Making my Monday morning 10am class in style - JAL First Class NRT-ORD
Oct 22, 2017, 4:55 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
Making my Monday morning 10am class in style - JAL First Class NRT-ORD
Hello again - some of you will know that I am based in ORD as a college student. I can't deny the fact that all these HKG-ORD trips over the years have built up intense loyalty to CX, hence my regularity on the CX forum 
But this time, I just had to be home over the weekend quickly for my dad's birthday, and there was no way the HKG-ORD flight would have let me make my Monday morning classes. That's why my travel agent (i.e. myself) came up with the 'innovative' solution of hopping over to NRT overnight and catching the earliest TPAC flight home, which happens to be one of the most premium configured jets on one of the most well acclaimed airlines out there...
I think I'm writing this in rebuttal to SFO777's recently reported mediocrity about JL F. Just gotta justify it in return
The CX flight was, as you can expect
...oops, no, it was meh, as it was operated by one of those regional jets. That said, if we compare with its 'outstanding' peers here in the US and Europe on their regional services...
Three hours later, we were pulling into this ageing beauty of an airport otherwise known as NRT upon daybreak
The original plan was to catch the remnants of the cherry blossoms in Narita-shi but the temperature and waiting time for the next train upon arrival disagreed, so instead, I ventured off and located the sightseeing terraces. The views were...meh.
Can't deny one of the reasons to first head out was to...maximize justify the full experience of checking in at the counters. The young lady was polite and efficient; lightening up at the mass of tags on my carry-on and cheerfully granted my request of a window seat that was held until airport control. She also advised that I should sit around in the comfy sofas within the check in area as security had not opened yet.
A line was forming, and I was silly to think there was a separate F channel in there...
Although it was a busy Monday morning, the clientele meant a hassle free and efficient process through security, and off I went to the promised land.
The receptionist, a charming lady, asked if it was my first time. Well yes, as O/Ding to Tokyo from HKG takes me to HND more. So I took her offer of a walkaround of the lounge as she introduced the facilities in a perfectly confident tone. Little that I know that she would be my personal assistant a la LH for the next 3 hours...
I found the decor to be...Japanese, as in very corporate and somewhat clinical. As many of you will know, this is a perfectly competent lounge, but just lacks any type of 'bling' or uniqueness, save for the sushi bar. So off I went...and went...and started losing control...
Although it is no pretentious a la carte style but the F&B offerings were of high quality, and of course the toro was oozing with fat and sweetness, it was definitely not a bad way to start a supposedly long day ahead.
As I said, my 'personal assistant' was secretly watching aside, but once I went for the bar, off she sprinted and offered assistance with pouring and delivering the drinks to my table. Perhaps this is when you want to be lost in translation so it becomes hard to decline such offerings
The lounge soon filled up (completely) given JL's elite heaviness(?), and I was soon 'recommended' to make my way up to the annex lounge, after reserving a time for the since-enhanced body massage and a shower before my flight. The annex lounge was a virtual clone except it didn't have the sushi bar. Okay, sushi is part of the national diet so...
The thing I liked about both lounges were the abundant options for power outlets and speedy wifi. I hanged around a bit and headed back downstairs where my PA cheerfully led me to the masseuse followed by a pre flight shower. The massage was strong and soothing enough, but the shower suites were a bit on the compact side, although I couldn't find anything to fault with regard to water temp and pressure.
My PA asked if I wanted to be escorted to the gate, but I had promised my friends to sweep up some duty free so I politely declined. Little did I know how humongous the line would be, although the tight boarding time practiced by JL meant I did not need to do my HKG-Pier-to-gate-3 sprints yet.
Today's battleship JA734J was delivered in 2005, so it is older than all CX 77Ws. It was painted with a smart JAL SKY ECO decal
Today's flight was filled to the brim in the 3 cabins behind, but again given the clientele, boarding was peaceful and efficient. One thing I really love about Japanese airlines. As the other 3 pax in F had already boarded, the lovely lady holding up the F boarding sign retracted once I reported to her and escorted me towards the jetbridge.
