NoNames Xmas Vacation 2: Some Things Old + Some Things New
- Thread starter NoName
- Start date
Lack of award availability.
One of the BNE waitlists did end up clearing so could have gone 1 from BNE 2 from SYD but we chose to at least all fly out from the same city. Also, by the time it did clear everything else was locked in and the fee for cancelling the VA award to SYD plus Krisflyer award change fee plus the additional car trip to BNE which would then have been needed outweighed any possible convenience for 1 PAX not having to travel there.
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Day 3
As usually happens NoName Jnr was up well before we were ready to get out of bed so he went for a walk to a playground down the road with his grandmother. This is a very big space for Singapore and has been developed since the last time we were here. For years it has just been an unused lawn with absolutely nothing in it so was nice to see it turned into a fitness area with play equipment for kids.
We got up after a bit, changed and headed down to the market to meet them for breakfast. Standard food again and infact exactly the same as the previous morning so didn’t bother with any photos.
Once done we headed to the bus stop to go out. Mrs NoName’s mother was coming to spend some time with us today which was nice. We were off to a typical tourist spot first up – Merlion Park. Bus then MRT to Raffles Place where we then walked along the river our destination.
Spotted an ice cream sandwich vendor and NoName Jnr insisted on having one.
Got to the Merlion and as expect it was packed with people. Not that enjoyable being in a crowded space in the morning sun but had to do it. Took a few photos and managed to dodge all the people posing for photos pretending to catch the water spurting from the Merlion into their mouths.
As usually happens NoName Jnr was up well before we were ready to get out of bed so he went for a walk to a playground down the road with his grandmother. This is a very big space for Singapore and has been developed since the last time we were here. For years it has just been an unused lawn with absolutely nothing in it so was nice to see it turned into a fitness area with play equipment for kids.
We got up after a bit, changed and headed down to the market to meet them for breakfast. Standard food again and infact exactly the same as the previous morning so didn’t bother with any photos.
Once done we headed to the bus stop to go out. Mrs NoName’s mother was coming to spend some time with us today which was nice. We were off to a typical tourist spot first up – Merlion Park. Bus then MRT to Raffles Place where we then walked along the river our destination.
Spotted an ice cream sandwich vendor and NoName Jnr insisted on having one.
Got to the Merlion and as expect it was packed with people. Not that enjoyable being in a crowded space in the morning sun but had to do it. Took a few photos and managed to dodge all the people posing for photos pretending to catch the water spurting from the Merlion into their mouths.
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Day 3 - Continued………
We were going to Chinatown for lunch so walked back the way we came to get the train. Popped in to the Fullerton Hotel for a look as we passed. Absolutely beautiful hotel. We had considered getting married here back in 2012. Can’t remember exactly why we didn’t choose it but it really did look amazing!
Arrived at Chinatown and went inside for lunch.
Stomachs filled, it was time to head back home. NoName Jnr was keen for another swim so we detoured to the same club as yesterday for an hour or so. Came home to rest and spend some family time before heading back to the hawker centre for dinner with the family of one of Mrs NoName’s friends. Pilled the table up with way took much food and dug in! The local food really is so good!
Once we were done we said our goodbyes and shuffled off slowly back home. Repeated the routine of yesterday – NoName Jnr into bed and then a massage – before calling it a night.
We were going to Chinatown for lunch so walked back the way we came to get the train. Popped in to the Fullerton Hotel for a look as we passed. Absolutely beautiful hotel. We had considered getting married here back in 2012. Can’t remember exactly why we didn’t choose it but it really did look amazing!
Arrived at Chinatown and went inside for lunch.
Stomachs filled, it was time to head back home. NoName Jnr was keen for another swim so we detoured to the same club as yesterday for an hour or so. Came home to rest and spend some family time before heading back to the hawker centre for dinner with the family of one of Mrs NoName’s friends. Pilled the table up with way took much food and dug in! The local food really is so good!
Once we were done we said our goodbyes and shuffled off slowly back home. Repeated the routine of yesterday – NoName Jnr into bed and then a massage – before calling it a night.
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Ice kachang. That's a bit of an acquired taste.
OZDUCK
Established Member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2010
- Posts
- 4,101
I have certainly acquired it-)
This was his first one and wasn’t a huge fan. I ate most of it, not that I was complaining!
Day 4
Last day in Singapore before flying out in the evening and still wanted to do a couple of things. Hadn’t been up the top of Marina Bay Sands for several years so decided to drag Mrs NoName along with us. Quick breakfast then onto public transport and soon enough we were there. Walked over to the hotel and made our way through to tower 3.
