JAL Mileage Bank - JL1 and JL2 (777-300) - Best Business Class Seat?

What do you think is the best seat for a solo pax flying business class on JL1 SFO-NRT and JL2 NRT-SFO (777-300ER Version W82 (http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/389/Japan_Airlines_Boeing_777-300ER_(Version_W82)/))?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/bp888-albums-my-ft-picture1189-picture-1.jpg
I realize there's no such thing as "best" because it depends on one's preferences but please indulge me with your opinion. I'm thinking of 5D which is the left center aisle seat in the first of two rows of the small business class section wedged between first class and the business class galley (the rest of business class is behind this galley). I chose this seat because presumably it has more privacy and also I tend to have a lot of stuff out (books, magazines, newspapers, iPod, MacBook, toiletry kit, etc.) and would like them within easy reach for the duration of the flight (except during take-off and landing, of course) and hope that 5E, being a center seat, will most likely be empty and can serve as repository. Thoughts?

What do you think is the best seat for a solo pax flying business class on JL1 SFO-NRT and JL2 NRT-SFO (777-300ER Version W82 (http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/389/Japan_Airlines_Boeing_777-300ER_(Version_W82)/))?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/bp888-albums-my-ft-picture1189-picture-1.jpg
I realize there's no such thing as "best" because it depends on one's preferences but please indulge me with your opinion. I'm thinking of 5D which is the left center aisle seat in the first of two rows of the small business class section wedged between first class and the business class galley (the rest of business class is behind this galley). I chose this seat because presumably it has more privacy and also I tend to have a lot of stuff out (books, magazines, newspapers, iPod, MacBook, toiletry kit, etc.) and would like them within easy reach for the duration of the flight (except during take-off and landing, of course) and hope that 5E, being a center seat, will most likely be empty and can serve as repository. Thoughts?

I haven't flown on that config myself but I have reserved 5K for my coming flights. One major problem with 5K and other window seats is it's hard to hear the cabin attendant. I wish they have an exit row like the old 744 config which will solve this problem. Also I would like to look out the window during the flight to find out what's going on :)

By the way when are your flights? They are temporarily switching JL001/002 to W73 between Oct 25 and Nov 23.

I was on JL001 last week and we were on 14DEG. I was travelling with my 14months and this mini cabin is quite good.

By the way when are your flights? They are temporarily switching JL001/002 to W73 between Oct 25 and Nov 23.

Thankfully it's in December so no W73.

I've been in 5G a couple of times and I was very happy with it. Good plan to try to have 5E empty so you can store things beside you, I do the same myself and looking at the seat map of my flight today back to SFO, all the middle seats are empty at the moment. You're right about a bit more privacy, there is obviously very little traffic there.

Last week I was in 13G and will be again today. The only complaint I had there was a rather noisy baby in the row 14-15 mini cabin but ear plugs took care of that quite nicely. As I'll be right in front of the galley, there will be much more traffic but that doesn't bother me at all.

Enjoy your flights! :)

I'm thinking of 5D which is the left center aisle seat in the first of two rows of the small business class section wedged between first class and the business class galley (the rest of business class is behind this galley). I chose this seat because presumably it has more privacy and also I tend to have a lot of stuff out (books, magazines, newspapers, iPod, MacBook, toiletry kit, etc.) and would like them within easy reach for the duration of the flight (except during take-off and landing, of course) and hope that 5E, being a center seat, will most likely be empty and can serve as repository.

Sounds a like a decent plan to try.

I flew JL001 a couple days ago. The mini cabin with two rows of business class is pretty quiet. If you really want an unoccupied center seat, row 6 maybe better choice. (On my flight 5G was occupied but 6G was not. I suspect more people want the bulkhead seat.)

By the way when are your flights? They are temporarily switching JL001/002 to W73 between Oct 25 and Nov 23.

Slightly OT, but do you know why this is happening? I'm kinda disappointed that my return is on a W73. (Though I suspect the difference isn't THAT big.)

Slightly OT, but do you know why this is happening? I'm kinda disappointed that my return is on a W73. (Though I suspect the difference isn't THAT big.)

JALPak surmises in his/her blog (http://jal-pak.blogspot.com/2009/10/sorry-sfo-we-lax-ord-stole-your-773-lol.html) that it may be "due to the 773 launch on LAX and ORD routes."

JALPak surmises in his/her blog (http://jal-pak.blogspot.com/2009/10/sorry-sfo-we-lax-ord-stole-your-773-lol.html) that it may be "due to the 773 launch on LAX and ORD routes."

