare will incur a surcharge.
Two hours 35 minutes.
Jetstar Asia operates 10 weekly services between Singapore and Yangon.
The Airbus A320 has 180 seats in a 3-3 configuration. Apart from the emergency exit Rows of 1, 12 and 13 (which are, of necessity, roomier than average), the pitch of all other seats is a uniform 28 inches (71cm).
Checked baggage is chargeable on the Starter and Plus Bundle fare types, while Max Bundle includes 20kg of checked baggage.
There's no barrier between the front row and the cockpit door, and though the plane is chock-full, my personal space remains intact. There's so much leg room I'm sure I could strike a Pilates pose or two within it, but I restrain myself. I take a stroll to the back of the plane to check out how the rest of the passengers are faring: while those in regular rows are certainly more compressed, the plane's plush leather upholstery gives the whole cabin an air of luxury.
Screens are absent on this aircraft but the flight's short duration – and the ubiquity of personal devices – render them unnecessary. But entertainment comes in all forms, I discover: off-duty Jetstar Asia pilot Charming Aung, who's wandered up to the front of the plane, lives up to his name, teaching me to pronounce the most useful of words – hello (min ga la ba), thank-you (kyeizu tin ba de) – in his Burmese mother tongue.
Short flights such as this are particularly busy for flight attendants – there are meals to deliver, duty free goods to sell, paperwork to complete before descent begins – but the crew is relaxed and disarmingly chatty. Attendants Lindsey and Berry are unobtrusive but somehow appear beside me at key moments: when the tray table needs to be unfolded from my armrest, when the menu is just beyond arm's reach in a side pocket. I could easily help myself, of course, but it's nice to know my needs are being anticipated.
All passengers receive a complimentary bottle of water and a small Kit Kat. They can also purchase meals and drinks from a menu that includes the tasty-sounding sun-blushed tomato and cheese toasty, teriyaki chicken and nasi lemak, and cupcakes from Asia's "number one cupcakery", Twelve Cupcakes. Passengers on the Plus Bundle and Max Bundle fares receive an inflight voucher to use towards such purchases. I'm only vaguely peckish, so the water and Kit Kat hit the spot.
Once we've reached altitude a bright orange-and-pink, geometrically-patterned curtain is drawn around the crew's workstation at the front of the aircraft, adding just a little touch of fabulousness to the cabin.
This service sets itself apart with its smooth, uneventful and almost-on-schedule flight; personal attention leaves me feeling I'm more than just a nameless passenger.
Kochi, India travel guide and things to do: 20 reasons to visit
Hong Kong shopping guide: Best places to shop in Hong Kong
Indias must-see city: Jaipur is a pink riot of colour and history
Car hire in Sri Lanka
Guide to trekking Mount Everest region, Nepal, for beginners
Sri Lanka safari: Biodiversity abounds