Took the lift up to the bar level with the intention of going for a drink and taking in the view but got there to discover that it wasn’t open for another hour. We weren’t interested in waiting and definitely weren’t interested in paying for the observation deck so just had a look out the other side across Gardens By The Bay. A lovely view in its own right.
Back down to ground level and after a quick lunch in the food court we decided to wander around the immediate area outside and in the shopping mall. Its an impressive structure, that’s for sure!
NoName Jnr was excited to see the indoor boat rides. Thankfully managed to escape without having to go for one.
Last day in Singapore before flying out in the evening and still wanted to do a couple of things. Hadn’t been up the top of Marina Bay Sands for several years so decided to drag Mrs NoName along with us. Quick breakfast then onto public transport and soon enough we were there. Walked over to the hotel and made our way through to tower 3.
Took the lift up to the bar level with the intention of going for a drink and taking in the view but got there to discover that it wasn’t open for another hour. We weren’t interested in waiting and definitely weren’t interested in paying for the observation deck so just had a look out the other side across Gardens By The Bay. A lovely view in its own right.
Back down to ground level and after a quick lunch in the food court we decided to wander around the immediate area outside and in the shopping mall. Its an impressive structure, that’s for sure!
NoName Jnr was excited to see the indoor boat rides. Thankfully managed to escape without having to go for one.
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Day 4 - Continued……..
We headed back for some final packing and family time and before long a few hours had passed and it was time to depart. We were on different flights again about 90 minutes apart so decided to go separately to the airport. At 6pm I was into a cab and on my way.
While Mrs NoName & NoName Jnr’s booking all the way from SYD to JFK had been finalised right back at the beginning of the booking process, that wasn’t quite the case for mine. Yes, I had been able to book something upon release with JAL. However, I was only able to get what I was looking for for one of the sectors.
The good news was that an F award on JL6 showed up as expected, however I was only able to get Y+ from SIN-HND. I was ok with this as the main hope was to get on the new JL F product on the A350-1000. When I booked, the 777 was still on the route however speculation was that this would be the first flight number to get the new birds. A couple of weeks later and this is exactly what happened! It took several months for my December 2024 flight to be updated officially but eventually it did. Then a couple of months out I noticed that my SIN-HND flight had been changed to a 777 but more importantly an F award had shown up. I called QF and by some miracle got through to Hobart and an agent who knew what to do. A request was put through to JL who agreed to the change (existing booking divorced and the two F awards married) and a couple of days later I was set – F all the way from SIN-JFK!
Cost for the final routing of JL F SIN-HND-JFK was 227,500 QFF points + $161.21
The taxi pulled up at T1 and I jumped out extremely excited to see how the next 24hrs would unfold. JL check in desks were closed as I had expected given it was still 4hrs until departure. Made my way over to the early check in at Jewel and 5 minutes later the bags were gone and I had a couple of JL boarding passes. Over to immigration and then made a beeline towards the C gates for the first lounge of the evening.
I had never had the opportunity to visit the SIN QR lounge but given that people rave about it there was no question that I was going to pop in. As I walked in I immediately got the hype here. The lounge is absolutely F lounge quality. Restaurant, bar area, different seating options. All elegant. It was quiet when I visited which suited me perfectly.
First stop was the restaurant for my first dinner of the evening.
Current lounge menu - HERE
Burrata for entre. This was very nice. Mixed berries gave a nice sweet taste to it. Really enjoyable.
Had the lamb rack for my main and this was very good. Tasty, juicy. Really nice. Would be my go to if I am back here again.
Washed the meal down with a couple of glasses of the Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz. We have bought this several times at home and find it very good for the price (around $30).
The bar area was a bit small but it probably doesn’t need to be any bigger. Sat here for a while.
Soon I was ready to get going but first decided to have a quick shower. Thought the facilities were very clean and tidy. Modern. Like something I would be happy with in my own home which doesn’t seem to be the case very often in airport lounges.
Nice and clean, put the back back on and made my way back into the terminal, ready for the next stop.
We headed back for some final packing and family time and before long a few hours had passed and it was time to depart. We were on different flights again about 90 minutes apart so decided to go separately to the airport. At 6pm I was into a cab and on my way.
While Mrs NoName & NoName Jnr’s booking all the way from SYD to JFK had been finalised right back at the beginning of the booking process, that wasn’t quite the case for mine. Yes, I had been able to book something upon release with JAL. However, I was only able to get what I was looking for for one of the sectors.
