We flew JFK to Narita in J for the first time a couple of months ago and found the crew to be exceptional and the service to be on par with our experience in their F product. Japan Airlines’ “Ethical Choice Meal Skip” With JAL’s new “Ethical Choice Meal Skip,” passengers are asked to confirm in advance if they don’t plan on dining inflight:. Please enjoy expected in-flight menu which is made by Japanese chef who makes a great deal of Japanese unique taste. Our itinerary ended up being: ORD-NRT on JAL 777-300ER; NRT-HAN on JAL 787 Dreamliner; JAL 777-300ER Business Class Review In the interim I have flown Japan Air multiple times between Vancouver, SFO, and SAN and NRT on outgoing or return segment on the 787-8 in business and the 777 in First class. I’ve only spent a paltry 2 years there but I’ve seen 辛口 sake countless times and have never seen confusion when talking about it as if the flavor description of “dry” doesn’t exist in the language. Whilst Narita Airport gets a lot less love these days than Haneda Airport due to its considerably closer proximity to the centre of Tokyo, it is still as efficient as ever and after a smooth check-in, I was quickly through immigration and on my way towards the quiet enclave of the Sakura (Business) Lounge. Japan Airlines will tempt travellers with a new spread of dishes in first class and business class, some designed by a Michelin 2-star chef, as the Oneworld member and Qantas partner rolls out its Spring menu for 2019. Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure. @Lucky, sorry again. Helsinki Japan Airlines business class cabin 787-9. I had the snack, consisting of corn soup, pate of duck, and salmon mousse canapé — all three were delicious. The funny thing is you’ll usually see the Japanese or Koreans wearing the cardigans and bundled up in blankets even in the stifling cabins! Our itinerary ended up being: ORD-NRT on JAL 777-300ER; NRT-HAN on JAL 787 Dreamliner; JAL 777-300ER Business Class Review But in my opinion, the concept is not broad enough in Japan yet to expect every single Japanese person to understand it. I never claimed to be a Sake expert, but like I said, I’ve lived here 16+ years. I’ve not flown then for about a year or so, is this a new thing? * Passengers can reserve special inflight allergy-friendly meals in advance. The airline has four classes of service: First Class, Executive Class (the equivalent of Business Class), Premium Economy Class, Class J (Economy Class seating with larger seats) and Economy Class. Either is a great option. I think two hours is very reasonable for a full day flight service on a long haul flight. Bangkok A conservative sleeping capsule, designed to optimise the surrounding space and a decent variety of dining options ready and waiting for you. Singapore For the main course I ordered the sautéed “white fish” with mascarpone porcini mushroom sauce, which was good. The table swivels so you can get up during meal service. Japan Airlines has great inflight Wi-Fi to begin with, but I love that they offer free Wi-Fi in first class with no data caps. I was flying a Japanese airline, so of course service was good. JL is part of the oneworld alliance and also has codeshare arrangements with about 30 other airlines. In English, “Kawakasu.” That means, for examples, a person who dries off after a swim, or clothes that dry after being washed. May By the way Ed, please post the name of the Sake brewery near Narita that you mentioned. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I asked for the driest sake, and she didn’t seem to have a recommendation. JAL is one of the few airlines that provide a real mattress (instead of just a sheet/topper) in Business Class. Japan Airlines’ 787-9 business class cabin consists of a total of 44 Apex Suites. Now that I think about it, I drink whatever Sake is put in front of me at whatever Izakaya I happen to be in. The forward business class cabin had a total of 24 seats, spread across four rows in a 2-2-2 configuration. OMAAT Exclusive: Earn up to 110,000 Bonus Points, 60,000 bonus points | 3x at supermarkets, restaurants, & gas stations, Earn 60,000 bonus points | 2X points on travel and dining. Cabin feed air must be warmed but too often overheated. I’ve flown ANA’s first class, JAL’s business class, and JAL’s first class, so was curious to see where ANA’s business class product ranked. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances. He chronicles his adventures, along with industry news, here at One Mile at a Time. The window seats (A and K) have a partition that offers a crazy amount of privacy for a business-class seat, almost feeling like its own enclosed cabin, a perk that’s usually reserved for specialty first-class flights. (Image credit: Japan Airlines) This year, the airlines launched even more culinary offerings: from new spring menus on international flights to First and Business Class champagne, wine and Japanese sake selection. Served around 2 hours before arrival the breakfast menu included Japanese or Western options, both of which were large breakfasts consisting of multiple items. Spicy, Dry. The Mongolia videos have finally come to an end... :(I'm still dreaming about riding horses xDGet tickets to the best show on earth!!! Learn about JAL's ever more convenient international network. A motorized wall is between the seats that you can raise and lower depending on if you know the person sitting next to you. I’m not as keen as the Apex Suite as you are. We flew business class on ANA Boeing 777-300 on our way back to London from Tokyo (12.5 hours). On