Japan Airlines - JAL

Singapore –Tokyo – Singapore: For the trip to Japan, I was quite surprised that on this overnight route there was Magic II with movies. Given that this is a night flight and virtually everyone seemed to doze off eventually on the somewhat firm seats, I had quite a comfortable trip and a good night's sleep. Except for the hitch where the stewardess mistook my drink order, they're the nicest and most discreet crew. With hot towels commonplace among airlines, JAL takes it one step further with an unusual hot plate designed to keep my breakfast warm. Although the fare is quite simple, just porridge and stuff, it came in tip-top condition, further enhancing the experience. For the return trip, IFE was a downgrade to Magic I. No doubt their movie selections are well picked, with Hollywood hits and even Disney shows, but the system that JAL operates on its Asian flights makes me wonder if they should eventually phase out Magic I and II for Magic III on high-density flights to Singapore, as they had did on their planes to Europe and America. The programs seem to keep on reruning monotonously without any audio-video on demand controls. Still the same good courteous service. Virtually every request is tended t, with a smile. Just a word, though: the crew is more generous with alcohol than with soft drinks - water and soft drinks can either come in bottle/cans or small dainty cups, but be prepared to leave some of the wine and sake untouched, as they are quite generous with them. Service is pretty good for an Asian airline, but to compete with SQ and other 5 star airlines on this Asian market, it can consider upping the ante in the economy class by upgrading its inflight entertainment to have complete Audio-Video on Demand, further strengthening its co-operation with the best culinary talents of Japan in the airline meals of whole routes rather than catering only to the more commercially important F and J class passengers (Europe, America and Singapore routes are a best way to start off) and making its seats more plush. And to end it off, JAL cabin crew uniforms are the best.

FRA-TYO-FRA in economy on 777. Check-In and boarding were less chaotic than elsewhere. Seat pitch on the narrow side, but ok. The crew was attentive and effective. They had a big smile for you as well as some drinks and snacks for those not sleeping. And you didn't have to beg for blankets. IFE (magic- III) was excellent with a huge collection of games, video channels and music. Now the best part was the meals : they use special trays to keep your dish warm for a longer time, and it works. They had a japanese choice on the return flight and that was awesome. And they're generous with asahi beer, too.