Flight to Tokyo
 

For an upcoming trip From Israel to Japan I have the following options:
1. El-Al to Hong Kong and Cathay pacific/ JAL/ ANA to Japan.
2. Flight to any destination in europe and direct flight to Japan.
3. Flight to any destination in Europe and any flight to Japan.
I hate the 1st option althogh it's the shortest one - I hate flying El-Al (their 747-200 is terrible).
Which of the following would be the best:
a. British Airways direct LHR-NRT.
b. JAL/ANA direct.
c. Cathay Pacific/ Singapore Airlines with a stopover.

Thanks

Well you could take BA or Air France the whole way. But if there is any way to maximize the use of ANA First Class, that is definitely the way to go. However I don't think they fly to the middle east. I suppose if I were in your shoes I'd either take BA or AF the whole way, or switch to ANA at any Euro hub.

OTOH, I think JAL flies to IST which might be the best routing.

What class of service are you flying?

I would echo Stimpy's comments. He has identified the fastest, easiest, and most pleasant options. I would just add fuel to his comment regarding ANA. If you are indifferent about One World vs. Star, I would definitely go ANA. Their F product is really very nice for the 11 hours+ back from Europe to Tokyo.

Mike

Sorry, it would probably be coach for this time. Which is the best in coach?

Ouch! I try not to even think about coach on such a long trip. But I suppose I would fly Thai non-stop from TLV to BKK. Then spend about 6 hours in a nice massage parlor, then continue on Thai or ANA to NRT.

If that isn't your style, then I might take Air France the whole way. The French are quite civilized when it comes to comfort, even in coach.

Thai from TLV to BKK is ElAl on code-share - out of the question

Ooops. I wonder why Asian airlines don't go to TLV? I know Thai flies from BKK to DXB since I've taken that flight before.