[Iccz]

Just wondering how many people have done so, been looking around at the costs from different airlines the cheapest direct flights seem to be ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) then other cheap ones are the likes of Emirates who go via Dubai.

Just wondering if anyone has flown JAL or ANA and what they thought of them compared to the likes of Virgin and BA etc, I was talking to a BA pilot and he doesn't know much about JAL but said that ANA are as good as any.
Looked at BA but they're at least £300 more per person, a bit too much really.

Anyone have any views on the airlines mentioned, or even others used to go to Japan?
Cheers

[Ninja Seb]

I flew with Air France last year (March) return for £499 - That inluded flying from Manchester to Paris.

That was a good price at the time, just under 12hrs from Paris . Service and food was excllent. Couldn't fault them.

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Sushi GT

I flew with Air France last year (March) return for £499 - That inluded flying from Manchester to Paris.

That was a good price at the time, just under 12hrs from Paris . Service and food was excllent. Couldn't fault them.

Had a look at these too, also KLM but both of them cost more than ANA and JAL who go direct to Tokyo from Heathrow.

We're looking at about £540 per person (late August).

[richard_t]

I'd personally recommend paying as much as you can possibly afford and going with the most comfortable airline you can.

Myself and the missus flew to Tokyo a few years ago with Lufthansa and it was possibly one of the worst experiences of my life.

Cramped, very hot, appalling in flight entertainment (basically just a handful of tiny 14" monitors about the cabin), dirty tiny toilets and nasty food.

It's a long flight and like me I guess you'll be fairly excited about going and probably won't get much if any sleep the night before. I couldn't get any sleep at all during the flight due to the temperature and cramped cabin and felt utterly dreadful the whole time. It also doesn't help matters that after that you get off the plane it's so hot and muggy in comparison to the UK. The immigration queue at Narita was also over an hour long too.

None of the above spoiled the trip as it really is a fantastic place, but I would do everything you can make it as bearable as possible in future.

[Suave]

Hi,

The service on ANA is awesome - you have nothing to worry about!

Suave!

[Spunky_Monkey]

I flew with virgin Atlantic in December, flight cost £799 in economy. Virgin seemed to be a little more expensive then the other airlines, however it was a direct flight.

The service from virgin was excellent, managed to get a exit seat with loads of leg room.

[richard plumb]

we go every year. If you're flexible on timing, then wait for sales - traditionally we go during the easter holidays and it costs about £450 per adult.

We get a free magazine each saturday, and I think either JAL or ANA were offering discounts now - about £580 direct which is very good this time of year (clearly the recession affecting them)

Both JAL and ANA are fine - big carriers, they'll look after you. I think ANA is like virgin, and JAL like BA (in that JAL is the more conservative airline, and ANA get the pretty ones), but all four direct carriers are good.

No point going indirect as the cost isn't that different.


beware that Virgin now charge you £75 for an exit row seat.

[Suave]

Hi,

Should have mentioned it earlier but seeing as prices vary so much, if you can get say premium economy with ANA for not too much more, you might want to consider it if you like or need the extra leg space - it is a long flight!


Suave!

[KhalJimbo]

I try get all my tickets with premium economy now if it is a long haul flight (more than 6 hours to me). Alot of companies use premium as there business now.

I know BA are doing away with first class on all there new planes, so there seating will be, Economy, Premium Economy and Business. Virgin has Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I know BA are doing away with first class on all there new planes, so there seating will be, Economy, Premium Economy and Business.

Which is the same as saying Economy, Business, and First...

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Suave

Hi,

Should have mentioned it earlier but seeing as prices vary so much, if you can get say premium economy with ANA for not too much more, you might want to consider it if you like or need the extra leg space - it is a long flight!


Suave!

Well the two of us aren't exactly tall guys both about 5ft 10 so the room isn't essential but obviously would be ideal if the price is right.

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I try get all my tickets with premium economy now if it is a long haul flight (more than 6 hours to me). Alot of companies use premium as there business now.

I know BA are doing away with first class on all there new planes, so there seating will be, Economy, Premium Economy and Business. Virgin has Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.

We were looking at going BA as a family friend is a BA captain and said there is a change we could get free upgrades but it would be a gamble left down to the day, he said it's probably not worth risking for a £300 or so increase in price and that ANA would be just as good economy wise.

As much as we'd love to fly something other than economy the budget is really around £600, can't justify much more of a bump at the moment, but maybe next time!

Cheers for all the input folks

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by loz

Which is the same as saying Economy, Business, and First...

In a way yes and in a way no, because currently they have Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First. All they are doing away with is First, all other classes seating will remain the same. So no change in classes just in the names.

[Zeromajor]

how much extra is the premium economy on ANA?

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by Zeromajor

how much extra is the premium economy on ANA?

