Five hours to paradise: on board Jetstar's maiden direct flight to Cook Islands

I'm on JQ141, Jetstar's inaugural flight from Sydney to Rarotonga and the first direct connection between Australia and the Cook Islands to be operated by an Australian airline since 1990. Flying three times a week, this service offers Australia's only non-stop option to the tropical South Pacific destination - a big deal for Aussie tourists who, since Air New Zealand ceased its direct service out of Australia due to the pandemic, have had to fly via Auckland.

CHECKING IN: There's a Polynesian party for this Tuesday-night maiden flight. Cook Islands musicians and dancers perform at the check-in counter, amid balloons in Jetstar's signature orange. There won't be festivities for future flights, but this first step will look the same: optional online check-in, then drop your bag at the counter. Jetstar's basic Starter fare covers carry-on only, but you can upgrade to Plus, with 20kg checked baggage, or Max, with a 30kg allowance. Expect your carry-on luggage to be weighed to check it's within the 7kg limit.

THE FLIGHT: Understandably, the celebrations delay our 9.30pm departure by 35 minutes, but Captain Narelle Cooper lands the brand-new Airbus A321neo LR on schedule. Jetstar's newest and greenest aircraft, the Airbus A321neo LR is the next generation of the A321 twin engine jet. NEO stands for the "new engine option" of quieter, more fuel-efficient engines that use up to 20 per cent less fuel and reduce engine noise by 50 per cent.

THE CLASS: In the single-class, single aisle cabin with a three-by-three seating layout, all 232 seats are an award-winning ergonomic model. At 18.2 inches (46.2cm), they're almost a full inch wider than older seats, although the 29-inch (73.6cm) seat pitch is typical for economy. Seats recline and have a USB port and fold-out device stand with cup holder as well as an extendable tray table, so you can eat, drink and stream simultaneously. I'm in 3A, a window seat handy for speedy disembarkation and close to the single toilet just outside the cockpit. This aircraft's 40 per cent bigger overhead lockers easily take all hand luggage on a full flight - no shoving or squishing.

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FOOD & DRINKS: Food isn't included, but you can pre-purchase inflight meal vouchers or pay for menu items on board. A $7.50 bowl of vegie noodles and $12 red wine is a decent enough dinner, and two meal services offer opportunities to refuel.

ENTERTAINMENT: BYO right now, but Jetstar is progressively rolling out Jetstar Entertainment+ across its NEO aircraft. It'll let you stream movies, TV shows and podcasts on your own device, and access can be purchased inflight.

THE SERVICE: The cabin crew of five dial up the party atmosphere, with lei and flowers in their hair and genuine excitement about this flying milestone. Michelle, Kenny and their colleagues bring a full-service attitude to a no-frills flight; addressing passengers by name, responding quickly to calls and setting just the right warm, fun tone for a tourist-dominated route.

IN A NUTSHELL: With low fares and fast travel, this new route and its cutting-edge aircraft bring a tropical paradise within reach for thousands of Aussie holidaymakers. As they say in the Cooks: Kia Orana!

The writer was a guest of Jetstar

Airline: Jetstar

Route: Sydney to Raratonga

Flight number: JQ141

Frequency: Three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.