Pacific pampering is back! UA/SQ/LX/TG/SQ/CX/JL to Asia in first and business class.
Jan 1, 2007, 12:06 pm
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BRS
Programs: BA GLD
Posts: 1,927
. . . . . . .All this time lurking ... wow!
Well anyway, welcome to FlyerTalk and good luck with the miles.
PS
Final installment of this trip coming shortly ...
Jan 1, 2007, 1:31 pm
#32
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: UA, AA, VS, SQ, AS
Posts: 190
Jan 1, 2007, 7:47 pm
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BRS
Programs: BA GLD
Posts: 1,927
Hkg-nrt-sfo
My time in the JAL Sakura Lounge flew by. I used one of the six computers to check email and FlyerTalk, discovering that a fellow FTer was directly across from me in the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge. An interesting extra that JAL offers is a small steam oven that contains heated oshiburi towels to refresh yourself. There were two buffet setups that contained mid range liquor, sparkling and still wines, sake and a beer machine. Mixers, soft drinks, juices and still and sparkling waters were available, along with coffee and a wide selection of teas. Four large trays contained an extensive variety of sushi. There were also multiple varieties of instant noodles, cakes and cookies, Otsumami snacks, and two baskets of fresh fruit on offer. And all this was just in the business class section! A small table in the first class area held additional sushi, along with premium sake in an ice bucket. I was trying not to overeat, but it was a challenge 
.
JL 732 / HKG-NRT
Boeing 747-400 / Seat 2K / First Class
Scheduled 1520-2010 / Actual 1517-2000
The flight was departing from the gate just below the lounge, so I could hear the announcements being made from my seat. As I heard them announce boarding, I collected my belongings and prepared to leave the lounge. One of the hostesses stopped me as I was about to walk out the door and requested that I wait a few more moments so that I wouldn’t have to stand in line. She said that I would be escorted to the aircraft just prior to departure. Excellent! ^ Sure enough, at T minus 10 minutes, myself and three other first class customers were escorted to the plane where we were bid farewell with a bow as we were simultaneously welcomed by the cabin crew with a bow. It was just bows all around today. I’m glad I don’t live in Japan because I think my back would give out with all that prostrating.
There was one person already seated in the cabin, and the rest of us were spread out so that we all had an empty seat next to us, with the exception of two elderly ladies who were traveling together. Champagne was offered as we settled in, followed by magazines and newspapers, slippers, headsets and a first class amenity kit. Curiously (I thought) a wine list was handed out, but not a menu. JAL gives the wine list first so that you can select wine as your aperitif if you wish. Menus are distributed by the Purser during the first beverage service after takeoff. The first class cabin on JAL is the nosecone of the 747, but this aircraft was configured with old style, crushed velvet covered seats in a two by two arrangement. Although they were true flat sleeper seats with ample legroom (there are only three rows), they were not the modern day “pods” one expects in international first class. I understand that JAL is in the process of updating their first class cabins.
The weather had cleared somewhat as we lifted off for Japan, and service began almost immediately after takeoff with cocktails and canapés, followed by a full five course meal service. Unfortunately I am no longer in possession of the menu from this sector. My 14 month old niece was visiting a couple of weeks ago and she thought it would be fun to feed the menu to the dog. I can say that both the service and food were excellent on this sector. I had the Autumn Taste of Japan selection which consisted of about 15 small offerings, along with wonderful sake. We touched down ten minutes early into a rather chilly (4 degrees Celsius) Narita, and I was through immigration and customs, and outside shivering in fifteen minutes. Luckily the bus from the Hilton Narita arrived within five minutes, and moments later I was settling into a room on the 21st floor with a direct view of the main runway. Just as requested. A bucket of ice arrived promptly from room service, and I spent an hour or so sipping Japanese whisky and watching departure after departure fly right by my window, then retired early for a much needed 11 hour sleep.
The front desk kindly extended my checkout to 3PM the following day since my flight wasn’t until 6PM. Checkout was swift with a zero balance since I used Hilton Hhonors points to pay for the room, and I was at Terminal Two Departures by half past three. JAL has a dedicated first class check-in area, and each check-in counter has a seat in front of it for you to sit while they complete the formalities. I asked about having a free seat next to me, but the agent said that first class was full that evening. Not a problem with so much personal space anyway, but it never hurts to ask. The agent said that they were expecting a ten minute delay this evening due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft, and apologized, inviting me to remain in the first class section of the Sakura Lounge until twenty minutes before departure.
