Japan TR (include JL & CX F review)

[boomy]

Haneda Airport
We arrived 20 minutes before CX counters opened for check in so we looked around the terminal.

It was very quiet with only one JL counter working at that time, so different from NRT.
The priority line marked by red carpet and I noticed a few pax trying to go through but turned away by the lady standing there, even when the other lines were totally empty.

Very good enforcement, I wish QF would do the same.

 

[boomy]

At check in we were instructed to use JL F lounge even though CX opened a new lounge recently. When asking why they recommend JL the answer was because CX don't have F lounge yet in HND and they want their F pax to enjoy the best lounge available. I really appreciate CX directing F pax to JL, considering they probably have to pay something to JL for pax using their lounge.
We decided to check out JL F lounge first and later CX.
JL HND F Lounge

Entrance to F lounge.

Very specious lounge with lots of seats and big dining area in the middle.

 

[boomy]

Nice individual seats.

The alcohol on offer.

The Hibiki 17 years was smooth, even the missus liked it and she is not a whisky drinker.
This is the champagne, didn't try it.

The highlight of this lounge is no doubt the exclusive 'Red Suite', normally reserved for JL first class pax but we were allowed inside.


This is like a JAL mini museum.

 

[boomy]

Some more photos from the Red Suite.



The champagne here is Laurent-Perrier.

Including special 'Cherry Blossom' Rose.

Was told it's a special vintage exclusive for JAL. Not sure if it's true or not but it definitely looks nice.

 

[TomVexille]

Jealous... Again

 

[boomy]

There is one special Shochu on offer.

And three different kinds of Sake.

All served in dedicated Reidel glasses.

This is truly an impressive place, definitely not an ordinary F lounge.

 

[trixydoza]

There is one special Shochu on offer.

That's a rice shochu intended to accompany sushi, and is extremely tasty.

 

[TomVexille]

All the Sake photos make me want Sake :mrgreen:

 

[lakeman]

[/QUOTE]
View attachment 44607
The Hibiki 17 years was smooth, even the missus liked it and she is not a whisky drinker.
.[/QUOTE]
Had one of these to toast your report last night ☺

 

[boomy]

CX HND Lounge
The CX lounge opened on December last year and is probably their best lounge outside HKG (the best I've been to anyway). It's specious enough with a warm decor, not much glossy marble used here like in the iconic Wing.

 

[boomy]

The noodle bar.

Similar menu to other CX lounges in HKG.

The dining area.

Dan Dan Noodles, yum!

Almost time to board, we got a colourful plane today.

 

[Julesmac]

Great TR Boomy. I'm note sure which is nicer - the food or scenery pics. Still laughing at your mention of fast trains here in Oz. We here in Melbourne can't even get an ordinary suburban slow train line built to Tullamarine!

 

[boomy]

CX549 HND-HKG B777 F class
Boarding was just on time, no queue at the gate and each pax was in the right lane, as expected in Japan.
F cabin is two rows 1-1-1 configuration. A seats are separated from the rest by dividing wall, probably the best seats to choose if traveling solo. D & K seats are slightly closer to each other.

On this flight we are in 1A & 2A and on the return will be in 1D & 1K, not that it really matters on short flights but just to experience different seats.
I'm in DYKWIA 1A today.

Champagne before takeoff - Deutz 2005.

The FA tried to tease me and said that on longer flights they serve Krug so better choose CX next time I fly long haul. Trying to lure me with Krug? Meh, told her on JL F pax drink Salon and they also fly F to SYD so CX still have some catching up to do
Jokes aside, the CX F cabin looks great. Seats are very spacious and comfortable. Service is typical Asian (in other words friendly and attentive) and the fact all FAs on our flight spoke fluent English makes for better interaction then on other Asian carriers.
Bose NC headphones are provided.

I like the IFE on CX, good selection of new movies and easy to navigate.
There are no overhead bins in the F cabin, instead each seat has it's own storage compartment.

 

[amaroo]

CX549 HND-HKG B777 F class
Boarding was just on time, no queue at the gate and each pax was in the right lane, as expected in Japan.
F cabin is two rows 1-1-1 configuration. A seats are separated from the rest by dividing wall, probably the best seats to choose if traveling solo. D & K seats are slightly closer to each other.
View attachment 44674
On this flight we are in 1A & 2A and on the return will be in 1D & 1K, not that it really matters on short flights but just to experience different seats.
I'm in DYKWIA 1A today.
View attachment 44675
Champagne before takeoff - Deutz 2005.
View attachment 44676
The FA tried to tease me and said that on longer flights they serve Krug so better choose CX next time I fly long haul. Trying to lure me with Krug? Meh, told her on JL F pax drink Salon and they also fly F to SYD so CX still have some catching up to do
Jokes aside, the CX F cabin looks great. Seats are very spacious and comfortable. Service is typical Asian (in other words friendly and attentive) and the fact all FAs on our flight spoke fluent English makes for better interaction then on other Asian carriers.
Bose NC headphones are provided.
View attachment 44677
I like the IFE on CX, good selection of new movies and easy to navigate.
There are no overhead bins in the F cabin, instead each seat has it's own storage compartment.
View attachment 44678

Looks good. We're doing 1A / 2A CDG-HKG later this year.

 

[boomy]

Looks good. We're doing 1A / 2A CDG-HKG later this year.

It's good option if you both want window seats and more private then 1K/2K. If you want to talk more comfortably during the flight, without getting up, maybe 1D/1K will be better. Anyway there are no bad seats in this cabin so any choice is a winner

 

[amaroo]

It's good option if you both want window seats and more private then 1K/2K. If you want to talk more comfortably during the flight, without getting up, maybe 1D/1K will be better. Anyway there are no bad seats in this cabin so any choice is a winner

We went with the A side as the kids will be sitting behind the curtain in the mini J cabin

 

[boomy]

Wine list.

Special promotions of French wines.


Port and spirits.

 

[boomy]

Food menu - Western.

Food menu- Japanese.

 

[boomy]

I selected the Western meal and starting with a glass (or two) of French white.


First starter - lobster with mango.

Surprisingly this strange match up works.
Second starter - Roasted red pepper soup.

Another good dish, 2/2 so far.
Moving to sample some Rhone Valley red.

 

[boomy]

For main I chose the prime beef tenderloin.

I was hesitant to order this dish after a bad experience recently with overcooked steak on EK But this one was done just right, medium-rare.
Changed the wine to Château Banaire Ducru 2002 which was one of the best reds I had in the air recently.

Cheese selection for dessert.

Followed by fruit plate.

Followed by chocolate and raspberry tart.

I must say the food on CX was excellent on this short haul flight. I wish the flight would be longer but we are about to land soon.