Japan Airlines?

Question

For those of you who have flown Japan Airlines, what do you think?
Is it a nice airlines?
How was the food?
How was the service?
How was the inflight entertainment?

Descriptive comments are better.
TIA.

Answer 1

I've flown and worked with JAL, and I can honestly say they are probably my last choice of airline! They are the biggest carrier here, but they are also the most arrogant and expensive. They generally serve less food on a lot of their flights, compared to other airlines that are also less expensive.
The planes themselves are okay, depending on how old they are.
The food, as I said, is very economic and where other airlines would serve a full meal, JAL are likely to serve cheese, crackers and juice, leaving you to wonder what it was you paid all that money for.
The service is okay, and the flight entertainment (depending on the flight) is okay/average.
Sorry if this sounds negative, but after having worked for JAL and flown with them several times, I can say with confidence; Fly with All Nippon Airways (ANA) They are much better, in my opinion.

Answer 2

I've been a regular passenger on flights to and from for more than ten years, and I think JAL is certainly worth checking out.

It is (usually) quite safe. Very clean. (Some of the fleet is a little tired now...)
The service has always been attentive and very polite.
The food is good, though small (hey - it's an airline) and fairly Japanese. They usually have a Japanese main and a western one, and if you get in early with a request you'll usually get your choice.
Inflight entertainment is good, though remember - it is 'Japan' Airlines. Expect the majority of the inflight ent to be aimed at Japanese speakers...

Remember also, that they do 'code-share' alot of flights. This is where JAL and an airline from the destination country take turns flying a particular route. (eg. JAL might fly Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Sydney / Qantas will fly Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Depending on luck, regardless of whether you paid a JAL or Qantas fare, you will be in the plane that is scheduled for that flight.) This happens with all the big airlines these days.

I would not spend extra money just to fly JAL, though they are one of the better Asian airlines in my opinion. Even though I fly a lot, I usually am more focussed on where I am heading than on the plane I'm in... and I have never flown with a carrier that I wouldn't go back to.

It's like the old saying: "Any flight you walk away from is a good one."

Answer 3

JAL is quite a good airline. Sevice is good . So are the meals. You will find if the meals are small you can get cup noodles during the movie if you are still hungry. I have flown JAL several times and have never had a complaint . Sometimes you can get an upper Deck seat . There is more room up there and it is still ecomomy . Better storage space for all the stuff you want to take as on board luggage. And it gives you a better view of Mt Fuji as you fly in .

Answer 4

It WAS a nice airlines.
Meal and service are ok.
Inflight entertainment is a bit Japanese conscious.

JAL was having a lot of small trouble (accident) around 2004-2005, internal factional conflict as well.
Finally the government issued a business improvement administrative order to JAL.

I think JAL is not bad even today, however, I am afraid to say JAL is nice and I won't recommend.

Answer 5

This was pre 9/11 but I thought it was a great carrier. The interior was very clean and well maintained. Unlike US carriers, JAL age discrimination especially the stewardesses are very little enforced.
So all the stewardesses are I think 21 - 30. I fell in love with 3 of them. If you've experienced Japanese service in other sectors, JAL is no different. Very attentive and courteous. I believe you have 2 choices, traditional Japanese or Continental. Meal is outstanding with real ceramic china and silver flatware. Plus all booz was free and as much as you want as long as you don't disrupt others. I was so plastered, I don't remember the bus ride from the airport to the hotel. Every seat has LCD entertainment center in front of you. It has American movies, Japanese movies, sitcoms, games, news, sport, etc.
I've heard that JAL is partly owned and managed by the Japanese government as the flagship to show off to the world so they must have deep pockets.
I would rate Singapore, Thai and ANA as close second. I liked JAL because of the stewardesses (some should be in miss universe contest).

lightpulse

Answer 6

The food is quite good, with a choice of Western style (which is ok), or Japanese (which is perfect), but the portions tend to be on the small side.

The service is impeccable.

Inflight entertainment is average.

JAL is one of the few airlines from NY to Japan which allows smoking, which I see as a great benefit, as the flight is over 18 hours long.





P.S. Good heavens!, why the negative reviews? I thought I gave a good overview, touching on all the points asked!