Prologue:
This routing was built around a meeting in New York with avgeeks (GRMY, Vendredi13/Francis, jetsetpanda and me, among other people)Tunis (TUN) - Istanbul (IST) Turkish Airlines (Eco, B737-800)
Istanbul (IST) - New York ( JFK) Turkish Airlines (Eco, A330-300)
New York (LGA) - Chicago (ORD) American Airlines (Eco, B737-800)
Chicago (ORD) - Tokyo (NRT) Japan Airlines (First, B777-300ER)
Tokyo (NRT) - Istanbul (IST) Turkish Airlines (Affaires, B777-300ER)
Istanbul (IST) - Hong Kong(HKG) Turkish Airlines (Affaires, B777-300ER)
Hong Kong (HKG) - Seoul (ICN) Asiana Airlines (Affaires, A330-300)
Seoul (ICN) - Istanbul(IST) Asiana Airlines (Affaires, A330-300)
Istanbul(IST) - Francfort(FRA) Turkish Airlines (Eco, A320)
Francfort(FRA) _ Londres(LHR) British Airways (Eco, B767)
Londres(LHR) - Paris(CDG) British Airways (Eco, B737-800)
Paris(CDG) - Istanbul(IST) Turkish Airlines (Eco, A330-300)
Istanbul(IST) - Tunis(TUN) Turkish Airlines (Eco, B737-800)
This mixture of paid and reward tickets produced in return 800 euros in revenue tickets, 106500 BA Avios, 52500 AV miles and 273 euros in taxes and fees for issuing award tickets.
I travelled BIS(Butt in seat) 34245 miles (or 55111 km) or 1.38 times around the earth
The major flight with this ORD-NRT flight on JL F.
After a pleasant evening with my Airbnb host who introduced me to this excellent wine from Oregon I am excited to be on my way to the airport.
The JL counters are located next to AA.
One First Class counter where an employee attempts to enforce the rules with great difficulty
This would have been a quick registration if it were not for the agent who asks me how I will leave Japan since my ticket is one-way (I travel with seven different tickets). After this minor set back I was promptly given my boarding pass along with a tag for my cabin luggage.
Heading to security where there is no fast track.
But there are only few people in line and I am in the secured side quickly.
I don’t see signs for the Flagship Lounge so I follow the ones for the Admiral's Club where they are usually found next to each other.
Some spotting along the way.
Here I am !
I am nicely greeted and told that I can go to the Flagship Lounge that is next to my gate where there is a full bar! Upon leaving I spot this NH plane in the process of arriving.
Here I am at my gate.
My 77W in OneWorld livery JA732J whose first flight was on 24/02/2003 was facing the opposite way where the arriving passengers disembarked.
A 77W AA passes by regally
On the right side there is this
And the entrance to the Flagship lounge
Warm and cheerful welcome from the dragon
The offer is just like any US domestic lounge
Isn’t this a comprehensive offer of alcoholic beverages : the full bar that I’ve been promised ;)
American sparkling wine ? Nein Danke ! I like the one waiting for me onboard better ;)
I find the continental breakfast really poor.
Newspapers’ offer.
My selection
This deserved a wiping.
Like LX !
It will be difficult for me to do better than these two pictures at this angle because of the position of bridge
I'm impatient and I prefer to turn around the gate rather than stay in the lounge Boarding is announced and I head down the jetbridge.
To discover this nice but unexceptional cabin
My seat 2A
Next is 2D
In the back is Business Class
A small gesture to regain my emotions.
The control with the express seat options.
The control with more features.
Views from the seat.
The pitch
The slippers.
The Bose noise reducing headphones.
Presentation of onboard wifi.
Safety card
Seat instructions.
Seat pocket contents.
Some traces of usage.
The individual light.
Other views of the seat and cabin.
Salon Champagne majestically sits ;)
but on a small paper napkin: not posh for two cents ^^
Distribution of reading materials majority in Japanese.
And a blanket!
This blanket was given to me unpacked the door was still open so at first I thought it was only used as a blanket during this phase of the flight but no other blankets were offered later. I confess that I was surprised at its quality (rough and coarse to the touch) and condition. It made me think of a blanket for animals lol
Storage space.
Old Style control and telephone.
New style control.
Electrical outlet multi standard RCA video
Slippers
Comfortable size screen.
Security video.
Spinning and rolling: I'm (gently) scolded for taking pictures so it will refrain myself and switch to a hiding mode during this phase.
A private jet
Headphone details.
Take Off
Distribution of pajamas
Visit the toilet to put on my pajamas: nothing special to share except for the toothbrushes available and of course the Japanese style toilet
Distribution of a hot towel
And menus.