The good news was that an F award on JL6 showed up as expected, however I was only able to get Y+ from SIN-HND. I was ok with this as the main hope was to get on the new JL F product on the A350-1000. When I booked, the 777 was still on the route however speculation was that this would be the first flight number to get the new birds. A couple of weeks later and this is exactly what happened! It took several months for my December 2024 flight to be updated officially but eventually it did. Then a couple of months out I noticed that my SIN-HND flight had been changed to a 777 but more importantly an F award had shown up. I called QF and by some miracle got through to Hobart and an agent who knew what to do. A request was put through to JL who agreed to the change (existing booking divorced and the two F awards married) and a couple of days later I was set – F all the way from SIN-JFK!
Cost for the final routing of JL F SIN-HND-JFK was 227,500 QFF points + $161.21
The taxi pulled up at T1 and I jumped out extremely excited to see how the next 24hrs would unfold. JL check in desks were closed as I had expected given it was still 4hrs until departure. Made my way over to the early check in at Jewel and 5 minutes later the bags were gone and I had a couple of JL boarding passes. Over to immigration and then made a beeline towards the C gates for the first lounge of the evening.
I had never had the opportunity to visit the SIN QR lounge but given that people rave about it there was no question that I was going to pop in. As I walked in I immediately got the hype here. The lounge is absolutely F lounge quality. Restaurant, bar area, different seating options. All elegant. It was quiet when I visited which suited me perfectly.
First stop was the restaurant for my first dinner of the evening.
Current lounge menu - HERE
Burrata for entre. This was very nice. Mixed berries gave a nice sweet taste to it. Really enjoyable.
Had the lamb rack for my main and this was very good. Tasty, juicy. Really nice. Would be my go to if I am back here again.
Washed the meal down with a couple of glasses of the Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz. We have bought this several times at home and find it very good for the price (around $30).
The bar area was a bit small but it probably doesn’t need to be any bigger. Sat here for a while.
Soon I was ready to get going but first decided to have a quick shower. Thought the facilities were very clean and tidy. Modern. Like something I would be happy with in my own home which doesn’t seem to be the case very often in airport lounges.
Nice and clean, put the back back on and made my way back into the terminal, ready for the next stop.
Day 4 - Continued………
I headed back towards the centre of the terminal and found lounges 2 & 3 – QF J & BA. QF first and got the “you know you can go to the F lounge?” question when I scanned my boarding pass. Yes I know, thanks but I’ll go in anyway albeit for less than 5 minutes. Took a quick look around but having just eaten I didn’t dig into anything here, as good as it looked. The lounge is a nice big space with lots of different seating options. Was not overly crowded at approx. 8pm.
There looked to be plenty of different food options here and the bar looked quite nice. A good spot to sit for a while if opportunity presented itself.
My thoughts are that this is a pretty good lounge. Certainly nothing wrong with it at all. However, under the circumstances that I came to visit I think it has suffered for coming immediately after my visit to the QR lounge.
Similar story at the BA lounge right next door – I liked the space and food and drink options looked pretty descent (although a touch below the QF J lounge). But it can’t compare to the QR lounge. This was a smaller space. Elegant. I liked the way this has been done. However, perhaps due to the smaller size it seemed quite busy even though there weren’t heaps of people. Despite being a nice lounge I think I would only realistically spend time here if other options weren’t available to me (closed, no access etc).
I headed back towards the centre of the terminal and found lounges 2 & 3 – QF J & BA. QF first and got the “you know you can go to the F lounge?” question when I scanned my boarding pass. Yes I know, thanks but I’ll go in anyway albeit for less than 5 minutes. Took a quick look around but having just eaten I didn’t dig into anything here, as good as it looked. The lounge is a nice big space with lots of different seating options. Was not overly crowded at approx. 8pm.
There looked to be plenty of different food options here and the bar looked quite nice. A good spot to sit for a while if opportunity presented itself.
My thoughts are that this is a pretty good lounge. Certainly nothing wrong with it at all. However, under the circumstances that I came to visit I think it has suffered for coming immediately after my visit to the QR lounge.
Similar story at the BA lounge right next door – I liked the space and food and drink options looked pretty descent (although a touch below the QF J lounge). But it can’t compare to the QR lounge. This was a smaller space. Elegant. I liked the way this has been done. However, perhaps due to the smaller size it seemed quite busy even though there weren’t heaps of people. Despite being a nice lounge I think I would only realistically spend time here if other options weren’t available to me (closed, no access etc).
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Day 4 - Continued…….
Made my way back a little further towards the D gates and the last stop of the evening the QF F lounge. I reviewed this lounge previous on our trip 2 years ago and loved it. Fair to say the opinion hasn’t changed as the experience was great once again. There have been reports of people being turned away presumably due to capacity constraints however when I arrived at approx. 8:20pmI had no issues entering.
Straight in and straight to the dining area for a completely unnecessary 2nd dinner. Right away I was impressed with the wait staff who were polite and polished.
