Which Leg for F: USA->JAPAN or JAPAN->USA?
Feb 4, 2017, 12:16 pm
#1
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Which Leg for F: USA->JAPAN or JAPAN->USA?
My wife and I are flying IAD-NRT-ITM and returning HND-ORD (non-business trip). We plan to fly one way J and the other F. Which would you choose for F? Both transPac flights leave around 10:50 in the morning. Flying from IAD is a longer flight in which to sleep/enjoy services, but maybe F catering is better out of Tokyo? Lounge advantages with either direction?
Feb 4, 2017, 5:51 pm
#2
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The Japanese meal tends to be better out of Japan, and the first class lounge in Haneda while not an outstanding F lounge is going to beat what you would see in IAD.
The 2hours or so extra flying time is probably not going enhance the experience much. There is still plenty of time try the full menu and get a decent amount of sleep on the ORD route.
The 2hours or so extra flying time is probably not going enhance the experience much. There is still plenty of time try the full menu and get a decent amount of sleep on the ORD route.
Feb 4, 2017, 5:53 pm
#3
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I'd go J first and F on the return. Traveling J on a return after F is almost always disappointing. At IAD you'll be be using a partner lounge. Not sure if it's still use of the AF lounge or solely the LH or TK lounges in Terminal B but at only up to Senator level.
Feb 5, 2017, 7:25 am
#4
Join Date: Mar 2014
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There's also the jetlag issue to consider. Most people suffer more serious jetlag flying eastward (there's actually a scientific study recently describing the reasons behind it). Consequently, I'd choose to fly F on the way back to have a better rest.
Feb 5, 2017, 7:46 am
#5
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OP, an you change to the NRT-ORD flight to get the afternoon departure?
I've done split cabin RT's a lot.
I usually treat myself to F departing Tokyo.
I love ANA's Z checkin area at NRT and the private security for F pax.
Granted, sleeping is the major activity on the eastbound flights, and I sleep well in both Business and First. But I still love F departing Japan.
Note that ANA's only fault is the terrible PJ's in F. I greatly prefer my CX or JL PJ's.
I've done split cabin RT's a lot.
I usually treat myself to F departing Tokyo.
I love ANA's Z checkin area at NRT and the private security for F pax.
Granted, sleeping is the major activity on the eastbound flights, and I sleep well in both Business and First. But I still love F departing Japan.
Note that ANA's only fault is the terrible PJ's in F. I greatly prefer my CX or JL PJ's.
Feb 5, 2017, 12:29 pm
#6
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I agree with all. F ex Japan is a better experience with a better lounge. It's also nice to look forward to and a great little perk right at the end of your vacation.
Overall not a HUGE difference but that's what I would do.
Incidentally, if you have time, OP, please come back and tell us how you feel about the difference between business and first on ANA. Frankly, recently I am sticking with business. I've decided that upgrading with miles simply isn't worth it anymore. Upgrading with points however, I still do occasionally, since they expire and I usually by J tickets.
Overall not a HUGE difference but that's what I would do.
Incidentally, if you have time, OP, please come back and tell us how you feel about the difference between business and first on ANA. Frankly, recently I am sticking with business. I've decided that upgrading with miles simply isn't worth it anymore. Upgrading with points however, I still do occasionally, since they expire and I usually by J tickets.
Feb 6, 2017, 5:24 am
#7
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Thanks all!!
The problem is we are actually connecting to BOS (left those legs out of my OP). The available flights get us back into BOS really late, and we then have an additional 1 1/2 hour drive home from there.
Actually we're now discussing the option of J both ways instead and saving the 75K miles. 
Incidentally, if you have time, OP, please come back and tell us how you feel about the difference between business and first on ANA. Frankly, recently I am sticking with business. I've decided that upgrading with miles simply isn't worth it anymore. Upgrading with points however, I still do occasionally, since they expire and I usually by J tickets.
Feb 6, 2017, 5:58 am
#8
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If you've never flow NH F before, it's a fun experience. But I'm sorry to say I think the gap between J and F is shrinking year to year. Same situation on UA actually.
Feb 26, 2017, 3:32 pm
#10
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Feb 27, 2017, 1:07 pm
#11
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Yes, besides an quiet cabin which can be obtained by flying the mini J cabin, there's really no reason to go for NH F. Service is about the same because they reallocate the crew from F if there's barely any PAX.