JAL Business Class to Narita

After a wondeful week in China, time to head home. We used 97,500 BA Avios points each for our one way First Class return, the highlight of which is JAL First Class Sky Suites from Narita to LAX. And a big thank you to BA for paying for my ticket home with the 100,000 Avios compensation from last December's LHR-LAX debacle. But first up this morning, a 3 hour business class flight to Narita. We departed the Pen at 8:45A for our 11:50A JL flight.





Not much traffic this morning and we were at Pu Dong 40 minutes later.







And arrived at the JL counters just before they opened. And the familiar Asian greeting and bowing to passengers as the counters open.





After relatively painless passport control and security, we were in the long, long, long concourse. Mrs. SFO wanted to browse the duty free shops and search for Starbucks. Indeed, there is one, at the far end of the terminal near Gate 27. Since our JL flight was scheduled to depart from Gate 27, she stayed while I doubled back for lounge pics.



On the lower level by Gates 17/18.





OK, this is one ugly and depressing lounge.

















Didn't check out the lounge but it has to be better than The Sakura Lounge.



And another lounge upstairs, a Priority Pass affiliate, on the main level 3.





Meanwhile back to Gate 27, Mrs. SFO was nowhere to be seen, but showed up 10 minutes later after more window shopping.

Shanghai PVG-Tokyo NRT
JL 874
767-300
11:50A-3:50P (sked)
11:40A-3:35P (actual)
September 24, 2014
Business Class
Seats 3AC



Typical cram-them-in narrow 2-2-2 767 seating. Although dated seats, it was reasonably comfortable for a 2.5 hour flight.









Although the narrow seats leave little room for storage.







Pleasant cabin crew and a half empty cabin made for good service on this short flight.



Not much choice in wines with one option in each category. Not even close to QR Business but way better than crAApy offerings back home.







I ordered a G&T and went with the Western option. Not sure if this is normal or just a today's crew but my G&T was delivered promptly but with my meal. Not sure what the rush is on a 2.5 hour flight.









Although the salad and potatoes were tasty, this "beef" looked a lot better than it actually tasted.





All in all, a pleasant short flight.