For 35 years I've been hopping between Uk and Australia on private trips. (Self funded economy)
In the 80s and 90s on my own or as a couple we didn't mid paying a little more to travel with Qantas who at the time I felt had a great service.
But for the past 20 years travelling as a party of four (2 kids) the Qantas premium was too high.
My wife and daughter travelled to LHR in Feb for $999 return on a 787. Closest Qantas fare was $1500.
Within Australia Jetstar regularly are the lowest for regular trips to NZ and within Oz.
But for international Qantas don't make the cut.