About this flight
In order to qualify for JAL Diamond status, I flew four round trips in Premium Economy between Haneda/Narita and Singapore in August 2019.
Among aviation enthusiasts, this kind of intensive flying within a short period to accumulate “flight segments” and aim for elite status is known as “shugyō” (literally, “training”).
At that time, I was a JAL Global Club member, so I was able to use the Sakura Lounge at Narita. There, I enjoyed JAL’s signature beef curry, my favorite fresh shrimp spring rolls, and a glass of champagne.
Although the flight to Singapore takes about seven and a half hours, the Premium Economy seat—while not quite at the level of Business Class—was sufficiently spacious and comfortable.
Table of Contents
Lounge
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Entrance
This is the entrance to the JAL lounge on the 3rd floor of the main building. JAL opened “JAL’s Salon” in October 2019, but since this was in August, it was before the interior renovation. This is the shared entrance to the First Class Lounge and the Sakura Lounge.
Artwork Made from Aircraft Parts
At this time, I wasn’t a Diamond member yet, so I used the regular Sakura Lounge. Inside, there was this decorative piece created by one of the maintenance engineers. It was made using parts from a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. The piece depicts a jazz orchestra—musicians, instruments, and a stage—crafted mainly by cutting and assembling engine components.
View of the Apron
A view of the apron from the Sakura Lounge. This was before COVID-19, so international flights were operating frequently.
Wine Corner
This is the wine corner of the Sakura Lounge.
The wine cooler filled with ice is neatly stocked with sparkling and white wines. The champagne glasses and wine glasses are arranged beautifully and in perfect order.
I thought the presentation was really excellent.
Meal I Had
This is the meal I had.
- • JAL Special Curry — with pickled shallots, fukujinzuke, and umeboshi
- • Fresh spring roll, shumai, green salad
- • Corn soup
- • JAL special bread and taiyaki
Flight Delay
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Apology for the Delay
I arrived at the satellite boarding gate after leaving the main building lounge.
As the boarding time approached, it was announced that the flight would be delayed by about 30–40 minutes. A staff member was apologizing to the Business Class passengers.
Satellite-side Lounge
While waiting for boarding, I stayed at the Sakura Lounge on the satellite side.
I enjoyed my favorite fresh spring roll along with a glass of white wine.
In-Flight
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Seat
This was my Premium Economy seat for the day.
Several items had already been placed on the seat.
- • Menu
- • Amenity kit, slippers, headphones, blanket
Premium Economy offers plenty of space, so even on this seven-and-a-half-hour flight to Singapore, it was very comfortable.
Cabin View
Behind the Premium Economy section where I was seated is the Economy Class cabin area.
In-Flight Meal
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Champagne
Premium Economy on JAL includes champagne service.
The brand isn’t on the same level as what’s offered in Business Class, but since only wines that meet strict standards can be called champagne, being served champagne at all is something I really appreciate.
Meal Overview
The main dish with its lid removed.
- (Main) Negi-shio chicken three-color bowl (chicken, egg, green onion)
- (Front) Rice ball, salad, Häagen-Dazs ice cream
- (Back) Mini hamburger patty, braised eggplant with thick sauce, dessert, soup
