Japan Airlines (JAL) may not trace its history back to the flying boat era, but in the last 70 years it has established itself as one of the leading airlines of the world.
The oneworld Alliance member’s legacy of offering premium, meticulous service is on full display at JAL’s international home of Tokyo Haneda, where I spent a lovely morning exploring the carrier’s First Class Lounge and observing how the essence of JAL is imbued into the ground experience.
Located along the main concourse of Terminal 3 on a raised level, this departure lounge at Haneda is, as the name suggests, exclusively for first class and high-status guests. From reception, I passed through a long corridor lined with muted Japanese prints before entering into a large seating area. The lounge looks out onto the runway and is filled with various seats, desks, dining tables, and sofas.
The lounge is not as palatial as other first class spaces, but it felt luxurious. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The rectangular space has an open plan kitchen on one side, which is next to a self-service drinks and snack bar featuring non-vintage wines and premium whiskies including Japanese, Scottish and American varieties.
Smirnoff and Tanqueray were available for cocktails. I helped myself to a glass of the Telmont Reserve Brut champagne and headed into the Red Suite, which occupies a smaller room at the far end of the lounge.
The choice of drinks on offer matched Japanese drinking preferences. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Despite the name, there was very little red to be found in the Red Suite, outside of some carefully lit shelving. What I did find, however, was a beautiful art deco library filled with mementos from JAL’s storied past. A tiled black and white floor underpinned black leather armchairs and tall glass cabinets, along with alcoves and walls of books on each side.
The dark wood and leather was balanced with the light stone flooring. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Naturally, my eyes were immediately drawn to the aircraft models, including of the ill-fated Boeing 2707 supersonic airliner project.
The Red Suite felt like a 1930s flying boat terminal, despite the supersonic jet memorabilia. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The books themselves were perfectly themed, including old aircraft engineering manuals, but not all of them were accessible for me to read.
The typewriter was just for display, but you could still use it for some Mad Men play acting. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The Red Suite also hosted another champagne bar, which served Joseph Perrier with distinct glasses.
The champagne bar in the Red Suite was a delightful nook, especially with the Liberace candelabra. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Overall, the Red Suite was a joyous place to while away the hours. It’s clear that a very high level of detail and care has been put into the space; it offers everything from travel guides that reflect JAL’s destinations to accessible information packs on the mementos presented.
However, as I ventured back into the wider lounge to find the showers, it was quite a tonal shift to leave this pseudo-Steampunk dreamland. JAL may wish to consider scattering some of its historical objects across the space.
The shower itself was nothing spectacular. Whilst the shower cubicle itself was roomy enough and clean, the dark stone walls and floor felt oppressive, as did the overactive heating.
The showers were quite gloomy. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
After making use of the Predia-branded toiletries, I made my way back to the dining area to order some lunch. This is where the JAL first class service comes into its own.
A team of chefs prepare both Japanese and Western dishes to restaurant-level quality, including fresh sushi and salads, which guests order from the lounge app (ostensibly, you can also use the app to book a shower, though it warned me of a 20-minute wait when in fact a facility was available).
During lunch, I was especially taken by the wrapped scallop; its light filo pastry matched the delicate flavour perfectly. Despite the food being made to order, service was very rapid and plates were cleaned just as quickly.
It’s worth noting that some bar snacks such as half-sandwiches and almonds were available as self service options, but the selection was more limited than in other lounges that orient around a buffet.
The sushi menu varies from week to week. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
As I dusted off the filo crumbs and made my way to my gate, I left the lounge feeling charmed by this experience. Though the JAL First Class Lounge does not have the opulence of Cathay Pacific’s offerings, for example, the focus on natural materials and high quality food and service created a feeling of refined luxury.
The Red Suite concept is a surprising and delightful addition too, allowing JAL to showcase its illustrious history whilst also providing a unique, nostalgic experience for its passengers.
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Featured image credited to Fintan Horan-Stear
