BRUTALLY HONEST | Expensive PREMIUM ECONOMY from Tokyo to Bangkok on Japan Airlines' Boeing 787-9!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- Japan Airlines is amongst the best airlines in the world, and this definitely also goes for their Premium Economy. However, their regular Economy Class is so good, that upgrading to Premium Economy might actually not be of good value...
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: Japan Airlines
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Registration: JA872J
Flight Time: 5h 40min
Seat: 21A
From: Tokyo Narita
To: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
Date: July 2022
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Cameras used: Canon R6 (Canon 15-35mm F2.6 and Canon 35mm F2.0), DJI Osmo Pocket
Additional equipment used: Rode VideoMic Pro+, Blue Yeti Podcast Microphone
PRICE BREAKDOWN
Total Price: 10,300 British Airways Avios + EUR 264.66
Total Routing: NRT-BKK
Booked through: British Airways Website
Cost includes: Premium Economy Class ticket including two checked bags (32kg each) and free seat reservation
Booking made: May 2022
VIDEO BREAKDOWN
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Intro
01:00 - Transiting at NRT
02:00 - JAL Sakura Business Class Lounge
02:57 - Boarding
03:42 - Cabin and Seat
07:28 - Taxi and Take Off
09:25 - Menu Card and Snack Service
10:03 - Amenity Kit
10:21 - Dinner Service
12:14 - Inflight Entertainment
12:53 - Inflight
13:45 - Pre-Landing Snack
13:57 - Conclusion
COLLABORATION DISCLAIMER
This video does not contain product placements. The airline was neither involved nor informed about the production of this Tripreport. The ticket fare was paid by ourselves.
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Created: October 2022
GRAPHICS ATTRIBUTION
Seat Drawing in intro made by Aviation Volume
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CONTACT US
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COPYRIGHT 2022
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#brutallyhonest #japanairlines #jal
For me, the legroom is really why I go for premium economy. That's the difference between me getting rest on a long flight or constantly having to get up. The extra width is also nice if I'm sitting next to someone larger.
Exactly. He’s a foodie, not a seasoned traveler. The seat - with the lounge access - make that a winner.
Right?! Same with me. The in-flight food served is actually low priority for me, even though it will most likely be always good to excellent. Priority boarding, lounge access, priority luggage, and of course the better seats are what matter to me.
Almost went to sleep, but this video appeared. So, it's a must to watch...
Me too, because I come from Hong Kong but i must watch it first!!
I love how JAL has 2-4-2 seating on their 787 economy cabin. Those seats are almost as wide as the 2-4-2 A350 premium economy. It's one reason why JAL absolutely deserves to be a 5 star airline.
What some don't really know is that this was the configuration the 787 was supposed to be to biggin which.
@@sergiolaurencio7534sounds like only Japan Airlines followed suit.
honestly not surprising, JAL has a pretty long history of financial trouble, they’re simply too generous!
Exactly. It’s worth every penny he paid. Duh.
true, jal gives you so much amenities but they're expensive af
Worth taking a stopover in Singapore and go on SQ?
From this video you if you aware you can see that they charge their premium class higher than standard for compensate their generous economy class. So this is just fine for their business calculation.
It's sad that JAL had to overcome a financial trouble but now we have a wonderful airline ANA taking JAL's original job. Both airlines have great services but I prefer ANA due to my star alliance status. Sadly, I don't have any membership on oneworld.
3:21 Small error: The aircraft registration should be JA872J, not JA872A, since the registrations ending with J are for JAL aircraft, while those ending with A are for ANA instead.
Fun fact: both JA872J and JA872A are B789 aircraft.
Edit: just read the video description, it's correct there 👍🏻
Oh, that's good to know! I apologize for the mistake! :)
@@simply_aviation You should be ashamed of yourselves with that error! I am never flying with you again!
@Raghav Nitin that my good friend Raghav is a joke. 😃
@@VisualApproach Engish isnt his native tongue
For your information, the top number 8 is inferred b7”8”7 that’s why both are the same type of the aircraft.
For an another example, JA731J and JA731A are both b7”7”7.