Wine menu with two great champagne especially the very expensive Salon champagne
Menu
Amuse bouche : I very much like the endive for its originality. Corn Blanc Manger Grilled Scallop with Caponata White Meat Fish Brandade with Saffran Flavor
More champagne Sir ? ;)
I cannot get tired of these waves ^^
Zatsuki Shrimp Scallop and Yam with miso sauce
Caviar
I'm not usually fond of these but I found this one great
Tribute to all the avgeeks currently wingless
Afterward the Japanese Appetizer
A superb presentation : I begin to eat with my eyes
Kobachi Simmered Beef with Potato Sauce
Soybean Milk Tofu with Sea Urchin Soy Sauce
Simmered Spring Vegetables
Tsubo Wakame Seaweed & Young Sardines with Grated Radish
Shiizakana Squid Sushi with Mashed Potato/Duck Roll with Welsh Onion/Simmered Greenland Halibut
Mukouzuke White Meat Fish Sashimi Style
We continue with
Dainomono Grilled Sablefish Miso Flavor/Mini Beef Steak
Soup Japan Clear Soup with Steamed Shrimp Mousse
Hanmono Seasoned Steamed Rice with Chicken & Burdock
Japanese Pickles
In order to taste the two rice kinds I take the Hanmono Steamed Rice (Koshihakiri Rice)
All these delicacies are sublime against the landscape below
The FA then passes with a basket of snacks where I select these
She then offered me the cheese course: I don't like cheese at all but I told her that I'd like to take a picture
Japanese Sweet to end (temporarily don't worry ^^)
Which I accompany with green tea
I wasn't able to know what this was for ?
The always snowy landscapes that follow each other
Something intriguing that I really wanted to taste: Royal Blue Tea For more information [url]http://artandentertainme.blogspot.com/2011/01/royal-blue-tea-jewel-of-japan.html[/url]
Distribution of a bottle of water
I check if I can use this marvel of technology or if I should use my best smile for a snack;)
This will be the second option
In addition the choice of music is really restricted :(
A FA asks me if I want my bed to be turned down : I suggest that 2D is used for this purpose That way I'm able to have a seat and a bed ;)
There is a soft side and a hard side to the mattress
For the moment I am connected but there are long periods without any connection.
The price of 21.95 usd would be fine for a 13 hour flight except for the drops.
I also ask for the amenity kit which was not offered to me. Afterwards I understand why
A plastic pouch with cheap contents : particularly the toothbrush :(
At least it has some branded products
We are here then
The bed which in itself is comfortable enough without too many extras and could be really emphasized.
The headphone with its specific plug. I end up using mine.
I need a little lift: let’s test the Margaux!
Rather good!
A snack basket with more conventional items in comparison to the previous one are offered .
We are not moving fast and it suits me well to have a second glass of Margaux.
By default the IFE is in German !! Perhaps due to the brand on the glasses : Riedel
Preparing the table for my (real) snack
Always a nice view to enjoy the snacks
Garlic bread : we are far from SQ which is always my source of reference for garlic bread
Foie Gras stuffed Chicken Breast with Morel Sauce
A big disappointment : fortunately I have chosen the Japanese option !
The meat is very dry
The sauce without any taste
And the foie gras stuffing ? what foie gras ?? The taste is overwhelmed by the herbs de provence if there was any foie gras
Fortunately a small dessert will make me forget this disappointment Orange Curaçao Cake & Ice Cream
Always passing through beautiful landscapes
A FA brings me a bottle of white Japanese wine : I have not asked for (for once!)) but in order to not appear ungrateful I thank her with a big smile and taste the wine.
I am not a fan of white wines except for sweet ones so this does not excite me but it is good
Then came the FA back and she apologized profusely I forgive her showing great indulgence ^^ We are almost there
I'm listening to my own music
The available films are always blockbusters
I do not get tired :)
But when we approach Anchorage we experience some heavy turbulence (FAs sit down !)
That last close to two hours
I console myself by listening to Ellie Goulding who wiggles along ;)
After this shaky interlude it's time to test the menu starting with snacks Japanese Vegetable Keema Curry with Steamed Rice
Washed with Salon it is simply one of the best curry I've eaten
Seared Salmon & Salmon Roe with Grated Yam on Steamed Rice
We are here
It's cloudy outside
Time is passing by too fast :(
Sensing that I was probably about to succumb to hunger the PNC improvised a nice interlude
Attention to the baguette holder from Business class
It is (fortunately) still possible to test some dishes
Japanese Hot Udon Noodles with Seaweed
This dish confirms my predilection for Japanese options when flying on JL
And I will not leave this cabin without sampling the coffee “ceremony” Coffee pump is supplied with an hourglass: you must press the pump when the grains have passed
In fact despite the ceremonial procedure the coffee was not that great ! And afterwards a little sweet Ice Cream
This time we start our approach
Landing
On time arrival disembarking and unfortunately a long wait without fast track
========== O'Hare Intl Arpt (ORD) - ==========
========== American Airlines Flagship Lounge ==========
========== Japan Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Narita (NRT) - ==========
Summary:
My expectations were huge on this flightIn fact I have not been disappointed in terms of comfort : a classic cabin with comfortable seating, full flat bed and adequate privacy since we were 4 pax, each one per window. If the cabin was full my feelings would have been different.
