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Japan Airlines review - by David Maerz
2 November 2006
Melbourne to Frankfurt via Narita then Paris to Melbourne via Narita
Business class. Melbourne to Tokyo and return legs using Qantas
codeshare. Very happy with the comfort and service. Meals have improved
from when we last travelled with JAL (in business class) 2 years ago - a
2 course service with beautiful japanese dinnerware and the second meal
service was on an on-request basis. The aircraft on the Japan -Europe
legs were new B777's with the Shell flat seats. Quite comfortable and
the `almost flatness` made resting easy. Great AVOD. Cabin staff are
very attentive and very polite. Toilets always clean. Water constantly
supplied. Overnight in Narita is a welcome break to the trip and the JAL
ground service is very good. The Air France lounge in Paris is
comfortable and although the Sakura Lounge in Narita is a little tired
around the edges, it beats waiting in the general boarding lounges.
There was plenty of space to store travelling bags whilst we did some
shopping whilst waiting for our onward flight. JAL provides a much
better service than Qantas - better food, service and general cabin
conduct. Excellent fares - JAL have an extremely keenly priced J-class
companion fare. Also, the Frequent Flyer program is great value. After 2
trips to Europe (business class) I have had enough points for 2 seats to
Tokyo return in business class. Easy to book on-line and no problems
wanting to travel on my preferred dates. Will continue to travel with
JAL.
Japan Airlines review - by Catherine Bourassa
17 October 2006
BNE-LHR, Rome-BNE. Delightful and efficient staff. Meals OK, not great.
beverage service of non alcoholic drinks was regular and varied. Legroom
not good in economy class and flights were fully booked. The overnight
stay in Narita was a welcome break and would be great on the return trip
too.
Japan Airlines review - by Tyler Higson
15 October 2006
BNE-NRT, KIX-BNE Economy. Brisbane to Narita leg was great. FA's
friendly and helpful with a smile. English was to a good level. Food was
great. Boarding was easy, same with disembarking. They show a video on
how to get through Narita Airports facilities. On older aircraft so our
entertainment was from the front on the big screen. Seats were
comfortable. KIX-BNE was a overnight flight. Dinner was 45 mins after
take off but the food on this leg was uneatable. Disembarking again was
no problem.
Japan Airlines review - by Maung Moe
11 September 2006
NRT-BKK-NRT economy. Boarding was quick. FA's are very professional,
helpful, and friendly. About 6 hours on both legs. 747-400 but seats are
pretty cramped. No AVOD but video selection is better than most US
airlines. AVOD is offered on Nagoya-BKK flights aboard 767's but not too
thrilled about Centair airport in Nagoya. Food is good and there are
endless supply of snacks and beverages. Overall, no complaint
whatsoever. It's always a pleasure to switch from AA to JAL in NRT.
Can't wait for JAL to become a part of OneWorld alliance so that elite
flyers can enjoy their lounges.
Japan Airlines review - by Brian E Smith
26 August 2006
NRT to BKK return in economy I found Japan Airlines service to be very
good! Bend over backwards polite and very friendly, English not a
problem. Food OK. However, the seats are tight and cramped. This is
repeated over and over again in these posted reviews, take a look. I
much prefer ANA in and out of NRT and can't understand why reviews of
JAL are so glowing.
Japan Airlines review - by Brian Storey
22 August 2006
Sydney to London and return. The staff were attentive and helpful, the
food good (a choice between Japanese and Western foods and drinks always
offered). Excellent. Really enjoyed the complimentary small bottle of
French wines with the meals. I found the leg room in economy (on the 777
flights) very cramped and uncomfortable.
Japan Airlines review - by Greg Bell
22 August 2006
On my last trip to England I flew JAL from Brisbane to LHR via Japan,
with a stopover at Narita. Having previously flown with Singapore
Airlines, whose cabin service I didn't think could be bettered anywhere
else, I was delighted with the level of service and efficiency on JAL. I
flew Economy, but almost felt like I was in Business! Great food, and I
love being able to choose between Western or Asian selections. IFE is
excellent, and though I'm not a huge computer game fan, I found this a
great way to while away the time on a long flight. The only thing I
found a bit odd was that when ordering a Scotch and Dry ( ie with dry
ginger ale), the Australian FA willingly brought it, but told us that
Ginger Ale was only for Business Class passengers, and that if we wanted
another drink of the same, to make sure that we ordered it from her, as
the Japanese FA's would only serve Scotch with lemonade to Economy
passengers! So on our return flight we made sure that we bought a bottle
of Ginger Ale at Narita airport, and took it on board to have with our
Scotch. After becoming airborne, we asked the FA just for Scotch and
Ice, intending to add our own Ginger Ale. She brought us glasses filled
to the brim with Scotch, leaving us no room to add the Ginger Ale. So it
was sip a little, add dry ginger, then sip a bit more! The drink was so
strong it lasted us for many hundreds of kilometres over the Pacific,
and we didn't have to reorder another drink for ages! Would willingly
travel with JAL again, taking my own mixer next time!!