the same trolley as the dessert they also offered coffee and tea. Same question for the soon-to-be somellier above. During pushback the safety video was screened, and by 11:50AM we started our taxi to the departure runway. Upon the conclusion of the meal we were offered bottles of water. However, as I booked it a week before departure, I was charged by AA for a close-in booking fee of $75. Reminder: OMAAT comments are changing soon. When the cabin is too warm do you ask the crew to turn the temperature down? @Alex. He was hungry at that point so tried to order something. Please note, this JAL business class flight was in September 2019. Flight Review: JAL Business Class Sky Suites Tokyo to Shanghai. My only "complaint" would be the lack of dessert items. Manila She was talking to my wife and having a much easier time seeing her than I did. Arrive: 4:25PM (+1 day) If you’re interested in booking JAL business class as an award, AA will charge you 60,000 miles each way to/from Japan, or 70,000 to the rest of Asia. Taipei Hong Kong It's undoubtedly one of the most impressive business class menus you'll find. On the same trolley as the dessert they also offered coffee and tea. JAL Spring Inflight Menu - Beef Cheek simmered in chili-anchovy sauce . If I was an AA elite, I would have had the close-in booking fee waived. The accolades don't stop there. In "Reviews" In December 2017, I took Japan Airlines from Tokyo Haneda to Shanghai Pudong. Especially on the 777, there is no good option for two people. If J opens up on JAL, would you or others cancel the delta flights for JAL business for 70K miles or keep the Delta suites if JAL F doesn’t open up? I’m surprised to read they offered PTO drinks. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Japan Airlines first class cabin. It was about 40 minutes between when the starter and main were served. This is currently exclusively available on JL34 from Bangkok to Tokyo Haneda, which is the redeye flight I wanted to wait to see what your response was to my post above before adding the below, because I had some hints in there that I wanted to see if you picked up on. Guangzhou Duration: 13hr45min Business Class passengers are welcome to disembark first from the aircraft. The award search was pretty straightforward. Japan Airlines business class entertainment controller. It’s impressive how Japanese value customers as if they were royalty. I find the japanese options on Japanese airlines good even in economy class. If travelling with a child (7 yo) would you still opt for the side seats or would the centre paid be better? To me the cabin temperature is as important as the food. Japan Airlines Business Class Sky Suites is comparable to a mini-experience of the country. Bengaluru I’d definitely recommend using AAdvantage miles, if you have some lying around. For couples on the 777 I’d probably recommend the two sides of the aisle more than anything. We loved every second of it and couldn't wait to write our review of flying business class with All Nippon Airways. When the nozzles exist, it is just blowing cabin air at you. • Review: SriLankan Airlines Business Class A321neo Colombo To Abu Dhabi Passengers can opt out of meal service, which JAL notes will contribute to its effort to eliminate food waste. I used 65,000 Alaska miles + $81 in taxes. Not the end of the world. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. Towards the end of the flight I enjoyed the view out the window, as most people in the cabin started to wake up, meaning the windows could be undimmed. Though Korean Air’s business-class cabin on the 787-9 felt small to me, JAL’s on the 77W — that’s how the 777-300ER is known under the International Air Transport Association’s coding system — felt large, probably because of the 2-3-2 configuration. @A passerby wrote, I suspect sarcastically, “as if the flavor description of “dry” doesn’t exist in the language.” To point out the obvious: you wrote it in Katakana: the very script reserved for words that don’t exist in the language. • Review: Amanwella, Tangalle, Sri Lanka About BenBen Schlappig (aka Lucky) is a travel consultant, blogger, and avid points collector. Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 The Sakura Lounge is a classy affair, split over two simple but stylish levels with a quiet zone on the lower level including sleep pods an… This product is great in the window seat as you say, for a single. But that’s a small price to pay for having a massive ottoman on which to place your feet, rather than having to squeeze them into a small footwell. So in reality, the award only cost 45,000 miles! Having flown in JAL first dozens of times (always paid ticket), the experience has always been stellar. So in reality, the award only cost 45,000 miles! . I opted for the kobachi bowls as my appetizer. For the remainder of the flight I kept trying to go back to sleep, though ultimately failed, so ended up just working for most of the flight. Busan Paris I also ordered some ice cream, which consisted of a vanilla Haagen-Dazs tub. Japan Airlines business class privacy shield, While the aisle and window seats are staggered (one is further up than the other), the center seats are right next to one another. To accompany that I had sake, as well as some snack mix and soybeans. Oddly enough, Japan Airlines’ food and beverage program is called BEDD. There’s a small path leading to the window seats, so you don’t have to jump over the person in the aisle. Also, Business Class passengers disembarking at Narita Airport can relax in the ANA Arrival Lounge