Quick look at the menu and I was ready to order (too much) – Seared tuna, S&P squid, braised pork belly, lucky duck noodles.
Tuna – bland. Sauce and zucchini noodles only helped marginally. Would not have again.
S&P Squid – my understanding is that it is compulsory to order this dish so obliged. Tasted good with plenty of the green chilli sauce. Have said before that I think this is overrated as ultimately it can be made easily at home with the frozen stuff you get from a supermarket freezer + an air fryer. This was better than that but my point remains.
Pork belly – had this without rice as I was also having the noodles. This was good, enjoyable sauce, tender, quite a bit of fat as you expect with pork belly. Would have again.
Lucky Duck Noodles – nice flavour, plenty of shredded duck meat, little bit of chilli added a touch of bite. Enjoyed it.
Had a couple of glasses of the Yarra Yerring Pinot which was also enjoyable.
Went to order dessert and when I asked for the coconut & mango sorbet the waiter mentioned the mango with Yuzu curd as being good. That was enough arm twisting for me so had both. Good call, they were both delicious!
By now it was nearly time to go to the gate but couldn’t leave without a QF2. Enjoyed these last time so was a no-brainer to have a couple of the couch before leaving. Very nice. Shame I didn’t have another hour to sit around having a few more.
Made my way back a little further towards the D gates and the last stop of the evening the QF F lounge. I reviewed this lounge previous on our trip 2 years ago and loved it. Fair to say the opinion hasn’t changed as the experience was great once again. There have been reports of people being turned away presumably due to capacity constraints however when I arrived at approx. 8:20pmI had no issues entering.
Straight in and straight to the dining area for a completely unnecessary 2nd dinner. Right away I was impressed with the wait staff who were polite and polished.
Quick look at the menu and I was ready to order (too much
) – Seared tuna, S&P squid, braised pork belly, lucky duck noodles.Tuna – bland. Sauce and zucchini noodles only helped marginally. Would not have again.
S&P Squid – my understanding is that it is compulsory to order this dish so obliged. Tasted good with plenty of the green chilli sauce. Have said before that I think this is overrated as ultimately it can be made easily at home with the frozen stuff you get from a supermarket freezer + an air fryer. This was better than that but my point remains.
Pork belly – had this without rice as I was also having the noodles. This was good, enjoyable sauce, tender, quite a bit of fat as you expect with pork belly. Would have again.
Lucky Duck Noodles – nice flavour, plenty of shredded duck meat, little bit of chilli added a touch of bite. Enjoyed it.
Had a couple of glasses of the Yarra Yerring Pinot which was also enjoyable.
Went to order dessert and when I asked for the coconut & mango sorbet the waiter mentioned the mango with Yuzu curd as being good. That was enough arm twisting for me so had both. Good call, they were both delicious!
By now it was nearly time to go to the gate but couldn’t leave without a QF2. Enjoyed these last time so was a no-brainer to have a couple of the couch before leaving. Very nice. Shame I didn’t have another hour to sit around having a few more.
Day 4 - Continued…….
By now I was very full and actually not feeling the best. Yep, guilty of indulging a bit too much. Oh well! Headed off to the gate, through the security and found boarding had already begun. Seem to be making a habit of that!
SIN-HND
JL36
777-300ER
1A
Down the bridge and on board to 1A (again). Declined a PDB in favour of just relaxing and awaiting departure which ended up being close enough to on time – 10:25pm. Went out 7/8 in F with 2A behind me vacant.
These suites have seen better days but still no major issues. They were very spacious and certainly comfortable enough, especially given I wasn’t going to be doing much other than sleep. I can see why they are replacing them though.
Had a fairly significant language barrier with the FA who was initially on my side of the cabin. She was lovely however her English was very limited and given that my Japanese is even worse we struggled to communicate at all. She ended up swapping with the FA on the other side which helped.
As I was very full I declined the small supper in favour of having my bed made up and a couple of pre-bed time champagnes. Felt it was my duty to try the Billiecart Salmon Cuvee Louis Salmon so had 2 glasses. Verdict - excellent. Would happily drink again.
Food and Drinks menus attached to this post for those interested.
As I said, very limited. Presumable available drink options were more extensive as per this menu however I never had anything else.
Tried to get some sleep however this was a bit of a struggle due to the hot cabin. Only managed 2hrs in the end as I was woken up at 3:30am Tokyo time for the breakfast service. My fault as I asked them to wake me however I may well have skipped this if I had have known just how early it was going to be. Its hard with this flight timing and length I suppose.
I still felt very full but managed to struggle through most of the western breakfast. This was quite odd – fruits, yogurt and a garden salad with balsamic vinegar.
