Hello again. The jet lag barely lifted from Australia and it was back to the skies. I hope you enjoy this trip to Asia.
Japan Airlines has installed the B/E Aerospace Apex business class seat in their newer international 787s along with their long haul 777s. On a quest to try all business class seat variations, I was looking forward to this flight. Also having flown ANA a few times recently, making a comparison was something I thought would be interesting as well.
But first I had to get to Dallas. JAL flies their 777 out of Chicago and this trip was to be a 787 trip. At least that was the plan from the start as the original itinerary was:
American Airlines 787 to Dallas Japan Airlines 787 to Narita Japan Airlines 787 to Hong Kong Cathay Pacific A330 to Taipei EVA Air 747 to Shanghai American Airlines 787 to Chicago
In the end, JAL was the only one that remained the same. American switched out the 787 for the dreaded A321 to Dallas, Cathay Pacific switched out the A330 for an A350 (Yes!), EVA ended up being on a 777 as I flew standby earlier in the day and I switched to United's 747 Polaris First for the return.
Time to go.
I'll begin with breakfast on American's A321 service to Dallas. (Didn't I leave you with the same dish last flight report?)
Had enough? Me too.
But the flight was on time so while hungry (turns out to be a good thing) I headed over to DFW's international terminal. There she is tucked inside a KE 777.
I stopped in the DFW Admiral's Club lounge for a minute. Nothing to show here. So I grabbed a bottle of water and headed to the gate.
Boarding was right on time.
JAL's business class cabin is split with 3 rows of 6 seats between doors one and two on this 787-8 and a second 20 seat cabin aft door two.
A peek at the second cabin.
I had reserved the front cabin in row one. Once on board I was certainly happy with that choice as it was far quieter having fewer occupants. In fact it was less than half full while the back cabin was close to full.
The cabin was immaculate.
Have to love the 787 overhead bins.
Stock lavatory not particularly well supplied other than toothbrushes and mouthwash.
At door two there is a self serve bar which was only serving water today.
Mood lighting. It's Christmas time!
Notice there are no overhead bins above the center seats at rows one and two where the crew bunk is located.
I have mixed feelings on the Apex seat. To begin, it is the most private seat available in any business class configuration on any airplane, if you have a window seat.
But if you have an aisle seat you're not as secluded.
A view across row one with the privacy divider open, as is required on take-off and landing. When closed it's your own mini compartment.
The width of the compartment is basically the width of the seat, about 25 inches. That is a nice width for a seat, but for everything?
The reading lamp is literally next to your ear.
The power plugs are at the front of the compartment on window seats with no place to put the plugged device. There is a table in the entryway to the compartment, but you can't reach it while sitting down.
For window seats your table storage area is the width of a water bottle. Privacy partition drawn shows the compartment closed off.
Aisle seats have this little cubby hole with the power outlets below. There is also a storage bin above covered by mesh that I guess can be used, but I'm not sure for what and by who. It also has a hook for your headphones, which the window seats do not have.
The ottoman has storage underneath plus a small tray below the monitor. You can't reach it from the seat.
Magazine / Placard rack is next to the monitor with different placements for window and aisle seats.
So here is a test to see if you will like the seat compartment. Either sitting or laying down, clasp your fingers behind your head with elbows sticking straight out like wings. If you are an average size person you won't be able to do this in the compartment. If you're okay with that, then you'll be fine.
That blue items stored in the overhead compartments are mattress pads which are called Airweave. Apparently the business class version is different from the first class version that has a soft and firm side. I don't know for sure as no information was provided on the aircraft.
In fact when I asked a flight attendant for the bed to be made, she simply pointed to the bin and said my mattress was up there. So I made the bed. From the foot of the compartment you lay out the mattress pad, soft blanket and crawl up to place the pillow that covered the width of the bed. Good luck trying to place the blanket as a bottom/top sheet, maybe that's why the FA wanted nothing to do with making the bed. I was unable to sleep. It just was too confined.
The more I think about the seat the more I dislike it. Sure the privacy was great, but I simply found it too confining.
A Zero Halliburton (Asian luggage maker) amenity kit was provided that was sparsely populated. It was more of an advertisement than product. There were no creams, just lip balm and a coupon for a "VIP Discount" on Institut Karite Paris products. You could also borrow a cardigan style sweater to wear that was more comfortable than ANA's version.
Menus:
Beverage:
The ever popular airline choice of Charles Heidsieck champagne was featured.
Interesting that they have a special cocktail for the Dallas route. Gin based, not for me.
