Fourth Sector - HND-DFW JL F
Now this was flying, baby! We were on the brand spanking new A350. It looked to me as though it was this aeroplane's first sector ever. Not a single sign of use! Even the crew remarked on how they were still getting used to everything.
The JL F A350 fit out is stunning. The seats are almost double-bed wide, there are bells and whistles for everything, and it is decadent comfort. I am not sure that my photos do this beautiful bird justice, and there are plenty of video reviews out there for those who wish a better look than I can provide.
The photos don't convey the size of this suite. That screen is a decent domestic TV size! The things I loved were:
1. Personal space and privacy (there's a sliding door which is pretty tall).
2. Somewhere to put everything. The closet in which to hang one's clothes and the dedicated shoe storage drawer are great. The under companion dining seat carry on baggage stowage, while spacious, has a hard ceiling, and I suspect that some folks might struggle getting their carry on inside. My Tumi in the picture fitted - just - in unextended mode and not jam-packed full.
3. Choice of firm or soft mattress and pillow. I am firm mattress and firm pillow person, so I loved having that choice.
4. Great electronic dimming window shades that you control at all times.
5. The huge TV screen. Terrific for watching things like superhero and sci-fi films.
6. Perfect onboard service, food and drinks.
7. A spacious lav, with a Japanese bidet. Pure bliss!
The one thing about which I was not over-enthused was the touch screen controller for the suite and IFE. I worked it out eventually, but I didn't find it especially straightforward to operate. I also couldn't get the complimentary Wifi to work, but +1 informed me that was because I didn't read the instructions properly (which is true). Personally, I find Wifi on aeroplanes destructive of uninterrupted serenity, and I am very glad it was NOT available during my working life as I really valued NOT being connected on long-haul flights. But these are totally minor observations in the scheme of things.
Some folks have observed that JL is fond of an over-heated cabin, but I didn't experience this, and my thermostat runs very hot. A very thin and lightweight blanket was provided (in addition to a duvet), and that was plenty for me. I also didn't use the JL-supplied very nice-looking and -feeling pyjamas, as they seemed far too warm for me. I lounge and sleep onboard aeroplanes in a cotton tee-shirt and a pair of lightweight cotton Shanghai Tang pyjama bottoms (acquired on a long-ago Cathay F flight, before I cancelled Hong Kong because of what the Chinese Communist Party did to it).
The food and drink on offer were exquisite. I chose the Japanese menu and loved everything. There was no set breakfast offered prior to arrival at DFW, but you could order from the "a la carte" menu at any time, and I composed a delicious pre-landing meal (Japanese brochettes, the "light meal" and the vanilla peach tart) from it (I wished I could have tried nearly everything on it!). The coffee was served in a cafetière along with an egg timer and instructions from the stewardess about making the perfect brew - such a lovely touch! There were only the two of us drinking the Salon champagne, so we each enjoyed a half bottle. I liked the French Bordeaux I had with my main course and cheese (and the stewardess suggested I try all of the different breads with my cheese, and oh they were good), but I've no idea about how posh it was (and don't really care, because I thought it tasted perfectly fine). With my pudding I tried the shochu on the rocks, and that was a very nice change from a sticky.
I passed the flight watching Avengers "Infinity War" and "Endgame", because I love a super hero flick and the big screen made it an almost cinematic experience, and sipping the delicious "Queen of Blue" tea, which is ceremoniously served as though it were fine wine. I had a few hours of very good sleep on the firm mattress and pillow, and enjoyed perfect Japanese service from the team of stewardesses looking after the F cabin. The purser seemed to take a very active role in the service, making sure the F pax (5/6 suites occupied) were being well looked after. I really didn't want this sector to end!
Here is the menu:
