JAL - No Seat Selection till 72 hrs before flight
Sep 20, 2017, 2:51 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA ex-1K, AA, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Global Entry
Posts: 98
JAL - No Seat Selection till 72 hrs before flight
I have an upcoming flight in Nov from JFK to SIN (stop in Narita) and the class fare did not allow me to choose seats. I know I can wait till 72 hrs before my flight to select my seats online. However, my question is whether we will get to sit together. I don't know what happens if the flights are overbooked (will I get booted because I don't have an assigned seat?).
Anyone has any experience with this? I called JAL today and they said they really don't know (except the NRT to SIN flight is getting full).
Thanks!
Anyone has any experience with this? I called JAL today and they said they really don't know (except the NRT to SIN flight is getting full).
Thanks!
Sep 20, 2017, 5:28 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,159
I have an upcoming flight in Nov from JFK to SIN (stop in Narita) and the class fare did not allow me to choose seats. I know I can wait till 72 hrs before my flight to select my seats online. However, my question is whether we will get to sit together. I don't know what happens if the flights are overbooked (will I get booted because I don't have an assigned seat?).
Anyone has any experience with this? I called JAL today and they said they really don't know (except the NRT to SIN flight is getting full).
Thanks!
Anyone has any experience with this? I called JAL today and they said they really don't know (except the NRT to SIN flight is getting full).
Thanks!
Sep 20, 2017, 5:57 pm
#3
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank, JMB Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 16,394
Sep 20, 2017, 6:57 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 67
I just completed a NRT-SIN RT this week and had an N fare that didn't allow seat selection ahead of time on the return. I was able to select a seat and checkin about 30 hours ahead of time. It may have been avail earlier but I didn't have time to check.
The JAL website is pretty horrible and the checkin/seat selection required multiple pages of effort to confirm my details, and then select from a very basic seat map. It appeared to fail but apparently worked as I had the seat when I checked in the next morning. On the positive side, the gate agent was very helpful in finding me another seat without someone sitting next to me.
The JAL website is pretty horrible and the checkin/seat selection required multiple pages of effort to confirm my details, and then select from a very basic seat map. It appeared to fail but apparently worked as I had the seat when I checked in the next morning. On the positive side, the gate agent was very helpful in finding me another seat without someone sitting next to me.
Sep 21, 2017, 7:32 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA ex-1K, AA, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Global Entry
Posts: 98
Great feedback everyone! Much appreciated! I tried to "purchase" a higher airfare online just so I can see the seat map JFK -> NRT seat map wasn't available and the NRT -> SIN seat map looks mostly full.
Glad to know that JAL blocked them and that they are not actually full.
Thanks everyone!
Glad to know that JAL blocked them and that they are not actually full.
Thanks everyone!
Sep 21, 2017, 7:50 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA ex-1K, AA, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Global Entry
Posts: 98
I just completed a NRT-SIN RT this week and had an N fare that didn't allow seat selection ahead of time on the return. I was able to select a seat and checkin about 30 hours ahead of time. It may have been avail earlier but I didn't have time to check.
The JAL website is pretty horrible and the checkin/seat selection required multiple pages of effort to confirm my details, and then select from a very basic seat map. It appeared to fail but apparently worked as I had the seat when I checked in the next morning. On the positive side, the gate agent was very helpful in finding me another seat without someone sitting next to me.
The JAL website is pretty horrible and the checkin/seat selection required multiple pages of effort to confirm my details, and then select from a very basic seat map. It appeared to fail but apparently worked as I had the seat when I checked in the next morning. On the positive side, the gate agent was very helpful in finding me another seat without someone sitting next to me.
Sep 21, 2017, 10:58 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 67
Food selections (if you can call it that): a butter chicken or salmon. I went with the one that was listed as "salmon" on a handful of somewhat crispy rice. Noodles, spinach and fruit along side. I enjoyed the rice but the sliver of salmon was barely passable. Desert was a mini cup of Vanilla bean Häagen-Dazs which I enjoyed with a red wine 
As a first time flyer on JAL, I had a perception that it would be better but I suppose it's still coach. I read on another post that the pre-ordered meals arrive about 20 minutes ahead of the regular service and this was true on my flight. Those passengers were done before the regular service started. I had to try the JAL original drink "Sky Time Kiwi", which was surprisingly good. Never had kiwi juice nor a beverage that was uniquely produced for an airline. Quirky. PS: just found this if you want the official meal description: https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/servi...beverages.html
On the NRT-SIN leg, I needed to sleep so I got 18K, a window seat. Was really cramped (passenger next to me) and damn cold. Window seats tend to be colder anyway but the A/C was blasting directly at me. The blanket was thin and only useful to cover my head/upper body like a mummy. Luckily I snagged the fleece blanket from my previous flight so I didn't completely freeze. Not sure if it's the way the 767 is designed but I would not choose this cold seat again.
Other than that, I enjoyed the quirky/charming precision of the service. Observing the interaction between the lead FA and the others--several of whom had "Trainee" tags, it was clear that they took pride in their work. I appreciate this especially in contrast to the neutral to crappy attitude that one receives here in the US.
As a first time flyer on JAL, I had a perception that it would be better but I suppose it's still coach. I read on another post that the pre-ordered meals arrive about 20 minutes ahead of the regular service and this was true on my flight. Those passengers were done before the regular service started. I had to try the JAL original drink "Sky Time Kiwi", which was surprisingly good. Never had kiwi juice nor a beverage that was uniquely produced for an airline. Quirky. PS: just found this if you want the official meal description: https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/servi...beverages.html
On the NRT-SIN leg, I needed to sleep so I got 18K, a window seat. Was really cramped (passenger next to me) and damn cold. Window seats tend to be colder anyway but the A/C was blasting directly at me. The blanket was thin and only useful to cover my head/upper body like a mummy. Luckily I snagged the fleece blanket from my previous flight so I didn't completely freeze. Not sure if it's the way the 767 is designed but I would not choose this cold seat again.
Other than that, I enjoyed the quirky/charming precision of the service. Observing the interaction between the lead FA and the others--several of whom had "Trainee" tags, it was clear that they took pride in their work. I appreciate this especially in contrast to the neutral to crappy attitude that one receives here in the US.
Last edited by sailor279; Sep 21, 2017 at 11:14 am
Sep 22, 2017, 8:13 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA ex-1K, AA, SPG, Marriott Rewards, Global Entry
Posts: 98
Food selections (if you can call it that): a butter chicken or salmon. I went with the one that was listed as "salmon" on a handful of somewhat crispy rice. Noodles, spinach and fruit along side. I enjoyed the rice but the sliver of salmon was barely passable. Desert was a mini cup of Vanilla bean Häagen-Dazs which I enjoyed with a red wine
As a first time flyer on JAL, I had a perception that it would be better but I suppose it's still coach. I read on another post that the pre-ordered meals arrive about 20 minutes ahead of the regular service and this was true on my flight. Those passengers were done before the regular service started. I had to try the JAL original drink "Sky Time Kiwi", which was surprisingly good. Never had kiwi juice nor a beverage that was uniquely produced for an airline. Quirky. PS: just found this if you want the official meal description: https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/servi...beverages.html
On the NRT-SIN leg, I needed to sleep so I got 18K, a window seat. Was really cramped (passenger next to me) and damn cold. Window seats tend to be colder anyway but the A/C was blasting directly at me. The blanket was thin and only useful to cover my head/upper body like a mummy. Luckily I snagged the fleece blanket from my previous flight so I didn't completely freeze. Not sure if it's the way the 767 is designed but I would not choose this cold seat again.
Other than that, I enjoyed the quirky/charming precision of the service. Observing the interaction between the lead FA and the others--several of whom had "Trainee" tags, it was clear that they took pride in their work. I appreciate this especially in contrast to the neutral to crappy attitude that one receives here in the US.