JAL operates a total of three Sakura Lounges at Narita. One is just for business class, and the other two are for business and first class. I used the one in the main terminal, which was under construction, but amply comfortable, if on the small side. I was the first person in the lounge, but there were around 25 passengers at the busiest moments. The window shades were drawn so there was no view, which made it feel a bit claustrophobic. As with Hong Kong, I was shown into the lounge, offered a warm towel and asked if I would like a drink to be poured for me. I accepted the former, but declined the latter since I prefer to fix my own. The liquor selection was top shelf this time, with premium brands, champagne, premium wines and sake. There was a small but beautiful display of sushi, along with finger sandwiches, soba noodles and Otsumami. There was a mini library that contained a huge variety of newspapers, magazines and books to read, along with postcards, stationary, playing cards key chains and pens with the JAL logo. Once again as I tried to leave the lounge, the agent said I should wait a few more minutes so that I wouldn’t have to deal with a line at the gate. Having been sitting in that lounge for two hours, I was ready to stretch my legs, and told her I’d walk slowly.
JL 2 / NRT-SFO
Boeing 747-400 / Seat 3A / First Class
Scheduled 1800-0900 / Actual 1810-1013
There was extra security at the gate for this flight, and each carryon bag was hand searched. As I joined the queue for boarding, one of the gate agents noticed my red boarding pass and came (almost) running over to escort me to the front of the line. Moments later I was warmly greeted by the crew and offered champagne and a small plate of canapés as I settled in for the evening. As on the previous sector from Hong Kong, newspapers and magazines were offered, followed by wine lists, headsets, slippers and amenity kits. We pushed back ten minutes behind schedule with an apology from the captain, but he assured us that with tail winds in our favor, we would arrive in San Francisco on time or slightly early. Once again the outside cameras were on for our taxi and takeoff, and we were climbing bumpily towards the Americas shortly after 1830 local time.
The flight attendants remained seated for about thirty minutes after takeoff due to moderate turbulence we were experiencing. Service began with cocktails, Otsumami and assorted canapés, followed by a fabulous dinner:
CHEF’S RECOMMENDATION
Amuse Bouche
Terrine of Seafood
Onion Soup with Foie Gras Flan
MAIN DISH (CHOICE)
Fillet of “Iwate-Gyu” Beef Steak with Madeira Sauce (477 kcal)
Sautéed Chicken “Pot-au-Feu” Style (500 kcal)
Sautéed Tilefish with Mushroom Mousse (342 kcal)
JAL Healthy Menu Selection – Low calorie and well-balanced menu
Seasonal Fresh Salad
Assorted Cheeses
Fruits in Season
Chestnut Mousse
Raspberry & Pistachio Cake
Sesame Chou Cream
Coffee Tea Herbal Tea Espresso Cappuccino
Petit Fours
AUTUMN TASTE of JAPAN
Sakizuke
Egg Custard in Jelly
Zensai
Braised Prawn
Mixed Sweet Persimmon with Bean Curd Lees
Rolled Duck with Onion
Simmered Rolled Cod Roe with Kelp
Sesame Curd Tofu
Wan
Japanese Clear Soup with Salmon & Fish Mousse
Mukouzuke
Seared Pike Conger with Pickled Plum Sauce
Kobachi
Braised Garland Chrysanthemum & “Eringi” Mushroom
Nimono
Braised Fried Fish Mousse with Shark’s Fin Sauce
Dainomono
Braised Red Snapper with “Yuba” Crepe & Sweet Soy Sauce
Japanese Steamed Rice
We are pleased to offer freshly steamed Koshihikari rice from the Uonuma region in Niigata Japan
Japanese Pickles
Miso Soup
Fruits in Season
Japanese Sweet
Green Tea
All meats used in today’s menu are quality and safety guaranteed
SELECTIONS
The following dishes can be requested at anytime during the flight
Please contact your flight attendant
Western Tray
Mushroom omelet
Prepared Fresh Fruits
Plain Yogurt
Coffee Tea
Japanese Frilled Fish Tray
Sautéed Sundried Radish
Grilled Fillet of Barracuda
Rolled Omelet
Fish Cake
Salted Kelp
Japanese Pickles
Miso Soup
Steamed Rice of Rice Porridge
Japanese A La Carte
Steamed Rice and Vegetable with Japanese Tea “Ochazuke”
Beef Curry Japanese Style
Simmered Eel in Sweet Soy Sauce
Braised Shark’s Fin with X.O. Sauce on Fried Rice
Noodle
Japanese “Udon” Noodles in soup with Fried Bean Curd
Chinese “Ramen” Noodles in soup with “Kagoshima” Pork Fillet
(Soy Sauce Flavor Soup or Miso Flavor Soup)
Western A La Carte
Seafood Dumpling Chinese Style in Soup
Sandwiches
Refreshment
Prepared Fresh Fruits
^ ^ ^ WHEW!^ ^ ^
The wines offered included Champagne Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 1993, Maison Champy Chassagne-Montrachet 2003 Premier Cru, Simi Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma County, Rene Mure Pinot Blanc 2003 (Alsace), Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 1998 Pauillac AC, Silkwood Wines Syrah 2001 Stanislaus County and Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2003 (Chile). The premium sakes were Kamosi-Bito-Kuheiji and Kikunoshiro. Also on offer were two Japanese premium Shochu: Mori Izo and Kanehachi.
