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.