Japan Airlines review - by Aaron Brett
26 June 2006
GRU-JFK: Recently flew on JAL from Sao Paulo to New York. Overall I
would say it was a good experience. I was not able to upgrade using
miles so I was in the economy section. Flight crew was very friendly
and food was good. The only real complaints I had were there inflight
entertainment was a little weak and seat pitch not great. Beyond that
and compared to the other options flying into GRU I would say its
probably your best choice.
Japan Airlines review - by Calvin Hayashi
21 May 2006
Honolulu - Beijing with stop over in Narita. Shanghai - Honolulu with
layover at Narita, Japan economy class. The service was excellent!
They had great food and the FA's were very nice and they all looked
fine! The seats were a bit crammed though. This is my first time with
JAL and I would gladly fly it again if I ever needed to.
Japan Airlines review - by Frank Lauterbur
21 May 2006
I just returned Tokyo to Los Angeles in Business Class - seated on the upper
deck. The seat is comfortable in most positions and more intuitive to use than many other angle-
flat seats. The entertainment system is very good, although the selection is more limited than CX
or SQ. Service was excellent and the meal was extremely good - both in presentation and quality.
I definitely recommend JAL over AA, UA or NW on this route.
Japan Airlines review - by Sue Edwards
22 April 2006
Have just returned from a trip to Japan with JAL(Economy). Outward
journey LHR-KIX was on a new 777-300. Despite checking in at LHR over 2
hours before closing, we were not able to sit together as a family (4
persons) which I was not particularly happy about. Seated in middle
section of cabin.Leg room was reasonable, IFE was very good as we could
watch what we wanted when we wanted and even had the ability to pause,
fast forward, etc., although the films were somewhat dated. Food was
good as was the overall service. Staff were efficient & friendly. It was
very hot and stuffy on the plane which at times made me feel unwell. The
return journey NRT-LHR was also on a 777-300 but an older plane. This
time we were seated by the window over the wing and the legroom was very
cramped. So much so that I could not sleep at all and spent the whole
trip watching films! Much cooler in the cabin this time. Once again, the
service was excellent. Would definitely fly with them again.
Japan Airlines review - by Kelvyn Gardner
20 April 2006
London-Tokyo in Business. A very good experience. FAs all very helpful
and friendly reflecting traditional Japanese courtesy. New 'shell seat'
gives you plenty of room and is comfortable. Does not lie 100% flat so
not as good as Virgin Upper Class, and, somewhat surprisingly, the cabin
is configured 2-3-2, so, even with a J class seat you could find
yourself in a middle seat. Again this is not up to other J Classes
where, increasingly, all seats have individual access to the aisle.
Entertainment system very good, with self-select movie start times and
FF, pause and RW controls and a nice, big screen. No amenity kits
although they come around offering you toothbrushes, wipes, eyeshades
and even the surgical-looking face masks which some Japanese people wear
around town every day. I chose the Japanese meal (there is a full
Western menu as well) and this was the best airline meal I've had. They
have a 'freedom service' for your second meal with a wide choice of
Western/Japanese dishes which you can order anytime up to 90 minutes
before landing. I ate some ramen noodles and my companion had Japanese
eel over rice and both were very good. Flight and landing were very
smooth. Baggage handling was prompt, too. All in all a great experience
- Virgin Upper Class has the edge on comfort but I might choose JAL
again because of the food.
Japan Airlines review - by John Webster
7 April 2006
LHR-NRT-BNE return in Economy. Outward flight went over the North Pole,
only took 11 hours. Modern 777-300 used on this leg with all usual mod
cons, cabins however were a little warmer than other airlines and tended
to get a little stuffy. Second leg used older 747`s - food was very
good, cabin crew very polite always smiling. JAL were excellent value
for money as free flight BNE-SYD was included, as was free overnight
stop at 5* Nikko Narita Hotel, excellent free breakfast included. Check
in available in hotel foyer, and free shuttle to and from airport. This
was excellent value for money, would travel with them again.
Japan Airlines review - by Jeffrey Leong
30 March 2006
London Heathrow-Sydney via Tokyo Narita (return trip) on business class.