But there are also exceptions that JAL’s A350 is registered as JA01XJ and X comes from A350 XWB.
What you are paying for is the additional space, not the meal. Economy is in the name of "premium economy" so I think it's a little unfair to expect a meal which is different to what is served in economy. Plus, you get the benefit of using the business lounge before your flight too. I feel like your expectations were a little high.
Bro is so dedicated to protect airlines pockets. JAL is making so much revrnur from this so they can add this stuff.
I have flown this route. It's a great experience above economy. I don't know why people expect so much. You know this is capitalism. This is an open market with lots of competition. If Japan Airlines premium economy is so bad that nobody would pay for it and then they would have to do something about it. So if you don't think it's good, don't buy it.
Emirates and British airways provide better meals than economy. And double the price for that extra space is a scam.
Agree about the space. That alone is worth it for me when travelling 11+ hours. Maybe not for shorter distances. But if you're travelling with someone close to 6ft...that extra 10inches of space is well worth it. Look for better food at your destination, not on a plane.
As another note, since the economy is so good, but let's say you want the lounge, you can actually purchase lounge access as an economy passenger for around $77 AUD ($50 USD)
I love this airline. Their economy is the best. I love the food, the seat pitch and the impeccable service from their friendly flight attendants.
Certainly one of the world's best aviation reviewing channels. Keep it up!
When classifying the premium economy product in terms of price I think you should consider the space offered for premium economy passengers more than the presentation of the food because the more space offered for each passenger the higher the price. But yeah, classifying their premium economy is hard because their economy class is just top notch.
日本語でコメントするのですが、遅くなりましたが、ようこそ日本へ！welcame to JAPAN!
入国制限が大幅に緩和され、完全にとは行きませんが徐々に乗る人も多くなって航空ファンとして嬉しい限りです😊
I flew this seat on JL NRT to DFW. About 15 hours of flying. I just remembered that my butt were screaming in pain in the last half of the trip. So I decided to stay up as long as possible. A flight attendant figure it out and told me it was quite common for people to feel pain because the way they angled these seats. She even tried to teach me some exercises to reduce the pain lol
I’m glad to see another incredible “Brutally Honest” episode! Japan Airlines Premium Economy is impressive. Would be nice to see a tripreport about their Business class in the future if you don’t already have it on your channel) Thanks to Simply Aviation and personally to David for another magnificent video 😀👍✈️
Which part is impressive ? The meal is exactly the same as economy with no extra. It is a shell seat that means no recline but the seat slide forward, you will loss the legroom in this process
hahaha yeah so Good video
@@rawasianchicago Why would you need legroom when you're reclined?
Okay thanks
Like those shell seats, with their don't-irritate-the-passenger-behind-you feature.
Nice Avios 'intel' - but I wouldn't pay twice the fare just for a better seat, unless I was on a much, much longer flight.
Good, comprehensive review, which made good use of a previous catering experience.
Always enjoy your videos David. Great video editing, thanks for taking the time to make these professional
Yes, on a shorter flight the PE might not be so much above Y. But doing a 14 h transcontinental in their PE is a whole different thing than in Y. The JAL Y is amazing, the best of those I've flown but if money allows, I'm now going for PE on those super-long ones. Including the Y food which in itself is much better than on many other airlines.
So amazing how this aircraft is so premium configured! Great video! 👏🏻
My favourite review series !! Keep them coming. Loved this one , thanks
I have never flown with Japan Airlines, but this review makes me want to consider them. Thanks!
Completely agree, flew JAL Dreamliner in Economy CDG-NRT and their Y product blows all other carriers out of the sky, for sheer comfort in 2-4-2 config and quality meals. With an emergency exit seat, because the seat is wider, you don't even notice the reduction in width. When I flew Premium Y on the same route as you (BKK-NRT), I thought the difference, especially in terms of meal service, was neglible. Did I mention the boarding music? It's just sublime.
JAL Premium economy is my favorite. They often have promotion pricing where Premium economy is only 20-25% more than regular economy. Well worth it when you will be flying for over 20 hours.