Had the waffles for the main which came out with a chicken sausage, eggplant parmigiana & a grilled tomato. Interesting combination.
There wasn’t much time for much else once the plates were cleared. Relaxed, listened to a bit of music and awaited landing at HND. Down pretty much on time, close enough to 5:55am, off the plane and made my way towards transit security.
By now I was very full and actually not feeling the best. Yep, guilty of indulging a bit too much. Oh well! Headed off to the gate, through the security and found boarding had already begun. Seem to be making a habit of that!
SIN-HND
JL36
777-300ER
1A
Down the bridge and on board to 1A (again). Declined a PDB in favour of just relaxing and awaiting departure which ended up being close enough to on time – 10:25pm. Went out 7/8 in F with 2A behind me vacant.
These suites have seen better days but still no major issues. They were very spacious and certainly comfortable enough, especially given I wasn’t going to be doing much other than sleep. I can see why they are replacing them though.
Had a fairly significant language barrier with the FA who was initially on my side of the cabin. She was lovely however her English was very limited and given that my Japanese is even worse we struggled to communicate at all. She ended up swapping with the FA on the other side which helped.
As I was very full I declined the small supper in favour of having my bed made up and a couple of pre-bed time champagnes. Felt it was my duty to try the Billiecart Salmon Cuvee Louis Salmon so had 2 glasses. Verdict - excellent. Would happily drink again.
Food and Drinks menus attached to this post for those interested.
As I said, very limited. Presumable available drink options were more extensive as per this menu however I never had anything else.
Tried to get some sleep however this was a bit of a struggle due to the hot cabin. Only managed 2hrs in the end as I was woken up at 3:30am Tokyo time for the breakfast service. My fault as I asked them to wake me however I may well have skipped this if I had have known just how early it was going to be. Its hard with this flight timing and length I suppose.
I still felt very full but managed to struggle through most of the western breakfast. This was quite odd – fruits, yogurt and a garden salad with balsamic vinegar.
Had the waffles for the main which came out with a chicken sausage, eggplant parmigiana & a grilled tomato. Interesting combination.
There wasn’t much time for much else once the plates were cleared. Relaxed, listened to a bit of music and awaited landing at HND. Down pretty much on time, close enough to 5:55am, off the plane and made my way towards transit security.
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Day 4 – Continued…….
Meanwhile on SQ26…….
After arriving at SIN around an hour after me, Mrs NoName had been subjected to another lengthy Pokemon session at Jewel, which of course she was absolutely thrilled about! When she did finally drag the child away and made it to the T3 SKL she enjoyed a bowl of Laksa which she described as “not too bad”.
Shower and teeth brushing in preparation for the flight!
The nearly midnight departure was taking its toll on NoName Jnr and by the time they got to the gate he was just about done. Totally exhausted. So when the boarding call came it was met with some relief. On they went, ready for the long journey ahead.
SIN-FRA
SQ26
777-300ER
17F, 17K
Into the air and it was straight to sleep for NoName Jnr. He was out like a light almost immediately which was good news for Mrs NoName
Mrs NoName was still keen for supper and before too long the service began.
Menu:
Grilled chicken salad for appetiser – not too bad.
Book the cook Lobster Thermidor for main. This has been a mixed bag for her when she has ordered it previously – 1 bad, 1 good. She went for it again and no complaints this time. Doesn’t look that impressive on the plate though.
She skipped dessert in favour of sleep time which was probably the right move. An uneventful several hours of sleep meant they woke at least somewhat refreshed.
Breakfast came and it was Waffles for NoName Jnr. He inhaled them so quickly that Mrs NoName didn’t have time to get a before photo. Fair to say they were good.
Wanton Noodles for Mrs NoName. No negative reports here so can only assume they were decent.
A couple of hours of TV watching and they were ready to land in FRA. A fairly uneventful flight but probably what you want with a redeye like this. Great SQ service as usual, comfortable seat and bed. They were happy and ready to attack the next leg.
Meanwhile on SQ26…….
After arriving at SIN around an hour after me, Mrs NoName had been subjected to another lengthy Pokemon session at Jewel, which of course she was absolutely thrilled about!
When she did finally drag the child away and made it to the T3 SKL she enjoyed a bowl of Laksa which she described as “not too bad”.Shower and teeth brushing in preparation for the flight!
The nearly midnight departure was taking its toll on NoName Jnr and by the time they got to the gate he was just about done. Totally exhausted. So when the boarding call came it was met with some relief. On they went, ready for the long journey ahead.
SIN-FRA
SQ26
777-300ER
17F, 17K
Into the air and it was straight to sleep for NoName Jnr. He was out like a light almost immediately which was good news for Mrs NoName
Mrs NoName was still keen for supper and before too long the service began.
