Nmyachi here! (*’▽’)
In the summer of 2023, I traveled from Miyakojima to Tokyo Haneda on JAL. The seat from Naha to Haneda wasFirst ClassUse it!
It was so comfortable that I felt it was well worth the price, so I’m writing a blog post about it this time.
I’ll also share some tips on how to buy tickets that I personally found to be a good deal, so I hope this serves as a helpful reference for someone planning a fun trip.
YasuIf you’re taking the busMile by a Landslide
It’s more important to find a good deal on the fare than to worry about first-class amenities, right?
The method introduced here is exclusively for frequent flyers who are accumulating JAL miles.
So, feel free to stop reading here and leave the blog, or try your hand at becoming a JAL frequent flyer, or just take a look at the first-class section—I’d be happy if you could decide which path to take based on your own interests.
First class for 19,000 miles!
This time, I flew first classThe weekend before the Obon holiday!
The flight from Naha to Haneda on August 10 was scheduled from 11:10 a.m. to 1:40 p.m.
This is the peak of the summer high season.
For some reason, I was lucky enough to find it open, and on top of that,It required 19,000 miles one way ( ﾟДﾟ) Why?!
The cash price is 850 yen…
I don’t know why it was so cheap.
The number of miles required varies depending on the season and time of day.
Just as fares vary depending on the season and time of day, the number of miles required also varies.
When flying first class between Naha and Haneda during a long weekend like this one before the Obon holiday, it often requires 46,000 miles one way.
However,If you take a flight arriving at Haneda at 11:00 p.m., it is possible to travel there for 19,000 miles.That’s right! There are quite a few flights during this time slot. Since the flight arrives at Haneda at 11:00 PM, you’ll need to be careful as there are restrictions on travel and hotel availability afterward.
There are plenty of blogs that go into detail about changes in the required number of miles and other details, so please refer to those ( ;∀;) Leave it to me!
During the summer peak season, even standard seats are expensive.
From here on, I’ll be discussing what happens when you pay with a credit card or cash instead of using miles.
As you might imagine, traveling from Miyakojima to Tokyo during the peak season in August can be quite expensive.
For example, if you want to make a reservation for Thursday, August 8 of next year,Even though it was a year ago, the lowest price was 32,974 yen for a one-way direct flight.
If you connect through Naha, the fare is 39,201 yen, which is more expensive.
Prices skyrocket in first class!
If you want to fly first class, the price skyrockets immediately.
An astonishing one-way fare of 88,630 yen ( ﾟДﾟ) That’s expensive!
Well, actually, there’s the “Saber” fare on the right for 54,530 yen, so if you can get it, it’ll be a lot cheaper (though it’s fully booked).
Even on the same date, August 8, if you take a flight arriving at Haneda at 11:00 PM, the fare is 51,846 yen, which is cheaper than the Saver fare.
Services ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 yen
I think being able to use it for 19,000 miles is a pretty good deal.
FlyThe special treatment begins even before you board the plane
Now, let’s finally take a look at what First Class has to offer. The special treatment begins even before you board the plane.
First, when you arrive at the airport, you’ll check your luggage, but the check-in lane is different. Since I didn’t check any luggage this time, I’ll skip that part (sorry).
The security checkpoint is separate
First Class passengers have a separate security checkpoint.
The photo below shows the security checkpoint at Naha Airport; the general lane is on the right as you face it.
If you go left instead of right, you’ll reach the JAL Global Club lane. Since I’m a JGC member, I usually use this lane. The security checkpoint was incredibly empty that day.
If you turn left here, you’ll suddenly come across an entrance with a completely different atmosphere.
There’s a “First Class” sign at the entrance. At Haneda, it fits the atmosphere and looks cool, but at Naha Airport, it honestly feels a bit out of place… I’m even a little embarrassed to go in.
For security reasons, you can’t take photos inside, but as soon as the automatic doors open, there’s a small security checkpoint. The staff are friendly, and you’ll immediately feel as if you’re in a private space.
You can use the Diamond Premier Lounge
Once you pass through security, JAL ground staff will be there to greet you.
On the right is the Sakura Lounge used by JGC members.
On the left is the Diamond Lounge, used by JGC Premier members (that’s a mouthful!)
Since I’m flying first class this time, I’ll head to the left. Both lounges are operated by JAL, so the services differ from those offered at card lounges, which are accessible to Gold Card holders. You cannot use these lounges without JAL status.
However, if you purchase a first-class ticket,It’s a great deal because you can use it regardless of your status.
Luxurious interior
The Sakura Lounge also has luxurious interior design, but this one has an even more sophisticated interior.
Single-seater sofa seats are wide and spacious.
There are also dining tables where you can enjoy meals and drinks with friends and family.
There are also long sofa seats that are convenient for families with small children.
All the seats were spacious, so I was able to relax and enjoy the time leading up to departure.
A wide variety of dining options
The food and beverage area offers drinks and light snacks. The drink selection is very extensive, ranging from soft drinks to alcoholic beverages. It’s a nice little bonus to find light snacks available in a domestic flight lounge. It’s self-service, but this kind of thing really gets you excited, doesn’t it?
There will be a meal served on the flight, so be careful not to overeat.
Naha Airport has delicious Jimmy’s Bread
The Diamond Premier Lounge at Naha Airport carries bread from Jimmy, a local company. It is a well-known Okinawan company specializing in sweets and bread.
The one on the right is red sweet potato.
The left side contains potatoes mixed into the dough.
Both are light and delicious. Their gentle sweetness is incredibly refined. Draft beer and two pieces of bread first thing in the morning. That’s a lot of calories…
It was so delicious that I ended up having seconds (be careful not to overeat—where to go?)