The general impression is of a top-class airline, but there are
significant criticisms, mainly relating to the airport lounges. Most
disappointing is the Sakura lounge at Tokyo Narita with no food or
snacks other than crisps, nuts and a few cookies. The selection of
drinks was also poor. The JAL lounges at LHR and SYD were somewhat
better but not much and the lounge in Sydney airport was small and very
crowded. On board the aircraft things were much better, with excellent
service from the smiling and welcoming cabin crew. On-board catering was
never less than adequate and at times very good, in particular the lunch
served on the flight out of Sydney (king prawns, smoked salmon,
prosciuto ham, scallops for starters, a choice of chicken or fillet
steak, and good desserts). The least good catering was on the flights
out of Tokyo Narita. Wines were of decent quality, and the after-dinner
chocolates were first class. The well-publicised “self-serve buffet”
available on LHR-Narita flights was, I am afraid, not up to much. IFE
was quite good but the movies were practically the same on all four
flights, both outward and inward and this was inadequate spread over
more than 40 hours flying time. Unlike others, I do not have any
complaints about excessive warmth in the cabin and found the temperature
quite comfortable. On the return journey, there was an overnight stop-
over at Narita. Passengers were taken to a nearby hotel owned by JAL and
were provided with a comfortable room for the night with a good dinner
and a buffet breakfast, all free of charge – a welcome break in the long
journey from Sydney to London.
Japan Airlines review - by Graham Hoenes
30 March 2006
My wife and I travelled to Australia with JAL this winter having made
the same trip last year with JAL. On both occasions we travelled
economy class. We were very impressed with JAL - all areas from check
in to flight attendants provide excellent friendly service - they always
want to help. This attitude is missing in most service buisiness today
and all the more refreshing to find it on what is a very,very long
journey. We would recommend JAL to anyone usng thier routes.
Congratulations to JAL.
Japan Airlines review - by Stephen Knight
26 March 2006
I have been flying NRT-HNL-NRT at least once a month for the past seven
months. Unfortunately, this has coincided almost exactly with the
changeover from JAL to "Jalways," essentially the full outsourcing of
this particular resort route. The NRT-HNL route has had some flight
cutbacks in the past year, but there are still four daily flights out of
NRT. Most of them are sold as so-called "mono-flights," with all seats
sold as Economy, though without any change in the actual seating--so a
couple of dozen or so lucky passengers get to sit in C seating (though
of course with Y food and service). These "wide seats" are supposedly
available only upon check in at the airport, though on my most recent
trip, despite checking in more than 2.5 hours prior to departure, I was
told they were all taken. have not seen a comparison of seat pitch
across the international airlines, but in my experience, Jalways planes
have what must be the most cramped Y seating in the industry. If you're
anything above about 5'10" (178 cm) or over 200 lbs. (89 kg), you'll
have trouble using your tray-table for anything, and storing a bag under
the seat in front of you will make it impossible to move your feet or
legs, or retrieve anything from the bag in-flight. Flights with seat-
back video systems are even worse, because the arm rests don't move, and
the sizeable remote control stored in them makes the seat even narrower
than usual. Service is unfailingly polite, but I agree with others that
the cabin is usually too hot, and entertainment systems vary wildly
(last flight was the old-fashioned big screen, with no seat-back
monitors). Food is barely acceptable--curry and rice for dinner, cold
noodles for breakfast--and while I do not drink alcohol when flying,
they seem to carry only a bare minimum selection of whiskeys and other
liquor. Mileage accumulation has also been a big disappointment--only
2,683 miles credited for each leg on NRT-HNL-NRT--and it takes dozens of
flights at that rate to reach any kind of preferred flyer status.
Unless the client for whom I fly to Honolulu decides to let me fly in
business class, and baring any dramatic improvement in the Jalways
economy class seating, I may have to switch back to United.
Japan Airlines - by Sam Linde
25 March 2006
NRT to SFO flight. Very disappointed. The stewardesses were not
attentive. They spent 90% of their time making sure that the Japanese
speaking customers were comfortable. The cabin was hot, and the
stewardess was clearly annoyed with my request to turn down the
temperature. Economy class was small and cramped, and worse when the
seat in front is reclined. I had the middle seat, and the woman by the
aisle just decided that she wouldn't move. I used the bathroom twice the
whole 9 hours, not an experience I'd like to repeat. Long lines for the
bathroom too. On the positive side, Narita airport was kept impeccably
clean.
Japan Airlines - by P Perera
18 February 2006
Singapore via Tokyo to Chicago in Y class. Sin to Tokyo flight was half
empty and turned out to be a great flight. Onboard service was great the
morning breakfast before landing was nice. NRT to ORD segment was
uneventful with good service. They need to have more snacks for a 11
hour flight.