My guess is the flight attendants don't care for these compartments either. Maybe they should hire left handed ones to work the right side and right handed ones… I digress.
Food:
I was going with the Japanese menu having looked it up online beforehand. Here were the Japanese and Western choices:
Why does Western get a photo?
To begin a light and delicious Sakizuke (the Japanese word for the French word amuse-bouche) was offered.
Marinated Smoked Salmon and Potato Smoked Chicken & Apple Walnut
If the rest of the meal was as good as the starter then I was in for a treat.
Yes, we are on an airplane.
Irodori Gozen (large Bento box) by compartment:
Beef roll with green onion
Steamed Anglerfish Liver with Citrus Soy Sauce
Fried Black Cod marinated in Vinegar Sauce
Grilled Salmon with Turnip Sauce
And the mini-bento box inside the large bento box. Note, Lobster and I don't get along so I requested they remove it from this dish. For my sake I was lucky there wasn't any language misinterpretations.
Scallop Cake Miso-marinated Romanesco Broccoli Salmon Roe mixed with Grated Radish King Carb Meat rolled with Thin Omelette Potato Ball Sweet Beans in Kumquat Cup Fluke rolled with Kelp
And that was just the appetizer.
Dainomono - Main course
Egg Cake with Spinach Stuffed "Shitake" Mushroom Grilled Red Snapper Miso Flavor with Sea Urchin Sauce. (Before you go yuk on the sauce, this is what sea urchin looks like and don't knock it until you try it.) Deep-fried Shrimp Ball
Miso Soup
Japanese Pickles
Strawberry Panna Cotta
Fortunately my stomach chose to be hungry this day (maybe it was due to being deprived on AA). It picked the right day to do that. So a few hours after this incredible meal I decided to have another look.
The Rossini-Don "original rice bowl" piqued my interest.
I pressed the "Order Food" button on the IFE controller.
Technology…..
I got up to stretch and found a flight attendant and asked for the "original rice bowl" as it is described on the menu. She didn't understand. Rossini-Don and a green tea got the job done.
WOW is all I can say.
Then a few hours later it was time to take another look at the anytime menu. Hmmm. How about a chicken sandwich.
It was dark, so the photo doesn't do it justice, but I never would have expected a sandwich this incredibly good at whatever time of day, or day for that matter, it was 40,000 feet above the Pacific ocean. I'm surprised it didn't melt on the plate is was so tender.
We aren't done yet. Might as well stick with Japanese.
Would there be a let down?
No.
Although I'm glad I ate too much earlier as it wasn't the largest of portions.
And since I was on a roll I did what I almost never do.
Moving on, It's almost too big, the monitor that is. A 23 inch LCD making as wide as the seat.
Comfortable noise cancelling headphone. The need for these are becoming obsolete with aircraft like the 787 and A350 as these planes are eerily quiet while flying.
One annoying aspect of the airshow was that if you changed a setting, for example having that ticker run on top, each time you exited the program and came back you had to reset any changes you'd made. You couldn't save them, or at least I couldn't save them.
I watched the whole series.
While the FA's were plentiful and responded quickly to requests, they weren't necessarily pro-active. I usually had to ring the call button for something, which is fine. Fortunately there weren't any problematic language barriers. The only issue was the bed. Pointing to the mattress was not the way to deal with making the bed up.
In my own competition I can't decide between the B787 and A350 as my favorite. Both aircraft are quiet, smooth and with the higher pressurization and humidity you really feel better after a long flight. At least I do. That said I'm leaning towards the 787 because of the windows. Here are some cool views this winter day over North America and descending into a stormy Japan.
Comments: While the seat wasn't at the top of my list for comfort in business class, the food and IFE made this a great flight and I'd happily take JAL again, anywhere. Especially on a 787.
10 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
So.. the Apex Suite. Good for privacy, at the cost of comfort and practicality, it seems. I'm curious to see side-to-side comparisons between this and the Etihad Business Studio. Both seem to be good options for a dense business class on a 787.
"The more I think about the seat the more I dislike it. Sure the privacy was great, but I simply found it too confining." -Perhaps it works somewhat nicely on the wider A350/A330/777. Though as I understand it, JL installs a denser 2-3-2 layout on their 777s. I wonder if the seats are narrower compared to ones on the 787..?
"Steamed Anglerfish Liver with Citrus Soy Sauce" -I hadn't known anglerfish was edible, let alone its liver. Must try this one. Will attempt to have it on my upcoming flight next week, if possible.