before connecting to a domestic flight or leaving the airport. JL menu food options . Funny how you never mention that you asked the cabin crew to turn down the temperature. Japan Airlines Boeing 787-8 Business Class. The seat next to me stayed empty. Don’t get me wrong, just about everything else about the flight was good, it just wasn’t exceptional. http://www.sakeexpert.com/saketaste.php For the first meal, JAL offers its business class passengers a choice of Japanese or Western full-course menus. I think that part of these blogs is very important for people trying to maximize their points’ value and strategy. I know American and Japan Airlines have a transpacific joint venture, but I didn’t think this would mean that JAL adopts American’s service levels. This version of JAL’s 787 featured 38 Sky Suites in business class arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. London Help us fund therapy sessions for black women and girls, What You Need to Know About Airline Partnerships & Alliances, The Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Policies, The news, resources, & information you need. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. We had spent the night prior to our flight at the Grand Hyatt DFW, which is connected to the terminal. With just under 10 hours remaining inflight I asked to have my bed made, as I was hoping to get some rest. What an outrage………………….pathetic. The meal service was concluded over two hours after takeoff, so was quite drawn out. For what it’s worth, Japan Airlines passengers have access to the American Airlines lounges, though the Amex Centurion Lounge is also conveniently located near Japan Airlines’ gate. Seat: 8A (Business Class). @Mike – I find it’s cultural. Can anyone explain why Asian airlines keep airline cabins warm? But it’s tax season, and I have to get some things done, so I’m knocking this out now. I was upgraded about two weeks ago from Premium Economy to Business class on the 787-9 from Sydney to Narita. Jakarta This is an excellent seat, though I do have to note that rather annoyingly Japan Airlines doesn’t have have individual air nozzles, which sure is frustrating, given that the airline keeps their cabins quite warm. I assigned myself seat 8A, while I assigned Ford 7A, right in front of me. Melbourne ------------ They charge just $19 for Wi-Fi for the entire flight with no data caps. So you have to control everything off the small handheld controller (at least as far as I can tell), which I find complicated to use. While the lights in Business Class were fully shut off, the First Cabin was fully lit, although everyone was trying to … So after spending many more hours working, just over 90 minutes before landing I ordered the pre-landing snack. Dallas/Fort Worth ------------ Maybe the problem is that a few weeks prior I flew Japan Airlines first class and had an out-of-this-world-spectacular crew. My connecting flight to this flight was delayed, so my 1h 40m layover turned into a 40m layover, and I needed to get from Terminal 6 to TBIT at LAX. However, I do enjoy sake, and have long requested dry sake, and that has never been met with confusion. Then cardigans were distributed. Japan Airlines (JAL) is giving their in-flight meals a significant upgrade by now offering Michelin star meals on select Business and First Class flights. For example, it would take them forever to clear trays, both during the main meal service, and also later in the flight when I ordered snacks. Each seat offered direct aisle access and a high privacy wall to separate the two passengers. It was very comprehensive for a ten-hour flight, offering a number of Japanese and Western ‘dine on demand' dishes in addition to a multi-course main meal. In "Reviews" I flew Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER on Japan Airlines (JAL) from London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) in Japan in June 2016. Japan Airlines business class amenity kit. Take a look at our aircrafts and seat configurations. The window seat is the best product for someone flying solo. Japan Airlines Business Class Menu. He’s had more than his fair share of exposure to Sake (it’s just before 0900 on Sunday here in Japan, so we are letting him sleep in before calling after a late Saturday night he undoubtedly spent drinking Sake), and he’s had enough exposure to the West and speaks enough English to understand our concepts, so this will be an interesting topic about which to get his opinion. One Mile at a Time is owned by PointsPros, Inc. LAX to Natita in first and Narita to Singapore in business. Jan I boarded through the second door on the left, where I was pointed right to my seat. It's undoubtedly one of the most impressive business class menus you'll find. Furthermore, there’s a significant amount of storage underneath the ottoman, so you can easily place a bag there during the flight. Our flight was departing from gate D15, and boarding was scheduled to start at 11:10AM, 30 minutes before departure. That post was a dick move on my part. Boarding did in fact start at 11:10AM, and you boarded by standing in front of a screen, and once the screen lit up, you just presented your boarding pass to a gate agent — there was no need to present your passport. And yes, you did a fantastic job articulating yourself. Their hard product is exceptional, while their soft product is good. Japan Airlines’ 787-9s are extremely low capacity (they have just 195 seats), so boarding was quick. