Travel Planning: Fall in Asia
Review: LAX Star Alliance Lounge
Review: Singapore Airlines Suites Class LAX - NRT
Review: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Recap: Time in Tokyo
Review: HND JAL First Class Lounge
Review: JAL Business Class HND - GMP
Review: IP Boutique Hotel Seoul
Recap: Time in Seoul
Review: ICN Cathay Pacific Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific Business Class ICN - HKG
Review: Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui
Recap: Time in Hong Kong
Review: HKG Cathay Pacific “The Wing” First Class Lounge
Review: Cathay Pacific First Class HKG - SFO


Japan Airlines #0093
Haneda Tokyo (HND) – Seoul Gimpo (GMP)
Wednesday, October 14th, 2014
3:35 PM – 5:55 PM (+1) : 2 hours, 20 minutes
Boeing 767-300ER: Seat 3K (Business Class)

After spending a few days in Tokyo, we were headed to Seoul. Honestly, I wasn't incredibly excited about the idea of going to Seoul, but it worked out that we could get business class seats using 15,000 British Airways Avios and $55.55 each, so we went for it. 

After flying into Narita, we flew out of Haneda, which is much closer to the heart of Tokyo and is actually quite a nice airport. Due to Chris' One World Emerald status, we killed time before our flight in the Japan Airlines First Class lounge and were not far from our gate once boarding began. 

Despite the short flight duration and awkward timing (being late afternoon), we were served quite an extensive feast for our in-flight meal. I honestly have no idea what most of the food was, and unlike our Singapore Suites flight, we weren't given a menu to choose from. The meal consisted of some fruit, a soup, some sushi-looking items, several types of meat in different settings, including the main course, which was, I believe, beef served over rice and rice noodles, and a cup of green tea. Really, it was quite extensive, but I wasn't very excited about it personally, so I spent the meal pushing things around my plate while eating the fruit and some rice. 

What I was excited about, was the miniature bottle of soy sauce that was provided with the meal. I thought it was so cute and really wanted to take it home, but was afraid it would leak all over my suitcase (not to mention, Chris thinks I'm a hoarder), so I didn't.

The dessert was undoubtedly the best part of the meal - a small cup of chocolate Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

Throughout the flight, the service was friendly and attentive and I appreciated the fact that the flight attendants recognized the fact that we didn't speak Japanese and addressed us in English. Although, to be honest, I really don't know what about me says "I don't speak Japanese", but I digress. 

Japan Airlines is a solid choice if you're flying out of Japan and I would honestly highly recommend flying out of or into Haneda rather than Narita due to the proximity to Tokyo if you can manage it. Overall, the flight was easy and enjoyable and we made it to Seoul in one piece. 

Happy Travels!

The First Class lounge has no less than four different seating areas that span the length of the lounge and as you can see from the photos, the place was nearly empty, which made it feel even larger. The lounge boasts some excellent views and nearly every seat in the house is able to take advantage of them. Once walking in, you will pass some typical seating, followed by table seating for those enjoying the buffet, followed by another typical seating area, and at the far end of the lounge, you'll see the "Red Suite". I'm honestly not sure what the Red Suite is, but it is a nice departure from typical lounge decor and has quite a bit of interesting airline memorabilia, including books, vintage suitcases, and photos, and is a very quiet, nice area to rest while waiting for your flight. The Red Suite even has a champagne and sake room in case you're thirsty.