Japan Airlines First Class
777-300ER ORD-HND
After an amazing trip to Singapore and Malaysia I wanted to head to Japan for cherry blossom season! I found this redemption 1 week before departure using 80K American Airlines miles. As many report, JAL is really good about releasing reward availability within 2 weeks of departure from many cities, even during peak period. My best luck so far has been to/from DFW, ORD, and SFO.
This hard product is dated, however it is still very comfortable and spacious. It was designed to feel like at home! Still one of the largest beds ive tried in the sky and the mattress is really comfy so don't let looks fool you with this product.
Where JAL really shines is service - the crew is incredibly kind, fast, and hospitable. The food and drink is top notch! Yes Salon is only served on Japan departures but as long as I have unlimited SkyTime I don't care lol. I don't eat much seafood so I went with the steak and it was incredible, even after like 4 appetizers they kept bringing lol. Mid flight snacks were also good, including caviar, fried chicken and waffles, and various bowls.
Love the "mini luggage" amenity kit and Shiseido face products for men as well! And free wifi is how it should be in **all** premium cabins.
As a little bonus, here is a peak into my Japan trip. I got a 21 day rail pass and explored everything from Tokyo to Kagoshima in the south. It was fun chasing the sakura and lots of epic scenery and food. Hope this inspires a trip on JAL to Japan!
Day 1 - Arrive in Tokyo
Day 2 - Tokyo
Day 3 - Kagoshima
Day 4 - Takachiho Gorge and Fukuoka
Day 5 - Miyajima
Day 6 - Kurashiki and Himeji
Day 7 - Kyoto
Day 8 - Kyoto
Day 9 - Kobe and Nara (Osaka)
Day 10 - Mt. Koya (Osaka)
Day 11 - Mt. Yoshino (Osaka)
Day 12 - Nachi Falls and Nakanoshima
Day 13 - Nagoya
Day 14 - Takayama
Day 15 - Kanazawa
Day 16 - Yuzawa
Day 17 - Tokyo
Day 18 - Yokohama Chinatown
Day 19 - Lake Kawaguchiko
Day 20 - Mt. Fuji Sightseeing
Day 21 - Tokyo
Day 22 - Departure 😭
