JAL shell flat neo - Advice Please

[mx838383]

Hi, sorry I know this is a first world problem. I’ve booked a J class from MEL to NRT in September with JAL direct. I didn’t realise that Japan airlines now changed from their business suites (flat bed) to JAL shell flat neo seats (angle flat with not much room). I picked it because it’s direct and fits into my itinerary as part of a round trip to Japan. It’s clearly not the same as say Emirates, Cx, Singapore etc which have been my fav J class. Anyone had any experience with it ? I’ve been told that it’s not ideal for long hauls of 10hrs. I’ve got time on my hands if I want to change given it’s 6 months away.

 

[MELso]

It looks like it's a temporary equipment swap (presumably for maintenance) as before 2 September and from 29 October JL's using 788s with Sky Suites on the MEL-NRT route (and the yucky midnight flight returns too).

You could always fly QF if you want a flat bed in J (and it flies into HND too).

 

[drron]

First it depends which day you want to fly. In September both QF and JAL are flying 4 days a week to Japan from MEL.
Second as a day time flight it really doesn't matter to me if I don't have a fully reclined seat. Much more important is the soft product and IMHO the JAL soft product leaves QF far behind.

Finally I really don't think it matters too much which airport you are flying into. If setting out on a JR rail pass it is easier from NRT. The NRT Express is included in the rail pass so no extra cost.
HND wins if staying in Central Tokyo but only on time and cost getting to the hotel. The Limousine Bus from NRT can get you to a wide selection of Tokyo hotels.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi, sorry I know this is a first world problem. I’ve booked a J class from MEL to NRT in September with JAL direct. I didn’t realise that Japan airlines now changed from their business suites (flat bed) to JAL shell flat neo seats (angle flat with not much room). I picked it because it’s direct and fits into my itinerary as part of a round trip to Japan. It’s clearly not the same as say Emirates, Cx, Singapore etc which have been my fav J class. Anyone had any experience with it ? I’ve been told that it’s not ideal for long hauls of 10hrs. I’ve got time on my hands if I want to change given it’s 6 months away.

I had that seat just before covid ex Japan… was dead tired and slept well, much to my surprise. I normally have difficulty sleeping on anything inclined. So it mustn’t have been too bad!

Depends really what you have planned for arrival… going out for dinner (and onwards) means a good sleep on the plane even during the day can be a good opportunity to recharge the batteries

 

[mx838383]

Thanks everyone for your advice ! I’ve never done JAL before so I definitely want to try it. And yes I’ve heard their soft product is amazing so I’ve decided to stay with JAL. The flight time works and fits well with my trip schedule. Thank you everyone for all your help.

 

[MELso]

Another thought - you could save your shekels and fly JL's Y product - it's excellent on the 787, and as you don't need to do the crazy midnight flight, much of the benefit of flying J is lost anyway.

 

[Nhwnhw]

It looks like it's a temporary equipment swap (presumably for maintenance) as before 2 September and from 29 October JL's using 788s with Sky Suites on the MEL-NRT route (and the yucky midnight flight returns too).

You could always fly QF if you want a flat bed in J (and it flies into HND too).

Hey there, come across this just now but I am curious as to why last September / October this was happening with JAL. I happened to be on a NRT - MEL flight for which I had booked specifically the Sky Suite and then there was a last minute switch to the Shell Flat NEO before departure which is pretty cough for an overnight.

When I booked I wasn't allowed to actually pick my seat or see the seat map so I'm wondering whether JAL was routinely switching planes during this period. I'm no expert in airline operations so wondering whether this is normal etc. Obviously wasn't happy as I wouldn't have flown JAL if I'd known they were doing this.

 

[encryptededdy]

Yeah, unfortunately Australia to Japan is still seeing this from time to time on both Japanese carriers. ANA does it too.

If you want to 100% guarantee a modern lie-flat seat it seems like Qantas might be the only option.

 

[Himeno]

Yeah, unfortunately Australia to Japan is still seeing this from time to time on both Japanese carriers. ANA does it too.

If you want to 100% guarantee a modern lie-flat seat it seems like Qantas might be the only option.

Qantas has been doing the same thing with W seats on SYD-TYO.

 

[Nhwnhw]

Yeah, unfortunately Australia to Japan is still seeing this from time to time on both Japanese carriers. ANA does it too.

If you want to 100% guarantee a modern lie-flat seat it seems like Qantas might be the only option.

I'm kind of surprised they're allowed to do this, especially given JAL advertises the particular seat (sky suite) that's on specific flights when you're in the booking system. They can do a switch under the Conditions of Carriage with appropriate compensation for most scenarios, but it's legally dubious that they can represent a lie-flat seat will be on a flight and then swap the plane at the last minute without providing substantial compensation. not okay to mislead consumers into flying a lie-flat when there is some likelihood they'll be stitched up with a seriously inferior product destined for short-medium haul flights.