It sounds counterintuitive. But it works!
How Jetstar Moves Everyone On and Off the Plane
On domestic Jetstar flights, boarding and deplaning regularly happens through both the front and rear doors simultaneously. That changes the entire logic of seat selection for passengers who want to get off the plane quickly.
On a recent flight I sat in the last row and walked off before passengers seated in row 10. When the rear stairs are open, you are off the plane the moment the door opens, with no queue of rows ahead of you to wait through.
Why This Works
The conventional wisdom is to sit as far forward as possible to exit quickly. On aircraft using both the front and rear doors, that logic does not apply. The rear of the cabin empties through its own exit independently of the front, which means the last row can get off the aircraft faster than those seated in the middle of the plane.
The Important Exception
If you have mobility issues or require an aerobridge for another reason, sitting towards the front remains the better option. Rear exits on domestic Jetstar flights typically involve stairs down to the tarmac rather than a covered, stairless walkway. Factor that in before choosing a rear seat purely for the exit advantage.
Worth Keeping in Mind
Not every flight will use both doors and there is no guarantee at booking. But on routes where Jetstar regularly uses the rear stairs, positioning yourself in the back rows is a great way to get off the plane faster than most of the cabin.
Has this ever worked in your favour? Comment below.