"While the FA's were plentiful and responded quickly to requests, they weren't necessarily pro-active. I usually had to ring the call button for something, which is fine." -I understand this is also the approach at CX? Something about not supposed to be 'disruptive', but always there and friendly when you require their presence/assistance
No spotting in NRT at all? Or was it too dark because of the storm?
According to JAL website the seat width is the same on 777/787. But I read that the window seats on the upper deck of Korean Air's 747-8 have more open space.
You can check JAL's website to view the menu you'll have for your flight. http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/meal/ I look forward to your report and thoughts on JAL.
Yes, too dark at NRT for any plane, plus weather was rainy.
Sorry to have mislead/disappoint, but I will not be flying JAL anytime soon. No plans yet, at least. The flight will be on a client's corporate aircraft to Florida. This is all I can say regarding the matter.
Also, I forgot to ask, are there no rear eash on JL's 787 toilets like you get on ANA's aircrafts? Thanks!
It is my experience, Asian based FA have no issues helping set the seat for sleep if asked to do so with a simple explanation like:"I'm too drunk to do it myself". ;)
Meal service is the strength of JAL. I can tell you're a very courageous individual, pairing fish and seafood with a red. :) Try the one of many regional flavored sakes to get the full experience. I'm surprised you ate at all, given that scrumptious sandwich and all.
The seat wasn't meant for a 787 width. QR and AA selected better designs to fit the particular space.
I like your FA bed-making tactics Caribel. Thanks for the tip!
I'm not a sake fan. Have a local sushi place that recently got this outrageously expensive sake and they wanted me to try it. Almost spit it out, just don't care for sake. And you are absolutely correct, the B/E Super Diamond seat is the best seat out there for business class, heck it's better than FC seats used to be. Thanks for your comments.
Thanks for this excellent report. I am not sure what to think of the cabin , the good side being real privacy but the dowside being quite a confined space. The meals are just great both in presentation (they look amzing) and in taste (I trust you). I like the amenity kit and the pyjamas that look confortable. According to your grades the FA seem to be a bit beyond expectations.
Hi Christophe. Yes mixed feelings on seat. There just wasn't anywhere to put anything. At least the ones on the aisle had that little chubby hole, but then you lose the privacy. Monitor was fantastic as were the meals. As far at the FA's, I rate things different. 5 is average to me and I adjust up or down. This crew did their job and for the most part were nice. The mattress thing obviously didn't earn them points and they were clearly not as good as ANA FA's on a long haul flight. But as you know, it's hit or miss in that category and what is experienced on one flight doesn't repeat. I will say they didn't make average on my next JL post. Thanks for reading and your comments.
Thanks for this great analysis of a product that I have been very interested in, Rewardflying.
" American switched out the 787 for the dreaded A321 to Dallas..." -That is a significant down-gauge...and downgrade . But they were consistent with the catering!
"I stopped in the DFW Admiral's Club lounge for a minute." -Is this really the JAL lounge @ DFW?
"At door two there is a self serve bar which was only serving water today. " -I wonder if this is the normal service protocol? With the extensive snack menu perhpas there isn't a need to leave other items out.
"In fact when I asked a flight attendant for the bed to be made, she simply pointed to the bin and said my mattress was up there. So I made the bed. " -This comes as a surprise. Not necessarily that she make the bed for you but perhaps take the pad down and give you a basic primer on the setup?
"I was unable to sleep. It just was too confined." -This is unfortunate as sleep is really the critical factor to J class success. It did seem too good to be true that an airline could have a high density J cabin with 2-2-2 seating, direct aisle access and good privacy.
"My guess is the flight attendants don't care for these compartments either. Maybe they should hire left handed ones to work the right side and right handed ones… I digress." -That does look awkward for service.
The catering looks fantastic. Like I'm looking at my AS miles balance to book some JAL fantastic!
Thank you again for sharing this and happy flying.
Hi Socalnow. Yeah, AA isn't on my fav list. Just waiting for them to swap out the 787 from Europe this summer to their lovely 767. Any day now knowing them.
I was assuming the Admirals club in DFW was JAL's lounge. Seeing JL only has 1 flight a day I didn't give it a second thought. My connection didn't allow much time for being a lounge lizard anyway. AA may have an upper tier lounge at DFW for first but I don't have status with AA so Admiral's club was it for me. I was surprised at ORD and DFW International terminal the lack of free food in these clubs and the abundance of pay for food options. Oh, I forgot, US domestic airlines....
You might be right not needing the self service bar due to menu items available. But if thats's the case, why did they waste the space for something they aren't using?