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. By review I mean detailed descriptions as you did with the window seats (placement of storage spaces, seats, controls etc with photos) and not just whether they are staggered or not. The Japan Airlines business class menu is named ‘BEDD, Sky Auberge by JAL'. I’m not referring to just this review but in your other reviews on other airlines as well, please include reviews on the aisle seats or the types of seats different to yours. I have a future JAL flight in business and all the APEX window seats are blocked. It’s fairly comfortable, though not particularly lux, with good food and beverages o… Japan Airlines business class bottled water. Required fields are marked *. Safe travels. It is not cooler air. JAL’s 787-8 consists of 42 business class seats spread across 2 cabins, with a 2-2-2 seat configuration. For those looking, if you take an aisle seat you get a great storage area that takes up the space behind the offset window seat. Ford managed to nap a bit more (I’m jealous! Japan Airlines has mattress pads in business class, which really help in terms of comfort. He travels about 400,000 miles a year, primarily using miles and points to enhance his first class experiences. The 110v and USB outlet is also within easy reach. It might be 5c outside, but hotel room temperature is always set at 25c! And after this flight, I’m more convinced than ever that it’s one of the best uses of American AAdvantage miles. Your seat will have your Airweave pillow, dining menu, plane slippers, noise-canceling headphones, and blanket for the … I usually won’t eat economy class food, but ANA and JAL are the only airlines where I will. Japan Airlines business class seats 787-9. I agree, it looked to be the best business class seat out of all of them. After food, the flight attendant placed a white Airweave brand mattress on top of my seat; this provided a nice touch of additional comfort. Japan Airlines Business Class JAL Sky Suite seat, 7K. The food was great, the Japanese option was a 3×3 grid of 9 different little bites. Kuala Lumpur By comparison, Business Class food is very good but does not reach the excellence of the First Class menu. Oct Airshow between Tokyo and San Francisco. Then there were slippers, along with a shoehorn. They were friendly and they were well intentioned, but they just weren’t as attentive or infectiously adorable as I often find on Japanese airlines. They generally don’t offer them in J (even when there is plenty of spare time on the ground) so interesting to see they were offered. Unfortunately I found the cabin to be really warm due to the lack of air nozzles, which made it hard to sleep. Better late than never. I took this flight (the other direction) also in seat 8A! Akita and Niigata have the best rice in Japan, hence I think they have the best Sake in Japan. Japan Airlines Business Class JAL Sky Suite seat, 7K. Tuesday, January 22 Japan Airlines business class pre-departure drink, A few minutes later the crew passed through the cabin with magazines and newspapers. Chicago For the first meal, Japan Airlines offers its international business class passengers a choice of Japanese or Western full-course menus. Japan Airlines is a bit peculiar… Read More. New York I’d flown on JAL’s Boeing 777-300ER a couple of times in first class, but this was my first time flying this plane in business class.Overall, it’s a great product hard product for business class. JAL business class menu. There were no announcements from the cockpit, other than that 20 minutes before arrival the pilots announced for the cabin crew to prepare the cabin for landing. Am i being rude by doing so? JAL is serving the original menu which is only available in JAL's cabin by Chef Teshima pursuing essential taste. A couple of the most fluent English speaking Japanese men I know insist “dry’ is not used to describe sake. I know this is a Japanese thing — personally I’ve never thought to myself “ah, what I really need to get comfortable for the next 13 hours is a cardigan!”. Over the past 7 months or so I’ve asked numerous Japanese counterparts about using the term “dry” to describe sake. Window seats in this configuration are by far the best option. I think it is terrible if you get an aisle seat or if you are traveling with a companion, as I just did. I’m always optimistic when it comes to sleeping on planes. Since you’re Mr. Japanese expert. Lucky, when did JAL open up the window seats for assignment? *Inflight meals must be consumed during the flight. The Japanese don’t have a word for “dry’?” Of course they do: 乾かす 干す. So i’ve gotta ask. • Review: Qantas Lounge Tokyo Narita Airport From March 1st - May 31st business class passengers flying from Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Helsinki to Tokyo can enjoy Japanese savoury rice bowls. Japan Airlines business class seat controls. There are 42 SKY SUITE III Business Class seats on JAL's 777-200ER and there is a mini-cabin (rows 8-11) located behind the first. I flew Japan Airlines to Singapore last year. A few insist sake is never described as “dry,” a few have disagreed and will describe sake as such. You’re guess seems reasonable. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to matter how well they speak English. @A passerby, I always appreciate the opportunity to challenge my own assumptions. Fortunately I enjoyed the sake that I randomly decided on. Tokyo(Haneda) You can either use some linguistic flexibility and try another approach to make your point, or you can give up and drink whatever Sake happens to be placed in front of you. 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