*This post is written by my brother (Kevin), the other author of our site (doctor)*
After our amazing time at the closet, also known as the JAL First Class Lounge, it was time to head to the gate for what would turn out to be the best flight that Joe and I have ever taken! The flight was the last to leave out of SFO I believe as its departure time was 1:45am. As we waited at gate A5 for our flight to board we noticed something that would become very common place once we arrived in Tokyo, medical masks. It seemed that at least 1 out of 4 people had masks on similar to the ones we use in the OR. We didn't ask any of them the reason for wearing them, although I assume it is because they are sick or they are afraid of becoming sick but once we arrived in Tokyo that number went closer to 1 out of 3 people!
One of our masked co-passengers
When First class was called we boarded through the door behind row 2 and were directed left to our new home for the next 11 hours!
Airline: Japan Airlines
Route: JL001 SFO-HND
Cabin: F
Plane: 777-300ER
Seats: 1D and 1G
Flight time: 11 hours
My seat for the flight to Tokyo!
After snapping a few pictures of the cabin we took our seats. Joe and I were seated in the first row and were 2 of only 4 people in the cabin which held 8 seats. The cabin is set up in 2 rows of 1-2-1 configuration so Joe and I each had an aisle and then 1 window seat next to us. The other passengers were seated in the windows seats at A and K in the second row.
Seats behind us
Yep, these will work
Immediately upon sitting we were given a glass of champagne and a warm refreshing towel (we found out later that the departure champagne although good was not the excellent and expensive Salon 2002 that we would have the rest of the flight). Following this initial refresher we were given our Pajama's (or lounge wear) as well as an amenity kit, a container of premier lotions, slippers, Bose headphone (just for the flight) and a menu. After taking off we changed into our PJ's and were ready to enjoy the flight! I found the JAL pajama's extremely comfortable as they are loose fitting with a very soft material and a half zip shirt. I actually found them more comfortable than the PJ's on our Singapore flight home, mostly because those had elastic at the ankle that I did not care for.
Pre-departure drink
Ready for the flight!
Pj's for the flight!
Amenity kit, lotion set and Bose Headphones
Inside the amenity kit
Slippers
Menu
Once comfortable, it was time to explore the seat. As you can see from the pictures the JAL first class seat is very wide and has many functions including a lounging recline, a full 180 degree recline into a bed and a massage function. The small suite also includes a very large screen measuring 23 inches that can be easily controlled by the touch screen controller in the one of the many compartments in the cabin.
There was a collection of current movies, shows and music which was more than enough for our flight. The tray table is also very large, covering the width of the suite and is able to be pushed all the way back against the screen or slide the length of the suite to your seat. Finally, there is an ottoman under the screen which is the perfect height for placing carry-ons underneath and can be used as a footrest or a seat for a companion (there is even a seat belt on it).
Huge 23 inch screen, tray table and ottoman
Compartment next to screen
Compartment next to seat
Second compartment next to seat with tv controls
Seat controls
Inside large pocket next to seat
Screens
Tray table pulled out
With divider up
Touch-screen IFE controller
I'm not going to put up the rest of the pictures we have of the touch screen remote. If you want to see them for some reason, click
here and scroll down to them.
After exploring our seat it was time to peruse the menu to order our meals. As this was a flight which was not taking place at the conventional time of most meals, there was not a full meal service in the traditional sense but a "snack" and then an a la carte menu. Between the 2 of us we were able to try most of the things on the menu as well as some of the beverages!
The champagne served on board JAL First Class is Salon 2002. I am not someone who has ever tried expensive champagnes but from what I had read I knew this was suppose to be excellent and it was! Although not as well known as Dom or Krug, it is very pricey, usually going for well over $400 a bottle (look it up). Needless to say they stock 2 of these bottle per flight and Joe and I ended up taking care of 1 1/2 of them
. The other alcoholic beverage we were able to try during our flight was Chivas Royal 21 Year Salute which has a pretty damn cool looking bottle. Now again, I am not someone who usually drinks Scotch, but this was easily the smoothest I have ever had and at over $300 a bottle I would hope so!
Time to eat dinner!
Salon 2002...AWESOME
Chivas Royal 21 Year Salute
Chivas Royal 21 Year Salute
For our late night snack we both selected the Nigiri Sushi which consisted of salmon, squid and shrimp and the caviar from the a la carte menu which was served with a mother of pearl spoon. This was first time (second time would be on the way back) tasting caviar and I really enjoyed it and thought that the small pancakes were superior to the cracker served on the Singapore flight on the way back. We enjoyed everything we ate and there are pictures with comments on each below.
Same as the remote, I won't post all the pieces of the menu. If you want to see them all, click
here and scroll down to 'em!
Caviar
Sushi
Caviar and sushi
Salmon Roe, Squid and Sea Urchin
Salmon Sandwich and Salad with shrimp and crab
Shrimp and Crab Salad
Delicious Noodles!
Snacks near the bathroom
Dessert!!
Our flight route
After having our fill of expensive alcohol and Japanese food it was time to lay down for a nap. Since there was no one sitting by the window seats on either side of us we asked the flight attendants to turn those seats down into our beds. As I mentioned before, the seats fully recline 180 degrees into a bed and then a mattress is placed on top as well as a comforter and 2 pillows. You can choose soft or firm for your mattress. Before laying down we asked to be woken up about a hour and 45 min before arrival so we could wake up a bit and have breakfast. Both of us ended up sleeping for right around 5 hours and I were very comfortable for the most part but did find the cabin to be a bit warm at times and had to remove my comforter to cool off.
Open seat next to me that would become my bed!
My bed
I went with the soft mattress
Apparently that is me sleeping, at least that is what Joe said
Upon waking it was time for breakfast which was a Simmered Sablefish in soy sauce and several sides as well as a banana and strawberry smoothie (there is a western menu too with an omelet). I had never actually had fish for breakfast other then lox on my bagel but it was outstanding - I was really surprised. Along with our breakfast we were served coffee in special JAL First Class mugs which I LOVED! I thought they were so cool I had to tell the flight attendant.
Sablefish with rice and crab for breakfast!
Smoothie
Coffee with my new favorite mug I got to take home!
A little FROZEN with my morning coffee
Up until now I haven't mentioned anything about the service on this flight but it was EXCELLENT! It was easily the best service Joe or I have ever had and it is what really separated it from the Singapore flight we took on the way back. Banno was the pursuer who ran the team and she was just awesome. Our champagne glasses were never empty, we never had to wait more then 2 seconds to get anything we wanted and they just seemed to be generally nice, caring people.
Case in point, I had told them when we first boarded that this was kind the beginning of my bachelor party trip and when I returned from changing back into my regular clothes at then end of the flight there was a note with my name on it and 2 special chop stick holders for me! When they saw me sit back down the just kept bowing and saying "for you and your new wife." Not only that, when I told them how much I loved the coffee mugs they came back and said "You want clean mug to take home?!" Ummmm, YES!...and Joe needs one too
My special gift of JAL chopstick holders!
Joe in the empty seat next to him watching our landing
So bottomline, this was an outstanding flight and the best crew I have ever experienced. I am happy to report that I have already book another flight in this cabin for Katie (my fiance)and I in February of next year and can't wait for her to experience it!
Still to come, Tokyo, JAL Tokyo Narita First Class Lounge, Seoul and more!
A preview of the Tokyo post!
