Flying to Japan for work in Business Class middle of March. I am a platinum flier based in Sydney and having looked into all flight options, I've narrowed it down to two final choices. This trip will be return.
Option 1: JAL Syd to Narita direct Dreamliner. PRO'S: Non-stop. Wifi. Great seat, although I am 6'3” so will curl up to sleep with shorter bed length. First Lounge access pre departure. Attentive Japanese service I've heard.
Option 2: QF Syd to Brisbane then connect to the Brisbane to Narita A330. PRO'S: Awesome hard product. Longer bed at 2 metres. Familiar experience. Wider inflight entertainment options. Higher status credit earn rate.
Would love to hear what members think from their experience, as I've flown Qantas loads but never flown JAL. Do I add an extra domestic leg via BNE in order to be on an QF A330 or is the JAL Dreamliner experience just as great.
The JAL Dreamliner experience in business class (and down the back, for that matter) is excellent. The seat is very comfortable and private, but doesn't have a huge deal of storage for personal items, if that's important to you. The service and catering on JAL is superb. Domestic to international transfers at BNE are a bit of a pain (landside bus or train). I would think the only reason to opt for the inconvenience of the QF routing is if you really need the status credits.
The JAL Dreamliner experience in business class (and down the back, for that matter) is excellent. The seat is very comfortable and private, but doesn't have a huge deal of storage for personal items, if that's important to you. The service and catering on JAL is superb. Domestic to international transfers at BNE are a bit of a pain (landside bus or train). I would think the only reason to opt for the inconvenience of the QF routing is if you really need the status credits.
Thank you! Such great feedback... appreciate your reply. I don't need the status credits so hear what you're saying.
Note the QF bed does go into a leg well which can seem a bit tight when wanting to roll over during a snooze despite the length. So all in all it maybe JAL.
Note the QF bed does go into a leg well which can seem a bit tight when wanting to roll over during a snooze despite the length. So all in all it maybe JAL.
I use Qantas Brisbane to Narita quite frequently. As noted a great seat. Personally I would always take a direct route if available, and assume Narita is a more convenient arrival port for you than Haneda, which of course is a quicker option into central Tokyo, and can be taken from Sydney.
A couple of thoughts: as noted by others, the terminal transfer in Brisbane is an annoyance; the Qantas flight leaves BNE at 09.25, so that would be a very early rise and shine in Sydney to connect with the QF flight. On the day flight up, JAL uses a 787 and the crew are prone to dimming the chromatic windows and over-riding individual controls. I like the view (and daylight!) on a day flight. Food on QF flight is usually just so-so, not as good as JAL.
My experience coming home to Brisbane is that Qantas are the only airline that seem to understand the shortness of the overnight flight. Most biz pax eat in an airport lounge, the crew keep the lights dim after takeoff to serve the few people who are eating, and they don't turn on the lights until the last moment into BNE. Any breakfast takers are served quietly and via lapel torches and individual lights. All the Asian carriers I have flown turn the lights on WAY to early, everyone up 90-120 minutes out, which makes for a far too short night. I usually manage a good sleep on that overnight.
I personally found the JAL apex seat on their 777 to be quite tight length wise when sleeping. If the Seat on the 787 has the same dimensions I wouldn't recommend it if comfort and sleep are important to you. I'm 6ft1 and find the Qantas a330 business seat to be more comfortable, has far better storage, and far far superior entertainment.
JAL has better service, they're far quicker in serving the meal, and they just give you more and better food.
I am 195, about 6'4”, although Mel based I have done JL51 HAN-SYD
The JAL bed is too small to sleep easily unless you are a side sleeper (I am) these older skysuites are wider than the new ones, and ok for me (although I haven't been in skysuite3)
I would also take the direct flight unless you need status
I heard Q are trying to get a refit A380 on this leg after the 747 goes but there are limitsat HAN that only allow one on the ground at a time (and ANA is more important!)
I think it would go well if they could do 2x330 or 787 per day , 360 seats for 747 vs 2x 230 odd about the same as an A380 , but they can do a day and a night flight and charge a premium on the day
The JAL business class window seats give you a lot of privacy and direct (if very narrow) aisle access. The clincher for me is the Japanese main meal menu on JAL. A superb and authentic Japanese experience.
