Brisbane Flyer
Member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2008
- Posts
- 479
Travelled JQ 11 from OOL to NRT in StarClass, 31 August. Underestimated the drive time from Brisbane to OOL, arrived at OOL parking at 10a, check in cut off was 1015a, fortunately, small parking lot so easily made in time.
Went thru immigration, bypassed the JetStar lounge, waited 20 mins and boarded. 14 out of 38 seats were taken, used seatguru prior to departure so selected an aisle seat with an empty seat in front. I had heard the leg room was tight when the passenger in front reclines, thanks to previous AFF posts!
Left a few minutes late, had to wait for incoming aircraft, take off smooth, leveled out and drinks/lunch offered after 30+ mins. Decent lunch, I guess my expectations were not too high, its was a beef/bok choy, would rate it 6 out of 10, but with the rushed drive from Brissy, I was hungry so didnt complain...
They were pouring a 2006 shiraz, got topped up a few times without asking, cheesecake for desert was very tasty, finished off with another shiraz and settle in to finish my Richard Branson book and listen to some old time rock n' roll on the audio channels.
Arrived on time in NRT, flew thru immigration/customs, and boarded the bus for Shibuya.
JQ12 on the return, three day visit to Tokyo, arrived at 6p for 825p departure. Quick check-in, was waiting on the only StarClass check in counter, an economy counter opened and the 'line attendant' motioned me to 'go there', so I did. 15 minutes later in the QP, quick shower, catchup on emails, a ginger ale or two (way too much partying in Shibuya). Incoming flight was 20 mins late, hence pushed our take off back a bit, but in the air quickly.
For this leg, I used seatguru to inform me that 2D does not have a seat in front of it, max legroom. Booked that seat, glad I did as 1E reclined and left very little room next to me. Only 10 passengers in the cabin, dinner service was quick, had the salmon, again a 5/6 out of 10. Passed on the wines, I did notice they had the 2006 Shiraz and a 2008 Sav Blanc. Fell asleep, got in 5-6 hours, woken up for breakfast, which was a 'breakfast sandwich'. Didnt eat it, but did have the yogurt and muffin, followed by coffee.
Landed 20 mins late, quick thru customs, then waited 30 mins for baggage, literally the last bag off the line was mine. Waived thru customs, found my car and drove home.
All in all, good experience. I have trips to Japan every other month in 2010, so will use this option as opposed to JAL from BNE to NRT. Slightly more expensive, my ticket was A$1900, but I like the privacy up front.
Have to admit, the QFF offer of double points for StarClass tempted me to book and give it a go.
Cheers
John
Went thru immigration, bypassed the JetStar lounge, waited 20 mins and boarded. 14 out of 38 seats were taken, used seatguru prior to departure so selected an aisle seat with an empty seat in front. I had heard the leg room was tight when the passenger in front reclines, thanks to previous AFF posts!
Left a few minutes late, had to wait for incoming aircraft, take off smooth, leveled out and drinks/lunch offered after 30+ mins. Decent lunch, I guess my expectations were not too high, its was a beef/bok choy, would rate it 6 out of 10, but with the rushed drive from Brissy, I was hungry so didnt complain...
They were pouring a 2006 shiraz, got topped up a few times without asking, cheesecake for desert was very tasty, finished off with another shiraz and settle in to finish my Richard Branson book and listen to some old time rock n' roll on the audio channels.
Arrived on time in NRT, flew thru immigration/customs, and boarded the bus for Shibuya.
JQ12 on the return, three day visit to Tokyo, arrived at 6p for 825p departure. Quick check-in, was waiting on the only StarClass check in counter, an economy counter opened and the 'line attendant' motioned me to 'go there', so I did. 15 minutes later in the QP, quick shower, catchup on emails, a ginger ale or two (way too much partying in Shibuya). Incoming flight was 20 mins late, hence pushed our take off back a bit, but in the air quickly.
For this leg, I used seatguru to inform me that 2D does not have a seat in front of it, max legroom. Booked that seat, glad I did as 1E reclined and left very little room next to me. Only 10 passengers in the cabin, dinner service was quick, had the salmon, again a 5/6 out of 10. Passed on the wines, I did notice they had the 2006 Shiraz and a 2008 Sav Blanc. Fell asleep, got in 5-6 hours, woken up for breakfast, which was a 'breakfast sandwich'. Didnt eat it, but did have the yogurt and muffin, followed by coffee.
Landed 20 mins late, quick thru customs, then waited 30 mins for baggage, literally the last bag off the line was mine. Waived thru customs, found my car and drove home.
All in all, good experience. I have trips to Japan every other month in 2010, so will use this option as opposed to JAL from BNE to NRT. Slightly more expensive, my ticket was A$1900, but I like the privacy up front.
Have to admit, the QFF offer of double points for StarClass tempted me to book and give it a go.
Cheers
John