That's just my speculation. Another possibility is due to routine aircraft maintenance. JAL just doesn't have any spare 773 with this config. If any of these aircrafts require maintenance, one of the routes have to switch to W73 temporarily.

That's just my speculation. Another possibility is due to routine aircraft maintenance. JAL just doesn't have any spare 773 with this config. If any of these aircrafts require maintenance, one of the routes have to switch to W73 temporarily.

But as JALPak and I can testify, if you get the 744 in either the L02 or L17 seat configuration with C on the upper deck, seats 19 A or K are definitely the way to go. :)

But as JALPak and I can testify, if you get the 744 in either the L02 or L17 seat configuration with C on the upper deck, seats 19 A or K are definitely the way to go. :)

Don't get me started. NONE of the seats on the 773 come close to 19A/K on a 744. It has legroom, storage, and window. I really miss my personal storage space where I can keep my backpack and camera.

By the way are you in the Sakura lounge right now? Don't forget to try the freshly baked bread, and the rice flour bread if you pick the Western meal on your flight back. Have a nice flight (hopefully 13D won't be fighting for 13E with you :p)

sorry folk. So all the SFO to NRT flight are operated in the new 777 plane now? Planning to take one of those!

sorry folk. So all the SFO to NRT flight are operated in the new 777 plane now? Planning to take one of those!

Not between Oct 25 and Nov 23. They will use W73 config during that time, i.e. 773 with solo and flat shell seats

Thankfully it's in December so no W73.

http://www.ar.jal.com/cms/contents/en/jal_news_4065.html

JAL has just added additional W73 configuration period for JL001/002: December 21-December 31. Hopefully your flights don't fall into those dates. Looks like this time the change is related to maintenance.

Seems like until JAL has an extra 773 with this config, every time they need maintenance, they will pick on SFO :p

Phew! My flight is out from LAX on the 21st! (Gasps!) So Far I think 5K is pretty decent seat based on everyone's review above (I am a solo PAX).

For the return flight. On JL 18 (NRT to YVR). What is the good seat in you guys' opinion? Currently I reserved 2H. Let me know what you guys think

Thanks!

Phew! My flight is out from LAX on the 21st! (Gasps!) So Far I think 5K is pretty decent seat based on everyone's review above (I am a solo PAX).

For the return flight. On JL 18 (NRT to YVR). What is the good seat in you guys' opinion? Currently I reserved 2H. Let me know what you guys think

Thanks!

I think I am the only one who commented on 5K based on my educated guess :p I hope it's good cuz I have assigned my next 4 flights to 5K. Too late to change back to 5G :D

For JL18, assuming they use the 3-class config 744 (random checks in Dec shows they do), any seat in 1-3 are good. They are the Sky Sleeper seats (old F seats). If you can't get those, 19A/K, i.e. upper deck exit window for sure :D

I remember 2 yrs ago i was flying that route and they uses those funny old school C class seats in the first couple rows and upper deck was all econ seats. Are those still exist for this route?

and thanks for your 5K recommendation. Thats all they have now..I mean I would like to have an isle so I can move around but window is fine in the mini cabin :)

I remember 2 yrs ago i was flying that route and they uses those funny old school C class seats in the first couple rows and upper deck was all econ seats. Are those still exist for this route?

and thanks for your 5K recommendation. Thats all they have now..I mean I would like to have an isle so I can move around but window is fine in the mini cabin :)

JAL upgraded the aircraft on NRT-YVR route. They now have JAL Shell Flat seats in C. I think they have config L12 (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/aircraft/conf/744.html) (at least on the dates I checked). So upper deck is business class cabin. But I wouldn't trade the SkySleeper seat with a upper deck exit window. Not a chance :p

May I jump in for a question.

What is the difference between 773 and W73 business class seat?

I very seldom travel on JL and am looking into the possiblity of taking JL 009 from ORD to NRT (in C) in late Feb 2010.

I notice it departs from Terminal 5 at ORD and I will be arriving from Philadelphia (by AA), do you think how long it requires for transist?

Thanks.

What is the difference between 773 and W73 business class seat?

Did you mean the difference in business class seats for W82 and W73 config (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/aircraft/conf/777.html)? W82 has the newer product (Neo seats (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/inter/executive/c_seat/)) and W73 has the previous generation C seats (Shell Flat (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inflight/inter/executive/c_seat/index1.html)).

