Long haul flights are an exercise in patience - and pain. It certainly pays to have the ability to shut down all mental and physical movement for 24 hours. I've travelled from Brisbane to London with Malaysian Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines as well as taking shorter flights with a few small, regional companies.
I've flown twice with JAL and the most important aspect to me at the time was the price. They were definitely the cheapest by several hundred dollars and the timing of the flights, including the stopover in Japan on the outward flight made my arrival in London almost bearable. Flying through the day, staying in a hotel at JAL's cost, then continuing the flight the next day was certainly a big plus. For that reason alone I would travel with JAL again. Unfortunately the same is not on offer on the return flight from London to Brisbane.
I felt had nothing to complain about with regard to the food. It was much the same quality as any other economy class airline food and there was enough in quantity for me. But I doubt there would be enough for a hearty eater. However the staff were so attentive and caring that I have no doubt they would find more if it was required. I can't fault them on their attitude, friendliness and attention to detail.
Leg room - there is never enough no matter who you fly with! but because you are flying through the day I found sleep was not so much of an issue. I spent quite a lot of time wandering around, checking the view out of the rear window and taking wonderful photos of the white Siberian landscape. It was truly awesome! The staff didn't mind everyone wandering, in fact they offered nibbles, tea, drinks at various intervals to those who "walked" all the way.
On one leg of the flight we had no personal in-flight entertainment (in the back of the seat), which I found frustrating, and felt in this day and age it should be mandatory for long haul flights.
On my most recent return to Australia I was able to break the journey with a stay in Tokyo for 5 days. This was at my cost of course, but it was excellent to be able to take advantage of the flight to explore another country.
I would definitely fly with JAL again, especially now they have joined the Oneworld Alliance.
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Advantages: Exotic for people from the west, it is a very safe place, toilets :-) Disadvantages: Expensive accommodation, language barrier can cause problems, a bit crowded
gard 27.07.2005 (27.07.2005)
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