Menu:
Grilled chicken salad for appetiser – not too bad.
Book the cook Lobster Thermidor for main. This has been a mixed bag for her when she has ordered it previously – 1 bad, 1 good. She went for it again and no complaints this time. Doesn’t look that impressive on the plate though.
She skipped dessert in favour of sleep time which was probably the right move. An uneventful several hours of sleep meant they woke at least somewhat refreshed.
Breakfast came and it was Waffles for NoName Jnr. He inhaled them so quickly that Mrs NoName didn’t have time to get a before photo. Fair to say they were good.
Wanton Noodles for Mrs NoName. No negative reports here so can only assume they were decent.
A couple of hours of TV watching and they were ready to land in FRA. A fairly uneventful flight but probably what you want with a redeye like this. Great SQ service as usual, comfortable seat and bed. They were happy and ready to attack the next leg.
Day 5
Off the plane quickly in HND and headed towards transit security.
A pretty quick process and a few minutes later I was at the entrance to the JL F lounge.
The lounge is located near gate 112, up an elevator to levels 4 and 5. It’s a very large lounge with several themed spaces – there’s pretty much something for everyone. Some of the spaces are only open during the peak periods in the morning and/or evening however my timing was perfect so I took the opportunity to check them all out.
First stop was an uneventful shower to freshen up. As you’d expect in Japan the facilities were clean and tidy, nice hot water. Perfect start. I was still pretty tired and full so just spent some time relaxing in the main part of the lounge sipping on a couple of the JAL sky time drinks. Tasty.
JAL Table is the main dining area of the lounge. It’s a big space with plenty of tables. There are both buffet options and stations where food is freshly prepared although I didn’t sample anything. I’ve read this area being described as like a cafeteria and I would have to area. There’s nothing wrong with it but didn’t appeal all that much.
Immediately next to Table is the Red Suite. This almost felt like a completely separate lounge and in some ways I guess it is. A more elegant space designed to sip champagne and sake. I liked the style with the game tables and aviation themed décor.
Off the plane quickly in HND and headed towards transit security.
A pretty quick process and a few minutes later I was at the entrance to the JL F lounge.
The lounge is located near gate 112, up an elevator to levels 4 and 5. It’s a very large lounge with several themed spaces – there’s pretty much something for everyone. Some of the spaces are only open during the peak periods in the morning and/or evening however my timing was perfect so I took the opportunity to check them all out.
First stop was an uneventful shower to freshen up. As you’d expect in Japan the facilities were clean and tidy, nice hot water. Perfect start. I was still pretty tired and full so just spent some time relaxing in the main part of the lounge sipping on a couple of the JAL sky time drinks. Tasty.
JAL Table is the main dining area of the lounge. It’s a big space with plenty of tables. There are both buffet options and stations where food is freshly prepared although I didn’t sample anything. I’ve read this area being described as like a cafeteria and I would have to area. There’s nothing wrong with it but didn’t appeal all that much.
Immediately next to Table is the Red Suite. This almost felt like a completely separate lounge and in some ways I guess it is. A more elegant space designed to sip champagne and sake. I liked the style with the game tables and aviation themed décor.
Day 5 - Continued……
By now I felt like I could probably stomach a little food and since I couldn’t visit without at least trying some freshly prepared sushi I made my way to Sushi Tsurutei. This section is also on level 4, however at the other end of the lounge. Lots of tables in this area also but the highlight is the live sushi station where everything is prepared freshly to order. I grabbed a table, scanned the QR code and ordered the 3 piece sushi plate. Very small but was all I needed and tasted fantastic.
The last section is the JAL Salon located upstairs on level 5 up the stairs near the lounge entrance. The space is more or less a big bar area with a large selection of Japan-focused drinks – whiskeys, beers, etc. Being early in the morning and with a more appealing Salon option to come on my next flight I didn’t partake. The actual design of the area isn’t particularly inspiring and as a result I don’t seem to have got many photos. Essentially it is just seating with a bar. More or less empty when I was there.
My overall thoughts on this lounge are very positive. It really does have something for everyone with the different themed spaces being a great feature. Being there on a transit after an overnight flight meant that I was more focused on finding a place to get some rest rather than sampling all the offerings, however under different circumstances I would absolutely spend some more time enjoying it. It’s 100% a great lounge.
By now I felt like I could probably stomach a little food and since I couldn’t visit without at least trying some freshly prepared sushi I made my way to Sushi Tsurutei. This section is also on level 4, however at the other end of the lounge. Lots of tables in this area also but the highlight is the live sushi station where everything is prepared freshly to order. I grabbed a table, scanned the QR code and ordered the 3 piece sushi plate. Very small but was all I needed and tasted fantastic.
