Hi everyone, I have an upcoming work trip to Japan from the eastern US in J and would appreciate opinions and recommendations on some of the options I’m considering:
Based in NYC, within the past year, have taken both JL a35K in J from JFK-HND (one of my favorite business class hard-products in the world); have also taken CX a35K on JFK-HKG in J (nice, but not cutting-edge like JL). Both are excellent products and services, better than most US carriers. Depends on your starting point (like where else in US). Also depends if you prefer to avoid US domestic flights (so frequently delayed, missed connect, etc.) Hope your work is paying for this, because none of it is cheap out-of-pocket. Also, hope they have fantastic insurance, and that you travel a day earlier than wherever/whenever you really need to be, in case of delays/cancellations. NYC has had awful thunderstorms this summer, lots of days with IROPS here. Safe travels, regardless!
@somethingcreative, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I've never had them, but I think special meals on JAL (and ANA) are a few steps down from their regular ones. Depending on your food allergies, CX might have better offerings. JAL publishes its menus online, so you can check in advance if any of the regular meals are suitable. They also have sample menus of their special meals, so you can get a sense of what they'll serve.
Also, you have shower access if you use JAL into HND.
Having said that, IMHO, 2.5 hours at JFK on separate tickets and different terminals seems like a bad idea. I'd want a much longer buffer before a long-haul flight, but that's just me.
@tennen I agree, can't go wrong with either and a much longer buffer is needed for separate tickets/different terminals at JFK. Changing terminals and reclaiming/rechecking bags both offer challenges and compound possible delays. If a positioning flight is necessary, booking on the same ticket is far preferable, as is ensuring both flights use the same terminal at JKF (CX and JL both use Terminal 8, as does AA). (It's unclear why a domestic flight is needed for JL but not CX; is there no JL flight from home base or is it not convenient whereas CX is?) [If your connecting flight is on AA, the agent may be able to check your bags through, but you may be subject to their individual whims regardless of company policy.]
If a connection is needed, there are other gateway cities that have airside connections between terminals (DFW, LAX, YYZ, YUL that I can think of). Single ticket via one of those reduces the risk connecting.
I don't know about JL, but on CX you can preorder your meals with more choices than on board. Chek Lap Kok is a huge airport terminal with security between the arrivals and departure concourses, but three hours should be enough time for a shower there in one of CX's excellent lounges between flights.
Personally, the Jal Product on the 35K looks so much more inspired than a standard reverse herringbone seat which is great but the JAL flight 35K would have the upgraded tech as well.