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Airline: Japan Airlines
Flight Number: JL746
Route: MNL-NRT
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 767-300ER
Registration: JA619J
Delivered: June 2008
Flight Duration: 4 Hours 25 Minutes
Distance: 1,893 Miles
We haven’t flown Japan Airlines (JAL) since the pandemic started, so needless to say we were very excited to be flying with them again. This flight was operated by one of JAL’s Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, fitted with the JAL Sky Suite II Business Class seats, which is a bit tight, but comfortable enough for the 4.5 hour flight to Tokyo. The service from the crew was excellent and consistent with our previous JAL flights.. The flight attendants working our aisle were attentive and proactive in refilling our berverages. The catering was also delicious on this flight and nicely presented by the crew. JAL also operates a Sakura Lounge in Manila. The lounge is actually very nice and offers plenty of seating, but lacking the usual buffet spread. A lounge staff will approach you and take your food and drink orders instead. Overall a very pleasant 4.5 hour flight to Japan.
What I liked:
The Catering – The catering and food were the clear winner of this flight. The meals were served beautifully and they tasted fresh and delicious.
The Friendly Service – The in-flight service from the crew was stellar! The flight attendants we interacted with were charming, yet efficient in delivering true Japanese hospitality in the sky.
What I didn’t like:
No Personal Air Nozzles – Sadly this aircraft was not fitted with personal air nozzles. Good thing they kept the cabin temperature cool during the flight.
The Limited IFE Content – The IFE on this flight was OK. The interface was easy to navigate, but sadly the content was rather limited compared to the likes of Cathay, American, and Qatar.
It’s fine, I guess…
The JAL Sakura Lounge in Manila – The Sakura Lounge in NAIA Terminal 1 is actually a nice space and offers plenty of seating. There’s even a smoking room for those who wants to take a quick puff before the flight. The usual buffet spread is now gone and has been replaced by a set meal option that you order from the lounge staff along with your choice of beverage.
The seats – This 767 is fitted with the JAL Sky Suite II product in business class. The seats are laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration and are lie flat. The seats are a bit narrow, but all seats in business class offer direct aisle access. Given the choice though, I very much prefer the JAL Sky Suite product on their 777 and 787 long haul flights.
The Amenities – JAL does not offer business class amenity kits for these regional flights, but we were offered a selection of amenities from a basket and their lavatories were stocked with toothbrushes and packets of mouthwash. A full size pillow, blanket, noise cancelling headphones and bottled water were waiting at our seats, and we were also offered a cardigan in case we felt cold in-flight.
Overall impression:
I love Japan Airlines! They’re not as overrated as Cathay Pacific, or as blingy and opulent as Qatar or Emirates, but the certainly offer a solid business class product.
The JAL suite II seats aren’t the most comfortable seats, but they were adequate for the 4.5 hour flight. Pair that with great hospitality, and delicious restaurant quality food and you’ll have awesome flight. Great job, JAL! Can’t wait for the next flight with you!
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