Main cabin RDU to Japan
Jan 4, 2024, 12:17 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: RDU
Programs: DL(PM), UA(Silver), AA(EXP) Marriott(Ti), HH(Gold), Hertz(PC)
Posts: 2,669
Main cabin RDU to Japan
Two of us will be headed to Tokyo in May, originating from RDU. I see options all on AA metal connecting in DFW or AA to ORD and then JAL. The fares are comparable, and I'm EXP so I can get MCE seats at no charge on AA metal. I'm not sure if I have access to better seats on JAL given my status.
Which is the better option? All AA or should I go with JAL for the long-haul segments?
We don't have a preference between HND or NRT.
Which is the better option? All AA or should I go with JAL for the long-haul segments?
We don't have a preference between HND or NRT.
Jan 4, 2024, 1:26 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP/2MM, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,186
AA gives access to MCE and a shot at a Y+ upgrade as EXP. But JL has IMO the best Y product in the sky. Make sure that you book the AA codeshare on JL; JL mileage earning is usually a worse deal. You should get access to exit row seats free on JL.
I'd pick the schedule that works better assuming fare and mileage earning is comparable. But I prefer ORD for connections and it's a more direct routing, which is key if you have to do Y. So I'd advise JL via ORD.
I'd pick the schedule that works better assuming fare and mileage earning is comparable. But I prefer ORD for connections and it's a more direct routing, which is key if you have to do Y. So I'd advise JL via ORD.
Jan 4, 2024, 2:00 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
JL for sure if you're 100% sure you'll be flying in economy.
The only thing that would push me to AA is if you thought there would be any chance you'd want to upgrade. If you purchase coach on AA you could watch the upgrade offers and try to snag a cheap $$ upgrade to PE (or even better, business). But of course these can vary and no guarantees there would be anything worth jumping on.
The only thing that would push me to AA is if you thought there would be any chance you'd want to upgrade. If you purchase coach on AA you could watch the upgrade offers and try to snag a cheap $$ upgrade to PE (or even better, business). But of course these can vary and no guarantees there would be anything worth jumping on.
Jan 4, 2024, 2:07 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2023
Posts: 14
I've flown RDU to HND many times and I prefer to fly with AA metal via DFW mainly for applying SWU or cache upgrade to J.
However, since JAL will introduce new A350-1000 between JFK to HND in this month, I'd rather try RDU-JFK-HND instead of ORD which is 787-9. As EXP, it is almost certain to be upgraded from RDU to JFK segment
However, since JAL will introduce new A350-1000 between JFK to HND in this month, I'd rather try RDU-JFK-HND instead of ORD which is 787-9. As EXP, it is almost certain to be upgraded from RDU to JFK segment
Jan 4, 2024, 4:27 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, DL, TK
Posts: 230
I've flown RDU to HND many times and I prefer to fly with AA metal via DFW mainly for applying SWU or cache upgrade to J.
However, since JAL will introduce new A350-1000 between JFK to HND in this month, I'd rather try RDU-JFK-HND instead of ORD which is 787-9. As EXP, it is almost certain to be upgraded from RDU to JFK segment
However, since JAL will introduce new A350-1000 between JFK to HND in this month, I'd rather try RDU-JFK-HND instead of ORD which is 787-9. As EXP, it is almost certain to be upgraded from RDU to JFK segment
Jan 4, 2024, 4:58 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: RDU
Programs: DL(PM), UA(Silver), AA(EXP) Marriott(Ti), HH(Gold), Hertz(PC)
Posts: 2,669
Jan 4, 2024, 9:25 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: RDU
Programs: DL(PM), UA(Silver), AA(EXP) Marriott(Ti), HH(Gold), Hertz(PC)
Posts: 2,669
Jan 4, 2024, 10:04 pm
#12
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX
Programs: AS 100K, DL PL, B6 M3
Posts: 180
In addition to the extra leg room and "sky wider" seats on the 787/777 (one less seat per row) everyone has mentioned the other big winner for JAL economy is the food, beverage and service received is almost always excellent so long as you enjoy Japense style bento box. Coming from the US its nice to enjoy japenese beer, wine and even an economy level sake offering on the long flight.
Crews are attentive coming by to help with luggage, frequent drink service and proactive small snacks on request. It's close to but not quite a Premium Economy experince for everyone on long haul JAL flights.
Crews are attentive coming by to help with luggage, frequent drink service and proactive small snacks on request. It's close to but not quite a Premium Economy experince for everyone on long haul JAL flights.
Last edited by firemandan9; Jan 4, 2024 at 10:47 pm