I got this flight pre-deval on AA so I too am happy to see them now partners with AS. I've booked first NRT-ORD and for 70K is incredible. But I think AA is still only 80K which is excellent compared to UA for 110K on ANA. I believe you've done first on JL so it might be fun to try J, go on a 787 but make sure you don't get the cradle seats out of SAN. You won't be happy. You can read about those seats tomorrow.
Thanks for your comments! (headed to read about ANA now)
"Had enough? Me too." - A sandwich for breakfast and then the empty plate is supposed to be for the bread/pastry. Isn't that carb overload? :P
"The width of the compartment is basically the width of the seat, about 25 inches. That is a nice width for a seat, but for everything?" - Looks like comfort was sacrificed for privacy. I always thought that the seats in this cabin looked constricting and your report confirmed that impression.
"A Zero Halliburton (Asian luggage maker) amenity kit was provided that was sparsely populated" - It's not very compelling.
"Pointing to the mattress was not the way to deal with making the bed up." - I'm speechless! I would have never expected that from JAL.
Catering is solid, even though your last snack seemed a bit stingy with the portions. I wish JL could offer a more elaborate dessert for the main meal service.
Well it's only carb overload if it's consumed which it wasn't! That empty plate stayed empty. I don't recall anyone passing out any bread/pastry Maybe I had lost interest by then.
I was intrigued by these seats, some people think they are incredible, and the seat itself is comfortable. But even something simple like a place to put the headphones or your ipad, forget a laptop, was just not available. They should have allowed the seat to move forward so you can use the table at the entrance of the compartment or have access to the ottoman. Aisle seats have some storage space, but you lack the privacy. I'll take the B/E super diamond any day over this Apex model.
As far as I'm concerned the food and ife were some of the best while the seat, bed, FA issue and amenity kit were not equally as good. So mixed feelings but on the whole I enjoyed this JAL flight and would take them again.
JAL has always had a golden reputation for a long time and deservedly so, but lately it has shown some "cracks" that shatter its perfect image.
Being a JL report, I would have expected higher scores, at least a 9. I too had issues with my flight from CDG-HND and that was in F, which set the expectation bar even higher. Although they were minor, the lack of my first choice for dinner and pajamas were slightly disappointing. Thankfully a great crew helped to "cushion" these shortcomings, but they were unexpected. I have also read that on some flights pax in F were given the J class kit instead of a true F one but after a short while the correct ones were reintroduced.
A minor inconsistency would not really affect the overall reputation of a renowned company, but the danger lies in its frequency and over time that can be disastrous. They say that competition is good for the customer and JL has a formidable one in its home base with a 5-star reputation.
Just to clarify my ratings Jetsetpanda, I probably use a different approach. I think while some will use a top down system and rate something a 9 or 10 if they like it, my method is to consider a rating of 5 as what I perceive to be average, or expected. Then I can adjust up or down from there based on the flight. So ratings, while subjective, are also numerically inaccurate. I might think it a 6 and someone else thinks it's a 9, where both have the same opinion just express it differently. Unless of course if I missed the rule book :)
I just don't think a rating of 9 or 10 gives any room for something that could be better, because there always is something better. On my site the highest I've given is 8.8 to Qatar, LH first got 8.2. Most would rate these a 10. If you'd like to take a look, http://www.rewardflying.com/reports/
As it happens this JAL flight was my second highest rated business class international flight out of 16 reviews. The Qatar A350 trip was the only one rated higher. But no, they weren't perfect at all like you suggest they may be showing some cracks. To me a 9 or 10 rating doesn't show any cracks. I flew ANA first recently and while it was perfectly fine, I didn't care for my meal nor the seat. Many think ANA is a superior first class experience, I didn't. But that doesn't mean it's not. Anyway now I'm rambling. You get my point I'm sure.
I flew BKK-HND in F a few weeks ago, and they wouldn't even assign me 1A at check-in in BKK. Weird protection. The seat ended up flying empty. The only reason I didn't take it over was because I was sick, and had given up on flight-reporting that trip at that point.
It seems I had a much better impression of the Apex seat on KE's 74H than you did with JL. Although I can see the storage space issues that bugged you. It wasn't an issue upstairs on KE. But on the short segment I did downstairs, there was decidedly not much storage available.
Catering looks really good. Service... well... weird with the very lackluster "Do it yourself!" response to making your bed up.