Whiskey and…
I was really looking forward to trying JAL’s special baked curry bread because it’s so delicious, but they didn’t have any that day. They might have some around noon.
If you prefer rice over bread, you’ll love onigiri too
They also have rice balls. They don’t look very appealing, though…
It used to have a handmade feel rather than being individually packaged, but that may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The flavors are salmon and shiso-kelp.
By the way, these rice balls are also from a local company called Okinawa Shokuryo. Look for the Deigo mark (I’m having seconds again…)
If you find bread or rice too heavy, we also have small fried snacks.
There are as many as four types of premium beer
Isn’t one of the joys of airport lounges draft beer?
The Diamond Premier Lounge is
SapporoAll-you-can-drink Ebisu and Suntory Premium Malts ( ﾟДﾟ)
Furthermore
Compiled by Asahi Juku—even Orion Premium is included in the all-you-can-drink deal ( ﾟДﾟ)
You can even compare premium beers from the three major breweries and local companies while waiting for your flight.
This is the best! (I’ll have another one!)
Whiskey is Chita
If you’re not a fan of beer, try whiskey! Suntory Chita is also available as an all-you-can-drink option. It really is anything goes here.
The price range of the alcohol they have here is incredible… You could get drunk before you even board the plane.
When you think of Okinawa, you think of awamori
There were three types of awamori available.
Ryusen, Nanpu, Honen
It’s lovely how they’re all neatly stored in clay jars.
There is also a wide selection of soft drinks
It seems to offer the usual variety of drinks you’d find at a self-service beverage bar. I especially like JAL’s coffee—it’s delicious.
We also have fresh juice and milk.
Free Samples of Sekkisei
I saw this for the first time, but they were giving out free samples of KOSE’s Sekkisei.
Since I use Sekkisei lotion regularly, I’m absolutely delighted.
機The best hospitality awaits you here
It’s finally time to board!
I was already nearly full and feeling a little tipsy…
Since it’s priority boarding, you’ll be escorted on board first. Since first class is in the very front row of the plane, the boarding gate is naturally different.
First Class feels like a semi-private booth
Once you pass through the boarding gate, you’ll see seating arranged in separate sections. Domestic first-class seating features a semi-private booth-style layout.
The photos were super blurry (I was drunk).
A partition panel can be used to block the view from the seat next to you. There is a large monitor in front of each seat.
The seats feature reclining functions and ottomans. The vibration is just a gentle sensation.
The seat reclines further than I expected, so it’s comfortable for a quick nap.
Power outlets are located next to the seats.
There is also a small storage compartment up front
The seatbelt cushions are amazing, too. Actually, it seems this type of seatbelt is only used in the second row of first class. I hear there’s an airbag inside or something.
There were coat hooks, so I hung up my shirt before eating. Jackets and other outerwear can be checked with the airline upon boarding.
Behind First Class are Class J seats, but the flight attendants use curtains to partition them off. It’s a subtle but welcome relief not to have anyone looking at you from behind.
Movie and video streaming services
The in-flight entertainment service appeared to be the same for both economy and first class. Movies and
TV shows
Music, etc.
You can listen to this with headphones.
I watched *John Wick: Consequences*
The slippers are incredibly cushioned
Once you’re seated, please be sure to change into your slippers.
These slippers are cushioned and comfortable.
I took off my leather shoes and felt incredibly relaxed.
It seems you can take it home, but since it’s too hot to use on Miyakojima, I left it there. They even have a shoehorn—it really goes above and beyond to meet your every need.
There is a menu, and you can place an order.
After you’ve been seated for a while, the chief purser in a white jacket will come over to greet you. It’s nice and friendly that they call you by name (/▽＼)
And descriptions of in-flight meals and alcoholic beverages. The menu is placed on the armrest of your seat.
When you open it, there are two types listed. It’s the kind of menu that makes you almost forget you’re on a plane.
Since my flight arrives at Haneda, I chose this option this time.
Champagne, sake, and rare shochu
Alcohol is served on board, including champagne, wine, and even sake.
The shochu “Moriizō” is hard to find and is listed online for 18,000 yen.
You can actually have a drink in first class.
Of course, there were soft drinks, too. I was tempted by the Peach Juice Gold Pack, but I was too full, so I passed.
The in-flight meals are way too delicious
The in-flight meal I’ve been waiting for! JAL serves it on proper plates, so it looks delicious too.
Beef with Black Vinegar Sauce
The meat is so tender, I can’t get enough of it.
This is steamed chicken with sansho pepper sauce.
Stable Image Stabilization
Shanghai-Style Shrimp and Scallops
This was really delicious.
Chanofukumori Dessert Shop
It was my first time trying it, but the matcha sandwich was delicious.
Champagne Banié Brut. Delicious and bubbly. The JAL logo at the bottom of the glass. I love the attention to detail.
The hospitality in CA is amazing
As soon as you finish eating,
“Would you like a second helping?”
They’ll recommend champagne and other alcoholic beverages.
“We also have snacks and light meals.”
And various other suggestions. In my life, I probably wouldn’t have this much interaction with flight attendants on a flight unless I were traveling in first class.
Since I was already feeling quite tipsy, I ordered a coffee.
Right now, it’s a race to see whether John Wick or I will go down first.
I even received some water as a souvenir. I guess it must have been pretty obvious on my face…
Before I knew it,
Arrival at Haneda Airport
Upon arrival at the airport, first-class passengers may disembark first.
In addition, your checked luggage will be the first to come out.
A simple but welcome service
This serviceAll in all, 19,000 miles plus 850 yen in cash—isn’t that a steal?
I hope it doesn’t get messed up…
I hope this article helps make someone’s trip more enjoyable.
Thank you for reading to the end.
Thanks a lot! (´･ω･)(´_ _)♪
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