On most companies its about £300 - £400 more than economy, so it should be around that price.

[Zeromajor]

and what's the difference - softer pillows and nicer sandwiches?

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Zeromajor

and what's the difference - softer pillows and nicer sandwiches?

Couple of inches footroom, biggers seats and airline depending they sometimes do inseat entertainment - each gets their own screen.

http://www.seatguru.com/charts/premium_economy.php


ANA shows all having power for laptop too.

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by Iccz

Couple of inches footroom, biggers seats and airline depending they sometimes do inseat entertainment - each gets their own screen.

Premium Economy Comparison Chart


ANA shows all having power for laptop too.

Every economy flight I've ever flown on have there own screen, BA, Virgin, SAA, American Airlines.

Premium has got, bigger seats, recline further, its own curtained off cabin, bigger screens, priority check in and boarding, free champagne on boarding, diner served on china plates instead of plastic boxes, etc etc

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Iccz

Couple of inches footroom, biggers seats and airline depending they sometimes do inseat entertainment - each gets their own screen.

Premium Economy Comparison Chart


ANA shows all having power for laptop too.

ANA site however shows Economy, Business, First...
Business being over £2k each

[richard plumb]

wouldn't bother with premium TBH. Just get up and walk around - its a big aeroplane

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by richard plumb

wouldn't bother with premium TBH. Just get up and walk around - its a big aeroplane

I personally think that any flight over 6 hours is worth having premium, your seats are alot bigger and recline further so you can even sleep better on over night flights.

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I personally think that any flight over 6 hours is worth having premium, your seats are alot bigger and recline further so you can even sleep better on over night flights.

I think i'd need a bed to get any never mind a decent sleep on a flight, though I will be looking at getting some kind of sleeping pills or something for the trip.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

In a way yes and in a way no, because currently they have Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First. All they are doing away with is First, all other classes seating will remain the same. So no change in classes just in the names.

Well I imagine that if they are currently struggling to fill business class, then first must be a waste of space.

Nowadays, business class is typically better than first class was anyway in the past when they only had 3 classes.

Though having travelled first class a few times I found one always met a better class of traveller (rock stars apart), some of whom wouldn't want to miggle with 'ordinary folk'. I can imagine BA loosing some customers if they don't have a first class, so it will be a double-edged sword.

[loz]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I personally think that any flight over 6 hours is worth having premium, your seats are alot bigger and recline further so you can even sleep better on over night flights.

True, but when it is your money and not the companies, would you still spend £1000 to fly to Japan, or £600?

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by loz

True, but when it is your money and not the companies, would you still spend £1000 to fly to Japan, or £600?

It is my money when I fly premium, if I fly with the company then it is business.

[Zeromajor]

40% extra for better food and champagne before takeoff seems ridiculous.

The larger seat thing is silly, it's still a nightmare getting any kip on anything but a bed in the air.

Let's face it the quality of food and entertainment in economy onboard long-haul carriers isn't exactly ryanair...

[Iccz]

The only thing that'd be much use to me is the power outlet, which in all honesty i'm not going to really need, will be using my netbook a little bit when im not trying to sleep, the battery life on that should be enough to get me through some boring times, if I was flying on my own then i'd probably be looking at an increaes in the class to make it an easier flight, but with company I don't think it's gonna be an essential thing, the main factor I think will be price, and at around £550, ANA economy seems fine.

[KhalJimbo]

Originally Posted by Zeromajor

40% extra for better food and champagne before takeoff seems ridiculous.

The larger seat thing is silly, it's still a nightmare getting any kip on anything but a bed in the air.

Let's face it the quality of food and entertainment in economy onboard long-haul carriers isn't exactly ryanair...

Different strokes though, I honestly find the seats in premium to way bigger, and far more comfortable, instead of having 3 seats on the sides like in economy they only have 2 in premium to make the space for bigger seats, instead of 4 in the middle they have 3.

I would spend the extra again to get bigger seats that recline further. Especially since the flights I make twice a year are 11 hours each hour. I've gone once this year already on premium with virgin and will definately do it again at the end of the year of the year.

[Desmo]

I'll ask the GF laster, her brother lives out there and she's flown out before.

[mrm3]

Originally Posted by Earthworm Jim

I know BA are doing away with first class on all there new planes, so there seating will be, Economy, Premium Economy and Business. Virgin has Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class.

BA are not removing FIRST. Qantas are though.

Think BA are in fact are rebranding FIRST...unless delayed due to poor results.

EDIT Just checked ba.com for flights mid August returning beginning Sept could get it for £400 return pp !

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by mrm3

BA are not removing FIRST. Qantas are though.

BA in fact are rebranding FIRST.

And we all know who pays for the costs of rebranding exercises