20170214: JL723: NaRiTa » KUala Lumpur

Date: 2017/02/14

Flight: JL723

DEP/Actual Push: 1105JST/1112JST

ARR/Touch Down: 1810MST/1758MST

Aircraft/Registration: 787-9/JA846J

Class: Business (Used Miles to upgrade from Economy)

Seat: JAL SKY SUITE 787

Prologue

I'd considered using Malaysian Airlines for this trip.  JAL won  because I could buy an upgrade-able economy ticket and use miles to upgrade to business class.  And that's what I did.  Booking was done on JAL's website which is a pain to use.

Pre-boarding

Getting a Special Meal

Since the in-flight meal menu wasn't appetizing.  I thought I would give the vegetarian meal a try. The JAL website allows long-haul business class passengers to pre-select their main meal choice. Sadly, one can't pre-order a vegetarian meal or any other special meals on the web site.  I later saw from their instructions in Japanese that one could indeed order a special mail during the booking process but once that's done, one has to phone their reservation phone lines.  But then, their phone lines aren't toll-free and are only opened from 0800 to 1900. I recall years ago, when I flew Northwest to HKG, I could order a vegetarian meal upon check-in. So, I gave that a try.

Check-in
Business class check in counters were empty when I arrived around 0930.  Once the check in lady handed me my boarding pass and checked-bag tag, I asked, if I could request a vegetarian meal.  She told me that special meals must be ordered at least 24 hours before departure.  I countered that I couldn't order it on the web and she countered that it must be done by phone.  She made a show of referring to a manual and called someone.  A minute or two later, she informed me that my request was granted.  I thanked her and apologized for causing her trouble.

Security
As a JGC sapphire member, used the priority, JAL-only security line.  There was an attendant checking people's qualifications.  But she was too busy chatting with someone else to pay me too much attention.  Apparently, there were 3 x-ray machines people could use.  I was queuing behind a gentleman who was taking his time.  I saw people coming in and went to the other available x-ray machines.  Too bad I didn't notice that earlier and that no staff members were there to guide me.

Lounge
The lady at check-in didn't provide me with lounge info.  My gate was 98, in the satellite building. I recall from years ago that there was a Sakura lounge in the satellite building and that's the one I went to.

Grilled mackerel.  Empty Plate off Tamagoyaki

The satellite lounge was a lot smaller than the main lounge in the main building.  With limited space, only a fraction of the hot food was on offer.  In fact, only a limited Japanese breakfast was offered.  My guess is that the satellite lounge was catered mainly for Japanese passengers. I wish the check-in lady would have told me about the watered-down breakfast service and I would have gone to the main lounge. It was crowded too. The Japanese breakfast wasn't bad, grilled mackerel and tamagoyaki (Japanese scrambled egg rolls.) The problem was that I got the last of the tamagoyaki and they ran out after that.  Note to myself: Do NOT use the satellite Sakura lounge when hungry.


At the Gate
Gate 98 had limited space for people to queue.  There were the usual 2 lines for boarding.  Business class and those with priority boarding rights, and economy.  We were squeezed into the queues and the lines had to literally turn a corner.  Boarding started on time at 1045.

On Board

Inactive Power

Seats

Welcome Drink

It was a 787-9, with the JAL 787 Sky Suite, a product unique to JAL.  Aisle access for all seats but window-seats have more privacy.

Seeing the unlit LED on the universal a/c power source was deactivated.  Tried charging my phone and no joy.  Asked the flight attendant about it and she was more surprised than me and tried to re-confirm that I had already know, no power.  From past experience, the cabin crew may have to throw a switch somewhere to activate the power source.  She returned a few minutes later. and indicated I was the only one having this issue.  Really?

Around 30 minutes after take off, I noticed the LED came on and there was power.  10 minutes after that, when the chief purser came around distributing a bottled water, she said she had 'fixed' the power problem for me.

Salad and slightly stale bread.

Main Course

Brownies

Food
My vegetarian meal started with a delicious, fresh salad.  The bread was a bit stale though.  Salt and butter was offered on separate dishes and pepper was in a bottle.  Not sure why it was presented like that.  Perhaps the salt was special?   The mail course was a hamburger patty made from soy. a small ball of potato salad, and saffron rice.  It tasted good though nothing to write home about.  Desert was chocolate brownies in raspberry sauce.

