Exploring Borneo Flying First Class on Japan Airlines and Qantas
Aurora Executive Lounge, Terminal 2 (ARN)
Finnair Business Class, Stockholm-Helsinki
Finnair Business Lounge Non-Schengen (HEL)
Finnair Premium Lounge (HEL)
Finnair Business Class, Helsinki-London
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge (LHR)
American Airlines Flagship Lounge (LHR)
British Airways Galleries First Lounge (LHR)
Japan Airlines First Class, London-Tokyo
Hilton Narita
Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge (NRT)
American Airlines Admirals Club (NRT)
Qantas International Business Lounge (NRT)
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, Main Terminal (NRT)
Japan Airlines First Class, Tokyo-Jakarta
Pura Indah Business Class Lounge, Jakarta (CGK)
Malaysia Airlines Business Class, Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, Domestic (KUL)
Hilton Kuching
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Kuching (KCH)
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Hotel
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia Airlines Business Class, Kota Kinabalu-Kuala Lumpur
Top Attractions in Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, International (KUL)
Qatar Airways Business Class, Kuala Lumpur-Doha
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge (DOH)
Al Maha Lounge (DOH)
Qatar Airways Business Class, Doha-Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Concourse A (DXB)
Emirates Business Class Lounge Concourse A (DXB)
Qantas First Class, Dubai-London
British Airways Galleries Lounge Concourse C, South (LHR)
British Airways Business Class, London-Stockholm
Flight: JL 44
Departure from London LHR: 19:00
Arrival in Tokyo HND: 16:00 (+1)
Equipment: Boeing 777 300
Date of flight: January 29, 2015
Flight duration: 12h
Seat: 2K
*This is an award travel, First Class flight #24
Japan Airlines first class seat London-Tokyo Haneda on the Boeing 777-300
Transiting at London Heathrow Airport T3
Upon arriving at London Heathrow Terminal 3, I went to the transfer desk to collect my boarding pass but I was informed that it would open at 4pm so I decided to visit the Cathay Pacific Lounge and the American Airlines Flagship Lounge first, presenting my mobile boarding pass to the lounge staff.
After getting my boarding pass, I then decided to visit the British Airways Galleries First Lounge which I think is the best lounge to use when flying first class on JAL.
Boarding
Boarding started at 6:30pm with the premium class passengers getting priority boarding.
JAL Skysuite 2K
Upon entering, I was welcomed by one of the cabin attendants who led me to my seat, 2K. I have seen pictures of the new first class seats on the internet but to see them for real was so cool. And this would be my home for the next 12 hours or so. I know JAL crew are one of the best and that their food is excellent so I was really looking forward to an unforgettable trip with them 😉
JAL middle first class cabin. That night, 4 of the 8 seats were occupied.
As soon as I was seated, I couldn't wait but to inspect every thing that surrounded me. Nakayama, the cabin attendant from Yokohama who was working on my side of the plane later came to introduce herself and explain the features of my seat, popularly known as the JAL Sky Suite. She also took my drink order.
My pre-departure beverage was nonetheless a glass of bubbly 😉
Ottoman
I also got the male amenity kit with the Spanish Loewe corduroy bag and skincare products by Shiseido. The inflight service manager also came to my seat and introduced herself a little later.
After a little while, the cabin attendant offered me the first class pajamas which were so comfortable to use. I was also offered some magazines but I declined.
The slippers placed in one of the small storage compartments were also very comfortable.
The Bose Quiet Comfort noise-cancelling headphones were perfect for entertainment use. Take note of the extra batteries. I have flown a lot of times in first class and it was my first time to see extra batteries included 👍
The Liquid Crystal Touch Panel Controller was really user-friendly.
Some storage compartments on the right side of the seat.
The JAL Suite users guide
Japan Airlines first class blanket
The 23 inch personal screen was perfect for watching movies.
I decided to change into my pajamas and after coming out from the lavatory, the cabin attendant offered to hang my clothes, a gesture I always appreciate.
As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off, Nakayama came with hot towels.
JAL inflight magazine, entertainment guide and safety on board card.
Dining
JAL first class menu and wine list
JAL First Class menu, Western
The Japanese menu read as follows:
Kozara
Japanese noodles Soba
Crabmeat dressed with grated radish sauce
Vinegared vegetables julienne with kelp
Scallop, squid and asparagus with egg yolk vinegar sauce
Simmered turnip & potato with soybean milk sauce
Owan
Japanese clear soup with shrimp Mousse
Shiizakana
Miso-grilled Greenland halibut/chicken mince cake
Mukozuke
Seabream "Yakishimo" style with sweet prawn
Dainomono
North sea mixed fish pot style
Hanmono
Seasoned rice with crabmeat or freshly steamed Koshihikari rice
Tomewan
Miso soup
Japanese pickles
Sweets
Japanese sweet
JAL first class liquor and spirit, champagne. The first class champagne was 2002 Salon Cuvee "S".
My amuse bouche together with the JAL original drink skytime kiwi ... just excellent! I thought I would order the western meal this time because I have already tasted the Japanese meal last year when I flew on ANA first class from Tokyo-Frankfurt and as much as it was a very special meal for the Japanese, I just think it doesn't suit me.
A basket containing dried seafood, rice crackers, etc.
I ended up with some fried shrimp and the like.
Then came the 2002 Salon Cuvee "S" 😉
Perfect combination
JAL first class table set up: Artichoke and spinach dip, Crispy Prawn with mango Salsa, Hot smoked Salmon Quenelle, a glass of Salon 2002, Skytime Kiwi and bread/butter.
The appetizers tasted excellent.