But this time, I just had to be home over the weekend quickly for my dad's birthday, and there was no way the HKG-ORD flight would have let me make my Monday morning classes. That's why my travel agent (i.e. myself) came up with the 'innovative' solution of hopping over to NRT overnight and catching the earliest TPAC flight home, which happens to be one of the most premium configured jets on one of the most well acclaimed airlines out there...
I think I'm writing this in rebuttal to SFO777's recently reported mediocrity about JL F. Just gotta justify it in return
The CX flight was, as you can expect
...oops, no, it was meh, as it was operated by one of those regional jets. That said, if we compare with its 'outstanding' peers here in the US and Europe on their regional services...Three hours later, we were pulling into this ageing beauty of an airport otherwise known as NRT upon daybreak
The original plan was to catch the remnants of the cherry blossoms in Narita-shi but the temperature and waiting time for the next train upon arrival disagreed, so instead, I ventured off and located the sightseeing terraces. The views were...meh.
Can't deny one of the reasons to first head out was to...
A line was forming, and I was silly to think there was a separate F channel in there...
Although it was a busy Monday morning, the clientele meant a hassle free and efficient process through security, and off I went to the promised land.
The receptionist, a charming lady, asked if it was my first time. Well yes, as O/Ding to Tokyo from HKG takes me to HND more. So I took her offer of a walkaround of the lounge as she introduced the facilities in a perfectly confident tone. Little that I know that she would be my personal assistant a la LH for the next 3 hours...
I found the decor to be...Japanese, as in very corporate and somewhat clinical. As many of you will know, this is a perfectly competent lounge, but just lacks any type of 'bling' or uniqueness, save for the sushi bar. So off I went...and went...and started losing control...
Although it is no pretentious a la carte style but the F&B offerings were of high quality, and of course the toro was oozing with fat and sweetness, it was definitely not a bad way to start a supposedly long day ahead.
As I said, my 'personal assistant' was secretly watching aside, but once I went for the bar, off she sprinted and offered assistance with pouring and delivering the drinks to my table. Perhaps this is when you want to be lost in translation so it becomes hard to decline such offerings
The lounge soon filled up (completely) given JL's elite heaviness(?), and I was soon 'recommended' to make my way up to the annex lounge, after reserving a time for the since-enhanced body massage and a shower before my flight. The annex lounge was a virtual clone except it didn't have the sushi bar. Okay, sushi is part of the national diet so...
The thing I liked about both lounges were the abundant options for power outlets and speedy wifi. I hanged around a bit and headed back downstairs where my PA cheerfully led me to the masseuse followed by a pre flight shower. The massage was strong and soothing enough, but the shower suites were a bit on the compact side, although I couldn't find anything to fault with regard to water temp and pressure.
My PA asked if I wanted to be escorted to the gate, but I had promised my friends to sweep up some duty free so I politely declined. Little did I know how humongous the line would be, although the tight boarding time practiced by JL meant I did not need to do my HKG-Pier-to-gate-3 sprints yet.
Today's battleship JA734J was delivered in 2005, so it is older than all CX 77Ws. It was painted with a smart JAL SKY ECO decal
Today's flight was filled to the brim in the 3 cabins behind, but again given the clientele, boarding was peaceful and efficient. One thing I really love about Japanese airlines. As the other 3 pax in F had already boarded, the lovely lady holding up the F boarding sign retracted once I reported to her and escorted me towards the jetbridge.
Oct 22, 2017, 4:57 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: ORD [formerly] + HKG
Programs: CX Diamond, AA exExPlat, BAEC exGold, HH Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Starriott Titanium, GE
Posts: 2,966
Flight details
Date: Apr 10th 2017
Flight: JL 10 / AA 8405 / MH 9110
Equipment: B777-346ER JA734J
Routing: RJAA Tokyo Narita - KORD Chicago O'Hare Int'l
Seat: 1K
STD: 1110 ATD: 1116
STA: 0855 ATD: 0850
Flight time: 10h 52m
Loading: 4/49/40/147 (98%)
The head FA Miyazaki-san was ready at the door for me, and quickly instructed one of her peers to escort me to my coveted throne of One Kilo. As many of you will know, it is a 1-2-1 configuration here at JAL
The leading FA in First Class Masako-san introduced herself with just a slight hint of hesitation, until I offered to place my carry on by myself. She must have felt some relief, this gaijin is not one of those that angrily shout into their phones and at them. Anyway, I asked for some OJ to begin, which was served with a sinfully fragrant oshibori.