I think the premium economy is kinda worth it. Yes, I do agree with your points, but premium economy gets a dedicated check-in counter (or use business class check-in counter if premium economy check-in counter is not available), priority boarding, priority baggage, lounge access (JAL economy Flex get lounge access as well) and seat features such as leg rest and footrest. Those are the main differences with economy class.
I loved this video David as I also happened to fly JAL Premium Economy in July this year! I completely agree with you about the need for JAL to spruce up its catering offering in premium (even if just the presentation), and I certainly wouldn't have paid 2x as much as economy for this. However, I was lucky and got a great deal where premium was only 35% more than the economy ticket. The lounge access and incredible seat alone was more than worth the extra in that case!
I love the Sakura lounge in Tokyo. Glad to see it still holds the same standard!
The premium economy on JAL looks wonderful, but having travelled in economy in the 2-4-2 layout, PE doesn't really seem worth the upgrade unless you have more money than you know what do do with 😀. Before covid my wife and I flew NRT-MEL in the 787-8 in the 2-4-2 layout (window, aisle) and wouldn't travel economy any other way in future if we can. Good leg room and more personal space. Highly recommended.
I always get so happy when I see another brutally honest episode!❤✈️
thank you very much for your opinions on these airlines; happy travelsx
I’m so happy for watching a new JAL video!
It was great!
I’m going to Japan in July this year can’t wait Japan airlines looks decent
Always nice capture Good job
What a fantastic review！！！ Thank you for your informatoin.
thank you for sharing your flight.
It is always nice to go to the lounge areas to get some nice good food and drink.
Interesting conclusion... the premium economy on JL offers considerably more room than on most other airlines' premium econ and the lounge access is also unique to them. I'd argue that gives them quite an edge over the competition. Is the food better than in their regular economy class? It doesn't have to be as it is already quite good. Anyhow, I appreciate your video and thanks for sharing your perspective.
I would say the best option is to get a nice economy ticket and then do a paid upgrade if it's available. I think it varies from route to route, but in Melbourne it used to be about 350 forr Pre-Eco for a 10ish hour redeye flight which isn't too bad given you could pay about 600 AUD either way pre covid in economy with a good eye for fares.
You give great perspective and insight! I will be flying JAL Business next May and with you sharing it is one of the best in the world, I am highly anticipating a fantastic flight.
Back just to say Brutally honest airports would be an amazing series, you sound like you've got so much experience and I'd love to hear what you've got to say about some of the most important airports in the world.
I know there is some discussion about it but I'd rather watch like a 20 minute video just about the airport.
Great video. Iy's giving me ideas for my channel! Loving the instagram stories aswell!
Excellent video David!😸
Great trip report
I feel that there are so many airlines such as turkish airlines and thai airways which are so underrated.They are actually incredible
Definitely not the current thai airway
Maybe 8 year ago yea not now
Spot on. JAL's economy class is spectacular. Lots of leg room and no obstacles in front of you. There is no better economy class.
Not sure why you are so hard on JAL. On PY on Singapore Airlines, you do NOT get lounge access, slippers, amenity kit, pre-meal snack/drink, menu card and the meals do not come with so many appetizers. In fact, PY to Singapore Airlines is simply a slightly better seat compared to economy but otherwise economy class in all aspects but at double the price.
I always love your reviews David. I miss seeing you on camera as you talk about expectations prior to boarding. Nevertheless, this was a great review!
JL 's B777 economy class also features 3-3-3 configuration which is pretty rare nowadays , i love it !
I flew JAL’s premium economy in 2018 and was blown away by the customer service. Really enjoyed the seat too. Very well worth the money, my return flights were only $3.1k Sydney-Moscow 😮
Great review and awesome Economy product.
Fair review!
I am exited to see this I will be going to Japan soon In highschool and I love to get to see the experience
I Like the Pruduct PREMIUM ECO.Have not try on JAL.Great work
Japan Airlines customer service both onboard and online is spot on and consistently great.
Great review, thanks. 13:34 Another point of distinction is that, in premium economy in the 787, JAL has sensible toilet placement compared to ANA. ANA has no dedicated toilets for PE, meaning you have to walk back through the economy cabin to use them; JAL has either dedicated toilets or, correct me if I'm wrong, shared with business. That's a major plus in my eyes.
