Amy From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2005, 1150 posts, RR: 9 Posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 4601 times:
Does anyone have first hand experience of London-Tokyo? Who has the best business product?
We're looking for non-stop. As far as I can see, the options are BA, Virgin, JAL and ANA.
The company is paying so price is not important.
So, who's best? What seats do you get with how much space and do they fold flat? Is it quiet, is there good service, a good choice of food to suit all tastes?
AirxLiban From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, RR: 55 Reply 2, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 4592 times:
BA's club world flat bed is quite nice, although it is not very wide and if you're tall it won't be long enough. I'm around 1.74m and I found the BA club world flat bed seat to be only just long enough. But then again I'm quite picky.
If you choose VS you'll get the suites which are quite fantastic. So I'd recommend that.
As far as JAL, they appear to have a new C class though I'm not sure what it is like. There was an ANA trip report recently which said that everything was decent if not spectacular.
As far as equipment, JL and NH should be flying 744s (perhaps a JL 777), VS fly 346s and BA fly 744s.
Having had absolutely no experience with the Japanese carriers, I'd personally choose BA or VS if I had the option and I'd probably make it BA, esp on the upper deck of the 744.
Fbgdavidson From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2004, 3687 posts, RR: 31 Reply 4, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 4579 times:
Try BA, the flat beds are pretty decent, much better than any slidey offerings out there. I've flown a few dozen times and am yet to be disappointed. NRT goes from Terminal 1 which has the superb Zone R for check-in and very decent lounges with Molton Brown Spa for massage before flying, as well as one upon your return to LHR.
I've written up a few Club World trips, neither of which are to NRT but this one includes a lot about flying from Terminal 1: BA Club World: LHR-SFO-LHR September 2004 (by Fbgdavidson Oct 13 2004 in Trip Reports)
If the company can stretch to First there is no doubt I'd recommend NH. Heard many a great thing about their F product.
While I'd personally go for BA I wouldn't admonish you for flying with VS, it is still a very good product although service does seem to be a little hit and miss compared to BA.
"My first job was selling doors, door to door, that's a tough job innit" - Bill Bailey
Paul From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2005, 374 posts, RR: 4 Reply 6, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 4544 times:
I would advise flying on one of the Japanese Airlines. Their Inflight Entertainment will be fantastic. In addition the Asian F/A's are the best in the world and arguably provide service more comparable to First Class. Although ANA and JAL do not have fully flat beds, they do offer the best alternative seating with extensive seat pitches. I have heard nothing but great things about these two airlines and if you are looking for very Business minded airlines, I advise you to fly one of them.
British Airways as we all know have the Flat Bed, and as FBGDavidson said, its quite good (Bye the way hello Davidson, how's things?), however the F/A service is always hit and miss.
Venezuela747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1407 posts, RR: 5 Reply 7, posted (7 years 8 months 2 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 4512 times:
I have always heard good things about VS and BA...so it is just a toss up between the too...but I'd go with VS since you are flying Business it will be a nice experience anywyas
Sllevin From United States of America, joined Jan 2002, 3376 posts, RR: 6 Reply 8, posted (7 years 8 months 1 week 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 4449 times:
As a broad rule of thumb, you're better off flying J in a two-class airline than on a three class.
I'd go VS --but I will admit I have never flown them.
Doona From Sweden, joined Feb 2005, 3707 posts, RR: 14 Reply 10, posted (7 years 8 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 4393 times:
Quoting Paul (Reply 6): In addition the Asian F/A's are the best in the world and arguably provide service more comparable to First Class.
You can say that again. Riding in coach on a NH 763 CTS-NGO and being the only foreigner on the plane, the F/A runs out, buys me a Japan Times in English since all newspapers on board are in Japanese. I didn't even ask for a newspaper! Hilarious!
Cheers
Mats
Sure, we're concerned for our lives. Just not as concerned as saving 9 bucks on a roundtrip to Ft. Myers.
Wrighbrothers From United Kingdom, joined Jul 2005, 1875 posts, RR: 10 Reply 11, posted (7 years 8 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 4390 times:
I would choose BA .They have the new and improved Club World seats ( which i have tried) with darker and more thicker/softer seat covers , darker seat dividers and softer pillows. BA's cabin service is always top notch from check-in to getting your luggage at the other end.T
The cabin and flight crew are friendly , the food is great and every one who works for BA loves their airline which is always good.
VS can be hit and miss so if you want a friendly and proffesinal service, BA is the only choice in my opinion.
I should get a job with BA's advertising section !!
Quoting Fbgdavidson (Reply 4): I wouldn't admonish you for flying with VS,
Oh I would , only kidding
Happy Flying !!
Always stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone..
Sponsor Message: 
From United Kingdom, joined Feb 2005, 1150 posts, 
From Hong Kong, joined Sep 2005, 1521 posts, 
From Lebanon, joined Oct 2003, 4491 posts, 
From Australia, joined Mar 2000, 3156 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 1407 posts, 
From Sweden, joined Feb 2005, 3707 posts, 
, only kidding
Printer friendly format 
