New JAL First Class lounge @ NRT....very nice

[Febs]

Hi guys,

I seem to have the uncanny ability to book big DONE4's with no First class lounges to speak of (LAX doesn't count ).

This trip started SYD-BNE-LAX, so no SYD Flounge...and at all other destinations I flew into terminals with no Flounges. Same as my last DONE4...so I was quite happy when I jumped on the JAL page and found there was a new JAL 1st class lounge @ NRT which only opened on 18th Sept!

At check-in I was specifically told I wasn't allowed to access the JAL lounge, and would instead have to use the QF lounge lol: yeah, good luck) but of course had no trouble @ the lounge itself, which is directly after security/immigration.

As expected, it's a very impressive lounge.

Decor is very Japanese, with a dimly-lit/elegant feel to it. There are separate massage-chair booths (in addition to the massage service, which had closed when I got here), workstations, lounges etc - all very comfortable.

Food service is a mix of western and Japanese - lots of sashimi, udon noodles and various other dishes (all very tasty!)

Now the all-important drinks menu! Self-serve, there's a good selection of liquor including (most importantly, to me) a number of whiskies - 12, 17 and 21yo Yamazaki/Suntory, 18yo Macallan and Oban. Champagne is Moet, and there are a few sakes and Japanese wines on offer.

Edit: Showers are very nice too - body jets, heated toilet seats, and a grey stone/marble Japanese decor. Very pleasant.

All up...very impressive...well worth a visit next time you're in NRT.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Mal]

They have a new F lounge? The old one was reasonably nice -although hidden away.

So they have more 'western' food choices now? The old lounge was more catered towards the local clientele.

Did you try out the showers to see what they were like?

The previous lounge had a very thorough alcohol selection - much better than the QF lounge. Nice to see that's been retained.

 

[Febs]

They have a new F lounge? The old one was reasonably nice -although hidden away.

JAL - New JAL VIP lounge (JAL FIRST CLASS LOUNGE）

Did you try out the showers to see what they were like?

Oops meant to mention that. Post updated.
Edit: Showers are very nice too - body jets, heated toilet seats, and a grey stone/marble Japanese decor. Very pleasant.

The previous lounge had a very thorough alcohol selection - much better than the QF lounge. Nice to see that's been retained.

I wouldn't say it's extremely thorough, but the focus is definitely on quality (enjoying a Yamazaki 18yo atm). Better selection than QF though.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Bundy Bear]

What about the beer machine do they have one of those as well.

Not that I am ever likely to try the new F lounge at NRT.

 

[simongr]

Did you try for a massage?
Or the curry?

 

[simongr]

Champagne is Moet, and there are a few sakes and Japanese wines on offer.

Never seen Moet in the F lounge there

 

[Mal]

Not that I am ever likely to try the new F lounge at NRT.

If you time some flights properly ... (and not just flights from NRT. The QF/AA slow train to LAX/DFW/NYC etc does still exist - although the fares aren't that great at the moment).

 

[Febs]

Did you try for a massage?
Or the curry?

Not a big fan of curry...massage was closed when I got here at 6:30pm.

No self-serve beer that I can see, but they do have "Suntory Premium Malts" on tap.

Hmm...why did I try the 18yo Yamazaki? It's amazing...then I went outside to check the duty-free price. $228.

Never seen Moet in the F lounge there

Seems to be the only champagne on offer at the new lounge. What did they have before?

 

[Keith009]

What vintage of Moet? Or NV?

 

[NM]

I am also a great fan of the JAL FLounge at NRT.

 

[Evan]

I am a fan loved it... i like the phone booths ! great idea, keeps the lounge a lot less noisy but also a slight annoying that you have to get up and move to phone.
One thing i love about NRT
E

 

[Febs]

What vintage of Moet? Or NV?

Eh, who knows. There was whisky on offer mate!

Ha. Seriously though, I did have one glass and had a quick look at the bottle - no mention of NV, but I didn't have a close look to see what year it was. As I said, there was something far more tempting (whiskies) just around the corner.

 

[simongr]

Seems to be the only champagne on offer at the new lounge. What did they have before?

Some dodgy brand that I had never heard of.

 

[NM]

Eh, who knows. There was whisky on offer mate!

And a great selection to try to work through. It was a good thing I have about 5 hours to "waste" there.

 

[Febs]

And a great selection to try to work through. It was a good thing I have about 5 hours to "waste" there.

Heh, in 2 hours I managed to get through:
- Glass of Moet
- Yamazaki 18yo
- Suntory 21yo
- Bowmore 18yo
- Laphroaig 15yo
- CC 20yo
- Some sake



(Not whole nips of each, mind you )