Japan Airlines - by N Law
3 February 2006
ORD-NRT-HKG-NRT-ORD on Business Class with new Shell flat seat. Check in
at both ORD and NRT was slow and unhelpful. New shell flat seat (ORD-
NRT-ORD) wasn't the best C class seat. Not very comfortable when "flat".
The old Skylux seat (NRT-HKG-NRT) was a lot better. Food service on all
flight below average for Business class. Cabin attendants were very nice
(one of the best among other airlines), but do not address customers by
name.
Japan Airlines - by Robert Mayer
31 January 2006
Seoul - Tokyo (Narita) - Frankfurt. I recently returned from the above
itinerary with JAL (B747 and B777). I found a very inexpensive online
deal and thought I could give it a try. This was my first time flying
JAL and definitely not my last. Staff extremely polite, IFE system
excellent (huge variety of movie channels with latest releases, games
and other things that made the flight a rather entertaining one), seats
were comfortable, though no more spacious than other airlines. The food
was good but (obviously) very Japanese which might not be everybody's
favourite. They did have some Western-style selection as well. However,
it was almost instantly gone and all remaining passengers had to cope
with the Japanese dish. Considering the good deal and entertaining
flights I had with JAL, I can recommend this airline. Very good value
for money!
Japan Airlines - by Peggy Chen
27 January 2006
Must agree with Mr. Laarakkers post . My husband and I spent almost 20
hours in Narita because of mechanical failure and weather problems.
There were no generalized announcements, there was a generalized
desperate feeling in the transit terminal. JAL officials either did not
speak English or blatantly lied to us about the status of our flights.
There were an inadequate number of blankets and the food was cold rice
with lukewarm drinks. There were no phone cards or any method of
contacting our families to let them know we were stranded. The floor
was *freezing*, there were infants, children, individuals in
wheelchairs, at least 100 of us all sleeping in the transit lounge on
the floor. JAL initially wanted to put us on a flight 48 hours after
our original flight was scheduled to take off. The only reason we are
here is because my husband pitched a fit and insisted that we be placed
on standy for an earlier flight. My luggage, all 3 pieces, still
haven't reached me, now more than 48 hours after I returned. JAL reps
have been exceedingly unhelpful thus far in helping me recover my
luggage and can only offer impotent apologies to me. I was a JAL convert
until this last leg of my flight. My husband and I flew a total of 8
flights on JAL during this last trip, all were incredible until this
last one. That just makes me realize that JAL works impeccably under
ideal conditions, but JAL staff have no idea how to deal with a crisis
and have proven themselves again and again to be incompetent and
untrustworthy when under pressure.
Japan Airlines - by David Laarakkers
26 January 2006
I have just got back to Australia after spending 36hrs at Narita
Airport. The airport was snowed in and due to a complete lack of
planning there was almost no de-icing equipment available. Our
connecting flight was cancelled and JAL constantly lied to us about the
availability of a future flight. While other airlines managed to provide
their passengers with water, food and something to sleep on, we had to
rely on other airlines to get something to eat and a blanket to put on
the floor. JAL provided almost nothing. When some food did finally
arrive it was Japanese style food which my young children could not eat.
In summary they had JAL had no plan in place to deal with this
situation. It was only after we all started to turn into an angry mob
they decided to help us and a manager finally turned up.
Japan Airlines - by Mike O'Brien
26 January 2006
My wife and I recently used JAL to fly to Cairns and return to the UK
recently. This is the first time that we have travelled with JAL and
were most impressed with the service and care that was shown to
passengers. I have a medical condition that required some help with
seating and this was sorted out in a very helpful and pleasant manner.
Special thanks to a young lady representative of JAL at Cairns airport.
I have nothing but gratitude for everyone who helped to make flying with
JAL such a pleasant experience.
Japan Airlines - by Darren James
26 January 2006
LHR-NRT, Executive class, on 773. Five hour delay because of delay of
incoming plane. Service o board good, but was not really interested in
having dinner at 1am - time it was served. JAL are obviously trying to
improve their game in business class food - when you want, and served
on proper china etc, but the problem is that it all seems a bit new to
the cabin crew and their inexperience of service at this level shows. I
prefer the more intimate business class sections of the 772. The 773 is
like sleeping in a dorm, with just one large very big section. Overall a
good flight. Slept for most of it. Second time in two months of making
this trip in this class and the same standard. Good to see them making
much needed improvements in some areas of the service at this class. I
often felt before that the economy service was better value and quick
frankly as good as business class on this airline.