What can I say? This menu is fit for an emperor, no? I was a little confused with the “A La Carte” offerings in addition to the regular menu, but the flight attendant explained that I could mix and match anything from that section to create my own meal at whatever time I chose, or partake of either the Chef’s Recommendation or Autumn Taste of Japan menu during the main meal service. True first class service. I went with the Autumn Taste of Japan and it was truly one of the finest meals I’ve eaten in the sky. The Purser guided me on sake to accompany the meal as well, and even though I was the only non-Asian in the cabin, I never felt looked down upon with my lack of knowledge about when and how to eat each course. In fact, the crew and my very friendly Japanese seatmate went out of their way to explain everything. I felt truly pampered, and even though the meal was extensive, I was not overly full since the portions are small. I finished off with some fine Japanese whisky, and napped for about four hours in a rather hot and stuffy cabin.
As with the other Asian carriers, the curtains were drawn tight between business and first class, my bed was made for me when I was ready to retire, and the toilet was cleaned after every use. Not being able to resist noodle soup at 35,000 feet, I ordered a bowl of the Udon as a mid-flight snack and read my book since the movie selection was pretty awful. Breakfast was served about an hour out of San Francisco, and one could select anything from the “A La Carte” menu. Sticking with the Asian theme, I selected the Japanese Grilled Fish Tray, which was superb, with several cups of steaming green tea.
We were descending into the Bay Area and the screen at the front of the main cabin showed 15 minutes to final destination. Then we made a long, slow right turn to the west, and the screen suddenly changed to show 59 minutes to touchdown! The captain came on to announce that due to rain and strong winds at SFO, we’d been put into the holding pattern for about 45 minutes, and apologized for the delay. The crew immediately came through the cabin offering beverages. Non-alcoholic since the carts had already been sealed for customs. The delay turned into an hour, and we finally arrived a little over an hour behind schedule. Customs and Immigration were quick though, and I managed to get on an earlier flight to Los Angeles, shaving two hours off my original journey time.
So there you have it. Another wonderful trip over the Pacific, sufficiently (and in some cases, extraordinarily) pampered all the way. A few observations to close:
1. United needs to standardize their service in the international first class cabin. This will not happen, unfortunately.
2. Singapore Airlines is superior to Cathay Pacific on their intra-Asia service. This is my opinion, and there will be those who disagree. The seat pitch and recline are much better. I prefer the individual plating of the main course, and quite frankly, I think the food on Singapore Airlines is considerably better than on Cathay Pacific. Again, this is for intra-Asia service. I consider it to be a very close race on long haul first class; although again I think SQ holds a slight lead.
3. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a vast improvement over Don Muang, but not as well designed as the other new Asian mega-airports.
4. JAL is one of my new favorite carriers, despite the lack of “pod” seating in first class. The service (both on the ground and in the air) is superb, as are the food and wine.
5. If you’re contemplating a visit to Sri Lanka, go! I never felt unsafe at any time, and the people, culture, sights and food are all wonderful. You will be warmly welcomed and rewarded with a wonderful, affordable holiday if you go.
Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow FlyerTalkers, we've come to the end of another adventure. Thanks for flying with me again. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey. I know you have a choice of Trip Reports and appreciate that you chose mine today. I look forward to welcoming all of you back again in the near future.
Coming up soon:
Some Atlantic pampering. Los Angeles-Zurich in first class with Swiss, and Frankfurt-San Francisco in first class with United, as well as assorted intra-Europe flights with Swiss, Flybe and Lufthansa.
