London to Tokyo: BA v JAL

[Sport_Turismo_GTS]

Finalising flights to Tokyo for next year (using Avios): does anyone have any experience of First class in JAL v BA, or just go with the new BA Club Suites and save the Avios?!

Thanks

[Sport_Turismo_GTS]

GT03ROB said:

I've no experience of JAL, but BA Club Suites vs BA First, save the miles & use Club Suites.

Thanks.

I’ve previously found JAL business to be significantly better than BA club world (old style), so wondered if the JAL First product was a similarly superior experience. We aren’t short of Avios points, so happy to use them if it’s likely to be worthwhile!

Heathrow Terminal 3 is probably less convenient than Terminal 5, which is also a consideration.

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DanL said:

First hit on YouTube, so make of it what you will…

Haven’t done JAL first, have done BA. I’d go with JAL unless you’re determined to use the Concorde room.

Thanks - I’ve viewed a few similar videos on YouTube.

Tempted to try JAL to see how it compares to BA First - Concorde room access isn’t an important part of the decision!

[Sport_Turismo_GTS]

Managed to purchase two first class seats with JAL to Tokyo for 1/4/2023 - no BA reward reverse seats available, so I didn’t get to use my Amex 2-for-1 voucher this time. I can use the voucher for some winter sun instead!

Will try and book the return flights when they are released in 17 day’s time!

I hope JAL First lives up to the expectations you have set!

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Only a few weeks to go - I will report back!

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mikef said:

If you like Japanese food, the food in JAL First was stunning - although it’s 10 years since I was there on business

Yes, we are both big fans of Japanese food!

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InitialDave said:

I didn't catch this thread before you booked, but for anyone else, be aware that BA are currently using the older, pre-refit planes for the London-Tokyo run, so you wouldn't have got the new club suites anyway.

Not flown JAL, but I've used ANA first, and if JAL are anything on a par with that, it should be excellent.

I had a good business class trip with ANA for a business tour in Asia a few years back, so I imagine their first class is very nice!

[Sport_Turismo_GTS]

Just preparing for our flights on Saturday to Tokyo.

Any recommendations for restaurants in Tokyo, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Kyoto? Could be places for casual lunch / dinner or more fancy places?

Keen to have a ‘high-end’ sushi experience, as well as more ‘normal’ food. Also, any recommendations for a seafood Teppenyaki (my wife doesn’t eat meat)!

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I’ve only heard good things, so expectations are high!

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So far so good - one hour into the flight.

Stewardesses are charming and are appreciative of my attempts to converse in Japanese. Plus the free wi-if means I can read Pistonheads.

I’ve chosen the Japanese menu with some sake (Junmai-Dai Ginjoshu) - 9 courses

Edited by Sport_Turismo_GTS on Saturday 1st April 20:41

[Sport_Turismo_GTS]

I’m afraid I’m one of those people that only travel First / Business by using Avios points and Amex 2-for-1 vouchers (or for work when my employer is paying), so maybe I have lower expectations than some.

With this in mind, I’ve not really had a bad BA experience, although I did think that the JAL crew on this trip were extremely attentive and the overall experience was probably better than BA First, although not by a huge amount. However, the plane was really hot, making it difficult to sleep.