Japan Airlines - by Richard Jones
21 January 2006
I recently flew Japan Airlines from LAX-NRT-HKG return. I was very
impressed with the overall experience. The entire crew were well
groomed and provided excellent service. I particularly enjoyed the
rounds of green tea. I sat in the exit row coming home and noticed that
the crew facing me bowed before getting up and sitting down. The
transit in NRT was fine even though I had a tight connection. To sum it
up, JAL's service standard makes US carriers economy class service look
rather sloppy.
Japan Airlines - by J Aditya
15 January 2006
Tokyo-Bangkok-Tokyo Economy class. B747 on both legs. Air hostesses are
efficient, and extremely well trained and organised. Excellent in-flight
service reminds one of the old Singapore Airlines. Served decent Asian
vegetarian meal on both legs. Flights on time. Personal TV screens and
good reading material (magazines) provided on request. Seats could be
wider and have more legroom. Got an exit row seat outbound and an empty
row of three on the inbound (top level). Would fly them again. Very
impressed.
Japan Airlines - by Brian Smith
6 January 2006
NRT-ORD return in economy class. While the staff and flight attendants
show incredible politeness and sincere kindness, speaking English well,
they alone cannot save the entire flight experience. Although, Japan
Airlines provides a decent economy class when compared to American
carriers, flaws remain and they don’t hold up to their rivals, primarily
All Nippon. First of all, the video system is becoming outdated. On both
legs they do not offer AVOD. They offer three types of in-flight
entertainment on their aircraft and I believe only the newest of these
is AVOD. The food provided was just enough, but the quality was not the
best. They seemed to keep the costs down by using lots of carbohydrate
foods and not many fruits or vegetables. I was even served canned fruit
cocktail from ORD to NRT! During the flight there is a “Sky Oasis” set
up in the galley. This can be stocked or not, but all the snacks are
carbohydrates again. Many other passengers obviously were not satisfied
with their meals either, or there wouldn’t be such demand on these snack
foods! The main problem I really wanted to state in this email is the
seat size. The seats are hard and nearly unbearable in the seat pitch
and width. For a 6’2” man over 230 pounds, this was pure hell. With
upgrades to their food service, improvement in seat pitch, or the
installing of a premium economy class, I would fly them again. Without
these changes, I won’t fly them any time soon.
Japan Airlines - by Ryan Chao
16 November 2005
Recently completed economy class JFK-Jakarta-JFK flights with a transit
in Tokyo Narita. The return flight was routed thru a stop-over in Bali.
Generally speaking, FAs are outstanding - polite, smiling and
attentive. JFK-NRT-JFK segments are in 747 and the flights were pretty
much full. Perhaps it's the America market, there are Singaporean FAs
(English language proficiency reason, I suppose) on the flight. Food,
snacks and drinks were abundant. Evian spring bottles were provided
throughout the flight. The food tray has heated pad to keep the food
temperature warm (very nice idea for slow eater like me). NRT-Jakarta-
Bali-NRT segments are in 777 and the flights were about half-full. All
flights were equipped with PTV. In-flight programs were not as good as
SQ or CX especially for the long-haul flights. This is my first JAL
experience and it's very pleasant one.
Japan Airlines - by Konstantin Probst
27 October 2005
SYD-KIX with JALways in economy class (747-300). Had an upper deck
window seat with an excellent view and a convenient storage compartment
located between seat and window. Seats are of the 'classic', 'no-frills'
variety (no head or foot rests, and no definitely no back support!). No
individual IFE on this aircraft, but for me that's not essential. Only a
big screen at the front of the cabin. Cabin and meal service was superb.
The all-female cabin crew displayed an outstanding professional,
courteous and efficient attitude and conduct, and their grooming was
immaculate. The food was delicious and plentiful (choice of Western and
Japanese dishes), and flight attendants were regularly serving cold
drink and refreshments. They were definitely not hiding in the galleys
and approachable and helpful at all times. Toilets were regularly
cleaned during the flight. In-flight announcements in Japanese and
English were clear and informative. Return flight (NRT-SYD) on JAL
(747-400) with individual IFE. However, despite being a newer jumbo,
seats were not ergonomically designed and very uncomfortable. I found
the JAL flight attendants on this flight generally less attentive,
focussed and approachable than their JALways colleagues. For the main
meal, there was a selection of two dishes, but by the time the trolley
arrived, my choice had run out, and I was left with a seriously
unimpressive pasta dish. Also, cold drink was not served as often.
Nevertheless, compared to many other airlines, JALways and JAL are
outstanding and safe airlines, which provide superior economy class
service at very competitive prices.
