JL or CX First?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: London
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 2,644
JL or CX First?
Hi!
I'm stuck between choosing a flight back from Asia to Europe for October. Now that BA have changed the BAEC, I think it's time to cash in a wodge of my Avios.
I have narrowed it down to First class, either JL NRT-FRA or CX HKG-LHR.
Now, NRT is more convenient (i'll be in Osaka at the end of my trip I think), but I live in London, so a feeder flight/train either way. The tax on the CX flight is £100 less. Both are reasonably timed day flights on the 777-300ER.
I've flown both F seats before, but both on short hops. I've used both F lounges in NRT and HKG before (possibly prefer CX in HKG over JL in NRT). I love Asian food, but prefer Cantonese over Japanese (just).
A more expensive, and less convenient option is MH F A380 from KUL.
So, can anyone weigh in and make some suggestions about which to take?
Thanks!
I'm stuck between choosing a flight back from Asia to Europe for October. Now that BA have changed the BAEC, I think it's time to cash in a wodge of my Avios.
I have narrowed it down to First class, either JL NRT-FRA or CX HKG-LHR.
Now, NRT is more convenient (i'll be in Osaka at the end of my trip I think), but I live in London, so a feeder flight/train either way. The tax on the CX flight is £100 less. Both are reasonably timed day flights on the 777-300ER.
I've flown both F seats before, but both on short hops. I've used both F lounges in NRT and HKG before (possibly prefer CX in HKG over JL in NRT). I love Asian food, but prefer Cantonese over Japanese (just).
A more expensive, and less convenient option is MH F A380 from KUL.
So, can anyone weigh in and make some suggestions about which to take?
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Stuck on this planet - mainly in STR and LAX
Posts: 5,019
My only recent experience is MH (on the 380) and CX in F. CX is far ahead of MH in basically all aspects (Seat, servce, food). Also flying down to KUL adds some flying time.
Avoid MH.
Avoid MH.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,601
A recent similar thread might be on interest to OP.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/catha...er-fly-jl.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/catha...er-fly-jl.html
#7
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank, JMB Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 16,394
#8
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank, JMB Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 16,394
FYI FRA could lose F service like it did in the current winter schedule if JAL switches this route to 787 again next winter.
#9
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
- CX F is 1-1-1 with wider, more spacious seats.
- JL F is 1-2-1 with narrower seats.
If you are traveling with someone, JL center seats are nice.
- In my opinion, CX has some of the nicest, most comfy bed linens in F, and very comfy and stylish PJs (organic cotton).
- JL has a memory foam pad that is quite nice (and you can choose the firmer or softer side) but their PJs look like track/jogging suits and are very warm.
- JL has Queen of Tea iced tea available in F.
- JL has free Wi-Fi in F.
- JL has Toto Washlets in F (and J). Personally, I poop in my hotel room bathroom before showering and heading to the airport, but for those who do such things on the plane, this is an awesome advantage.
To sum it up, I'd say you won't go wrong either way. I might opt for whichever one is a longer flight (more time to enjoy it). If the flight times are close and I'm solo, I'd go with CX, if with someone I'd go JL.
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
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Posts: 12,753
Right choice, IMO.
#12
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
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#13
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937