Hello from Tokyo, as we’ve kicked off our winter ski trip to Niseko. I just flew Japan Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER first class, on the quick 10hr25min hop across the Pacific, from San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo (HND).
As I explained in a previous post, we managed to book four first class award seats on this flight. Obviously being able to travel with friends and as a group can make a flight all the more fun. Heck, I would’ve probably enjoyed Korean Air’s A380 first class if traveling as a group as well. 😉
I’m a huge fan of Japan Airlines’ first class. I love the excellent Japanese food, the extensive drink selection, and the warm Japanese hospitality. In fairness, though, these 777s are a couple of years from retirement, so they’ve definitely seen better days. Having flown the unbelievably good new Japan Airlines A350 first class, this is obviously a significant downgrade. But still, I was absolutely delighted with this flight.
In this post I’d like to share some initial thoughts on the experience, and then soon I’ll have a full trip report.
Japan Airlines’ 777 first class seats are comfortable but outdated
Japan Airlines’ first class cabin on the 777 consists of eight seats, spread across two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration.
These aren’t enclosed suites with doors, but they do feature a good amount of privacy, and have a functional design.
Now, the seat is definitely showing a fair bit of wear and tear, and I also find Japan Airlines’ cabin finishes to be kind of ugly and outdated, and this is even the case on some of the carrier’s newer planes.
On the plus side, I find Japan Airlines’ first class bed to be supremely comfortable, especially thanks to the Tempur-Pedic mattress pad, where you can choose whether you prefer it hard or soft. Assuming the cabin is kept at a reasonable temperature, I find that I sleep really well in this cabin.
I’d say the most outdated aspect of this product is the entertainment screen, which isn’t particularly large or high definition. I also don’t love how you have to use the little monitor to make your entertainment selection, which makes it hard to easily browse what’s available.
Japan Airlines’ first class food & drinks are great
I find Japan Airlines’ first class catering to be stellar. I went all-in on the Japanese menu on this flight, and enjoyed just about everything.
Lunch was served after takeoff. Before starting my Japanese meal, I had a caviar course to start.
Then it was showtime, Japan Airlines style. I’ll have a lot more details about the individual items when I write the full review, but for now, I’ll just summarize. The meal started with five small plates, with everything from conger eel, to simmered abalone.
Next up was a soup with rice cracker coated lobster and vegetables.
Then there was roast beef with sesame sauce and green asparagus, and fava bean potage with steamed sea urchin.
Next up was steamed sea bream with silken tofu, miso soup, and green pea rice.
Last, but certainly not least, was matcha anmitsu.
The pre-arrival meal was a Chilean sea bass teriyaki with simmered eggplant and green beans, steamed rice, and miso soup.
I’m always impressed by the quality of Japan Airlines’ Japanese catering, even from outstations. Then again, I guess there’s no shortage of good Japanese food in San Francisco. Even if you’re not into Japanese food, worry not, as the carrier’s western catering is top notch as well.
While not to the level of Emirates, Japan Airlines’ drink selection is respectable. When it comes to champagne, currently the airline pour Salon 2013 when departing Japan, and Billecart Salmon Elisabeth Rose 2012 when flying to Japan. The former is the most expensive champagne served by any airline, but go figure we were flying to Japan. I still enjoyed the Billecart Salmon option, though.
Japan Airlines is also currently serving Hibiki’s 100th anniversary whisky blend, which was fun to try (it’s also available for purchase at an attractive price, exclusively for first class passengers).
For those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, the airline serves what’s probably the most expensive non-alcoholic drink that you’ll find on any airline, in the form of Royal Blue Tea, presented and poured just like wine.
Japan Airlines’ first class amenities are good
Japan Airlines offers first class passengers a reasonably nice selection of amenities. For one, there are pajamas. While perhaps not the most stylish, they are comfortable.
Then there are slippers, which always come in handy.
Next, Japan Airlines offers an amenity kit, with everything from a USB charger, to Shiseido face cleanser.
I appreciate how the menu is presented in a leather binder, along with some other items, like the immigration card, free Wi-Fi code, a pen, and my favorite of all…
…the gentle steam eye mask! I’m not kidding when I say that I’ve become a bit obsessed with these, and they’re amazing. The crews always have extras, so if you’re interested, just ask them, and they’ll gladly give you more to take home.
Traveling with others is always more fun
Flying first class alone can be super fun. Flying first class as a couple can be even more fun. Flying first class as a group is the funnest. Honestly, that’s what made this flight more special than anything.
We traveled as a group of four, and had the entire first row to ourselves (and there was only one other person in first class). So we all had our own space, but thanks to the buddy seat that you’ll find at each seat, we could basically set up a “table” for four in the two center suites, and hang out there.
I can’t even say how fun, and perhaps a little debaucherous, this was. What’s not to love about enjoying some amazing food, and also some great drinks, while crossing the Pacific? I might not have gotten as much sleep as I would’ve if traveling alone, but boy, was it worth it. Travel is always more fun with others.
Bottom line
Japan Airlines’ 777 first class continues to be a great way to fly, with comfortable suites, friendly service, delicious food, and some pretty indulgent drinks. Admittedly this product will be retired in a couple of years, but until then, I’m delighted to keep flying it.
Being able to redeem American AAdvantage miles for this product is a treat. In this case, being able to book four first class award seats on a single flight took this to the next level.
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