Japan
Airlines - by Julie Jerzy
22 September 2005
Sakura Lounge in NRT-- just like previous person said-- crowded, dirty, only some soy nuts and a few
crackers! nothing to eat. nowhere to shower. boarding announcements, which are helpful. no english
magazines - basically as good as staying out in the airport terminal! def. don't bring a sweater,
as the planes are stuffy and hot. also in biz class the seats do not recline. they also didn't serve
a lot of food (not big portions, or snacks, like you find on other biz class airlines) so def. make
sure that you eat before. especially if you are vego as it was a japanese choice or a western choice,
and the japanese choice was usually a fish or noodles with fish, and the western was steak or fish!
Japan
Airlines - by Brian E Smith
16 September 2005
NRT-DPS-NRT in economy class. Going to DPS we were given a business
seat, but served economy food. No problem and no complaints on this
flight at all. Decent entertainment, though not AVOD, and service and
food were adequate. On the return, flew in a normal economy seat and it
was pure torture. I'm 184 cm tall and overweight. Even with a free seat
next to me, I couldn't get comfortable with the arm down or up, no leg
room, and the seat is extremely hard. Again, the entertainment was not
AVOD, but offered enough options. The service was as polite and
courteous as usual. I'm making the NRT-ORD flight in December and
already wishing I could change to another carrier due to the extremely
uncomfortable flight in economy. There was another complaint on this
site about JAL that I'd like to comment on. I second the opinion that
JAL likes to keep it quite warm in the aircraft. Always clammy and warm
and makes for difficult sleeping. After living in Japan for over 11
years, I can say I'm not surprised since Japanese do prefer it a bit
warmer than most foreigners. It's not a race thing, just an air
conditioning preference. I think JAL likes to keep the bulk of their
customers happy. However, in business class to AMS last month on JAL,
the flight attendant saw me fanning myself and offered to lower the
cabin temperature, so they do make exceptions. Maybe you we just have to
be in business class for this exception to be made.
Japan
Airlines - by Erik Eskin
9 September 2005
I flew rt from Chicago O'Hare to Narita on JAL in August and my biggest
complaint would be the lack of leg room in economy class. I'm tall
(185cm) but not that tall and I could never get comfortable. The service
was very good but I felt it was a step below Cathay Pacific which I've
flown a few times. On the return flight I was upgraded to business class
and I was very impressed with the seat's roominess and its ability to
lie virtually flat. However I found the cabin crew to have been
friendlier in economy class, which was unexpected.
Japan
Airlines - by David Harrison
17 August 2005
JAL Sakura (Business Class) Lounge, near gates 80+, Narita Terminal 2.
For the hub airport of Japan Airlines, this lounge is surprisingly disappointing. It
consists of a grubby elevator/lift down to the level of the lounge - looks like it
hasn't been cleaned in years. 2 staff at reception who are friendly enough, a main
room of approx 50 lounge chairs closely packed. No recliners. A smokers room, 3
electric massage chairs (one broken) in a separate room. The business centre has 3
work spaces, one taken by the JAL supplied internet PC, so 2 seats for workers.
Broadband access is available. There is a photocopier. The bar has a few self serve
drinks, one beer choice. The food is very limited (in evenings when I regularly
visit). Just a few biscuits and peanuts. No sandwiches, let alone savouries or meals.
No showers in the lounge. Compared to other flagship lounges in other airports of Asia
(eg CX, SG, MH etc), this is very poor.
Japan
Airlines - by Masaki Oda
15 August 2005
NRT-SYD return Economy Class. B747-400 with IFE on both flights. Overall, the service
was superb. I often fly on OZ or SQ's Y class, and I can say that the
quality of service is nothing short compared to these carriers. I was particularly
impressed by the cleanness of cabin (flight attendants are constantly checking aisles
and toilets). Meals were of high quality. However, dinner on the first leg may be too
much as it is served around 10:30 pm Tokyo time. What might make JAL less appreciated
than SQ or OZ seems to be the design of seats. On my outbound flight, I was seated on
40H (Exit Row). While I had enough leg room (I am 185cm tall), the table was too low
and too close. As a result, it was hard for me to eat something without my elbow
intruding my neighbour's territory. In addition, a remote control for IFE constantly
touches my right foot. On my returning flight, I was given 19C on the upper
deck. On that particular flight, the entire upper deck was used as Economy class
cabin (and thus food was regular economy class food). The seat (the old Business
class seat) was comfortable, but the position of the IFE screen was too close to my
face. It looks like that JAL needs to work more on ergonomical aspects of cabin in
order to take advantage of its already established high quality of service.
