Review of Japan Airlines flight Chitose → Tokyo in Business

This trip would cover my Christmas holiday trip to Narita, Tokyo. For reference, The Christmas day is even a special day in Japan, though most of Japanese don't make a holiday trip during Christmas season since an upcoming New year holiday(Dec 29~JAN 3) is much biggest holiday season and many Japanese spend their time with their parents during these days. I could travel comfortably since there was no airport congestion or traffic congestion.

Background

JAL is on the list of my favorite airlines. JAL provides a premium cabin as Cass J on the domestic flight, though it has a bit odd concept. First of all, Class J passenger can't take the privilege of any premium service(Priority check-in, priority boarding, superior meal and welcome drink).What they provide for Class J passengers were completely identical to economy class, except for the seat. The seat of the Class J was much more gorgeous and comfortable seat with footrest, much bigger legroom and width. The price difference between Economy and Class J is only 1000yen($9). It was an affordable price since there are many over 2-hour route in Japan.

check-in

I arrived at the airport at 7:00 am by train. I made my way to the check-in counter to drop my baggage. Prior to dropping my baggage, I printed out my baggage tag by Kiosk, through kiosk didn't let me print out my boarding pass, so I had to check-in at the counter.


The security check was completely empty at that time, so I could literary pass through without waiting.


View of my ship.

Japan Airline has two type of B737s. One is domestic configuration with 20 Class J seat, 2-3 configuration, The other is international configuration with 12 Business class seat,2-2 configuration. It is rare that B737 with international configuration fly on a domestic route, though few routes which depart from Narita are regularly operated by them due to the operational reason.
On this route, An international business class seat is sold as a Class J seat, meaning I could experience the real business class seat for additional $9. It was extraordinary good price, given that JAL business class fare is much more expensive than their competitors on the international route.

At 7:35 am, Boarding was started on time from the pre-boarding passengers, followed by the premium members, economy passengers, and Class J passengers.

The boarding Gate was fully automated. I could pass through the gate without any human interactions.

Seat

JAL B737 business class cabin consists of 12 seats, separated out three row, in 2-2 configuration. It was much more spacious than domestic Class J cabin with 20 seats, in 2-3 configuration.


JAL has 7 different business class products(It was confusing) and each of seats has the different name. This product is called " JAL SKYLUXE SEAT"
The seat was not special. It was typical reclining seat which you can see on B737s around the world. However, JAL seems to add some feathers on this seat.


The leg-room was descent.


First, The individual reading light was equipped in each seat.


Second, You can hang your jacket on the seat-back. It seems useful function for the business person.


On the side of the right armrest is seat controller. Even though It was a manual control, It was easy to use.


An outlet was available in each seat, though There was no USB outlet.


The fold-up table was installed under the right armrest.

I noticed the angle of reclining was not huge, so I felt it was little uncomfortable. Though This product is mainly used for the short-haul route(Japan to Korea or Taiwan), so It is not a big issue.

After I settled on the seat, The crew asked me whether I need a blanket. I said Yes.
Within few minutes, She came with a new blanket which has a logo of Class J. It was clean and thick.


At 7:50 am we started take-off roll.

After passing rainy cloud, The clear winter sky welcomed us.



15 minutes after take-off, A seat-belt sign was turned off.At that time I tried to explore IFE contents, then I was suddenly disappointed since almost all contents were blocked. What I only found were some music channels and the flight map.


JAL is one of the few companies which provide the internet access for free for all passenger, though This ship wasn't equipped with wi-fi, so I couldn't use internet on this flight. This is a big downside of B737s with international configuration(All B737s with domestic configuration have the wi-fi equipment now).

20 minutes after takeoff, A crew came to my row to take an order of beverage. I had a cup of the coffee with a candy.

The rest of the flight was uneventful. I could be relaxed thanks to the business class seat.

20 minutes before landing, The seat belt sign turned on again.As It was a sunny winter morning and there was few crowed, I could see the beautiful landscape around Narita.

At 9:20 am We touched down in Narita airport. Taxiing was a bit longer so I could see many B787s. As you know, Both JAL and ANA are the biggest operators of B787.


At 9:35 am We stopped next to JAL B787.




we made my way to Tokyo by train for sightseeing.

In Tokyo, The train station was crowded due to Christmas day. As you know, Train network in Tokyo is huge and you can go anywhere by train with a couple of transit.

Akihabara is a fun place for enthusiasts(Otaku) of Anime and electric device.

The view from the observation on Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office. The admission fee was free. I was impressed by the number of building in Tokyo.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office

I also visited Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. It is a World Heritage site.
I could enjoy taking pictures since it was very beautiful shrine.

Thank you for reading.