I am a QF P1 and recently had a last minute emergency flight to New York. There were no avail seats with QF so travelled with JAL. I am never going back to QF, JAL were amazing! Service, food and more importantly, the timings were fantastic. It was just two almost equal length sectors, didn't touch the luggage until I arrived in NYC, so easy! And on the return route, didn't have the dreadful NYC/LAX flight and then late night flight to Sydney. It is a little longer but honestly it is just not noticeable. I felt like I was in a private cocoon actually being cared for in my window seat!! As others have mentioned, food leaves QF for dead.! First lounge in Narita, wonderful, fresh sushi way way beyond the unfortunately never going away s & p squid! So, my vote is also for JAL!
If you don't need the SCs then save 2x 2+h of your life and fly direct. I have done both and as you state each has it's pro and con. I did many QF legs via MEL for the SCs but did also JAL and managed to get a good sleep on the return red eye and I'm 6.6. It is a it tight but if u get a window seat it's good. Beds in QF 330s are slightly better, bigger and a bit more comfy.
I would consider the return leg: have a look at flight durations and times ex-NRT and what time u get home. Again if you don't need the SC Then spare the dreadful transit in BNE. One option may be to do via MEL as I find transit in Mel is easier, it has day flight to japan and has a FCL.
In any case good choice avoiding QF direct to hnd. Both Legs red eyes - Awfully dated hard product and landing at HND at 5am is a nightmare
Was on a JAL 787 this week from NRT. Cabin was a densified sky suites 2-2-2. Not much storage, bed felt a bit skinnier and not as comfortable (thinner mattress pad?). The wife said catering was superb (5*), but the menu was a bit too Japanese for me.
We thought the JAL cabin would be hot, having sweated through a 28C overnight sauna in JAL fixed shell Y+ once before. Would guess temp was increased to about 24C overnight - was noticeably warm. We went prepared this time (with no heavy QF PJ's).
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Qantas A330 ex BNE VS JAL 787-9 ex SYD
Luke Hines
Luke Hines
Member since 27 Nov 2018
Total posts 10
Hi Guys
Flying to Japan for work in Business Class middle of March. I am a platinum flier based in Sydney and having looked into all flight options, I've narrowed it down to two final choices. This trip will be return.
Option 1: JAL Syd to Narita direct Dreamliner. PRO'S: Non-stop. Wifi. Great seat, although I am 6'3” so will curl up to sleep with shorter bed length. First Lounge access pre departure. Attentive Japanese service I've heard.
Option 2: QF Syd to Brisbane then connect to the Brisbane to Narita A330. PRO'S: Awesome hard product. Longer bed at 2 metres. Familiar experience. Wider inflight entertainment options. Higher status credit earn rate.
Would love to hear what members think from their experience, as I've flown Qantas loads but never flown JAL. Do I add an extra domestic leg via BNE in order to be on an QF A330 or is the JAL Dreamliner experience just as great.
Happy for all thoughts and opinions :)
Thanks.
DrSK
DrSK
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 08 Jul 2014
Total posts 44
The JAL Dreamliner experience in business class (and down the back, for that matter) is excellent. The seat is very comfortable and private, but doesn't have a huge deal of storage for personal items, if that's important to you. The service and catering on JAL is superb. Domestic to international transfers at BNE are a bit of a pain (landside bus or train). I would think the only reason to opt for the inconvenience of the QF routing is if you really need the status credits.
Luke Hines
Luke Hines
Member since 27 Nov 2018
Total posts 10
Originally Posted by DrSK
The JAL Dreamliner experience in business class (and down the back, for that matter) is excellent. The seat is very comfortable and private, but doesn't have a huge deal of storage for personal items, if that's important to you. The service and catering on JAL is superb. Domestic to international transfers at BNE are a bit of a pain (landside bus or train). I would think the only reason to opt for the inconvenience of the QF routing is if you really need the status credits.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 731
Note the QF bed does go into a leg well which can seem a bit tight when wanting to roll over during a snooze despite the length. So all in all it maybe JAL.
Luke Hines
Luke Hines
Member since 27 Nov 2018
Total posts 10
Originally Posted by patrickk
Note the QF bed does go into a leg well which can seem a bit tight when wanting to roll over during a snooze despite the length. So all in all it maybe JAL.
