I attempt to not be too bossy with regards to telling folks how they need to take pleasure in their airport lounge expertise. Nonetheless, I’m going to make an exception for the Japan Airways First Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND).
95% of individuals appear to be utilizing this lounge incorrectly, and it’s one thing I observed once more throughout my most up-to-date go to, on my assessment journey to South Korea and Japan. Let me clarify…
Individuals use the JAL First Lounge Haneda unsuitable
The Japan Airways First Lounge Haneda is a large area, and it doesn’t actually really feel very unique or first-class, for probably the most half, which is why I haven’t traditionally ranked it as one of many world’s finest first-class lounges.
The lounge is not only open to first-class passengers, but additionally to oneworld Emerald members. Now, I’m hardly complaining about that, as a result of oneworld Emerald standing is how I bought into this lounge throughout my most up-to-date go to. 😉
Traditionally I simply haven’t discovered this to be that nice of a lounge. For those who enter the lounge and switch proper, you’ll be in the primary a part of the lounge. Truthfully, this area is simply okay, and is possibly on par with a few of the world’s finest enterprise class lounges.
It has a superb quantity of seating, respectable views, and entry to a small buffet, plus an a la carte menu by means of an iPhone app. For those who stroll into right here throughout peak hours, it’ll really feel tremendous crowded, and I can’t think about anybody could be significantly impressed.
Now, on this space you’ll additionally discover the RED SUITE (I’m undecided why they’re yelling), which has a cool design and plenty of aviation memorabilia, however it’s nonetheless not my favourite a part of the lounge.
YOU NEED TO TURN LEFT AT THE ENTRANCE, FOLKS!
Forgive me for yelling, however I really feel prefer it’s vital. 😉 Primarily based on my expertise when a overwhelming majority of individuals enter the lounge, they flip proper. So far as I’m involved, many of the good things within the lounge is to the left.
Let me begin with the catch — the area to the left is just open throughout sure hours, however it’s principally open when a overwhelming majority of individuals go to the lounge, over the morning and late night hours, which is when most worldwide flights depart from the airport.
Throughout my most up-to-date go to, the lounge area to the appropriate was uncomfortably busy. In the meantime the area to the left had a complete of 20 folks in it, throughout two enormous zones. I’ve now developed a system for my visits to this lounge.
Inside the doorway to the lounge and to the left is Sushi Tsurutei, which is the lounge’s sushi restaurant space. It’s a fairly, minimalist area, and most significantly, it’s quiet.
Better of all, there’s completely scrumptious Japanese meals right here. There’s a sushi counter, after which additionally a kitchen with curry and different specialties, along with a buffet. I could have by chance over ordered throughout my latest go to, however I had each the sushi set and breakfast set, and YUM.
After getting a full abdomen, it’s time to move upstairs for some drinks, to JAL’s SALON. As soon as once more, this can be a giant area, and it’s by no means crowded, in my expertise.
The drink choice right here is simply superior, and drinks are served by the stunning bar employees. Whereas the espresso in the remainder of the lounge is from machines, behind the bar there’s a hand drip espresso setup, the place the bartender could make you the right cup of espresso.
Discuss lovely presentation as properly! Often I wish to put a splash of milk in espresso, however this espresso was so easy that it wasn’t wanted.
There’s additionally some wonderful tea — I had an iced inexperienced tea, even served in a champagne flute!
The signature espresso martini, in celebration of the brand new Airbus A350-1000, is fairly epic as properly.
For those who’re a whisky fan, you received’t depart disillusioned both…
Then after getting a full abdomen and a little bit of a buzz, it’s time to move over the therapeutic massage chairs for some leisure, additionally positioned in JAL’s SALON.
Backside line
I’ve gotta admit, the Japan Airways First Lounge Haneda has actually grown on me. Again within the day, I believed it was sort of not-great… however that’s as a result of I didn’t know methods to use it accurately. For those who flip proper upon getting into, the lounge is simply okay, excluding the enjoyable RED SUITE.
Nonetheless, I completely adore all the pieces on this lounge to the left, as you’ll discover a few of the finest lounge meals, cocktails, tea, and occasional, in Sushi Tsurutei and JAL’s SALON.
Now, maybe penning this put up is towards my very own pursuits, however I’m hoping that this provides different folks the possibility to take pleasure in this lounge as a lot as I do. My impression of this lounge has improved significantly over time, and the following time I replace my rankings of the world’s finest first-class lounges, this one will make the checklist.
Am I the one one who loves the left facet of the Japan Airways First Lounge Haneda, whereas discovering the appropriate facet to be sort of unremarkable?
