JAL...what say you?

[spunks]

We are looking at  cruise ending in Tokyo. We know nothing about Japan Airlines. Is that a good line for a flight back to the US? Also, which airport in Tokyo is best for flying back? 

 

Thanks

Doug

[FlyerTalker]

JAL is a high-quality carrier, and part of the OneWorld alliance (as is American).  I would have no qualms flying with them, and have a trip to Asia with them in the near future.

 

Of the two airports, you would be much better flying out of Haneda (HND), which is south of downtown Tokyo about half-way to Yokohama.  Narita (NRT), OTOH, is a significant distance to the east of downtown and much further from Yokohama. The only reasons to choose to fly from Narita are, IMO,:

 

1) Better overall flight times, considering USA connections

2) Better pricing

3) Far superior equipment for your flight

4) FF award inventory is often better through NRT than HND

5) Your cruise is for some reason sailing from/to Chiba, rather than Yokohama or Tokyo

 

And, FWIW, the other major Japanese carrier, ANA, is also a quality airline.

 

You might also look at a connecting flight through Seoul on Korean or Asiana, if the price is right. Or Air Canada through Vancouver.  Plus the usual USA suspects of Delta, American and United.

 

 

[spunks]

Thanks FlyerTalker....You might not realize it, but on more than one occasion you have given me great advise on Frankfurt and DeGaul......much appreciated again

 

Doug

[JM0115]

You could also look at Singapore (NRT-LAX) and EVA Air (NRT-TPE-SFO).

[FlyerTalker]

22 minutes ago, JM0115 said:

You could also look at Singapore (NRT-LAX) and EVA Air (NRT-TPE-SFO).

 

Yep...missed those.  Both top-notch airlines.  Lots of options to/from Japan.

 

 

Edited February 19 by FlyerTalker

[JM0115]

3 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

Yep...missed those.  Both top-notch airlines.  Lots of options to/from Japan.

 

 

We are going to Japan on Eva and coming back on Singapore in the fall.

[MedCruise_2022]

We have flown several times with JAL from DFW-Narita (or sometimes Haneda)-Manila and we have great experience- with their service, food, luggage handling and just about everything.

When doing a stop-over in Tokyo for several nights, we choose Haneda International Airport because it is only an hour away by Limousine bus to Tokyo or Shinjuku, compared to Narita which is about 2 hours away by Limousine Bus.

We have also flown ANA and it is equally great!

[Zach1213]

1 hour ago, MedCruise_2022 said:

When doing a stop-over in Tokyo for several nights, we choose Haneda International Airport because it is only an hour away by Limousine bus to Tokyo or Shinjuku, compared to Narita which is about 2 hours away by Limousine Bus.
 

 

Haneda is great if you're actually staying in the city, no doubt, but the Narita Express is also about an hour. There is a price difference but I don't think it's too much, i.e. US$20 vs US$15 or something. I've started booking whichever flight works best for me and largely ignoring which airport at this point. 

[MedCruise_2022]

2 minutes ago, Zach1213 said:

 

Haneda is great if you're actually staying in the city, no doubt, but the Narita Express is also about an hour. There is a price difference but I don't think it's too much, i.e. US$20 vs US$15 or something. I've started booking whichever flight works best for me and largely ignoring which airport at this point. 

 
Yes, by Narita Express Train- Tokyo is about an hour away- but we do not take the train because of our luggage. 

In our case, we take the Limousine bus either from Narita or Haneda to Tokyo/Shinjuku area for convenience-- of having our luggage (1 big luggage, 1 carry-on each)  in the bus compartment-- and being dropped right at the Shinjuku Bus Station (and taxi onward to our hotel).

Happy travels!
 

[Hlitner]

We favor the decent Asian carriers (i.e. JAL, Singapore, Cathy Pacific, EVA, etc) over the legacy US airlines.  That being said, on those long flights we do take a good look at the hardware (normally in business class) since there can be some major differences.  I will say that we have really enjoyed Delta One on the A350 (they apparently have similar seats on some of their 777s), although their cuisine was not up to the standards found on some of the good Asian carriers.  Looking forward to trying the latest United Polaris product on an upcoming flight.

 

Hank