Will be flying from BKK to HND JL premium econ this month. Thanks for your video!
Flew JAL's SAN - NRT route in 2019 in economy on the 787-9 and that was one great seat for the price!
Had a very good deal for Economy on Malaysia Airlines and JAL from BKK to NRT and back via KUL in 2018. Only like 250€ for 4 flights.
I think the meal looks good. Although the meal looks similar to economy, you get the complimentary lounge access at the airport instead to make up that luxury.
since you flew this flight in July (3 months before Japan opened up to tourism again) do you think that affected the meal service packaging and stuff? Like they just hadn't resumed full service yet? One of my favorite channels on here btw!
While writing the script for this episode I did check previous reviews to make sure I get all the information across correctly. For example if the meal was different because the flight was shorter than others, or because of COVID, and a friend of mine actually did a review on JAL's Premium Economy back in November 2019 from Tokyo to Dallas, where the meal looks pretty much exactly the same, which is why I think this is the standard service and has been for a while.
thepointsguy.com/reviews/japan-airlines-787-9-premium-economy/
@@simply_aviation Hi David! Thanks for a comprehensive review! I know you said you've been whining during the entire video, but you've only told us about all the good reasons to book PE on JL! I read the pointsguy article, and the menu looks completely different from the one on your flight to be honest! So I don't think it's "pretty much exactly the same" lol. But I agree with you towards the end of the video, if I had to pay full price, I would much rather spend it on a nice hotel at the destination! Thanks for another great review! Hope to see another one very soon! Cheers!
I flew the return leg of this flight (JL 708) last month, heading back home from a vacation in Thailand (on fellow JAL 789 JA879J). I was really impressed with JAL's economy class (two of my four flights in each direction were with JAL), and I wouldn't mid flying with them again (should also try ANA at one point).
That said, based on this video, I would probably stick with economy, as there don't seem to be any tangible benefits flying on Premium Economy (apart from the Sakura Lounge access at NRT).
Would be nice to see how ANA compares in Premium Economy on the same route.
Definitely think it should be on ceramic crockery, not plates but crockery in a similar shape to the trays, Japanese style
I agree. The food presentation could have made the meal better and not be so obvious that it is the same meal as economy. I did love the leg room and lounge access. I'm really torn about this. Part of me should save the money on a nice hotel but that leg room! Thanks for your reviews. Helps me decide on what airline I want to fly on.😁
Best and only premium economy trip I've done was BA from Heathrow to Bridgetown Barbados. I got served fillet steak cooked to my liking!! The crew went round the cabin and took the food orders and if you chose steak, "how would you like it cooked sir/madam?" Although I've never flown business or first, the service and quality of food felt like it belonged higher up the echelon.
Thanks for all the great content. Makes me want to travel again.
Interesting to see that the APEX suites actually take more space the the Sky Suite III, even though they look far larger than the former. I do like the APEX booths over the Sky Suite III!
I take this flight back in October food is very good and I remember every 5 or 10min they served miso soup, green tea, jal special juice and water. I was full after the flight 🙂
I agree quality matters alot
We flew SFO-Singapore on JAL PE back in April. If I recall correctly, it was $1500/person, which was the lowest PE fare at the time. Regular cattle class then was about $900. The flight, seat and service was, as always on JAL, fantastic. The food was pretty meh, which was unusual for JAL. We just recently returned to Singapore, but this time ANA had the $1500 fare in PE. The seat was smaller (38” vs 42” on JAL), but was very comfortable and I slept decently on both legs of the flight. Food on ANA was considerably better. At 6’2” tall, the choice for me is not Economy vs PE. PE is a given. The real choice is which of the two Japanese airlines we fly and that comes down to price.
The thing is that the worker bees in Japan have few vacation days, so if they go somewhere abroad they will spend happily on this rare chance, starting with the class they fly in. However, a Westerner will often budget expenditure over several trips.
I completely agree with your conclusion in that this isn't worth double the price of economy. My best economy class meals were with ANA flying to Jakarta once & later to Kuala Lumpur regularly, once they started that route.