This was an 8-hour flight.  Yet only a light snack was offered before landing.  I was given a onigiri (Japanese rice ball) and a vegetarian sandwich. The onigiri was OK.  A rice ball is a rice ball.  The sandwich contain cheese and lettuce.  It reminded me of those horrible vending-machine sandwiches I had in college.

Pre-landing Snack.

Service

Before, during, and after the first meal, a total of three hot towels were offered.  The first two smelled heavily of chlorine.  The third one smelled more like the usual, slightly scented.  The fourth one was offered just before the pre-landing snacks and that one smelled best.

The business class cabin was about 85%.  Flight attendants were at times a little over attentive.  I'd hung my jacket on the coat-hook at my seat but I had to negotiate with a flight attendant a bit before she would let me hang it there.  I knew it was her job to offer to hang it in the closet but I shouldn't have to convince her to let me do what I wanted.  

JAL does not offer amenity kit of any sort on these Asian flights. Flight attendants came around and offered eye masks, face masks, etc.

The lack of a second meal was most disappointing.

Epilogue

Having only paid for an economy class ticket and used miles to upgrade to business, I can't complain too much.  If I had to pay even discounted business class ticket, I would have chosen Malaysian Airlines.  I haven't never flown on Malaysian but from what I can fine on the Internet, Malaysian Airlines seems to have a better product with a better value than that of JAL's.

Bibliography

https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/meal/meal_yoyaku/
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/meal/special/menu/index.html
http://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/meal/special/menu/index.html
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/seat/skysuite3.html

https://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalmile/jgc/

20161108: JL414: HELsinki » NaRiTa

Date: 2016/11/08
Flight: JL414
Aircraft/Registration: 787-8/JA844J
Class: Business (award travel)
Seat: JAL SKY SUITE 787

DEP/Actual Push Back/Full Throttle: 1725EET/1811EET/1856EET

ARR/Touch Down: 1010JST/1101JST

Prologue

This is the return flight from Helsinki.

Pre-boarding

Check-in, Security

The only business class check-in counter was helping economy class passengers when I got there.  The main cabin seemed to be full on this flight.  Upon seeing me, a Finnair personnel opened up an counter for me and check in was completed shortly.

As a first time visitor a took me a few minutes to figure out where to go to clear security.  When I found it, there was a long line.  But it kept moving and didn't take long to clear.

It was rush hour in Vantaa, around 16:00.

There were long lines at the automated immigration lines as people had difficulties getting their passports scanned.  I went to the empty manned-immigration counters where there were close to zero wait-time.

Lounge

Finnair Lounge Coffee Machine

JAL passengers were directed to the Finnair lounge. It was spacious though busy. Plenty of hot food, salads, soft drinks, and alcohol were on offer. Napkins, and ceramic tableware were by Marimekko. Knowing that passengers are tempted to steal those Marimekko, there was a sign on the wall informing customers that those items are for sale can be purchased online.

Finnair Lounge Dinner Menu

Boarding

According to historical data from flightaware.com, this flight had used a bus-gate for the last few days. Today, it was at gate 34. Boarding was scheduled to start at 1655, but for whatever reason, was delayed till 1700. 

On Board

Before Takeoff

Doors were closed by 17:19 for our scheduled 17:25 departure.  We were still at the gate when the captain announced at 17:50 that according to ATC, he had permission to depart at 18:10.  At 18:05, Japanese green tea were offered in paper cups.

Deicing

Push-back was at 18:11.  Taxied to the queue for de-icing.  De-icing started at 18:30 and was completed at 18:41.  We rolled onto RWY04R   Snow was falling horizontally by this time.  We were on the runway for a minute or two and nothing happened.  At 18:48, the captain announced that wind-shear was detected and we rolled off the runway.

At 18:55, we were back on the runway and full-throttle was at 18:56.  The captain could have explained the initial delay, i.e. there was a back-log of aircraft getting de-iced, and thus we were stuck at the gate for 50 minutes.

Meals

Western Menu

Maybe because of the delay, welcome drinks were skipped and dinner service started soon after seat-belt signs were turned off.

Dinner

Tried the western meal, with "Beef Tenderloin with Morel Mushroom Cream Sauce" as the main course.   Though bread was supplied, I asked for, and got steamed rice to go with the meal.  The beef was OK, not as good as the beef on the flight over from Narita.  

Beef Tenderlion

Anytime Japanese Meal

Finlan Don

After the first meal, one can order "Anytime Meal" from the IFE controller. I'd tried the Japanese meal, with the main dish being Simmered Halibut with Soy Starch Sauce. 