Until next time …
.JL 732 / HKG-NRT
Boeing 747-400 / Seat 2K / First Class
Scheduled 1520-2010 / Actual 1517-2000
The flight was departing from the gate just below the lounge, so I could hear the announcements being made from my seat. As I heard them announce boarding, I collected my belongings and prepared to leave the lounge. One of the hostesses stopped me as I was about to walk out the door and requested that I wait a few more moments so that I wouldn’t have to stand in line. She said that I would be escorted to the aircraft just prior to departure. Excellent! ^ Sure enough, at T minus 10 minutes, myself and three other first class customers were escorted to the plane where we were bid farewell with a bow as we were simultaneously welcomed by the cabin crew with a bow. It was just bows all around today. I’m glad I don’t live in Japan because I think my back would give out with all that prostrating.
There was one person already seated in the cabin, and the rest of us were spread out so that we all had an empty seat next to us, with the exception of two elderly ladies who were traveling together. Champagne was offered as we settled in, followed by magazines and newspapers, slippers, headsets and a first class amenity kit. Curiously (I thought) a wine list was handed out, but not a menu. JAL gives the wine list first so that you can select wine as your aperitif if you wish. Menus are distributed by the Purser during the first beverage service after takeoff. The first class cabin on JAL is the nosecone of the 747, but this aircraft was configured with old style, crushed velvet covered seats in a two by two arrangement. Although they were true flat sleeper seats with ample legroom (there are only three rows), they were not the modern day “pods” one expects in international first class. I understand that JAL is in the process of updating their first class cabins.
The weather had cleared somewhat as we lifted off for Japan, and service began almost immediately after takeoff with cocktails and canapés, followed by a full five course meal service. Unfortunately I am no longer in possession of the menu from this sector. My 14 month old niece was visiting a couple of weeks ago and she thought it would be fun to feed the menu to the dog. I can say that both the service and food were excellent on this sector. I had the Autumn Taste of Japan selection which consisted of about 15 small offerings, along with wonderful sake. We touched down ten minutes early into a rather chilly (4 degrees Celsius) Narita, and I was through immigration and customs, and outside shivering in fifteen minutes. Luckily the bus from the Hilton Narita arrived within five minutes, and moments later I was settling into a room on the 21st floor with a direct view of the main runway. Just as requested. A bucket of ice arrived promptly from room service, and I spent an hour or so sipping Japanese whisky and watching departure after departure fly right by my window, then retired early for a much needed 11 hour sleep.
The front desk kindly extended my checkout to 3PM the following day since my flight wasn’t until 6PM. Checkout was swift with a zero balance since I used Hilton Hhonors points to pay for the room, and I was at Terminal Two Departures by half past three. JAL has a dedicated first class check-in area, and each check-in counter has a seat in front of it for you to sit while they complete the formalities. I asked about having a free seat next to me, but the agent said that first class was full that evening. Not a problem with so much personal space anyway, but it never hurts to ask. The agent said that they were expecting a ten minute delay this evening due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft, and apologized, inviting me to remain in the first class section of the Sakura Lounge until twenty minutes before departure.
JAL operates a total of three Sakura Lounges at Narita. One is just for business class, and the other two are for business and first class. I used the one in the main terminal, which was under construction, but amply comfortable, if on the small side. I was the first person in the lounge, but there were around 25 passengers at the busiest moments. The window shades were drawn so there was no view, which made it feel a bit claustrophobic. As with Hong Kong, I was shown into the lounge, offered a warm towel and asked if I would like a drink to be poured for me. I accepted the former, but declined the latter since I prefer to fix my own. The liquor selection was top shelf this time, with premium brands, champagne, premium wines and sake. There was a small but beautiful display of sushi, along with finger sandwiches, soba noodles and Otsumami. There was a mini library that contained a huge variety of newspapers, magazines and books to read, along with postcards, stationary, playing cards key chains and pens with the JAL logo. Once again as I tried to leave the lounge, the agent said I should wait a few more minutes so that I wouldn’t have to deal with a line at the gate. Having been sitting in that lounge for two hours, I was ready to stretch my legs, and told her I’d walk slowly.