Japan
Airlines - by K Poomaihealani
8 August 2005
I have been travelling with Japan Airlineson between Honolulu and Narita over the
last 6 years and for the most part have found their services inflight and on the
ground to be nothing shy of excellent. One complaint that I have and have written to Japan
Airlines about it on three occasions and have never received any response.
Most Narita outbound to Honolulu flights leave in the evening and I will board the
flight and will usually be asleep before the flight takes off. Without fail 4 to 5 hours into the
flight a will awake abrubtly because my body has begun itch and prespire due to the cabin warming
up to an uncomfortable level. I will complain and they will run and check, report back to
me that the cabin tempature is at 24º C where it is supposed to be. I complain however, that it is
too warm. They in turn say that others passengers haven't complained and that someone may be too
cold. I then inform them that they issue blankets on board for people who are cold but I have paid
rather a good sum of money to be able to fly in comfort and request that they cool down the cabin. Now
24º C is very comfortable or maybe even cold if there was only one or two people on board
however, something happens when there are 300 + passengers and the cabin will, without fail, heat up
that many hours into the flight. I dislike having to push the issue of my being uncomfortably warm
to the point of having threatened to remove my clothing. The cold towel they brought gave me a
very temporary relief and you can only drink so much water which was their initial remedy.
Japan
Airlines - by David E Kenney
8 August 2005
Business from LAX to Osaka (Kansai). The aircraft was pristine, the FA's were
attentive, the seats were as comfy as my couch at home, yet, best of all, the entertainment
was great - only to be surpassed by the food. For some reason, JAL business class appears to me
to be as nice as First in many other airlines.
Japan
Airlines - by Keis Ohtsuka
25 July 2005
Travelled economy class SYD-NRT, KIX-BNE-SYD in June/July 2005. Boarding was
orderly. 747-400, a new aircraft with individual IFE consoles for economy class.
The flight was full. FAs were efficient, courteous and friendly as usual. Japanese
language proficiency of non-Japanese JAL FAs is very good. English proficiency of
FAs is satisfactory if previous trips are guide. Drinks include a choice of Sake and
Plum wine in addition to usual stuff, which is unique to JAL. Meals are satisfactory
for this class. A choice of IFE is interesting as it caters for both Japanese and
non-Japanese passengers. Return leg from KIX (Kansai) - A nice "little" airport
compared to Narita or Haneda. JL777, operated by JAL WAYS, a JAL subsidiary, uses an
older 747 with interesting livery - "Roso'cha." with tropical flowers painted on
aircraft. Although lack of individual IFE consoles was dissapointing, JALWAYS FAs
were very friendly and efficient. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that JALWAYS
mainly operates flights between Japan and Oceania, Guam, Saipan and FAs include non-
Japanese FAs from assortment of Asian countries. FAs were always attentive to
customer needs, busy working yet more relaxed than usual (smiled more). It was
amazing to note FAs clean and refresh toilets so many times with professionalism
bordering to obsessive-compulsive disorder! Folks, fly JAL if your priority is clean
loo. My initial disappointment regarding not finding individual IFE console has been
completely forgotten at that stage. Arriving BNE, a queue at transit screening was
long. Expect 30 min. waiting to finish transit screening and it will be soon time to
board again for SYD leg. What amazing luggage scanners they have! It can
practically see through anything in the suitcase. At SYD, it took longer than
anticipated to go through immigration, quarantine and re-check luggage at transfer
desk and missed a connecting flight departing 2 hours 30 min later. In the future, I
have to allow 3 hours or more for connection in this new brave world of maximum
airport security.
Japan
Airlines - by Matthew Morris
7
July 2005
Recently travelled Dublin to Brisbane routing with JAL from LHR-NRT-BNE-NRT-LHR in
Economy class. My experience with JAL was 100% positive, this is the first time I
have been able to say that about any airline. Staff on the ground and in the air were
professional, courteous and smiling at all times. Nothing was too much trouble for
the cabin crew. I found the newer 777s on the London legs nicer then the 747-400s on
the Brisbane legs but the 747s were comfortable too. Food and IFE were excellent,
although the 777 had an edge with respect to IFE as it has AVOD. Another item to
mention is JAL represented excellent value for money.
Japan
Airlines - by John Sweeney
7
July 2005
Flew business class Heathrow-Narita. I found the JAL experience very enjoyable,
except for western FA who were not very helpful. Food was very good. Very
comfortable seats.