Miyazaki-san then came by again, to my surprise, she sounded just like an American. Score for me, as I was previously worried about language barriers. The two FAs in First today, while not possessing that quality, did not present any communication issues either.
There was a free wifi voucher as you can see, but the wifi was spotty at best.
The strikingly well designed Porsche amenity kit was pre-set aside too, along with the Bose headphones in a case:
The 23" monitor was satisfactory in terms of resolution (but not really content-wise). The carpeting was plush and elegant, in a deep burgundy.
PJs also designed by Porsche along with a slip...and slippers
The remote is hidden in one of the storage cubbies, which also comes with a small make-up mirror for those who need it.
Here's how wide the seat looks, along with a comfy but not squishy enough temperamental pillow.
The standard 1-2-1 open plan was okay-la but lacked the spaciousness and airiness of the world-leading product with regard to that, the you-know-which airline that does 1-1-1 instead.
There was no I'm-moving-to-America style of war like boarding at all, in fact I may have only seen one or few pax quickly dashing by, and sooner than I realized, boarding was complete and off we pushed almost to the dot, in typical Japanese fashion.
The seat controls were intuitive and responsive. Nothing to fault here.
Once we rolled off into the air after a long taxi, it was show time, JAL style (ie top of the world style)
The promised land, the promised cabin, the promised concoction. So smooth and light it was, I feel like my hyperbole would just fail to reflect how it tasted. Or in short, O M G. The canapes were meh, but at least it worked well with the Salon.
Masako-san then came with the menu, which features a set Japanese or Western (main) meal, followed by dozens of a la carte options. She agreed to my request for the Japanese meal along with caviar to start. *Drumroll*
Caviar presentation on JL is not as fancy as CX or LH but the portions were similar, and the innovative pumpkin-puree like condiment was creamy and sweet, pairing perfectly with the caviar itself and of course more and more SALON.
Not sure if it was my photo taking, or my accelerated consumption, Masako-san just gives up and grants me the whole bottle. Or the FIRST whole bottle per se!
The Japanese meal is carefully crafted by Michelin 3-star establishment Ryugin in Tokyo. Again, excuse my hyperbole, but there's not much way to properly describe both the aesthetics and delectability of this meal service presentation. You just don't quite believe that this is an airplane meal. I would have gladly paid up to $200 for this meal on the ground.
The meal kicked off after caviar with 'Seasonal five colorful delicacies'. Truly colorful and delicate they were. The simmered octopus was particularly fresh, and while somewhat overwhelming each dish was distinctively flavorful.
The abalone consomme to follow was sublime. Well textured without being too overbearing.
The seafood presentation is just crazy. On the left was the sashimi for which the temperature and freshness control was great, and the mixture of caviar, sea urchin and steamed egg custard, while overbearing, still provided a unique and memorable taste of each item as it melted in the mouth.
And we're still not at the main yet. The presentation was somewhat more understated in comparison, but definitely not the taste. While you can't see it, the beef cheeks were piping hot but not overcooked, literally dissolving before chewing.
The dessert trio just sent the meal to a climatic finale. No easy task to assemble and present it, given that each item was of a different serving temperature. Still, this was nothing too hard for the second FA that took over, Yokochi-san. I was too indulged in SALON and did not bother with the reds, but now it was time to jump on the Royal Blue Tea, another classic JL F offering as per their suggestion. It was thick and dense and...'royal'.
The voluminous food meant a food coma was arising, so the plan to sleep later to adjust to jet lag was now destroyed. Masako-san set up the bed in the empty middle seat next to mine, as Yokochi-san was waiting for me outside the lav holding hangers to a perfect angle as she awaited to hang my clothes after I changed.
