I will be flying JAL for a RT from TPE to NRT in September. I am cashing in AAdvantage miles for the trip and can take coach for 20000 or J for 40000. Is it worth the extra 20000 miles to experience JAL business class for the 3 and a half hour flight? I booked coach but have yet to confirm the ticket. I have never flown on an Asian carrier before but I have always heard rave reviews for their service levels.

I am only experiences in the EUR-NA awards. The 20K difference is equal to Biz to First on the above route and it is a much longer route.

It may be around the same amount or just a little more to go Asia-NA in First (a much better investment IMHO) compared to Biz.

I would save the miles and use them on a longer upgrade from Biz to First.

The TPE-NRT flights are operated by Japan Aaia (EG), a JAL subsidiary. The Business class is nothing to write home about. It is similar to the domestic US 2-class First. I would save the mile and stay in coach.

[This message has been edited by TerryK (edited 05-03-2001).]

Cathy Pacific also files the route, and offers AA awards, probally a better C class than JAA.

I have not flown buz with JL on NRT-TPE. But JL often does have very bad buz. for NRT-SEL, another Asian short haul. CX is definitely better. It's 747. But CX operates only one flight on this route in the afternoon, while JL's subsidiary runs several per day.