Two weeks before our original flight to Bangkok that connected through Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific protest started to stir up in the city of Hong Kong. Mainland China decided to end the no extradition law from Hong Kong thus breaking the agreement letting Hong Kong operate as an independent state. The news of protesters demonstrating outside Hong Kong airport was concerning as it shut down the airport for 2 days a week leading up to our trip.
Yours truly started to look for alternatives to Bangkok that routed through another Asian city. Luckily I found two seats in First Class seats on Japan Airlines (JAL) going through Tokyo. I quickly jumped on the opportunity to score the seats on Alaska’s Mileage plan. Since I originally booked the Cathay Pacific seat through the same frequent flyer program. I was able to use the miles from those tickets and apply them to the ones on JAL.
The one good thing about Alaska Mileage Plan is that there isn’t a change fee for award bookings if you hold status with the airline. Since I was an MVP Gold through a status match from my American Airlines Platinum status. Otherwise it would have cost me $125 per ticket to change the award.
The Seat
There are only 8 seats in the cabin so award seating may be difficult during peak season. I saw 3 available seats at the time of booking.
In Flight Entertainment
In my opinion Bose makes the best airline noise cancelling headphones out there.
In flight Entertainment (IFE) comes with and easy to use controller that is touch sensor. I really like that it is hidden in its on cubby so you can’t accidentally bump into the controller during the movie.
First comes with complimentary in-flight WiFi that is slow as molasses. Can’t complain if its free right 🤷🏻♂️?
Amenity Kits
Pre Flight Drink
JAL First is known for the Champagne served in its cabin. They use to serve Salon ($450 a bottle if you can find it) but now they only do that in the Tokyo outbound flight. For this flight I have to channel my inner 90’s rap star and deal with Cristal #firstworldproblems ($220 retail in stores).
Beverage Menu
Food Menu
Pajamas
Bed
They also came around to ask if we would like our beds to be made. They offered a hard and soft mats. The hard mat was recommended for sleeping and the soft mat was recommended for lounging around. The Bed came with two pillow which gets brownie points. I got a good couple hours which was not too bad.
Conclusion
Overall I would have to agree with the multiple reviews out there about JAL first class. The hard product is above average but the service was top notch. Every flight attendant came by to thank us and wished us good luck on our journey. Great way to start a vacation!