The kit was well stocked to start with, but yes, JL F has two kits, because one is just too conventional...
In hopes of sleeping all the way through, I dunked some chocolates courtesy of Jean-Paul Hevin, with a tasting of Hibiki 17- IT WAS SO GOOD
The heat of the cabin didn't bother me much, but I still ended up waking up with around three and a half hours to go. Oh well, time to walk around...
F class set up near Door 1
J class set up. This is so Japanese and so stylish!
Lavatory stocking was more on the low-key side.
As I said, the ife options were meh, which was a pity given the excellent hardware. That being said, this remote-ordering feature was cool enough, although the FA on duty still came by to confirm my orders once more after I did so
It was only around 6 am in Chicago, so with a long day ahead, it was time to get fully energized. Before moving on to the a la carte menu, there were leftovers for the caviar, so I gladly participated in having seconds, along with a SALON mimosa. Perfect perfect perfect match!
Next up was the sea bream carpaccio which had good texture and was flavorful.
Assorted brochettes of sirloin, pork belly, shrimp and scallop. My mouth is watering thinking of this. They were all soft and served just like it came off the grill. How do you do that!!!
This 'friendship rice bowl' of basil and tomato infused minced beef with rice was striking with a runny poached egg, I just have no idea what's in the galley behind all this magic.
The portions were adequate and not overbearing, and I ended this mini tasting with a cup of sen-cha. Well, Masako-san then popped by to ask if I wanted 'fruit', little that I know what 'fruit' means on JAL is somewhat different...
Even on 'upscale' airlines like CX, fruit is fruit, at most sliced and plated. But this 'fruit plate' was just over the top, way way way over. As I digged in, we were around an hour out of ORD, when Yokochi-san asked if I wanted to change, as she once again awaited with a new set of PJs outside the lav throughout. She must have caught how I was perusing the schedules and brochures placed in front of the cabin during the flight, and managed to come back with some extra JAL goodies. I love it!!
I've heard about how elegantly coffee is presented, so didn't want to miss out on that before descent. Sadly I wasn't offered one to take home :/ Well, Miyazaki-san came by again wishing me a great day in Chicago. She was very passionate about JAL, even doing a little dance as I told her how much I enjoyed my first long haul flight on JAL up front and would be sure to be back.
With a bit of bump we cleared into the skies above Gotham and soon vacated out of the busy runway on a Monday morning straight into our gate at ORD T5. I unwillingly stepped out, was through GE in less than 10 minutes on my Uber back to campus. UGH
(Couldn't even bid the crew farewell at bag claim
)
All in all, this unintended ride home with JL greatly exceeded my expectations. Although as an HKGer I still prefer the down to earth and Cantonese speaking ladies (and gentlemen) at CX, the F&B offering on JL is just a whole other world apart (although I can understand there may be some difference between ex-Japan and ex-US...). The bed was wide and comfy enough, but yeah CX's may have been better. The service was absolutely flawless with polite and self-respecting FAs that you just cannot find on many airlines nowadays. The personal assistant at the NRT lounge was definitely something I didn't expect and nowhere could I find that it is the regular norm. If a bit more effort is put in in the IFE and at NRT, JAL First is certainly up there with the other giants when it comes to aspirational F experiences.
Date: Apr 10th 2017
Flight: JL 10 / AA 8405 / MH 9110
Equipment: B777-346ER JA734J
Routing: RJAA Tokyo Narita - KORD Chicago O'Hare Int'l
Seat: 1K
STD: 1110 ATD: 1116
STA: 0855 ATD: 0850
Flight time: 10h 52m
Loading: 4/49/40/147 (98%)
The head FA Miyazaki-san was ready at the door for me, and quickly instructed one of her peers to escort me to my coveted throne of One Kilo. As many of you will know, it is a 1-2-1 configuration here at JAL
The leading FA in First Class Masako-san introduced herself with just a slight hint of hesitation, until I offered to place my carry on by myself. She must have felt some relief, this gaijin is not one of those that angrily shout into their phones and at them. Anyway, I asked for some OJ to begin, which was served with a sinfully fragrant oshibori.