JAL first class caviar 😋
Grilled Halibut with Fennel cream sauce
Paris brest, Alcazar Cake, Ice Cream
Green Tea
It's time to sleep
I chose the soft side of the Dual Mode S-line mattress which gave me a goodnight's sleep. I woke up about 4 hours before landing and thought I'd take pictures of the lavatory.
Lavatory
There lavatory amenities included eye refresher, toothbrush and mouthwash.
The famous washlet 😉
JAL first class washlet controls
JAL first class bar
JAL first class bar
I was feeling a bit hungry so I decided to order some fresh fruits from the A la Carte menu.
From the movie selection, I decided to watch the Geisha movie which I thought was an interesting film.
Afterwards, I ordered some Udon noodles with seaweed which tasted excellent.
About two hours before landing, I thought I'd have a light meal and ordered some fresh fruits, yogurt and the Skytime Kiwi drink. After the meal service, the inflight service manager came to my seat to thank me personally.
We landed at 15:35 ahead of schedule at Tokyo Haneda Airport on a rainy Friday afternoon. Goodbye Boeing 777!
Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport
After clearing the immigration, I headed to the train station and took the train to Narita Airport and then the shuttle to the Hilton Narita Hotel where I would spend a night before my flight to Jakarta the following morning.
CONCLUSION
I loved everything about this flight: the food that tasted excellent, the comfortable seat and bed, and of course the crew who were always there making sure that everything was okay. Every time I leave my seat and go to the lavatory, I always find the napkin, blankets, etc all folded nicely upon my return. Really impressive. Based on my experience, Asiana and ANA are two other airlines who are consistent with that. Being addressed by my name was also much appreciated. To Nakayama and the rest of the crew on this flight, Arigato for taking care of me and making my first time on JAL first class really a memorable one. Hope to fly with you again soon. Sayonara!
Related Posts:
Review: Asiana A380 First Class, Seoul to Los Angeles
Review: British Airways First Class, Atlanta to London
Aurora Executive Lounge, Terminal 2 (ARN)
Finnair Business Class, Stockholm-Helsinki
Finnair Business Lounge Non-Schengen (HEL)
Finnair Premium Lounge (HEL)
Finnair Business Class, Helsinki-London
Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge (LHR)
American Airlines Flagship Lounge (LHR)
British Airways Galleries First Lounge (LHR)
Japan Airlines First Class, London-Tokyo
Hilton Narita
Cathay Pacific First & Business Class Lounge (NRT)
American Airlines Admirals Club (NRT)
Qantas International Business Lounge (NRT)
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge, Main Terminal (NRT)
Japan Airlines First Class, Tokyo-Jakarta
Pura Indah Business Class Lounge, Jakarta (CGK)
Malaysia Airlines Business Class, Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, Domestic (KUL)
Hilton Kuching
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Kuching (KCH)
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Hotel
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, Kota Kinabalu (BKI)
Malaysia Airlines Business Class, Kota Kinabalu-Kuala Lumpur
Top Attractions in Malaysia
Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge, International (KUL)
Qatar Airways Business Class, Kuala Lumpur-Doha
Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge (DOH)
Al Maha Lounge (DOH)
Qatar Airways Business Class, Doha-Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Concourse A (DXB)
Emirates Business Class Lounge Concourse A (DXB)
Qantas First Class, Dubai-London
British Airways Galleries Lounge Concourse C, South (LHR)
British Airways Business Class, London-Stockholm
Flight: JL 44
Departure from London LHR: 19:00
Arrival in Tokyo HND: 16:00 (+1)
Equipment: Boeing 777 300
Date of flight: January 29, 2015
Flight duration: 12h
Seat: 2K
*This is an award travel, First Class flight #24
Transiting at London Heathrow Airport T3
Upon arriving at London Heathrow Terminal 3, I went to the transfer desk to collect my boarding pass but I was informed that it would open at 4pm so I decided to visit the Cathay Pacific Lounge and the American Airlines Flagship Lounge first, presenting my mobile boarding pass to the lounge staff.
After getting my boarding pass, I then decided to visit the British Airways Galleries First Lounge which I think is the best lounge to use when flying first class on JAL.
Boarding
JAL Skysuite 2K
I decided to change into my pajamas and after coming out from the lavatory, the cabin attendant offered to hang my clothes, a gesture I always appreciate.
Dining
The Japanese menu read as follows:
Kozara
Japanese noodles Soba
Crabmeat dressed with grated radish sauce
Vinegared vegetables julienne with kelp
Scallop, squid and asparagus with egg yolk vinegar sauce
Simmered turnip & potato with soybean milk sauce
Owan
Japanese clear soup with shrimp Mousse
Shiizakana
Miso-grilled Greenland halibut/chicken mince cake
Mukozuke
Seabream "Yakishimo" style with sweet prawn
Dainomono
North sea mixed fish pot style
Hanmono
Seasoned rice with crabmeat or freshly steamed Koshihikari rice
Tomewan
Miso soup
Japanese pickles
Sweets
Japanese sweet
Lavatory
Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport
CONCLUSION
I loved everything about this flight: the food that tasted excellent, the comfortable seat and bed, and of course the crew who were always there making sure that everything was okay. Every time I leave my seat and go to the lavatory, I always find the napkin, blankets, etc all folded nicely upon my return. Really impressive. Based on my experience, Asiana and ANA are two other airlines who are consistent with that. Being addressed by my name was also much appreciated. To Nakayama and the rest of the crew on this flight, Arigato for taking care of me and making my first time on JAL first class really a memorable one. Hope to fly with you again soon. Sayonara!
Related Posts:
Review: Asiana A380 First Class, Seoul to Los Angeles
Review: British Airways First Class, Atlanta to London