After making
TSA hand inspect nearly 40 rolls of film we made our way to the
Sakura Lounge where we were greeted by attendants in pink skirt suits who bowed as we entered. They told us to make ourselves at home and then proceeded to escort us to a table in what was likely the most uncomfortably quiet room in the airport. The airplane experience, though, will certainly remain one of the greatest travel experiences of my life - - and has been my favorite flight so far.
On occasion, I am able to accompany Ryan on business trips and since on long trips he flies business/executive class we buy a coach ticket for me and then upgrade using credit card miles. I’ve been able to fly to both Australia and England using upgrades and it makes all the difference in attitude and health upon arrival in one’s destination. It’s essential for Ryan to travel this way, but for me it’s a luxury for which I am grateful. While United to Oz was a delight, especially when seated on the upper deck, and British Airways to London was of extreme comfort, particularly with their upgraded seats (literally Person Pods), Japan Airlines beats them both in service and style.
Upon boarding, passengers were greeted, welcomed, and thanked by no less than six people. I was initially a bit irritated that we weren’t given a pre-take off glass of champagne, but it was more than made up for. And considering all that was done for us, it’s probably best that the attendants were spared another task (and we were given champagne within 10 minutes after takeoff). One of the flight attendants personally greeted us, and everyone else in business class. The rest made the rounds with baskets filled with various in-flight necessities (of which photos will be posted later): a toothbrush, a “moisture mask” (basically, a face mask, of which several people wore while sleeping) an eye mask, and an “eye refresher.” Cozy sweatshirt jackets bearing the JAL Executive Class logo “Seasons” were distributed to those that wanted them. As soon as passengers sat down they removed their shoes and put on the available powder blue slippers.
Before we had left, my father had reminisced about how enchanted he was by the flight attendant safety routine (*as a feminist I continue to call them Attendants, but they are very clearly well-trained Stewardesses). He said he was so charmed that after each instruction the attendant would bow. They don’t do this anymore, instead we saw a very Japanese animated safety video. But best of all, there was a large video screen right in front of us that featured a birds’ eye view of our takeoff from a camera mounted on the front of the airplane. Take-off has always thrilled me, from 747s to my father-in-law’s Cessna. But this was something that was too cool to describe, and made all the more special by its unexpectedness.
After takeoff, we got our champagne and then the most beautiful menus I’ve ever seen. (The Japanese pay the most exquisite attention to detail, from the presentation of meals to the wrapping of presents.)
The attendants donned darling aprons--which are available for purchase.
Everything was perfect. From delicately prepared culinary delights, to excellent champagne and wine.
While I was sleeping, of one the attendants even left me a card.
She later came back with a guide book and gave several suggestions on where to go in Tokyo, including an amusement park onsen called
Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari. She was very impressed that I knew of this place and their famous
"Dr. Fish" treatment and, she returned at least three more times to circle places I should see.
Labels: JAL, Service