Later, I had the the Finlan Don: Finnish Pork & Vegetable Mini Bowl Both of these very tasty and satisfying.

Service

No complaints.  Flight attendants were generally attentive.  Sometimes too attentive, e.g. they tried to start a conversation and I felt obliged to chat with them.

Epilogue

Total flight time was 9 hours and 5 minutes. Time flew by.  I wish the captain had explained about the initial delay, why we were stuck at the gate for so long.

Bibliography

https://www.finavia.fi/en/helsinki-airport/services/lounges/long-haul-lounge-finnair/
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/seat/skysuite.html

20161104: JL413: NaRiTa » HELlsinki

Date: 2016/11/04
Flight: JL413
Aircraft/Registration: 787-8/JA836J
Class: Business (award travel)
Seat: JAL SKY SUITE 787

Prologue

Redeemed 85,000 JAL miles for a return NaRiTa/HELlsinki trip on business class.  Booking award-travel with JAL is a bit of a pain. In fact booking ordinary travels on their website is a bit of a pain. The dates of this trip was determined by the award travel availability.

Pre-boarding

Business class check-in counters were free of passengers. I had one bag to check and was done in less than 5 minutes.

As a JGC member, I was allowed to use the priority, JAL-only security line. But then, there weren't many other people so it didn't make much of a difference.

After clearing immigration (on the south end of the terminal,) I happened to be facing the Sakura Lounge.

The layout hasn't changed since my last visit here bout 2 years go; it's a bit inconvenient. After checking in at the reception counter, the business class lounge is to the right. One needs to go down a flight of escalators to the main sitting area. For food, one needs to go back up a level, back the the level where the entrance was.

The lounge was busy. They had a sign erected at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the dining area saying it was crowded up there. Fortunately, I didn't have problems find a seat for a sit-down breakfast.

JAL NRT Lounge Breakfast Menu

The food on offer was the same as those in Haneda.  There weren't a lot of varieties but both Western and Japanese items were on offer and more than sufficient for a fast and hot breakfast.  The fresh-salad bar was a nice touch.  With the exception of the down-and-up split levels, it was an excellent lounge.

On Board

Plastic Welcome

Starters

Once seated, orange juice or champagne were offered. Too bad it came in a plastic cup. It took a while for the flight attendant to realize I had a jacket for them to store. In fact, I had to specifically ask her to store it for me. 

The business class cabin was a little more than 1/2 full. I had a window seat, which afforded me great privacy.   The "JAL Sky Suite" on this 787-8 seemed to be less claustrophobic than the ones on 777-300ER.    It's a good business class seat, and I think this type is unique to JAL.

The IFE, including the selection of movies were OK.  Choices leaned heavily towards Western (a la Hollywood) and Japanese tastes, with very limited non-Japan Asian choices.  It's a shame that the IFEs didn't have external camera views.  The controller is touch-screen.  As with anything touch-screens, after heavy use, the screens tend to be finicky.  Before take-off, I had trouble selecting the language.  It would automatically jump all over the place.  The problem went away after take off though.  Must have something to with on-ground power source.  

Meals

Western

The first meal was served about an hour after take-off. I chose the Western meal. The appetizers and salad were were fresh and tasty.   Had the wagyu (和牛) steak as the main dish. It was a very nicely done medium.  As it was a western meal, it came with bread. But I'd requested and got steam rice.

After the first meal, "Anytime You Wish" meals could be ordered up to 2 hours before landing.  It said on the menu that those were available up to 1.5 hours before landing.  But on this particular flight, 2 hours before landing.  These meals, as well as drinks are ordered via the IFE controller.  

Fumiko's Japanese Set Plate

Around 3 hours before landing, I ordered the "Fumiko's Japanese Set Plate." After half an hour, no food. I rang for the flight attendant who returned after a minute and said they had not received my order. She didn't say it out loud but cast doubt on my ability to order the meal. To prove my ability, I demonstrated to her who I had ordered and ordered the same thing for the second time. She agreed that that was the right way to do it.  A few minutes later, the chief purser came around to apologize and said that they had actually received my first order but due to a system freeze or whatever reason, they had 'overlooked' my order. She never explained exactly what happened but apologized again for the delay.  In the end, the meal was delivered 30 minutes after I'd ordered it.  The delicious meal made up for the hassle.

Service

Crane

Other than the welcome drink in the plastic cup, and the anytime-meal delay, service was good. Little details were like the origami crane in the bathroom was nice.