The bed could have been better but it was good enough for sleeping and lounging.
The amenity kits, just like the pajama, are of average quality, not worthy of First
The FAs (all females) were adorable and surprisingly much more communicative and less shy than I expected.
Several times a FA stopped by to discuss with me my Japanese choices, surprised that a Westerner would choose raw fish. The service was smooth and amicable, and for sure without excesses.
A wide selection of catering: I loved the Japanese options, though I'm not really an expert, western options were rather disappointing but given the choice it is always possible to find something to eat
Entertainment is a big disappointment for its lack of variety even if I mainly use Geovision because music is an essential component to a good flight for me.
Punctuality: nothing to say except that JL could offer a fast track to its premium pax.
14 Comments
ReplyQuel routing de malade ! va falloir que grmy nous montre sa jeune tête.
Je ne suis pas fan de cette cabine mais la déception vient du catering que j'imaginais bien meilleur. Tu n'as pas pu/voulu prendre une autre plat ?
En tout cas merci pour ce super TR. A plus pour la suite surtout que je vois que tu as aussi profité des largesses de AV..
Casper
"mais la déception vient du catering que j'imaginais bien meilleur."
C'est seulement vrai pour le catering occidental, les plats japonais étaient vraiment délicieux
"Tu n'as pas pu/voulu prendre une autre plat ?"
Les deux heures de turbulences m'ont pénalisé mais franchement je crois avoir goûté quasiment tout ce qui m'intéressait
"je vois que tu as aussi profité des largesses de AV.."
Evidemment ! Comment refuser des barèmes qui étaient très intéressants et des billets primes NRT-HKG qui te permettait de passer par IST ^^
Sans parler d'un JFK-FRA-VIE-SAW qui était considéré comme un vol domestique US ;)
ReplyUn regret pour moi quand j'étais Emerald est de ne pas avoir pu prendre JL pour essayer sur un LC. Le salon est moyen et je me souviens de son offre.
Je vois malgré tout que tu as pu profiter. Merci James pour ce super TR et à bientôt pour ce deal avec avianca :)
Effectivement dommage de ne pas avoir profité de vols en JL et CX First, qui sont quand même le top chez OW
ReplyOuaf ! 007 !
Quel -long - vol !
C'est vrai que nous étions tous les 3 à New-York ! Que de souvenirs.
Je m'étais contenté d'un (vulgaire) aller-retour..Il y avait effectivement eu des routings plus compliqués !
A bord, surprenant cette couverture.. "couverture pour animal"...Ouaf ! Certainement pas !
Prestation culinaire plutôt très sympa dans l'ensemble. Et fort complète. Tu t'es régalé !
Les vins rouges font J. (Pas de chance, l'appellation Margaux n'est pas ma préférée).
Merci, 007 pour cet ytr exceptionnel. Et pour ces souvenirs New-Yorkais qui rejaillissent. A bientôt !
De bons souvenirs effectivement que cette rencontre
Et cet excellent vol aussi
ReplyWhat a report, I truly had a nice read, appreciate the effort to publish in English. Thanks Gilbert for this review. I can see that you have had fun!
You're welcome.
I really had a very (but too short) time
ReplyJe ne sais pas comment tu fais pour manger Jap, jamais pu aimer cette nourriture :/ Le garde le caviar et le fromage ! Merci 007 pour un reportage qui fait plaisir à lire.
Je n'aime pas les sushis ;)
Pour le reste j'ai du être japonais dans une vie antérieure ^^
ReplyWow wow wow wow!!!!
Quel vol mon ami!!!
Si l'on met de côté le "salon" et l'arrivée sans fast track on frôle la perfection...
Une fois de plus Gigi en mode tube digestif, lol!!Franchement un catering irréprochable et des PNC top, tout simplement le bonheur à 10 000m!
Merci pour ce beau partage mon ami
"Une fois de plus Gigi en mode tube digestif, lol!!" Mais pas du tout le vol est très long ! La preuve j'ai mangé le soir ^^
ReplySalut GG,
Thanks for sharing this TR which is quite a treat.
The AA Flagship lounge seems small and the lack of hot dishes for breakfast is slightly disappointing.
JL F is a product that one would expect to be perfect in part due to high expectations but in my experience and apparently from yours as well there is a detail or two that tend to derail it off the mark. I agree with you that the amenity kit and entertainment could be better.
The meal service looks great. Dishes were well presented and the Japanese box tempting. The second service with the stuffed foie gras was surprising. I would have never expected this dish to be so disappointing. Maybe it's more the fault of the local kitchen. Good thing that you were able to taste other dishes from the snack menu.
Overall a comfortable flight with JL with great service.
"I would have never expected this dish to be so disappointing."
That's exactly what I was expecting : a feast, especially as I'm a foie gras lover
"Good thing that you were able to taste other dishes from the snack menu." At least even id the two hours of turbulences have shortened the eating time :(
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