Miyazaki-san then came by again, to my surprise, she sounded just like an American. Score for me, as I was previously worried about language barriers. The two FAs in First today, while not possessing that quality, did not present any communication issues either.
There was a free wifi voucher as you can see, but the wifi was spotty at best.
The strikingly well designed Porsche amenity kit was pre-set aside too, along with the Bose headphones in a case:
The 23" monitor was satisfactory in terms of resolution (but not really content-wise). The carpeting was plush and elegant, in a deep burgundy.
PJs also designed by Porsche along with a slip...and slippers
The remote is hidden in one of the storage cubbies, which also comes with a small make-up mirror for those who need it.
Here's how wide the seat looks, along with a comfy but not squishy enough temperamental pillow.
The standard 1-2-1 open plan was okay-la but lacked the spaciousness and airiness of the world-leading product with regard to that, the you-know-which airline that does 1-1-1 instead.
There was no I'm-moving-to-America style of war like boarding at all, in fact I may have only seen one or few pax quickly dashing by, and sooner than I realized, boarding was complete and off we pushed almost to the dot, in typical Japanese fashion.
The seat controls were intuitive and responsive. Nothing to fault here.
Once we rolled off into the air after a long taxi, it was show time, JAL style (ie top of the world style)
The promised land, the promised cabin, the promised concoction. So smooth and light it was, I feel like my hyperbole would just fail to reflect how it tasted. Or in short, O M G. The canapes were meh, but at least it worked well with the Salon.
Masako-san then came with the menu, which features a set Japanese or Western (main) meal, followed by dozens of a la carte options. She agreed to my request for the Japanese meal along with caviar to start. *Drumroll*
Caviar presentation on JL is not as fancy as CX or LH but the portions were similar, and the innovative pumpkin-puree like condiment was creamy and sweet, pairing perfectly with the caviar itself and of course more and more SALON.
Not sure if it was my photo taking, or my accelerated consumption, Masako-san just gives up and grants me the whole bottle. Or the FIRST whole bottle per se!
The Japanese meal is carefully crafted by Michelin 3-star establishment Ryugin in Tokyo. Again, excuse my hyperbole, but there's not much way to properly describe both the aesthetics and delectability of this meal service presentation. You just don't quite believe that this is an airplane meal. I would have gladly paid up to $200 for this meal on the ground.
The meal kicked off after caviar with 'Seasonal five colorful delicacies'. Truly colorful and delicate they were. The simmered octopus was particularly fresh, and while somewhat overwhelming each dish was distinctively flavorful.
The abalone consomme to follow was sublime. Well textured without being too overbearing.
The seafood presentation is just crazy. On the left was the sashimi for which the temperature and freshness control was great, and the mixture of caviar, sea urchin and steamed egg custard, while overbearing, still provided a unique and memorable taste of each item as it melted in the mouth.
And we're still not at the main yet. The presentation was somewhat more understated in comparison, but definitely not the taste. While you can't see it, the beef cheeks were piping hot but not overcooked, literally dissolving before chewing.
The dessert trio just sent the meal to a climatic finale. No easy task to assemble and present it, given that each item was of a different serving temperature. Still, this was nothing too hard for the second FA that took over, Yokochi-san. I was too indulged in SALON and did not bother with the reds, but now it was time to jump on the Royal Blue Tea, another classic JL F offering as per their suggestion. It was thick and dense and...'royal'.
The voluminous food meant a food coma was arising, so the plan to sleep later to adjust to jet lag was now destroyed. Masako-san set up the bed in the empty middle seat next to mine, as Yokochi-san was waiting for me outside the lav holding hangers to a perfect angle as she awaited to hang my clothes after I changed.
The kit was well stocked to start with, but yes, JL F has two kits, because one is just too conventional...
In hopes of sleeping all the way through, I dunked some chocolates courtesy of Jean-Paul Hevin, with a tasting of Hibiki 17- IT WAS SO GOOD
The heat of the cabin didn't bother me much, but I still ended up waking up with around three and a half hours to go. Oh well, time to walk around...