The NEO seats have much bigger screen, and JAL rearranges the design (e.g. seat control, power plug, etc) to make it more user friendly. I haven't tried the new seats myself but I will in a week :)

Since you are flying the ORD route, unless there's a last minute aircraft change, you will have W83, i.e. the new seats.

Since you are flying the ORD route, unless there's a last minute aircraft change, you will have W83, i.e. the new seats.

Thank you very much, JALPak.

JAL upgraded the aircraft on NRT-YVR route. They now have JAL Shell Flat seats in C. I think they have config L12 (http://www.jal.co.jp/en/aircraft/conf/744.html) (at least on the dates I checked). So upper deck is business class cabin. But I wouldn't trade the SkySleeper seat with a upper deck exit window. Not a chance :p

I agree. I think I flew the L12 config once from NRT to PVG and I happened to be in 2A if I recalled correctly. That's right. I rather sit in those than exit row! I always wonder why they didn't upgrade the F seat on that aircraft.

Anyhow, thanks so much JALPak!

May I jump in for a question.

I very seldom travel on JL and am looking into the possiblity of taking JL 009 from ORD to NRT (in C) in late Feb 2010.

I notice it departs from Terminal 5 at ORD and I will be arriving from Philadelphia (by AA), do you think how long it requires for transist?

Thanks.

Transferring from domestic to international terminal (T5) is a breeze. Take the airport train from T3 (I think AA is T3) to T5. It's two levels above the baggage claim area. You have to cross an overhead bridge to get to the trains. Just follow the signs when you arrive.

The trains are very frequent and gets you there in a few minutes. It's also free. Info can be found here:
http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/groundtransohare/atsohare.shtm

T5 has an open layout. Security is right in the middle of the departure area, so you won't miss it. It has never taken me more than 10 minutes to go through security check, except for one time when there was another flight leaving around the same time; it took me about 20 minutes.

If you're checking your baggage through from Philly, and AA's arriving flight is on time, I would say that 45 minutes to an hour is good enough, without you appearing in a hurry.

Just came back from a JFK-NRT-HK-SIN_NRT-JFK routing, and I'd like to add my opinion to this discussion of the Biz class seats.

One segment, the NRT - Hong Kong, had good seats. We were upstairs, and it was the Older seats (I think formerly F seats?). Most segments I sat in the new Shell Flat Neo seats. Despite the glowing press releases from JAL, these seats were a huge disappointment due to their very small size. I used to fly JAL frequently from JFK to NRT prior to retirement, and I wish the old configuration was still in effect.

I am not a large person - 5'7", 165 lbs. I could not sit in the seat with both arms at my side. If I laid the seat flat, my feet hit the seat in front of me. The seat was hard - it seemed there was no more than about 1" of padding on a hard plastic base. If my seat was reclined, the person in the window seat could not get out without climbing over me - and since she is very short I had to move my seat up everytime she wanted to get up.
Most significantly, the JAL Press Release said that these new Neo seats are 19.5" wide. It just so happens that my partner had a tape measure in her handbag (uses for her hobby), and we measured the seats and they were just under 18". That's like Coach on many US DOmestic airlines.
And finally, the seat I was assigned on the NRT - JFK route was broken. I put it into the RELAX position, and it then got stuck there! Would not move.

THat was where the excellent service I received on the flight really came to the fore. The FA was able to arrange for my partner & I to move our seats even though the flight was full. There was a JAL FA & her husband on the flight as passengers, and they traded seats with us.

The service on the flight was EXCELLENT! The food was SUperb. Only problem was those to narrow & too close together biz seats.

I'm flying in January on this route and I chose 5A, my usual seat. I usually choose 5A or 5B. I don't like the inside aisle because people cut across the front row too much when the aisle is blocked. I chose 5A because I'm right handed and it's easier to use my camera out the window if I want to take a snapshot and it's closer to the door and jetway. 5A is fine for getting out of even if 5B is occupied. You can step over quite easily given the amount of room.

I rarely see the middle seat vacant. It's not a bad seat because of the leg room so people take it.

What do you think is the best seat for a solo pax flying business class on JL1 SFO-NRT and JL2 NRT-SFO (777-300ER Version W82 (http://seatexpert.com/seatmap/389/Japan_Airlines_Boeing_777-300ER_(Version_W82)/))?