JL 2 / NRT-SFO
Boeing 747-400 / Seat 3A / First Class
Scheduled 1800-0900 / Actual 1810-1013
There was extra security at the gate for this flight, and each carryon bag was hand searched. As I joined the queue for boarding, one of the gate agents noticed my red boarding pass and came (almost) running over to escort me to the front of the line. Moments later I was warmly greeted by the crew and offered champagne and a small plate of canapés as I settled in for the evening. As on the previous sector from Hong Kong, newspapers and magazines were offered, followed by wine lists, headsets, slippers and amenity kits. We pushed back ten minutes behind schedule with an apology from the captain, but he assured us that with tail winds in our favor, we would arrive in San Francisco on time or slightly early. Once again the outside cameras were on for our taxi and takeoff, and we were climbing bumpily towards the Americas shortly after 1830 local time.
The flight attendants remained seated for about thirty minutes after takeoff due to moderate turbulence we were experiencing. Service began with cocktails, Otsumami and assorted canapés, followed by a fabulous dinner:
CHEF’S RECOMMENDATION
Amuse Bouche
Terrine of Seafood
Onion Soup with Foie Gras Flan
MAIN DISH (CHOICE)
Fillet of “Iwate-Gyu” Beef Steak with Madeira Sauce (477 kcal)
Sautéed Chicken “Pot-au-Feu” Style (500 kcal)
Sautéed Tilefish with Mushroom Mousse (342 kcal)
JAL Healthy Menu Selection – Low calorie and well-balanced menu
Seasonal Fresh Salad
Assorted Cheeses
Fruits in Season
Chestnut Mousse
Raspberry & Pistachio Cake
Sesame Chou Cream
Coffee Tea Herbal Tea Espresso Cappuccino
Petit Fours
AUTUMN TASTE of JAPAN
Sakizuke
Egg Custard in Jelly
Zensai
Braised Prawn
Mixed Sweet Persimmon with Bean Curd Lees
Rolled Duck with Onion
Simmered Rolled Cod Roe with Kelp
Sesame Curd Tofu
Wan
Japanese Clear Soup with Salmon & Fish Mousse
Mukouzuke
Seared Pike Conger with Pickled Plum Sauce
Kobachi
Braised Garland Chrysanthemum & “Eringi” Mushroom
Nimono
Braised Fried Fish Mousse with Shark’s Fin Sauce
Dainomono
Braised Red Snapper with “Yuba” Crepe & Sweet Soy Sauce
Japanese Steamed Rice
We are pleased to offer freshly steamed Koshihikari rice from the Uonuma region in Niigata Japan
Japanese Pickles
Miso Soup
Fruits in Season
Japanese Sweet
Green Tea
All meats used in today’s menu are quality and safety guaranteed
SELECTIONS
The following dishes can be requested at anytime during the flight
Please contact your flight attendant
Western Tray
Mushroom omelet
Prepared Fresh Fruits
Plain Yogurt
Coffee Tea
Japanese Frilled Fish Tray
Sautéed Sundried Radish
Grilled Fillet of Barracuda
Rolled Omelet
Fish Cake
Salted Kelp
Japanese Pickles
Miso Soup
Steamed Rice of Rice Porridge
Japanese A La Carte
Steamed Rice and Vegetable with Japanese Tea “Ochazuke”
Beef Curry Japanese Style
Simmered Eel in Sweet Soy Sauce
Braised Shark’s Fin with X.O. Sauce on Fried Rice
Noodle
Japanese “Udon” Noodles in soup with Fried Bean Curd
Chinese “Ramen” Noodles in soup with “Kagoshima” Pork Fillet
(Soy Sauce Flavor Soup or Miso Flavor Soup)
Western A La Carte
Seafood Dumpling Chinese Style in Soup
Sandwiches
Refreshment
Prepared Fresh Fruits
^ ^ ^ WHEW!^ ^ ^
The wines offered included Champagne Veuve Cliquot La Grand Dame 1993, Maison Champy Chassagne-Montrachet 2003 Premier Cru, Simi Chardonnay 2004 Sonoma County, Rene Mure Pinot Blanc 2003 (Alsace), Chateau Pichon-Longueville Baron 1998 Pauillac AC, Silkwood Wines Syrah 2001 Stanislaus County and Vina Errazuriz Don Maximiano Founder’s Reserve 2003 (Chile). The premium sakes were Kamosi-Bito-Kuheiji and Kikunoshiro. Also on offer were two Japanese premium Shochu: Mori Izo and Kanehachi.
