DEPARTURE

We only had to wait for about 2 minutes when a First Class Check-in desk became available and the agent motioned us over in a smiling way.


CABIN

The cabin (including bathrooms) are always kept very clean and the plane - a B777-ER seemed to be very new.


SEATING

This type of aircraft is fitted with the fairly new Shell seats NEO and offered great seating comfort on this 13 hour flight. It is probably also the most business class seats I have seen on similar aircraft (77 seats), but the cabin still appeared very open.


CATERING

Having chosen the Japanes meal on the way to the US, I opted for the Western meal which consisted of Amuse Bouche which was wonderful and refreshing, followed by my choice of Filet Mignon. The steak was perfect and soft as butter; the vegatables still had a bite to them and the potatoes were just right. The dessert was a glass of fine chocolate mouse and I must admit that I felt really good about the meal service.


INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Although, I watched and enjoyed two of the latest movies on this flight, I felt that JAL's inflight entertainment is not as complete as the likes of Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines etc.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Cabin staff was friendly and ever present; I never had to use the call button to get their attention as they constantly walked through the cabin to make sure passengers were duly attended to.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Getting off the plane was standard. Only when I arrived at the hotel, I noticed that one of my zipper-handles was broken, but it's not a big deal.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

I have used JAL only only short regional routes and this time I have flown them on long-haul which I thoroughly enjoyed. The cabin seems to be more quiet and the service is way more graceful than North American Carriers which I unfortunately had to use on domestic routes (they are a disgrace to say the least)