Tokyo (Narita) OneWorld Lounges

[Mal]

Was in NRT earlier this year. Spent some time in the AA lounge (not bad really for a AA lounge - actually similar to some average lounges around the world) and some time in the JAL J lounge that Qantas marked as their lounge. I really didn't like the Jal J lounge at all.

I believe since then, Qantas have opened a dedicated lounge and Jal has opened their F lounges to OneWorld Emeralds (at the time I was there, that hadn't happened yet).

So - basically looking for recommendations on lounges in NRT. Anyone been there recently?

 

[BlacKnox]

Was in NRT earlier this year. Spent some time in the AA lounge (not bad really for a AA lounge - actually similar to some average lounges around the world) and some time in the JAL J lounge that Qantas marked as their lounge. I really didn't like the Jal J lounge at all.

I believe since then, Qantas have opened a dedicated lounge and Jal has opened their F lounges to OneWorld Emeralds (at the time I was there, that hadn't happened yet).

So - basically looking for recommendations on lounges in NRT. Anyone been there recently?

Yep - but sorry I can't help - different alliance. The RCC in Narita is fairly perfunctory but the ANA one is pretty flash; as far as Japanese lounges go. Beer machines in both, which is always useful.

 

[jasonja3]

The new QF lounge is standard issue, nothing special, no F lounge.

JAL F lounge is quite good, this is definitely my pick.

 

[cjg]

I fly to Narita a fair bit and I agree with jasonja3 - the Qantas J lounge is very ordinary. The JAL F Lounge is a great improvement on their previous one and is the one I use. It has a very good food buffet and well stocked bar. It isn't as good as the Melbourne and Sydney Qantas First lounges, but it is still a nice lounge to relax in before your flight.

The new Qantas J lounge is more conveniently located, as it is right next to most of the gates that Qantas uses. But its food and drink selection is limited and I've often found it to be very crowded.

Even though the JAL F Lounge is in the other terminal, the shuttle ride only takes a few minutes so I don't even bother using the Qantas J lounge anymore.

 

[slewd]

Agree with everything said. The QF J lounge is fairly aged with some updates and fairly limited business facilities. I too have found it quite crowded at almost all times and unlike even domestic QF lounges there really isn't anywhere to get a bit of quite time to chillout and relax. Food and beverages is fairly limited and have had to be re-stocked on the odd occasion...soemthing unheard of in many other QF lounges.
As for the JAL F lounge - I havent tried it and I dont think I can get access anyway. All of that said I would rather

 

[Mal]

I checked out the Jal F lounge today (well hidden in the main area ).

Yeah it's a nice lounge. I think whiskey lovers will be happy - there must be about 10 whiskeys there of various descriptions.

The showers are absolutely amazing Definately worth a visit.

The buffet is ok, but I would prefer more western options. I got the feeling though that I was a 'weird' visitor (wasn't flying Jal, wasn't a Jal member etc) and looked at a little strangely. Oh well, the staff were friendly about it.

Now back in the Qantas lounge, and about to stroll/train to the AA lounge. Both these are reasonable lounges, but nothing special at all!

 

[Commuter]

Sorry to sound like a right dimwit, but is JAL F lounge accessible to a OneWorld Emerald flying BA economy out of NRT?

 

[simongr]

Yes it should be.

 

[Commuter]

Thanks Simongr.

 

[Mal]

I tried out the showers in the Qantas lounge, and don't really like them.

They're ok, but seem to be strangely designed - I think you could quite easily flood out the bathroom if you weren't careful.

Plus I've never been a huge fan of the 'wand' showers (normally an European thing I believe) over the fixed showerhead/wand that can be fixed in a normal position.

I still think the JAL F showers are great (they're also the same ones in the BA T4 Arrivals Lounge).

The food in the Qantas lounge is ok. Not much on display, but the staff quickly refill when needed.

 

[NM]

So which OneWorld J lounge would you recommend is best for a 6 hour layover in NRT? Perhaps I should just plan to try them all?

Arriving CX and departing QF.

 

[simongr]

I would certainly avoid the CX lounge. Obviously the Sakura lounge is going to be the biggest - but the AC is pretty open and airy.

 

[Mal]

So which OneWorld J lounge would you recommend is best for a 6 hour layover in NRT? Perhaps I should just plan to try them all?

Personally I'd use the Qantas one. Nicer food than the AA lounge but less open. Likely to be a lot quieter too. I think the AA lounge has certain opening hours, as might the Qantas one.

Have never really been impressed with the JAL J lounges at NRT when I've tried them. Havn't used the Cathay one there.

 

[NM]

Thanks for the comments. I should have plenty of time, so as long as I am able to get to all the lounges I might do a lounge crawl and report back.

 

[tscharke]

IMHO...
CX lounge is a shocker! dont bother...

QF is nothing exciting - yet they have funky beer machines!

AA would be the best - great showers, sometimes warm/ok food, funky beer machines & very comfy leather seats (far corner)

must add that I haven't experienced the JAL Flounge tho!

 

[NM]

CX lounge is a shocker! dont bother...

Seems to be the continuing theme here.

QF is nothing exciting - yet they have funky beer machines!

Last time I was through NRT was about 3 years ago and QF was using the JL Sakura Lounge and they had the beer pouring machines there. They are fun to watch.

AA would be the best - great showers, sometimes warm/ok food, funky beer machines & very comfy leather seats (far corner)

Well as that would be my "home" lounge now, and just prior Exec Plat earning flight, it may be fitting for me to ensure a visit there. Sounds like this is where I should plan to shower and eat.

must add that I haven't experienced the JAL Flounge tho!

Sadly this will be my first trip in a long time where I won't have FLounge access. I earn that back on the flight that departs NRT.

 

[simongr]

IMHO...
CX lounge is a shocker! dont bother...

In slight defense of the CX lounge - they do have multiple beer types in the pouring machines rather than just the Asahi (which I do love) in the AC and JL F lounge.

Well on Friday nigth I have m y first evening experience of the JL lounges so it will be nice for once to actually be able to get stuck into a couple of beers before my flight home and the end of my international travels for a while...

 

[Mal]

AA would be the best - great showers, sometimes warm/ok food, funky beer machines & very comfy leather seats (far corner)

The AA lounge is good for an AA lounge but overall average. The food is ok, but I havn't really seen anything more than chips, pretzels, soggy chicken/meat triangles or party pies, sushi, packet cheese, crackers and similar items. Maybe I've been at the wrong times!

The Qantas lounge has soup, sliced meat, cheese, sushi and a few other items that don't come to mind right now. I'd say the food offerings are about the same, with my preference going to Qantas slightly.

As I said earlier in the thread, the JAL F lounge definately has the best food offering by quality and quantity - however, it is very Japanese orientated (shock horror!) and there are not many westernised options, so visitors may not particularly like the choices.

 

[Commuter]

Does anyone know if I can access the lounges located in Terminal 2 (I'm arriving at Terminal 2) when my onward flight is from Terminal 1 (my connecting flight goes from Terminal 1)?

I'm flying into T2 and then taking a BA flight from T1. I would like to try out the JAL Flounge and Qantas lounge.

 

[tscharke]

...soggy chicken/meat triangles or party pies....

mmmm! party pies.......my staple diet through uni years! along with 2-minute noodles and beer

great to meet up with ya Mal....even though you did steal my QF22 seat!!!

p.s. it wasn't hard picking you out...the only guy surfing AFF!!!!