What can I say? This menu is fit for an emperor, no? I was a little confused with the “A La Carte” offerings in addition to the regular menu, but the flight attendant explained that I could mix and match anything from that section to create my own meal at whatever time I chose, or partake of either the Chef’s Recommendation or Autumn Taste of Japan menu during the main meal service. True first class service. I went with the Autumn Taste of Japan and it was truly one of the finest meals I’ve eaten in the sky. The Purser guided me on sake to accompany the meal as well, and even though I was the only non-Asian in the cabin, I never felt looked down upon with my lack of knowledge about when and how to eat each course. In fact, the crew and my very friendly Japanese seatmate went out of their way to explain everything. I felt truly pampered, and even though the meal was extensive, I was not overly full since the portions are small. I finished off with some fine Japanese whisky, and napped for about four hours in a rather hot and stuffy cabin.
As with the other Asian carriers, the curtains were drawn tight between business and first class, my bed was made for me when I was ready to retire, and the toilet was cleaned after every use. Not being able to resist noodle soup at 35,000 feet, I ordered a bowl of the Udon as a mid-flight snack and read my book since the movie selection was pretty awful. Breakfast was served about an hour out of San Francisco, and one could select anything from the “A La Carte” menu. Sticking with the Asian theme, I selected the Japanese Grilled Fish Tray, which was superb, with several cups of steaming green tea.
We were descending into the Bay Area and the screen at the front of the main cabin showed 15 minutes to final destination. Then we made a long, slow right turn to the west, and the screen suddenly changed to show 59 minutes to touchdown! The captain came on to announce that due to rain and strong winds at SFO, we’d been put into the holding pattern for about 45 minutes, and apologized for the delay. The crew immediately came through the cabin offering beverages. Non-alcoholic since the carts had already been sealed for customs. The delay turned into an hour, and we finally arrived a little over an hour behind schedule. Customs and Immigration were quick though, and I managed to get on an earlier flight to Los Angeles, shaving two hours off my original journey time.
So there you have it. Another wonderful trip over the Pacific, sufficiently (and in some cases, extraordinarily) pampered all the way. A few observations to close:
1. United needs to standardize their service in the international first class cabin. This will not happen, unfortunately.
2. Singapore Airlines is superior to Cathay Pacific on their intra-Asia service. This is my opinion, and there will be those who disagree. The seat pitch and recline are much better. I prefer the individual plating of the main course, and quite frankly, I think the food on Singapore Airlines is considerably better than on Cathay Pacific. Again, this is for intra-Asia service. I consider it to be a very close race on long haul first class; although again I think SQ holds a slight lead.
3. Suvarnabhumi Airport is a vast improvement over Don Muang, but not as well designed as the other new Asian mega-airports.
4. JAL is one of my new favorite carriers, despite the lack of “pod” seating in first class. The service (both on the ground and in the air) is superb, as are the food and wine.
5. If you’re contemplating a visit to Sri Lanka, go! I never felt unsafe at any time, and the people, culture, sights and food are all wonderful. You will be warmly welcomed and rewarded with a wonderful, affordable holiday if you go.
Ladies and gentlemen, and fellow FlyerTalkers
, we've come to the end of another adventure. Thanks for flying with me again. I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey. I know you have a choice of Trip Reports and appreciate that you chose mine today. I look forward to welcoming all of you back again in the near future.Coming up soon:
Some Atlantic pampering. Los Angeles-Zurich in first class with Swiss, and Frankfurt-San Francisco in first class with United, as well as assorted intra-Europe flights with Swiss, Flybe and Lufthansa.
Until next time …
Last edited by sftrvlr; Jan 1, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Jan 6, 2007, 11:56 pm
#36
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: FLL, over-inflated EGO due to EXP status
Posts: 4,519
The pod seats (Skysleeper Solo in JALspeak) are very nice, but only on NRT-JFK/ORD routes right now. I actually got to try both types, the older (Skysleeper) on SFO-NRT and then the pods on NRT-ORD. I thoroughly enjoyed the service, and found the crews friendly and very accommodating. I did notice though, that both flights were "hot and stuffy" as you did. Otherwise, it was top-notch and I can't wait to fly them again. AA doesn't even come close to JL's level of service on their flights to NRT. Very enjoyable reading ^
Jan 8, 2007, 12:26 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,148
It's always enjoyable to find a trip report detailing First Class travel to distant corners of the globe. However, it is a rare and cherished treat to read one as well written and detailed as yours are. You have very few peers in the Trip Report forum.
Thanks for another fine effort, sftrvlr! I shall eagerly await your upcoming reports of Atlantic pampering.
Thanks for another fine effort, sftrvlr! I shall eagerly await your upcoming reports of Atlantic pampering.