Travelling into HNL today via Uber. It's a beautiful day! We don't want to leave…
But onwards and upwards over to Osaka, checking-in at JAL's dedicated kerbside desks.
Check-in is efficient and easy using the JAL kiosks.
The staff, even in economy, take your case and do all the handling. Being the gentleman I did offer to assist, but was told to stand back - it was all in hand. I was shocked at the levels of service displayed to economy passengers until…
I enquired about an upgrade to PE or business and was met with some next-level rudeness by a member of JAL staff. She looked me up and down and made me feel very uncomfortable. I briefly flagged it with the supervisor before heading through security and she was mortified. She said this isn't the level of service JAL strived to give their passengers and wanted to allow me and my husband into the Sakura Lounge to unwind before departure. I said this wasn't necessary but she insisted.
The lounge is shared with the American Airlines Admirals Club. It's essentially the same lounge.
It's really nice inside, beautiful decor with both Japanese and Hawaiian elements. Very clean and a relaxing environment.
The food was great. I had the mushroom pasta and potato chowder whilst my husband went for the Japanese katsu curry, fruit bowl and the vegan poke bowl - I tried it and it was… fantastic!
Lots of other food bits on offer, spam musubi anyone?
Getting me in the headspace for Japan, I opted for a matcha green tea.
This was also available iced, along with other juices, teas, coffees, soft drinks and a full bar.
A quick plug, the day before, I spent the day with Hawaii's Department of Transportation filming a full behind the scenes video. I'll drop this below if it's of interest to anyone here. All proceeds raised from the video will be going to the IHS (the Institute for Human Services) a charity based in Hawaii tackling homelessness.
Today's aircraft is this Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner - I love how HNL has open air stands where you can see and hear each and every aircraft. It really adds to the sense of departure.
And today, we're departing from Gate D1.
Our seats today are 24A/C, and the configuration on the 787-9 is 2/4/2.
JAL boasts some of the best legroom in the industry - and for tall guys like us, this is a REAL win!
We were extremely comfortable and settled in very quick.
On the seat is a super soft pillow (cotton I'm told by the crew) and a very nice blanket, too.
Is that another 787 I see? JAL also operates to Tokyo (Narita), Tokyo (Haneda) and Nagoya, as well as Osaka-Kansai.
HNL is also a gem for military aircraft with Hickham Air Force Base only moments away.
And it's off to Runway 8R, with one of the most scenic taxis I think any passenger can witness. Look at that sea!
And with that, we were away!
Moments after departure, all passengers in economy were handed a Business Class branded hot towel.
The drinks service began, I opted for a Japanese plum wine with soda.
The snack on offer, a pack of seaweed crackers.
Another economy service first for me - a menu for all passengers. I love it!
I went for the beef and mushroom stew - it was excellent!
And the husband went for the chicken yakitori bowl, with rice and pickled ginger. Also sublime!
This really was one of the best economy meals I've ever eaten. There wast the aforementioned meal, a warm bread roll, macaroni salad, tofu salad in rice wine vinegar and soy, a fruit bowl, bottle of water, drink from the bar and a hot miso soup. It was never ending!
And dessert was this pot of Hawaiian Frost pineapple sorbet.
Passengers get 1 hour of free Wi-Fi in economy. It was relatively good strength and didn't drop connection at all.
I paid for a further three hours to stay connected and get some work done. This set me back $14 (about £10/€12).
It's strange to now be able to work on aircraft. Wi-Fi (at least the fast, reliable stuff) is revolutionising air travel.
The toilets were on the larger size and absolutely spotless. JAL really do take care of passengers in economy.
And you even get premium amenities from British brand, Miller Harris. Tea Tonique is one of my favourite scents. A welcome find.
I then got some sleep for an hour or so. The SKY WIDER seat is an extremely comfortable product.
The IFE was good. Mine lagged ever so slightly, but my husbands didn't, so I believe this might have just been specific to my seat.
Then, a pre-landing lunch was served. This was the Tuna Taro Roll, think tuna mayonnaise and salad in a soft purple-coloured roll. Despite the striking colour, it tasted great.
And alongside another bar service, two biscuits from Big Island Candies were served. These consisted of a chocolate shortbread and a white chocolate and raspberry dipped shortbread. Both were excellent and it's great to see JAL partnering with local Hawaiian-based companies.
A stunning approach into a very hot (35 degree) Osaka-Kansai today.
Shooting over the Sky Gate Bridge on final approach.
And with that, we were down and on stand. A thoroughly enjoyable economy experience, one of the best we've ever experienced. If you're considering JAL from HNL-KIX, or on any route for that matter, I cannot recommend them enough. Thanks for reading/watching - I always appreciate the support I get from fellow Flight-Report members here!