Japan
Airlines - by L Sweetman
4
June 2005
Flew business class Bris-Narita-Heathrow, returning 1st June. We found the JAL experience very
enjoyable. The staff were tremendous in all areas. Little wonder the Asian airlines cabin staff
leave the western airlines for dead. IFE was more than adequate whilst the food was most
acceptable. Bris-Tokyo-and return was on 747-400. Very comfortable seats. Tokyo-London on 777 with
the shell seats converting almost flat. Not that comfortable. We -four adults- all found the 777
an extremely noisy aircraft. However, I definitely recommend JAL to anyone.
Japan
Airlines - by Richard Davis
3
June 2005
JFK to TYO. Used the new WIFI internet connection service. Worked great. Enjoyed
special business class seats (shell flat seats) and had a great flight. Excellent service,
excellent product.
Japan
Airlines - by Michael Rayner
3
May 2005
My partner and I travelled BNE-NRT-LHR and return in Business class. I was already a JAL convert, and my partner is now converted to JAL, and it's partner airlines. The service and attitude of the
FA's both Japanese and Western, was as usual, polite and attentive. I do make note that from
previous pax comments in regards to favouritism from FA's to Japanese pax, I noticed little overt
favouritism, only a natural linkage to pax of like culture and speech.
Partner had never flown with an Asian airline, and needed encouragement to make the change from BA
& Qantas. I did not notice any obvious downgrading of service or food.
The sleeper seats took a little getting used to, but the entertainment system is good, in
particular the noise reducing headsets.
Japan
Airlines - by Jose Fiogbe
26
April 2005
NRT-CDG-NRT and SYD-NRT-SYD Economy Class recently. Absolutely fantastic experience all the way and
back from Australia to France. I want to thank specially their staff in the Paris Office who helped
my 2 kids and me come back to Sydney when we missed our connection flight. We thank them because
they were very helpful, caring, and loved kids. We have a great and pleasant experience with JAL so
far. This company truly understand the need of passengers travelling with kids. At Tokyo Narita
Airport, I was given top priority as special guest to board with my 2 kids even with in economy
class ticket. Magical!
Japan
Airlines - by D Ross
23
April 2005
LHR-NRT-BNE return.
I hadn't flown JAL for 7 years on this route due to cheap fares with SIA or work flying me J class
on BA/QF. So it was with a bit of anticipation that I booked this flight in Y class
after the flat beds on BA. LHR-NRT legs were 777s. I had the back row on the outbound and exit row on the
inbound. While the exit row has the advantages of being able to get up and walk when ever you want,
I had people behind me constantly getting up and pushing down on my seat. And I had the window
seat! The IFE was good, especially the AV on demand service. Good games too. A few more channels
would be good though. Good seat recline, and I liked the fact that the seat base moved
forward as you
reclined. They were very comfortable seats and I was able to rest comfortably.
The NRT-BNE (Brisbane) legs were 747-300s and only had the main cabin screen and audio
channels. Thankfully I wanted to sleep on both these legs, but if I'd opted for the day flight from
Brisbane I would have been a bit bored after a while. Also on the outbound leg I couldn't see the
screen (exit row near a galley). As Brisbane is a holiday destination as opposed to London being a
business one, it seems to get the older planes. I think the 747-400s have better entertainment.
The business vs holiday difference appeared in the food side too. The London legs had good meals,
very tasty and good size portions. The Brisbane legs had one good meal and one light meal each way.
Eg, prior to landing in BNE, breakfast was just a sausage in a bun and yogurt. Leaving BNE we got 3
finger sandwiches. Ok, it was 10.30pm and the flight originated in Sydney and they seemed to have
gotten a better meal on the flight up.
Service by the FAs was outstanding. Personally I think it beats the pants of Singapore Airlines
service. It was on a par, if not better than the service I've had travelling in J and F class. How
they can still be smiling and polite after 12 hours in the air is amazing.
All in all a very enjoyable onboard experience. My only gripe was that I had to pay a fee to change
my inbound ticket date due to a death in my family while I was visiting them. I know that people do
lie about things like this but I had documentation to prove it etc. However the fee was small blot
on an otherwise good trip and I would fly them again if the right price and timings show up. Narita
Airport is a bit quiet to transit through, but if you've done Singapore or Bangkok it makes a
welcome change.
Japan
Airlines - by M Lino
20
February 2005
CDG-NRT-CDG Economy Class Outbound flight on a fully-booked B747-400. Impeccable service. Pity for
the seats that inclined just slightly and had no footrest. The velvet-like upholstery was a little
uncomfortable. Return flight on a B777-200. Seats were a little better, with footrests, better
inclination and upholstery. Excellent IFE system with video-on-demand and very
courteous FA. Overall,
a very pleasant experience.
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