Arrival

Due to construction work at Vantaa, the flight had to park in an open-spot.  Though refreshing to step into the -2°C air, it was a shame to have to walk down the rickety stairs and onto the transfer bus.  It was especially troublesome for those with children and or bigger carry-ons.

Epilogue

Total flight time was 9 hours and 22 minutes. Time flew by.

Bibliography

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/seat/skysuite.html

https://www.jal.co.jp/en/jalmile/jgc/

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/airport/nrt/checkin/#counterSecurity

http://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/lounge/nrt/special/

http://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/lounge/pdf/first/nrt_food.pdf

http://www.jal.co.jp/inter/service/lounge/pdf/first/nrt_drink.pdf

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/entertainment/

Riding to Narita

There are many ways to get out to Narita. It's a hassle to get to the bus and/or train stations with bags. 

I live within 10 km of Haneda. A taxi ride to Haneda (approx ¥4,500) then the "Limousine Bus" (¥3,100) is an option, total cost of less than ¥8,000. 

Uber charges a flat rate of ¥27,000 from any of the 23 区 (wards) to Narita airport. For me in Ota-ku, that is more than the ¥21,000 (+ expressway tolls) charged by MK Tokyo. 

Booking on the internet got me a ¥1,000 discount. The expressway tolls ended up being ¥2,800. The total cost was ¥22,800. 

I have used MK Tokyo quite a few times to and from Narita. The fact that I could book a ride in advance and have them pick me up at a specific time is infinitely better than Uber. I like MK Tokyo because their drivers are great and the cars are luxurious. For this particular ride, I got to ride in a Mercedes S300h. Previously, I had ridden in Lexus, BMW 7-series cars.

My only complaint with MK Tokyo is their mandatory "greeting service" fee of ¥3,000. Their reasoning is that this fee would enable the driver to park the car in a car park then come and greet you in the greeting area. That's fine, except when they were late.

I once came back from LAX and the driver was late. Two of their non-drivers met me at the greeting area. and they said the driver was late due to whatever reason. I ended up greeting the driver curbside. Yet, they charged me the mandatory ¥3,000. I should have been paid the ¥3,000 since I was the greeter.

Bibliography

https://tokyomk.com/en/airport.html
https://www.uber.com/en-JP/cities/tokyo/
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/
http://willerexpress.com/en/airport-shuttle/narita-shuttle/
http://www.keiseibus.co.jp/kousoku/nrt16.html

CX524: HongKonG » NaRiTa

Miscellaneous
Date: 2014/08/01
Flight: CX524
DEP: 0100HKT, Actual (push-back): 0116HKT
ARR: 0625JST, Actual (touch-down): 0621JST
Class: Business
Fare: Restricted Business

Check-in
The Hong Kong in-town checkin was deserted a little before 23:00.  No issues.

Lounge
Cathay Pacific had a few lounges in HKG.  I went to the one closest to my gate, gate#30.  It was too warm, and noisy, and crowded.  Still it was better than the ones offered by JAL. The "quiet" section was more peaceful though it was still too warm.

Onboard
Equipment was a 777-300.  Business class cabin was around 80% full, surprisingly full for such a red-eye.  Business class seats were CX's "New Regional Business Class" seats" which were much better than those cubicles in a herringbone formation.  However, it's not lie-flat.  Far from it.  The panel covering the recessing storing the remote-control was in an odd location.  I flipped it open a few times by mistake.  It simple didn't afford the seat pitch and comfort to justify the price of a business class ticket.  This is especially bad for a red-eye flight.  I might as well have flown Premium Economy.

The in-flight service manager, over the P.A. system, welcomed passengers and reminded us all that we should store carry-ons properly, and that flight-attendants will not assist in storing over-sized, and/or overweight bags.  He then repeated the same message, a minute or two later.  Then, again. And again, till the door closed.  The repetition was annoying. especially bad for a red-eye flight, when I wanted to catch some sleep ASAP.

After air-borne, lights were turned off and I managed to doze off.  Woke about an hour before landing and requested dinner.  The flight attendant was concerned that they wouldn't be able to reheat the food in time and offered me fruits and cheese. They needed at least 20 minutes to reheat or heatup the food. I would suggest that Cathay does what JAL does; have on-board microwave ovens. In the end, the flight attendant brought me a fairly hot plate.  The bowl of rice was heated OK but it had dried up.

Verdict
Thumb DOWN.  The in-flight service manager repeating his announcement was most annoying. For the price of a business class ticket, the seats were a rip-off.