As a first time flyer on JAL, I had a perception that it would be better but I suppose it's still coach. I read on another post that the pre-ordered meals arrive about 20 minutes ahead of the regular service and this was true on my flight. Those passengers were done before the regular service started. I had to try the JAL original drink "Sky Time Kiwi", which was surprisingly good. Never had kiwi juice nor a beverage that was uniquely produced for an airline. Quirky. PS: just found this if you want the official meal description: https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/servi...beverages.html
On the NRT-SIN leg, I needed to sleep so I got 18K, a window seat. Was really cramped (passenger next to me) and damn cold. Window seats tend to be colder anyway but the A/C was blasting directly at me. The blanket was thin and only useful to cover my head/upper body like a mummy. Luckily I snagged the fleece blanket from my previous flight so I didn't completely freeze. Not sure if it's the way the 767 is designed but I would not choose this cold seat again.
Other than that, I enjoyed the quirky/charming precision of the service. Observing the interaction between the lead FA and the others--several of whom had "Trainee" tags, it was clear that they took pride in their work. I appreciate this especially in contrast to the neutral to crappy attitude that one receives here in the US.
How strict is JAL with carry-ons (both size and weight)? I'm only worried about outbound since I will check in baggage coming back to JFK. I actually went to JFK with my baggage but there was no JAL sample carry-on metal box for me to try and fit my luggage in. The JAL gate agent just eyeballed my bag and said it's fine (however, I checked with another airline carry-on metal box and it didn't fit).
Thanks!
Sep 26, 2017, 8:57 am
#10
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 67
I brought a 22x10 rollerboard + laptop bag (my standard carry on) and no one questioned me.
I too spent the night in SIN as I wanted to wait until morning before going into town. There is no JAL lounge and only SATS and Dnata are open 24hrs, so your choices are to:
(1) wander the airport - many places to sit and sleep and things to see
(2) check into a transit hotel
(3) enjoy one of the lounges, like I did
Despite a post on OneMileAtATime from 7/2016, SATS Premier no longer accepts JAL/One World (so they told me). Unless you have Priority Pass, your only overnight lounge option in T1 is Dnata. I found Dnata to be very nice and entered by paying through Lounge Buddy app because I no longer have Priority Pass. Here's a $10 Lounge Buddy Discount code: 9VEHBQAur1 for Dnata lounge if you go that route. You purchase a 4-hour visit and although the front desk agent mentioned the time limit to me, no one appeared to be enforcing this. I stayed for about 6 hrs. Drinks are avail all night (including great Hudson's coffee, served by baristas after 6am) but food resumes about 3am. Worth the $28 I paid!
I too spent the night in SIN as I wanted to wait until morning before going into town. There is no JAL lounge and only SATS and Dnata are open 24hrs, so your choices are to:
(1) wander the airport - many places to sit and sleep and things to see
(2) check into a transit hotel
(3) enjoy one of the lounges, like I did
Despite a post on OneMileAtATime from 7/2016, SATS Premier no longer accepts JAL/One World (so they told me). Unless you have Priority Pass, your only overnight lounge option in T1 is Dnata. I found Dnata to be very nice and entered by paying through Lounge Buddy app because I no longer have Priority Pass. Here's a $10 Lounge Buddy Discount code: 9VEHBQAur1 for Dnata lounge if you go that route. You purchase a 4-hour visit and although the front desk agent mentioned the time limit to me, no one appeared to be enforcing this. I stayed for about 6 hrs. Drinks are avail all night (including great Hudson's coffee, served by baristas after 6am) but food resumes about 3am. Worth the $28 I paid!
Last edited by sailor279; Sep 26, 2017 at 9:10 am
Sep 26, 2017, 2:25 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Posts: 98
Again, I appreciate the thorough feedback. My partner has priority pass through Chase so we should be all set. I heard that Dnata lounge is very nice so looking forward to it. Thanks again! I can't wait!
Oct 6, 2017, 1:57 pm
#14
Ambassador: Japan Airlines
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: JAL Mileage Bank, JMB Diamond, oneworld Emerald, Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 16,394
Only at the airport. But how does this relate to advanced seat selection?