Hi Hometoyyz, I read your KE report (nicely done!) and yes that shelf/storage next to the window on KE's UD 748i would make all the difference with the confinement issue of these seats. The 747-8 is such a nice plane and after reading your UD experience it's on my flight bucket list. Thanks for reading!
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17 Comments
Thank you for sharing.
So.. the Apex Suite. Good for privacy, at the cost of comfort and practicality, it seems. I'm curious to see side-to-side comparisons between this and the Etihad Business Studio. Both seem to be good options for a dense business class on a 787.
"The more I think about the seat the more I dislike it. Sure the privacy was great, but I simply found it too confining."
-Perhaps it works somewhat nicely on the wider A350/A330/777. Though as I understand it, JL installs a denser 2-3-2 layout on their 777s. I wonder if the seats are narrower compared to ones on the 787..?
"Steamed Anglerfish Liver with Citrus Soy Sauce"
-I hadn't known anglerfish was edible, let alone its liver. Must try this one. Will attempt to have it on my upcoming flight next week, if possible.
"While the FA's were plentiful and responded quickly to requests, they weren't necessarily pro-active. I usually had to ring the call button for something, which is fine."
-I understand this is also the approach at CX? Something about not supposed to be 'disruptive', but always there and friendly when you require their presence/assistance
No spotting in NRT at all? Or was it too dark because of the storm?
Thanks again, always a delight reading your FRs!
According to JAL website the seat width is the same on 777/787. But I read that the window seats on the upper deck of Korean Air's 747-8 have more open space.
You can check JAL's website to view the menu you'll have for your flight.
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/business/meal/
I look forward to your report and thoughts on JAL.
Yes, too dark at NRT for any plane, plus weather was rainy.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy JAL.
Sorry to have mislead/disappoint, but I will not be flying JAL anytime soon. No plans yet, at least. The flight will be on a client's corporate aircraft to Florida. This is all I can say regarding the matter.
Also, I forgot to ask, are there no rear eash on JL's 787 toilets like you get on ANA's aircrafts? Thanks!
Meal service is the strength of JAL. I can tell you're a very courageous individual, pairing fish and seafood with a red. :) Try the one of many regional flavored sakes to get the full experience. I'm surprised you ate at all, given that scrumptious sandwich and all.
The seat wasn't meant for a 787 width. QR and AA selected better designs to fit the particular space.
Thanks for the illustrated diaries.
I'm not a sake fan. Have a local sushi place that recently got this outrageously expensive sake and they wanted me to try it. Almost spit it out, just don't care for sake. And you are absolutely correct, the B/E Super Diamond seat is the best seat out there for business class, heck it's better than FC seats used to be. Thanks for your comments.
I am not sure what to think of the cabin , the good side being real privacy but the dowside being quite a confined space.
The meals are just great both in presentation (they look amzing) and in taste (I trust you).
I like the amenity kit and the pyjamas that look confortable.
According to your grades the FA seem to be a bit beyond expectations.
Yes mixed feelings on seat. There just wasn't anywhere to put anything. At least the ones on the aisle had that little chubby hole, but then you lose the privacy. Monitor was fantastic as were the meals. As far at the FA's, I rate things different. 5 is average to me and I adjust up or down. This crew did their job and for the most part were nice. The mattress thing obviously didn't earn them points and they were clearly not as good as ANA FA's on a long haul flight. But as you know, it's hit or miss in that category and what is experienced on one flight doesn't repeat. I will say they didn't make average on my next JL post. Thanks for reading and your comments.
" American switched out the 787 for the dreaded A321 to Dallas..."
-That is a significant down-gauge...and downgrade . But they were consistent with the catering!
"I stopped in the DFW Admiral's Club lounge for a minute."
-Is this really the JAL lounge @ DFW?
"At door two there is a self serve bar which was only serving water today. "
-I wonder if this is the normal service protocol? With the extensive snack menu perhpas there isn't a need to leave other items out.
"In fact when I asked a flight attendant for the bed to be made, she simply pointed to the bin and said my mattress was up there. So I made the bed. "
-This comes as a surprise. Not necessarily that she make the bed for you but perhaps take the pad down and give you a basic primer on the setup?
"I was unable to sleep. It just was too confined."
-This is unfortunate as sleep is really the critical factor to J class success. It did seem too good to be true that an airline could have a high density J cabin with 2-2-2 seating, direct aisle access and good privacy.
"My guess is the flight attendants don't care for these compartments either. Maybe they should hire left handed ones to work the right side and right handed ones… I digress."
-That does look awkward for service.
