You Trip Report

DATE	Language
2016-11-27	English ,Spanish

Prologue:

Hello and welcome to this report of my first flight on a JL 787-8.

When I took this trip in 2016 I have originally used award miles for a HND-SFO tkt on JL, but upon finding a USD 378.66 (EUR 357.11) one way from PEK on UA flying a 747-400, I decided to cancel the award and just purchase the ticket to get more miles in my TK acct. I needed to meet the 15,000 miles within the first year of being matched into their program in order to get a second year extension and this fare was just handy.

Upon entering I was welcomed by the attentive staff and invited to turn to my right and enter the F lounge. The Sakura lounge for J pax was on the same level to the left.

Interior.

There is a business center with individual seats offering privacy before entering into the main lounge.

The "RED Suite" is a separate room inside the lounge and considered an attraction by itself. It is quite an unique place that combines elements of a library museum playroom and gentleman's club. Its sober and elegant ambiance allows adult pax to relax and escape from the airport environment. There was a shoe shine station but it was not staffed and a drink station with champagne sake and other alcoholic drinks.

Buffet. Supposedly there is a teppan station staffed with chefs at certain times but I did not encounter this feature when I visited. The buffet display had a variety of foods that one would find in a good J class lounge like salad bar soup hot dishes sandwiches small plates and desserts. The catering was satisfying but it didn't strike me as being associated with a F lounge especially since there was no sit down facility where you could order "a la carte".

Curry rice. Yum!

I wanted to take a shower before my flight and went directly to the shower reception desk. It appeared that these facilities were shared with the Sakura lounge and once I rang the bell a staff member appeared within seconds. I surrendered my boarding pass in exchange for a shower room key. The shower room was functional but did not have a toilet. It was just a sink and the shower.

I was welcomed into the lounge and made a left turn to the noodles bar after reception. The dining area was pretty spacious and featured tables with individual stools and benches.

The rest of the lounge is a very inviting space with a mixed of open and private seating. The views were fantastic.

Right after reception there is a small counter where you could order the displayed snacks from an attendant. It seems that with this new set up CX is trying to eliminate the "help yourself" buffet concept. In a way this could be more hygienic and might translate into less waste.

Snacks.

========== Japan Airlines First Class Lounge ==========

Staff Service: 10/10

Entertainment: 9/10

Business Center: /10

Food: 9/10

Lounge Design: /10

Spa and Bathroom: /10

Wifi: /10

Summary:

I was glad that I arrived at the airport early and had the time to explore the CX and JL F lounges. Personally I love the ambiance of the CX lounge and the staff was on top of things. The JL F lounge was spacious and the Red Suite is a great addition that sets it apart. I gave me the feeling of being a kid in a candy store and the JAL memorabilia on display is not to be missed. Catering was solid, but for being a F lounge I was expecting more in that league like a personalized meal service in a sit down restaurant or dedicated rooms to rest.

My first ride on the 787 proved to be an enjoyable one. Comfort was fine for a flight of this length, but the angled lie flat seats are not my favorites and it is a challenge to get out if you have a window and your neighbor's seat is fully extended. The plane felt quiet and the service from the crew aboard was great. I love their attention to details and appreciate the professional and smiling demeanor. The meal was well presented and delicious. I really enjoyed my dinner with a fish that was moist and perfectly cooked. I think serving ice cream as dessert in a premium cabin is a bit of a shortcut and I personally I would prefer a less "industrial" dessert.

Overall JL is a great carrier and I was happy with my choice.

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Prologue:

========== Japan Airlines First Class Lounge ==========

Summary:

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