[Click above for the video review.]
Overall Impression:
Japan Airlines’ Sky Suite Business Class product has been out for a few years now, but I’ve never had the chance to try it until now. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the seat was. There are 49 JAL Sky Suites (a.k.a. B.E. Aerospace’s Apex Suite) business class seats on the Boeing 777-300ER, which are configured in a 2-3-2 layout. I was initially worried that the seat might feel cramped because of the dense layout, but my worries went away as soon as I sat in the seat. The shoulder and legroom were more than adequate for me. The seat reclines to a full flat bed. In addition to the supplied full size pillow and duvet, the crew also places an airweave mattress on the bed upon request, which made the bed super comfortable. The window seats are notably more private than the aisle seats, but the aisle seats have an extra side storage compartment which the window seats lack. The food were all catered from Haneda which means that they were excellent quality and the crew did a good job in the presentation. Service was efficient and polite, but the crew felt a bit disconnected and cold to non-Japanese passengers. My only biggest gripe with this product is the lack of overhead air nozzles considering JAL keeps their cabin a bit too warm for my liking, the air vents would have made a big difference. Please join me and let’s fly with JAL’s business class.
What I liked:
JAL First Class Lounge at Haneda Airport – The JAL First Class Lounge in HND is one of my favorite lounges in the Oneworld Alliance. We have access to the lounge via our Oneworld Emerald status. As you can see from the video, there’s plenty of food and beverage options including made to order hot food. There’s also plenty of seating, including a smoking room for those who smoke.
The Seat – The seats offers plenty of shoulder and legroom space and reclines into a full flat bed. The window seats takes the cake for privacy and aisle wins for storage space. A full size pillow, light blanket, and an airweave mattress pad are provided.
The food – Onboard catering was excellent, especially if you like Japanese food. I ordered the Japanese lunch set and it was amazing and very nicely presented. You can also order from the anytime dining menu at any given time during the flight.
The onboard service – The flight attendants delivered excellent and polished service during the flight. Though the service was not as warm as other Asian carriers, I still think the crew was well intentioned and eager to please. I was proactively offered drink refills and the crew always responded to my please and thank yous. 🙂
What I didn’t like:
The IFE – This plane uses JAL’s Magic V Entertainment system. Sadly, it seems you can only navigate the IFE content using the touchscreen remote, which I’m not real fond of. There were a good amount of new movies, TV and Audio content, and even some games.
The cabin temperature and no air nozzles – JAL is notorious for having a very warm cabin which is not everyone’s cup of tea. I personally like a cooler cabin, which more conducive to sleep. Sadly, this flight was a bit too warm for me, and air nozzles would have helped me cool down.
It was OK…I guess:
The amenity kit – JAL provides a rather basic amenity kit and slippers for all business class passengers.
The onboard bar – During the flight, the crew sets up a walk-up bar near the galley for some self-service snacks and beverages. Sadly the bar was very basic with just a few selections or snacks and wines, unlike other carrier’s very extensive snack selections.
TravelingFoody.com 