I booked a couple of cheapo Jetstar flights in the sale posted on Ozbargain.
I elected to pay by direct debit to avoid the $3.50 per flight credit card surcharge (what a ripoff). They say that the booking is held for 2 days while the transfer completes, after that if the money doesn't show up the booking may be cancelled. I was a bit worried because by the second day my booking was still showing Pay Now. It wasn't clear from the website what would happen if the transfer was held up and the booking cancelled, whether they would give me credit for the next booking or what. I would assume they are not allowed to confiscate my money(!).
In the end it came good, when I checked the booking on the third day, the transfer had cleared, and I could mail myself an itinerary. But their e-commerce leaves a bit to be desired. I would have expected an email rather than me having to check myself. So be prepared to have your nerves a little wracked if you choose to save a few dollars this way. I don't know if Jetstar is inefficient at processing transfers or they do it deliberately to make you use a CC next time.
What have your experiences been? Is Virgin Blue just as bad too?
If you get their price beat guarantee it can take a little while for the email to come, however I was able to check it a few days before the email because they give you the booking number on the phone. You might be surprised, because you might get an email soon…
Also, if you have a look at the payment options you can choose "poli internet banking", depending on your bank. It's a little different to direct deposit because when you click it, it then 'follows' you to your bank's site and recognises the payment as soon as you hit the transfer button… no waiting required.