F class set up near Door 1
J class set up. This is so Japanese and so stylish!
Lavatory stocking was more on the low-key side.
As I said, the ife options were meh, which was a pity given the excellent hardware. That being said, this remote-ordering feature was cool enough, although the FA on duty still came by to confirm my orders once more after I did so
It was only around 6 am in Chicago, so with a long day ahead, it was time to get fully energized.
Before moving on to the a la carte menu, there were leftovers for the caviar, so I gladly participated in having seconds, along with a SALON mimosa. Perfect perfect perfect match!Next up was the sea bream carpaccio which had good texture and was flavorful.
Assorted brochettes of sirloin, pork belly, shrimp and scallop. My mouth is watering thinking of this. They were all soft and served just like it came off the grill. How do you do that!!!
This 'friendship rice bowl' of basil and tomato infused minced beef with rice was striking with a runny poached egg, I just have no idea what's in the galley behind all this magic.
The portions were adequate and not overbearing, and I ended this mini tasting with a cup of sen-cha. Well, Masako-san then popped by to ask if I wanted 'fruit', little that I know what 'fruit' means on JAL is somewhat different...
Even on 'upscale' airlines like CX, fruit is fruit, at most sliced and plated. But this 'fruit plate' was just over the top, way way way over. As I digged in, we were around an hour out of ORD, when Yokochi-san asked if I wanted to change, as she once again awaited with a new set of PJs outside the lav throughout. She must have caught how I was perusing the schedules and brochures placed in front of the cabin during the flight, and managed to come back with some extra JAL goodies. I love it!!
I've heard about how elegantly coffee is presented, so didn't want to miss out on that before descent. Sadly I wasn't offered one to take home :/ Well, Miyazaki-san came by again wishing me a great day in Chicago. She was very passionate about JAL, even doing a little dance as I told her how much I enjoyed my first long haul flight on JAL up front and would be sure to be back.
With a bit of bump we cleared into the skies above Gotham and soon vacated out of the busy runway on a Monday morning straight into our gate at ORD T5. I unwillingly stepped out, was through GE in less than 10 minutes on my Uber back to campus. UGH
(Couldn't even bid the crew farewell at bag claim
)All in all, this unintended ride home with JL greatly exceeded my expectations. Although as an HKGer I still prefer the down to earth and Cantonese speaking ladies (and gentlemen) at CX, the F&B offering on JL is just a whole other world apart (although I can understand there may be some difference between ex-Japan and ex-US...). The bed was wide and comfy enough, but yeah CX's may have been better. The service was absolutely flawless with polite and self-respecting FAs that you just cannot find on many airlines nowadays. The personal assistant at the NRT lounge was definitely something I didn't expect and nowhere could I find that it is the regular norm. If a bit more effort is put in in the IFE and at NRT, JAL First is certainly up there with the other giants when it comes to aspirational F experiences.
Oct 23, 2017, 10:14 am
#6
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,251
I actually found the Japanese meal far better ex-JFK than ex-NRT.
Same as you, I likened it to a top-class Japanese restaurant.
Oct 23, 2017, 11:47 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: HKG
Programs: CX Gold, MB Titanium
Posts: 123
Awesome Trip Report as always! I admire your willingness to jump on any travel opportunity no matter how long the flight and short duration.
If if I wanted to experience JAL F from HKG to LAX, would I be able to book a J fare and upgrade using Asia Miles? Also I tried booking from the JAL website with the flight originating from HKG but it doesn't seem to allow that. Would I have to make 2 separate bookings? Thanks for any info and keep up the Trip Reports!
If if I wanted to experience JAL F from HKG to LAX, would I be able to book a J fare and upgrade using Asia Miles? Also I tried booking from the JAL website with the flight originating from HKG but it doesn't seem to allow that. Would I have to make 2 separate bookings? Thanks for any info and keep up the Trip Reports!
Oct 24, 2017, 11:46 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,449
Not flying JAL F YET, the consensus is flights out of NRT, the food is better. The presentation is in typical Japanese fashion perfect.
Oct 25, 2017, 10:50 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,051
