Prologue:
Welcome to this exciting RTW (Round the World) trip where I had the opportunity to sample Premium Economy long haul on 3 different airlines (JL, SQ and BA).My first destination was HKG where I met with family. Originally I was looking for one way fares but I happened to find availability using award miles through the AS program. It so happens that only Premium Econ inventory was available for the day that I wanted to fly and since this was on JL I did not think twice before grabbing it.
I have flown on JL F, J and Y in the past so this was a new cabin experience for me.
Arrived at the airport early just when the check in counter was opening.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701612798_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(1).jpg)
I love the sight of an empty check in counter. It was still early so not many people checking in yet.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701612799_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(2).jpg)
The agent was polite and efficient. Some were dressed in costumes for Halloween.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701612799_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(3).jpg)
JAL Premium Econ pax have access to lounge but unfortunately the JAL lounge in SFO was closed. BA was the default lounge but since I've read stories of overcrowding I decided to just go to the VS Clubhouse
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701612799_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(4).jpg)
VS Clubhouse SFO recently joined Priority Pass and I was able to access it this way.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613004_vs_clubhouse_sfo_31oct23_(1).jpg)
The lounge was fairly empty.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613004_vs_clubhouse_sfo_31oct23_(2).jpg)
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Self service beverages which was not there on previous visits.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613004_vs_clubhouse_sfo_31oct23_(3).jpg)
Menu ordering from QR code. One thing that I noticed is that the choices were more limited. Perhaps this is only during Priority Pass members hours. I'm still surprised that such a nice lounge is available to Priority members.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613003_vs_clubhouse_sfo_31oct23_(4).jpg)
I ordered a tomato soup and chicken salad.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613004_vs_clubhouse_sfo_31oct23_(6).jpg)
The gate was very near the BA lounge so I stopped by to check it out quickly.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613762_ba_galleries_sfo_31oct23_(1).jpg)
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It was not too crowded as expected.. Maybe the decoration scared some people away.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613954_ba_galleries_sfo_31oct23_(2).jpg)
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613762_ba_galleries_sfo_31oct23_(5).jpg)
On second thought maybe I should have come here instead of stopping at VS. :P
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701613763_ba_galleries_sfo_31oct23_(6).jpg)
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The gate had a festive ambiance.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701614692_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(10)_copy.jpg)
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Time to board.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701614692_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(12).jpg)
FA greetings at the door and walking to the Premium Econ cabin.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701614693_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(14).jpg)
Pillow blanket amenity kit headphone and slippers already at the seat.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701614693_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(13).jpg)
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615117_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(15).jpg)
Good amount of space in the bulkhead. The cabin was not completely full but I had a neighbor.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615115_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(16).jpg)
Taxiing out.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615117_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(18).jpg)
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Take off.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615117_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(30).jpg)
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It's always a beautiful sight when you leave SFO on a sunny day.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615118_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(38).jpg)
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Seat pocket contents.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615117_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(46).jpg)
Service started with a round of packaged towels served with a smile.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701615408_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(48)_copy.jpg)
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Let's check out the menu.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616469_jl_1_menu.jpeg)
JL Premium Eco. serves the same meals as Y.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616506_jl_1_menu_(1).jpg)
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616506_jl_1_menu_(2).jpg)
Skytime drink with snack.
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Chicken dish.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616605_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(55).jpg)
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Miso soup is offered by the FA when she gives you the tray.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616605_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(59).jpg)
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Green tea after meal service.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616965_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(69).jpg)
WC.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616966_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(70).jpg)
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Bidet included.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616965_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(73).jpg)
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616967_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(75).jpg)
Afterwards I took a walk in Y and the cabin was very empty. I decided to move to the back and get a row for myself to stretch out. Since the meal service in Premium Eco was the same as Y there was no major loss by switching cabins.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616966_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(76).jpg)
Poor man's J class. :)
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616967_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(77).jpg)
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Snack basket in the galley.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701616967_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(78).jpg)
I had a chat with one of the crew and told her how much I enjoyed flying JL. To my surprise she presented me with a card later in appreciation.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617277_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(79).jpg)
This was a very special and memorable gesture. You don't need to be a VIP with JL to be treated like one.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617277_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(80).jpg)
I rested a bit and soon it was time for the pre-arrival snack.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617276_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(85).jpg)
Not much in terms of food but it was OK.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617277_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(86).jpg)
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Basket of candies was offered before arrival in HND.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617277_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(91).jpg)
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Arriving in HND.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617276_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(93).jpg)
Gorgeous view of Mt. Fuji.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617274_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(107)_-_copy.jpg)
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I was treated to some fantastic views on descent.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617276_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(114)_-_copy.jpg)
Landing in Tokyo.
![photo 640x640 3](files/1701617276_jl_1_sfo-hnd_31oct23_(115)_-_copy.jpg)
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========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========
========== Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse ==========
========== British Airways Terraces Lounge ==========
========== Japan Airlines - Airline ==========
========== Haneda Arpt (HND) - ==========
Summary:
I really enjoyed this first leg of my trip and JL proved to be a solid and reliable choice.Premium Econ was a good experience but there is no difference between catering from Y. That means that catering in the back is so good that it can be used for Y+.
The main asset with flying a Japanese carrier is the exceptional customer service that one can get and JL did not disappoint in that regard. I was touched by the small gesture of a written note which made this trip extra special and truly memorable.
11 Comments
JL at its best my friend.
Thanks for sharing.
wouah great flight..
I understand you had enjoyed.
Thank you for all pictures.
Magnifique ^^
Woof ! JetSet !
Good job.
I love the colors and calm of the Virgin lounge.
I would have tasted the St Emilion red wine at the BA lounge. Thanks for the photo ;)
On board, first time I heard someone downgrade by himself ! This report is collector:)
And... consequently: too bad you paid for this Y+ product.
Beautiful aerial views of San Francisco and Mount Fuji.
Thanks my friend for this great report.
"On board, first time I heard someone downgrade by himself"
There is a "first" for everything :P
Sitting by the window was worth it for this flight.
Gracias Amigo!
It was once again a pleasure reading you.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thank you everyone for your comments.
Hi Panda!!
Thank you for sharing with us this very nice review!!!
VS lounge looks nice and JL in premium economy is a very good surprise!
The seat seems to be very comfortable et the meal is very nice.
Thank you my friend
Yes VS lounge is a really beautiful one even if the catering is limited for Priority Pass users.
JL Y+ is a good product but considering that the meals are the same as Y if the back of the plane is wide open I would rather sit there than pay the premium. Main advantage of flying Y+ with JL is the access to the lounge.
Soo great Adan..
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