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/bp888-albums-my-ft-picture1189-picture-1.jpg
I realize there's no such thing as "best" because it depends on one's preferences but please indulge me with your opinion. I'm thinking of 5D which is the left center aisle seat in the first of two rows of the small business class section wedged between first class and the business class galley (the rest of business class is behind this galley). I chose this seat because presumably it has more privacy and also I tend to have a lot of stuff out (books, magazines, newspapers, iPod, MacBook, toiletry kit, etc.) and would like them within easy reach for the duration of the flight (except during take-off and landing, of course) and hope that 5E, being a center seat, will most likely be empty and can serve as repository. Thoughts?

Hey,

I would take 5A/ 5K

Is it just me. I kind of think Neo seat 5K is much narrower than Shell Flat bulkhead in 744 :rolleyes:

A couple more questions...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/bp888-albums-my-ft-picture1299-jl-shell-flat-neo.jpg


For the bulkhead seats, is there equivalent space for the magazine racks and water bottle storage as seen on the picture above? What about for the foot space underneath the seat in front of you?

A couple more questions...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/members/bp888-albums-my-ft-picture1299-jl-shell-flat-neo.jpg


For the bulkhead seats, is there equivalent space for the magazine racks and water bottle storage as seen on the picture above? What about for the foot space underneath the seat in front of you?

Just got off JL062 and is on my way home. I sat on 5K ie bulkhead. No it doesn't have any of those. The moniter is smaller too (10.4 inches). Also there's no table light (the blue light next to where you take out the window. You have a pocket attached on the bulkhead to hold the magazines those. However it was kind of it my way and my lef kept hitting it when I was in the recline position. When the seat is lie flat, my leg actually touched the bulkhead and I m only 6 feet tall. That Lind of tell you how much space you have in front of you. I will post pictures of my flights on my blog later this week.

so row 6 is better choice than row 5 in this case? For my flight. I am currently in 5K. I was thinking of taking 5C/H since I am tall (6'2"). However after I read your comment..Should I take 6C or 6K? Those are whats available now too.

so row 6 is better choice than row 5 in this case? For my flight. I am currently in 5K. I was thinking of taking 5C/H since I am tall (6'2"). However after I read your comment..Should I take 6C or 6K? Those are whats available now too.

I can't tell cuz I have only tried 5K so far. And my next two flights are also on 5K. 5DG *might* have longer seat pitch. Neither of the middle seats nor middle bulkhead are aligned with the ones on the side so I am not 100% sure.

5K isn't that bad. I have enough storage space for all of my stuff (1 pair of glasses, 1 camera, all amenities). The only thing I wish 5K has is the storage for water bottle.

Here (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zR2W0MjbbUQ/SwBsqQuRsJI/AAAAAAAAA1k/P6e-aXY2ixs/s1600-h/neo+manual.JPG) are the features bulkhead seats don't have.
Here (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_zR2W0MjbbUQ/SwBsp0MCNqI/AAAAAAAAA1c/tE4ucaKfQeQ/s1600-h/Neo+5K+Pitch.JPG) is the picture that shows the seat pitch and magazine storage for 5K. (seat in "relax" position)
Here (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_zR2W0MjbbUQ/SwBsqiC97yI/AAAAAAAAA1s/-gOGRilzlVI/s1600-h/Neo+Pocket.JPG) is a picture of my leg touching the bulkhead when seat in lie-flat position. I can't cross my legs without hitting the pocket (I like doing that when I am watching movie in the lie-flat position :p)

Thanks, JALPak. Those pictures are very useful. I'm gonna switch out of the bulkhead.

Thanks, JALPak. Those pictures are very useful. I'm gonna switch out of the bulkhead.

Just curious, is it because of the missing storage?

Just curious, is it because of the missing storage?

Yup. (And the smaller monitor.) As you can see on my original post my primary question when I started this thread was storage.

same here..I am thinking of switching to 6C/H after seeing your post/picture too. It just feels like something is missing even there's no body is infront of you. (I believe the back of the chair of the neo seat is what's improving from the previous generation.

By the way row 7 might have more leg room than row 5. Just read aks120's trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1013352-jal-business-class-lax-nrt.html#post12829385) and there's a picture (http://images52.fotki.com/v733/photos/1/1586421/8119594/TinyLegroom_-vi.jpg) of the leg room. The pocket is much lower than 5K's due to the baby basinet.

http://www.ar.jal.com/cms/contents/en/jal_news_4065.html

JAL has just added additional W73 configuration period for JL001/002: December 21-December 31. Hopefully your flights don't fall into those dates. Looks like this time the change is related to maintenance.

Seems like until JAL has an extra 773 with this config, every time they need maintenance, they will pick on SFO :p

And now Jan 1-8 are added as the dates with W73 config on NRT-SFO route