Other Asian, Australian and South Pacific Frequent Flyer Programs - JAL Busines Class - Any Recent Experiences?

Will be flying JL next month JFK-NRT and on to Beijing. Then returning via LAX. Any recent experiences with their business class would be most welcome--especially suggestions for seating tips. Thanks.

i traveled from PEK-NRT in late May and the business class really varies depending on which aircraft you get. On the PEK-NRT route, the aircraft had the newer configuration, with a bigger seat pitch. On the return, however, I got the older configuration and the difference was noticeable. Also, on the return, I believe the entire upper deck was for economy class.

Service was good on the relatively short flight, and you can select either a western entree or a japanese meal (recommended).

Thanks very much. If anybody also has any experience to share on the 744 from JFK-NRT (espeically seating tips--upper or lower deck), that would also be appreciated.

Perhaps you are aware, if you are taking 005 for JFK-NRT, this flight features their new shell flat seat in the business class cabin, beginning September. But the problem seems to be they are alternate days initially. By winter, it is supposed to be offered everyday.

Any idea as to when the shell seats are available on each day of the week? FWIW I'm flying JFK-NRT on Tue Oct 8. Do I need to call JL to find out, or is there a pattern? Thanks.

I think you can confirm this with JL, but JL005 on that day is scheduled to be operated by an aircraft with the new seat (but not on JL47), unless there's a last-minute change.

Please do report, if you have time! I haven't seen anyone done it yet.

Thanks! JL confirmed that flight 5 on 10/8 does indeed have the shell flat seat. I'll be happy to post a trip report with pix upon my return.

JimAtTheBeach,

So, did you fly on the new shell seats? I'm going to Japan from NY in a couple of weeks, and have a choice of either CO or JAL. I'm interested in your opinion about the JAL shell seats, and their biz class in general.

Does anyone have any experience with JALways C class NRT to BKK?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by domirule:
i traveled from PEK-NRT in late May and the business class really varies depending on which aircraft you get. On the PEK-NRT route, the aircraft had the newer configuration, with a bigger seat pitch. On the return, however, I got the older configuration and the difference was noticeable. Also, on the return, I believe the entire upper deck was for economy class.

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When you say "bigger seat pitch", do you mean 62"? Also, what aircraft types did you fly on? I thought that Japan-China flights were operated by B767 aircraft but you seemed to get a B747 since you referred to the upper deck.