My journey from Los Angeles to Tokyo on JAL onboard the 777 in first class was (almost) everything I could have hoped for in a first class product…another reminder of the beauty of flying and the essence of caring,...
JAL Flight Attendants Now Serving As Shinto Shrine Maidens
Furloughed flight attendants from Japan Airlines (JAL) have been offered a temporary role as Shinto shrine maidens, a ceremonial position with emphasis on hospitality. JAL Flight Attendants Now Shinto Shrine Maidens Shinto is polytheistic faith which originated in Japan....
JAL Incentivizes You To Skip Your In-Flight Meal
Japan Airlines (JAL) is trialing a program in which you can skip your in-flight meal in exchange for an amenity kit. It is billed as an “ethical” way to reduce food waste. But could JAL be laying the groundwork...
Why ANA + JAL Should Not Merge
A key advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister has suggested that All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) should merge. Make no mistake: this would be horrible for Japanese consumers and indeed consumers around the world. Influential Government...
Basic Business Class Expansion a Welcome Sight
ZIPAIR, a new Japanese carrier owned by Japan Airlines, is offering Basic Business Class and it’s a great solution to a problem many travellers face. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click...
Japan Air Lines Appears To Be Limiting First Class Awards Via Partners
Japan Air Lines is one of my favorite first class products in the world. The service and food are over the top. Thus, it is with sadness that I share that JAL now seems to be restricting first class...
A Hearty Lunch On Japan Airlines
Each week, my Meal of the Week  feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. Japan Airlines...
First Class Steak: ANA Vs. JAL
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. This week...
JAL Pleads With Employees: No More Alcohol, Even Off-Duty!
Japan Airlines is asking its employees to refrain from alcohol, even off-duty, for at least the rest of the year. Honor is so important in Japanese culture and the flag carrier of Japan has been disgraced by two embarrassing...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 24, 2018
I’m back in LA after a week in Italy and Germany. It’s good to be home, though every time I am in Europe I miss living there. We’ll keep it simple this week. Here’s a review of the week’s...
Why JAL First Class Was The Best Flight Of My Life
I recently published my JAL 777-300 first class trip report. The more I think about it, the more it becomes clear that this was the best flight of my life in terms of overall onboard product. But why? What...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: June 17, 2018
Greetings from Italia. Sadly, I’ve had to spend Father’s Day away from my family…but my trip, like every trip, is in order to provide for them. Even so, every trip in which I am separated from my family is...
Review: JAL First Class Lounge Tokyo (NRT)
The Japan Airlines First Class Lounge in Tokyo Narita (NRT) is a great business class lounge…but doesn’t cut it as a first class lounge. Even though this review is from 2016, a report from View from the Wing only...
Review: Japan Airlines 777-300ER First Class
Three FAs, one passenger makes for a great ratio in first class. Not only was I blessed to fly Japan Airlines (JAL) in first class, but I had the entire cabin to myself. But I think even if the...
Review: JAL 767-300 Economy Class
This review recounts my journey from Guangzhou to Tokyo Haneda aboard a 767-300 on Japan Airlines. I give JAL high marks for its shorthaul economy class service. This flight occurred in 2016 as part of my larger trip to...
Japan Airlines Will Create Low-Cost Carrier
Recognizing a changing market, Japan Airlines will launch a low-cost airline for medium- and long-haul flights. While low-cost carriers have gained traction around the world, Japan has been a holdout. It’s not that there are no low-cost options in...
Latest Alaska Devaluation Was Bizarre Overreaction
Have you ever heard the old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater?” That’s what Alaska Airlines just did in its latest Mileage Plan devaluation. Alaska Airlines now blocks partner redemptions on Cathay Pacific and JAL within...
How Shall I Get Back to LA from Ho Chi Minh City?
My Qatar Airways 777-3ooER Qsuite flight is right around the corner. But I have nothing booked home… This is a review trip and I’m not planning on spending any time in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a lovely city...
How to Beat Fuel Surcharges on Emirates Using JAL Miles
Japan Air Lines (JAL) has just added massive fuel surcharges to Emirates award redemptions made using JAL miles. While it is little consolation to those wanting to start their trip in the USA, there are a few ways to...
New Trick for Booking JAL Award Space with AA Miles
There’s a new way to book Japan Airlines (JAL) award space with your American Airlines miles. Use this guide to successfully book JAL award space with AAdvantage. After more than three years of preparation, JAL migrated from its own Passenger...