The catering looks fantastic. Like I'm looking at my AS miles balance to book some JAL fantastic!
Thank you again for sharing this and happy flying.
I was assuming the Admirals club in DFW was JAL's lounge. Seeing JL only has 1 flight a day I didn't give it a second thought. My connection didn't allow much time for being a lounge lizard anyway. AA may have an upper tier lounge at DFW for first but I don't have status with AA so Admiral's club was it for me. I was surprised at ORD and DFW International terminal the lack of free food in these clubs and the abundance of pay for food options. Oh, I forgot, US domestic airlines....
You might be right not needing the self service bar due to menu items available. But if thats's the case, why did they waste the space for something they aren't using?
I got this flight pre-deval on AA so I too am happy to see them now partners with AS. I've booked first NRT-ORD and for 70K is incredible. But I think AA is still only 80K which is excellent compared to UA for 110K on ANA. I believe you've done first on JL so it might be fun to try J, go on a 787 but make sure you don't get the cradle seats out of SAN. You won't be happy. You can read about those seats tomorrow.
Thanks for your comments! (headed to read about ANA now)
"Had enough? Me too."
- A sandwich for breakfast and then the empty plate is supposed to be for the bread/pastry. Isn't that carb overload? :P
"The width of the compartment is basically the width of the seat, about 25 inches. That is a nice width for a seat, but for everything?"
- Looks like comfort was sacrificed for privacy. I always thought that the seats in this cabin looked constricting and your report confirmed that impression.
"A Zero Halliburton (Asian luggage maker) amenity kit was provided that was sparsely populated"
- It's not very compelling.
"Pointing to the mattress was not the way to deal with making the bed up."
- I'm speechless! I would have never expected that from JAL.
Catering is solid, even though your last snack seemed a bit stingy with the portions. I wish JL could offer a more elaborate dessert for the main meal service.
Well it's only carb overload if it's consumed which it wasn't! That empty plate stayed empty. I don't recall anyone passing out any bread/pastry Maybe I had lost interest by then.
I was intrigued by these seats, some people think they are incredible, and the seat itself is comfortable. But even something simple like a place to put the headphones or your ipad, forget a laptop, was just not available. They should have allowed the seat to move forward so you can use the table at the entrance of the compartment or have access to the ottoman. Aisle seats have some storage space, but you lack the privacy. I'll take the B/E super diamond any day over this Apex model.
As far as I'm concerned the food and ife were some of the best while the seat, bed, FA issue and amenity kit were not equally as good. So mixed feelings but on the whole I enjoyed this JAL flight and would take them again.
Thanks for reading!
Being a JL report, I would have expected higher scores, at least a 9. I too had issues with my flight from CDG-HND and that was in F, which set the expectation bar even higher. Although they were minor, the lack of my first choice for dinner and pajamas were slightly disappointing. Thankfully a great crew helped to "cushion" these shortcomings, but they were unexpected. I have also read that on some flights pax in F were given the J class kit instead of a true F one but after a short while the correct ones were reintroduced.
A minor inconsistency would not really affect the overall reputation of a renowned company, but the danger lies in its frequency and over time that can be disastrous. They say that competition is good for the customer and JL has a formidable one in its home base with a 5-star reputation.
I just don't think a rating of 9 or 10 gives any room for something that could be better, because there always is something better. On my site the highest I've given is 8.8 to Qatar, LH first got 8.2. Most would rate these a 10. If you'd like to take a look, http://www.rewardflying.com/reports/
As it happens this JAL flight was my second highest rated business class international flight out of 16 reviews. The Qatar A350 trip was the only one rated higher. But no, they weren't perfect at all like you suggest they may be showing some cracks. To me a 9 or 10 rating doesn't show any cracks. I flew ANA first recently and while it was perfectly fine, I didn't care for my meal nor the seat. Many think ANA is a superior first class experience, I didn't. But that doesn't mean it's not. Anyway now I'm rambling. You get my point I'm sure.
I flew BKK-HND in F a few weeks ago, and they wouldn't even assign me 1A at check-in in BKK. Weird protection. The seat ended up flying empty. The only reason I didn't take it over was because I was sick, and had given up on flight-reporting that trip at that point.
It seems I had a much better impression of the Apex seat on KE's 74H than you did with JL. Although I can see the storage space issues that bugged you. It wasn't an issue upstairs on KE. But on the short segment I did downstairs, there was decidedly not much storage available.
Catering looks really good. Service... well... weird with the very lackluster "Do it yourself!" response to making your bed up.
Thanks again for another great FR!
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