Let me propose an alternative customer service experience.

I was flying north from Angola on an African carrier. As we took off, I fell asleep. I was jolted awake a few hours later as we landed, shocked at how fast we had made it to our destination and how it felt like I had slept only maybe 30 minutes.

Turns out I should have trusted my instinct. As we slowly rolled to the airport gate, the pilot came over the intercom: “We are not deplaning here. This is not our final destination. We are short on fuel and need to refuel the plane.”

Fair enough, I thought. About ten minutes later, his voice echoes through the cabin once more: “Unfortunately the local fueling firm refuses to fill the plane on credit. We will need to collect money from the passengers to make the remaining distance.” Within seconds, a hat was being passed around and people were throwing cash in. As an obvious American, it was made clear to me that I was expected to throw in by far the most; I ended up dropping in all I had, a little over $300.

Within an hour, we were back on our way. After landing, the airline said nothing to us, nor was I ever able to secure reimbursement for my “donation”.

So while I appreciate hyperbole and how frustrating this is in the moment, no, JAL is nowhere close to having the worst customer service in the industry.