Japan Airlines has a many different types of business class. Anyone familiar with this airline will certainly have heard about the Sky Suites. A few years ago I flew in the Sky Suite I from Seoul to Tokyo. In this review you can read about my experiences in the Sky Suite II business class on the Boeing 767 from Tokyo-Narita to Manila; a flight that I booked for only 20,000 Avios and less than € 30 in taxes. Certainly not bad if you consider that this flight would cost more than $ 2,200 as a revenue ticket!
Flight: Japan Airlines 745
Route: Tokyo-Narita (NRT) – Malina (MNL)
Date: Thursday July 22, 2017
Depart: 3:55PM
Arrive: 9:35PM
Duration: 4h40min
Aircraft: Boeing 767-300
Class of service: Business Class (Sky Suite II)
Business Class Check In
The journey started at Tokyo-Narita Airport. Like all Oneworld airlines, Japan Airlines is located in terminal 2. After I received my boarding pass, I headed to the fast-track security and then to the lounge. Like all airports in Japan, Tokyo-Narita is also a neat airport where everything is clearly indicated.
Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge Tokyo Narita
Once I was airside, I headed over to the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge. At the desk, I was kindly greeted and as I’m used to in Japan, the agent accepted my boarding pass with both hands. After I was admitted, I was allowed to turn right and then take the escalator down to the business class lounge. I had a nice 3 hours before my flight was to leave.
At the entrance of the lounge, you will find a number of lockers and there are also some magazines, both in Japanese and in English. There are different types of seating areas in the lounge and there is also a bar. I decided to took a seat and grabbed a cappuccino.
There are also private rooms and workspaces where you can work quietly with your own laptop or use a computer. There are even special cabins for people who want to be able to call without being disturbed. If you walk through, you’ll see the staircase to the dining area. The entire area to the right of the stairs looked quite spacious and felt more like a living room.
The buffet offers various options and there are both Asian and western options. At the cold buffet, you will find fresh fruit and salad with tasty sauces. The hot buffet offers different choices of rice and some Japanese delicacies. The drinks are in front of the buffet. There is a wide choice from a number of spirits, including a number of tasty wines.
Another nice feature of the lounge is the view on the planes. At the window you will find a number of seats facing the aircrafts. So you can lean back with a drink and spot airplanes from the lounge.
After a nice shower, I was completely refreshed and ready for my flight to Manila. I left the lounge and after looking around in some souvenir shops, I headed to the gate.
Japan Airlines Boeing 767 Business Class Seat
My flight to Manila was operated by a Boeing 767-300ER with 24 ‘open suites’ in business class in a 1-2-1 configuration, like Garuda Indonesia on the Boeing 777-300ER. When I boarded the aircraft, I was given a very warm welcome by the always very friendly Japanese crew. Immediately after making my reservation, I had opted for seat 4A, a window seat not too far to the back of the cabin.
The suites offer quite a lot of privacy, especially the window seats. On my right, I found the controls for the in-flight entertainment and the seat controls.
I immediately put my seat in a more comfortable position, because it was a busy flight and it took a while before everyone was on board. On my seat, I found a pillow, a blanket, headphones and an amenity kit with an eye mask and slippers.
On my seat, I also found the menu for this flight. In the box to the right in front of me, I found the safety information card and the Japan Airlines magazine. The seat itself is nice and comfortable and the legroom is excellent.
In Flight Dining Service
After about half an hour after take off, the crew started with the in-flight dining service. First my table was made and warm cloths were handed out. For drink, I took a glass of champagne with some nuts which were served in a plastic bag instead of a bowl…
While I enjoyed my champagne, I had a look at what the in-flight entertainment had to offer. I liked the big screen in front of me, but noticed the offer of movies and music wasn’t something special. I decided just to look the flight map.
Japan Airlines has always surprised me in a positive way when it comes to food and that was again the case during this flight. A delicious soup was served, followed by a tasty salad with meat. Later the crew also came along with bread.
The soup tasted very tasty, however it did have a strong taste. The salad and meat also tasted excellent. The crew kindly asked if I enjoyed my flight and also offered to refill my glass.
After this delicious meal, it was time for a dessert and this was ice cream from the American brand Häagen-Dazs. The presentation was a bit disappointing.
Before the turndown service, passengers were offered yet a coffee or tee and also bottles of water were distributed. Then the crew disappeared and passengers only had access to the galley from now for snacks and beverages.
Japan Airlines has 2 business class lavatories on this Boeing 767 and these are located at the very front of the cabin, on the left side.
Turndown Service
Then the lights in the cabin turned off and I prepared my bed to sleep a little before my arrival in Manila. The Sky Suite II business class seats can be completely flat. I took my blanket out of the package and was then able to enjoy a wonderful rest. The bed is certainly nice and is long enough for someone of 6′2″ like me.
After a nice rest of approximately 1.5 hours, the lights were switched on again. The landing to Manila was started around 8pm local time. Unlike in Tokyo, it was completely clear in Manila, so I had a nice view over the city at night.
Half an hour later, we were on the ground in Manila and business class passengers were allowed to disembark first. I thanked the crew for the friendly service and said that I always like to fly with Japan Airlines.
Japan Airlines Boeing 767 Business Class Bottom Line
Overall, I had a pleasant experience with Japan Airlines. The Sakura lounge at Tokyo-Narita is a comfortable place to stay. You will actually find all the facilities that you would normally expect in a business lounge. The lounge is spacious and offers a nice view on the planes. The buffet offers an extensive choice of both cold and hot dishes.
Japan Airlines offers a great business class product with their Sky Suite II seats on the Boeing 767. These suites offer plenty of privacy and legroom. The crew was very friendly during this flight and the food was certainly tasty. Unfortunately, no drink was offered before take off. I like to fly with Japan Airlines and after having made a number of business class flights with them, I certainly can’t wait to fly first class with this airline!
What do you think of the Japan Airlines Sky Suites II on the Boeing 767? Have you flown this cabin already or have you a flight coming up? Let me know in the comments below.