The last section is the JAL Salon located upstairs on level 5 up the stairs near the lounge entrance. The space is more or less a big bar area with a large selection of Japan-focused drinks – whiskeys, beers, etc. Being early in the morning and with a more appealing Salon option to come on my next flight I didn’t partake. The actual design of the area isn’t particularly inspiring and as a result I don’t seem to have got many photos. Essentially it is just seating with a bar. More or less empty when I was there.
My overall thoughts on this lounge are very positive. It really does have something for everyone with the different themed spaces being a great feature. Being there on a transit after an overnight flight meant that I was more focused on finding a place to get some rest rather than sampling all the offerings, however under different circumstances I would absolutely spend some more time enjoying it. It’s 100% a great lounge.
Day 5 - Continued……..
The 5 hour transit meant that I would have the opportunity to check out the other One World lounges in the terminal. So with maybe 90 minutes until boarding I was on my way back down to the terminal to take a look. The JL Sakura & CX lounges are located near gate 114. First stop CX lounge on level 6.
The lounge is just one big room with a few different seating options, reasonable buffet and nice bar. I loved all the natural light that came in through the windows. The décor and colour scheme was also nice and it all made for a really pleasant environment. I grabbed a seat on one of the couches and had a couple of cokes while passing a little time. I understand that this is a much quieter lounge (which I like) and I don’t think there was a single other PAX in here during my whole visit. Overall I have a pretty positive opinion of this lounge and if I were travelling J in the future this would likely be my go-to.
One last quick stop before boarding and down one level to the JL Sakura Lounge Sky View on level 5. Theres actually another Sakura lounge on level 4 however time limitations meant I didn’t venture in.
This seemed like your typical J lounge – various seating, buffet and self serve drinks. Can also order food through a QR code with various different options available. Like the CX lounge this also had some great views outside and plenty of light. No showers here though so if that’s something that’s needed then the Sakura lounge downstairs is where to go. Other than that I believe the lounges are very similar. Overall this is a nice enough place to spend some time but nothing special.
The 5 hour transit meant that I would have the opportunity to check out the other One World lounges in the terminal. So with maybe 90 minutes until boarding I was on my way back down to the terminal to take a look. The JL Sakura & CX lounges are located near gate 114. First stop CX lounge on level 6.
The lounge is just one big room with a few different seating options, reasonable buffet and nice bar. I loved all the natural light that came in through the windows. The décor and colour scheme was also nice and it all made for a really pleasant environment. I grabbed a seat on one of the couches and had a couple of cokes while passing a little time. I understand that this is a much quieter lounge (which I like) and I don’t think there was a single other PAX in here during my whole visit. Overall I have a pretty positive opinion of this lounge and if I were travelling J in the future this would likely be my go-to.
One last quick stop before boarding and down one level to the JL Sakura Lounge Sky View on level 5. Theres actually another Sakura lounge on level 4 however time limitations meant I didn’t venture in.
This seemed like your typical J lounge – various seating, buffet and self serve drinks. Can also order food through a QR code with various different options available. Like the CX lounge this also had some great views outside and plenty of light. No showers here though so if that’s something that’s needed then the Sakura lounge downstairs is where to go. Other than that I believe the lounges are very similar. Overall this is a nice enough place to spend some time but nothing special.
Day 5 - Continued……
The time had nearly come for boarding so I made my way downstairs and to the gate. Slight delay but soon enough we were being called.
HND-JFK
JL6
A350-1000
2A (Officially)
This was the one I had been waiting for and was by far the most anticipated flight of the trip. As I mentioned previously, when I was planning booking this trip this had been speculated as being the inaugural route for the new JL A350-1000 and that did turn out to be the case. As I walked on board and was shown to my suite I could hardly believe my luck. It was happening! I’d selected 2A very early on in the piece, reasoning that this option provided maximum privacy. The 1-1-1 layout in F is such that the doors on 1A & 1D open up opposite to each other with 2D & 2K doing the same. This left 1K & 2A as not looking out into the suite next door. With 2A being further away from the galley and toilets I decided this was the best option.
As the months passed I regularly monitored how full the cabin was. Nothing changed until maybe 2 months out when I could see there were now only 3 F seats for sale. A few days later it was back to 5. Two weeks out this situation repeated – 3 for sale, then a few days later back to 5. I crossed the fingers in the days before departure but realistically expected there to be an upgrade at the very least. Then when I boarded one of the FAs gave me the news that I had hoped for – I was the only PAX travelling F today! WOW! How good!