Try to fly with Super Air Jet and Pelita Air in Indonesia if you plan visiting soon
I been there and terminal 1 at Narita airport sucks because it there was no food but only beverage vending machines and ice cream vending machines so we were hungry on our way to SFO
So cool man video so nice
TYO=BKK route is often quite popular with business passengers as many Japanese manufacturers locate their factories especially automotive industry.
Great flight and review. Definitely agree, Premium Economy only just better seat and grant for accessing lounge.
The similarity with the food offered in their economy class is not "uncanny": their premium economy meal is actually exactly the same as economy class. The difference you get in terms of catering is only 2 beverages that you don't get in economy : Champagne and shochu (as stated in the menu) and (if that didn't change since covid) the ability to ask for cup noodles.
I'd like to see A brutally honest review of TK's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in economy class in 10+ hour flight out of IST
Because this looks really promising
Fact check about just exactly how comfortable is the Y on JL's international 787(their domestic 787s are still 9abreast) in a quantitative way by comparing seat width:
1) Subjectively, most comments on the internet over the past 6-7yrs raved about how the 9abreast on A350 is heaven while the 9abreast on 787 is hell.
2) Maximum cabin diameter of the 350 is exactly 5 inches wider than the 787(Don't take my word for it, feel free to check the aircraft specs on the manufacturers' websites). So apparently if comments re 787 vs 350 on internet is to be trusted, 0.56inch diff in seat width is the diff between heaven and hell.
3) If 9abreast on 350 is already heaven, just imagine 8abreast in another cabin(like JL's Y) that is only 5inches narrower than a 350....
4) Almost all 350 operators in the world use 8abreast in their PY(premium econ) cabin on 350. So JL is doing the same 8abreast in a cabin that is only 5inches narrower but for Y.
Due to all of the above, I can conclude that even the cheapest/smallest Y seat on any JL 787 is practically nearly the same size as the PY found on other airlines' 350.
BTW, even the typical Y seat pitch(I.e. legroom) on JL's 787 is at an amazing 34~35inches which is effectively the same as the 'extra legroom' Y seat product all other airlines charge u extra for these days.
This honest review was very helpful! We were thinking of upgrading to the Premium Economy but from the looks of it not really worth the cost.
Great review, I enjoy them very much. Yes, both JAL and also ANA serve the Econony food options in Premium Economy. A bit sad that you only pay for the better seat on the plane then and not for better food options. But to be fair: the economy food is already pretty high quality. And lounge access is very generous and great. But only if you fly from Japan iirc.
JAL offered me lounge access departing SIN back in 2019. However since i was not Sapphire member with OW back then, I can only go to the“dnata” lounge JAL designated to me but not the Qantas lounge which is accessible to Saph flying economy.
Did you get check through luggage service? United and Jal are not alliance partner. I had the problem in October when requesting check through bag from Jal to ANA.
I flew in PE a few times. Besides having better seats, the cabin environment was generally much better than regular economy class. I felt that the privacy and noise level were on par with many regional business classes.
JAL premium economy is $1200 cheaper than Qantas economy class ($5500!!) between Sydney and London just after Christmas, so I am flying JAL PE. For the 24+ hrs of flying time each direction (10hr + 14.5hr, 15.5hr + 9.5hr), that PE comfort and lounge access at SYD (JAL gives QF lounge access), HND & LHR will be beneficial and more restful than the QF economy ticket.
Now you will have to do an ANA comparation clip on the premium economy 😉😁
@9:40: "Grandma's mashed tofu salad" sounds like a bizarre fusion dish 😂
I flew JAL Business Class from LHR-HAN-LHR in August and it was very impressive. The cost was only marginally more than the Premium product. I paid $400.00 for each leg to upgrade my premium booking before flying the first leg.
Turkish Airlines Do&Co is actually doing the same for the hotmeal on shorter european businessclass trips, but include their bizz messe for Y class holders. But since Do&Co is so good that it actually doesn't matter when being with them. God i miss them.
