[Click above for the video review.]
Airline: Japan Airlines
Flight Number: JL2
Route: HND-SFO
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration: JA735J
Delivered: February 2019
Flight Duration: 8 Hours 35 Minutes
Distance: 5,160 Miles
Overall impression:
When it comes to air travel, our experiences with Japan Airlines (JAL) have consistently exceeded expectations, especially when flying business class. Having enjoyed their original Sky Suite product (Apex Suite seat) on previous journeys, we eagerly anticipated trying out the Sky Suite III (reverse herringbone) aboard the JAL 787-9 Dreamliner for our return flight to San Francisco.
What I liked:
The JAL First Class Lounge in Haneda: Thanks to our Oneworld Emerald status, we had the privilege of visiting the JAL First Class Lounge at Haneda Airport. It remains one of my personal favorites, and a must-stop whenever we transit through Haneda. The lounge’s ample and comfortable seating, including luxurious massage chairs, paired with delectable Japanese cuisine prepared fresh to order, make it a standout experience.
The in-flight Catering : Our dining experience on the Tokyo flight was nothing short of exceptional. From restaurant-quality meals to the flexibility of the dine-on-demand service, JAL sets a high standard. The Japanese meal was a delightful blend of freshness and elegance, while the wagyu sirloin was a testament to culinary expertise. As a perfect conclusion, the Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Curry and char siu rice bowl for our pre-landing meal were hearty and flavorful.
The Exceptional Service: The flight attendants on our JAL flight provided service beyond compare. Their warmth and eagerness to meet our needs were evident from boarding to disembarking. Their consistent attentiveness ensured our comfort throughout the journey.
What I didn’t like:
The Business Class Seats: Despite my initial excitement for the Sky Suite III, the reality fell short. While the reverse herringbone configuration offered privacy, the seat area felt cramped, especially in terms of shoulder room. The lack of padding made the seat uncomfortably hard, though the airweave mattress pad offered some respite.
The In-flight Entertainment: While the content selection was adequate, navigating the in-flight entertainment system was less than ideal due to the small remote control interface. Improving the usability of the system would enhance the overall passenger experience.
Lack of Individual Air Nozzles: The absence of individual air nozzles was a minor inconvenience for me, despite the crew’s efforts to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature. Addressing this preference could contribute to a more personalized comfort experience for passengers.
It’s fine, I guess…
The Amenities: While JAL’s business class amenities weren’t extravagant, they were functional. While the absence of pajamas was notable, the provision of slippers, cardigans, and Maison Kitsune amenity kits, along with clean lavatories equipped with Toto washlets, added to the overall comfort of the flight.
Bottom Line:
Flying business class with Japan Airlines offers a blend of exceptional service, delectable dining, and comfortable amenities. While there were some areas for improvement, particularly with seat comfort and in-flight entertainment, the overall experience remains commendable. JAL continues to be a preferred choice for travelers seeking comfort and quality service in the skies.
TravelingFoody.com 