RR
RR
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 45
s4077786
s4077786
Member since 31 May 2018
Total posts 7
I personally found the JAL apex seat on their 777 to be quite tight length wise when sleeping. If the Seat on the 787 has the same dimensions I wouldn't recommend it if comfort and sleep are important to you. I'm 6ft1 and find the Qantas a330 business seat to be more comfortable, has far better storage, and far far superior entertainment.
JAL has better service, they're far quicker in serving the meal, and they just give you more and better food.
All in all, I'd take qantas easily.
THR
THR
Member since 20 Sep 2012
Total posts 21
Haven't flown Qantas new business but have flown JAL twice and they're very good. Love the APEX suite - although I'm not over 6ft.
Direct flight also has to be better than a connection in Brisbane.
Notso Swift
Notso Swift
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Oct 2016
Total posts 32
I am 195, about 6'4”, although Mel based I have done JL51 HAN-SYD
The JAL bed is too small to sleep easily unless you are a side sleeper (I am) these older skysuites are wider than the new ones, and ok for me (although I haven't been in skysuite3)
I would also take the direct flight unless you need status
I heard Q are trying to get a refit A380 on this leg after the 747 goes but there are limitsat HAN that only allow one on the ground at a time (and ANA is more important!)
I think it would go well if they could do 2x330 or 787 per day , 360 seats for 747 vs 2x 230 odd about the same as an A380 , but they can do a day and a night flight and charge a premium on the day
Buzzfuzz
Buzzfuzz
Etihad - Etihad Guest
Member since 09 Jun 2019
Total posts 11
The JAL business class window seats give you a lot of privacy and direct (if very narrow) aisle access. The clincher for me is the Japanese main meal menu on JAL. A superb and authentic Japanese experience.
TZB88
TZB88
QFF
Member since 16 May 2016
Total posts 18
Between your two options, I'd be going JAL 787 every time. The idea of an unnecessary stopover grinds my gears.
Points aside, I always fly ANA SYD-Haneda. Again, convenience and speed. Haneda one of the best airports and so close to downtown.
Janeblogs
Janeblogs
Member since 27 Nov 2016
Total posts 15
I am a QF P1 and recently had a last minute emergency flight to New York. There were no avail seats with QF so travelled with JAL. I am never going back to QF, JAL were amazing! Service, food and more importantly, the timings were fantastic. It was just two almost equal length sectors, didn't touch the luggage until I arrived in NYC, so easy! And on the return route, didn't have the dreadful NYC/LAX flight and then late night flight to Sydney. It is a little longer but honestly it is just not noticeable. I felt like I was in a private cocoon actually being cared for in my window seat!! As others have mentioned, food leaves QF for dead.! First lounge in Narita, wonderful, fresh sushi way way beyond the unfortunately never going away s & p squid! So, my vote is also for JAL!
Johnny9
Johnny9
Member since 05 Aug 2017
Total posts 55
If you don't need the SCs then save 2x 2+h of your life and fly direct. I have done both and as you state each has it's pro and con. I did many QF legs via MEL for the SCs but did also JAL and managed to get a good sleep on the return red eye and I'm 6.6. It is a it tight but if u get a window seat it's good. Beds in QF 330s are slightly better, bigger and a bit more comfy.
I would consider the return leg: have a look at flight durations and times ex-NRT and what time u get home. Again if you don't need the SC Then spare the dreadful transit in BNE. One option may be to do via MEL as I find transit in Mel is easier, it has day flight to japan and has a FCL.
In any case good choice avoiding QF direct to hnd. Both Legs red eyes - Awfully dated hard product and landing at HND at 5am is a nightmare
flatout
flatout
Member since 10 Nov 2013
Total posts 3
I much prefer the new QF solo J seats.
Was on a JAL 787 this week from NRT. Cabin was a densified sky suites 2-2-2. Not much storage, bed felt a bit skinnier and not as comfortable (thinner mattress pad?). The wife said catering was superb (5*), but the menu was a bit too Japanese for me.
We thought the JAL cabin would be hot, having sweated through a 28C overnight sauna in JAL fixed shell Y+ once before. Would guess temp was increased to about 24C overnight - was noticeably warm. We went prepared this time (with no heavy QF PJ's).