Agreed about food ,Japanese food is so wide ranged so surely that airline can offer better options for premium economy
Love my Thai aunties mixing Oh My Gosh with a bunch of Thai compliments at 04:10
Amazing 2-4-2 Economy config and access to Lounge. Wonder if Emirates allows Premium Econ pax to use Lounge as well...
I like and appreciate the intros of brutally honest
I wonder what the price difference was between the classes? If premium was double the cost of economy, how much more would business cost?
With the extra legroom and business class lounge access, I would still say it's a good deal. I would still pay the extra for PY. As you mention the same meal as regular Y class is typical anyway. The meal is still of a good quality especially for a medium haul flight.
Hi David, from my experience, most airlines that I’ve flown with have exact same meals for premium economy and economy. I guess they charge extra for the seats. I do agree with you that there should be a different meal to be served in premium economy. Yes, their economy is too good, their food is always top quality, that’s why it’s hard to distinct between economy class and premium economy class food. Or at least they should use glass to serve drinks in premium economy to show some quality service, or welcome drinks.
How did you use only 10k avios?! It's like 60k now 😩 did you book far in advance? Or last minute? Looking for advice, thank you.
What i want to know is how you know the different seat names ,amazing !!
Hey David,
Would recommend you to travel once in Akasa Air, a new airline of India.Considered to be as Low-Cost, I hope you make a tripreport on it
I really like how you go into details with the seats in your videos, from stupid IFE boxes to offset seat tracks. It might seem trivial but it matters so much! Keep it up! Also, about this particular video, SQ suffers of the same issue, their Economy is so good that it makes Premium Economy a lot less worth it... And I'm really not a fan of their seats (Safran Z535i?) as they feel very narrow once you're in them.
I have flown emirates premium economy A380 with a hefty price, I must say, this airline is better in some aspects. 1, better in terms of amenities, emirates offers none, 2, adjustable light, emirates has none but the usual overhead light. 3, access to lounge, emirates wouldn't allow access unless you're on business and 1st class. I must agree with you guys saying, if you are on a long haul flight, premium economy is way to go.
Emirates doesn’t give a shit about their economy it’s all about business there in comparison with JAL who prioritises their economy product over the others which is what sets the airline apart. Japanese mindset really is something else!
Outstanding review. I agree with you that the Premium Economy on JAL isn't worth the price unless you are using miles like you did. Of course, their Economy Class is definitely the best choice just because of the comfort, food and to me especially, JAL's always pleasant and efficient flight attendants. Having access to a lounge for a PE ticket is unbelievable. I guess if I were a" drinker", and a glutton that perk might tempt me to upgrade with miles. 🤣. Take care and have a great week. ❤️✈️🙏🌎🕊
Hey u should do a Brutally honest on Vistara airlines
Lounge access is a nice perk.
2018 economy meal looked better and more of it, PE is in my view not worth the extra cost on most carriers, obviously there are some exceptions.
I just flew BOS - BKK via NRT in Business Class on JAL and then returned in Premium Economy. The Business Class product is very good. I had the Sky Suite on the window to NRT and couldn't be happier. On the BKK leg they featured the Sky Suite III and that was a letdown. My seat was all the way at the front of that aircraft and wasn't as comfortable. For my return trip, the first leg was on a 777 and the second a 787. The premium economy seat was perfect for the six hour flight from BKK to NRT. All of the seat functions worked and the food was good, plus I was able to use the lounge at BKK for breakfast and the one in NRT which really came in handy when we had a 90 minute delay. However, it became apparent that the same premium economy seat wasn't going to be as comfortable on the 12-hour leg to BOS. My ass was sore after five hours and it was nearly impossible to get comfortable enough for sleeping. There's ample room but it seems the seat part actually gets shorter when extended. Also, the outlets at my seat didn't work and I had to use the USB outlets to power up my devices, which is not ideal. Was it worth the extra money though? I'd have to say yes for a long flight. If there wasn't such a price disparity between premium and business I'd opt for the later but having flown enough long-hauls in economy I know the value of being [almost] stress-free and rested upon arrival after a 12-hour flight. also, the lounge access itself is great if you get to make use of it.
And JAL really needs to improve their movie selections. Watching Shawshank Redemption twice on the same days wasn't what I expected.