JAL First Class Tokyo to LAX
At around T-55, I'd had enough of the First Class Lounge and headed down to nearby Gate 61.
After a whole lot of organization scurrying and a number of preboards, the First Class cabin was invited to board. A nice touch as 1L was reserved for First... at least initially. Towards the end of the boarding process, a few dozen passengers used 1L and walked thru the First Class cabin on the way to Business or something less.
JAL's First Class cabin is very attractive 1-2-1 suite configuration, although the suites are open as there are no privacy doors.
The suites are very comfortable, spacious and well appointed.
2D was not occupied during the flight and with 2G raising his privacy divider, the lack of a door was not that big a deal tonight.
As I was settling in, our wonderful lead First Class flight attendant Ban came by with pre-departure champagne.
OK, now that's a warm welcome on board. :)
IFE was adequate with a reasonable level of movies.
And a nice and functional hand held controller.
The JAL First Class amenity kit.
A hodge podge of meh although the facial mist was nice.
Tonight's menu in an impressive leather binder.
Once in the air, our crew was quick to begin service.
Starting with a lovely amuse bouche trio.
And more pupus, nuts and a dried prawn. Much to the delight of the crew, I tried a single dried prawn.
OK, maybe "tried" is not quite accurate. How about smelled and put my tongue of it. Yikes, pass!
Showtime, JAL style!
Another amuse bouche, the Scottish Smoked Salmon Gravlax. Delicious.
For my starter, I chose the French Veal Vitello Tonnato. OMG, this was sensational with the most perfect little gem lettuce.
My Beef Filet with Green Asparagus and Egg Yolk Soy Sauce.
This was positively divine.
With the most perfect asparagus.
I know zero, zip, nada about tea but at $50 a bottle, I was willing to try. Very nice.
The "Kotoka" Strawberry & Rhubarb in Springlike Vacherin Style was light and lovely.
JAL offers free Wifi for First Class passengers, using a one time access. Speed was reasonable and I was able to check emails and do a little work. And after a movie, bedtime.
About 2 hours from LAX, I ordered the Grilled Chicken Sandwich "Yuzu" Chili Flavor. It was just OK.
Almost home.
We landed about 30 minutes early after a short 8:40 flight.
With no line at the Global Entry kiosks, I was out in no time, in my car and south on the 405 to Orange County.
My all too short JAL flight was most enjoyable. Once on board and in the air, the JAL First Class product is excellent and food as good as any airline in the world. But everything on the ground up to that point is pretty basic, disappointing and not very First Class.