Settled into my suite and wow! These are actually huge. We’ve all seen the pictures and it looks amazing but they do not do justice to the actual size here. It was like stretching out on my couch at home with virtually no space limitations at all. So wide that you could easily fit two people side by side. TV screen is massive! Have never seen something as big as this on a plane, it would honestly be suitable for home use.
Officially 2A Unofficially The Entire F Cabin!
Began with a glass of champagne prior to departure and then we were off.
Bye bye!
I had requested that the FAs confirm with the pilot which side of the plane would potentially have a view of Mt Fuji after take-off and the answer was my side so no need to move. About 10 minutes later I got this view:
The time had nearly come for boarding so I made my way downstairs and to the gate. Slight delay but soon enough we were being called.
HND-JFK
JL6
A350-1000
2A (Officially)
This was the one I had been waiting for and was by far the most anticipated flight of the trip. As I mentioned previously, when I was planning booking this trip this had been speculated as being the inaugural route for the new JL A350-1000 and that did turn out to be the case. As I walked on board and was shown to my suite I could hardly believe my luck. It was happening! I’d selected 2A very early on in the piece, reasoning that this option provided maximum privacy. The 1-1-1 layout in F is such that the doors on 1A & 1D open up opposite to each other with 2D & 2K doing the same. This left 1K & 2A as not looking out into the suite next door. With 2A being further away from the galley and toilets I decided this was the best option.
As the months passed I regularly monitored how full the cabin was. Nothing changed until maybe 2 months out when I could see there were now only 3 F seats for sale. A few days later it was back to 5. Two weeks out this situation repeated – 3 for sale, then a few days later back to 5. I crossed the fingers in the days before departure but realistically expected there to be an upgrade at the very least. Then when I boarded one of the FAs gave me the news that I had hoped for – I was the only PAX travelling F today! WOW! How good!
Settled into my suite and wow! These are actually huge. We’ve all seen the pictures and it looks amazing but they do not do justice to the actual size here. It was like stretching out on my couch at home with virtually no space limitations at all. So wide that you could easily fit two people side by side. TV screen is massive! Have never seen something as big as this on a plane, it would honestly be suitable for home use.
Officially 2A Unofficially The Entire F Cabin!
Began with a glass of champagne prior to departure and then we were off.
Bye bye!
I had requested that the FAs confirm with the pilot which side of the plane would potentially have a view of Mt Fuji after take-off and the answer was my side so no need to move. About 10 minutes later I got this view:
Day 5 - Continued……
In the air and it was time to get stuck into this:
FAs came around to take the lunch order and I went for the Japanese menu. I had been tossing up whether to have this or the Western option but in the end I figured when on JL…….
Food menu attached to this post. Drinks menu was the same as attached to the previous flight’s post.
Amuse bouche to begin:
Ready for the main event!
Seasonal five colourful delicacies. Interesting description. On the whole very enjoyable. From left to right as described on the menu – tilefish, scallop cake, wagyu, blowfish, eel.
Clear soup with snow crab dumpling. Delicious flavour in the soup broth. Dumpling was ok, likely I’m just not a massive crab fan.
Seared ise lobster with tin of caviar. Amazing!
Deep fried blowfish, rice & miso soup. The blowfish was not too bad. Not something I would have again but that comes down to taste preference more than anything. Miso soup and rice pretty standard.
Cheese board – standard. Enjoyable.
Dessert – brown sugar jelly & rum mousse. This was very nice. Sweet, rum flavour not overpowering. Enjoyable.
I had been steadily consuming the Salon but with the meal coming to an end I thought I should try something else. I’d been intrigued about the Queen Of Blue tea so asked for a glass. Very nice. Had another glass and would have again as a non-alcoholic option.
Reverted back to the Salon and before too long noticed that it was being poured from a new bottle. What? I had been led to believe that only one bottle was loaded. A lovely turn of events! Got through one movie and about a quarter of the 2nd bottle before the movie came to an end.
Decided that some sleep would be a good idea so had the bed made up. Lay down and wow! This bed was comfortable! Managed a fairly solid 6 hours which is a good result for me.
In the air and it was time to get stuck into this:
FAs came around to take the lunch order and I went for the Japanese menu. I had been tossing up whether to have this or the Western option but in the end I figured when on JL…….
Food menu attached to this post. Drinks menu was the same as attached to the previous flight’s post.
Amuse bouche to begin:
Ready for the main event!
Seasonal five colourful delicacies. Interesting description. On the whole very enjoyable. From left to right as described on the menu – tilefish, scallop cake, wagyu, blowfish, eel.
Clear soup with snow crab dumpling. Delicious flavour in the soup broth. Dumpling was ok, likely I’m just not a massive crab fan.
Seared ise lobster with tin of caviar. Amazing!
Deep fried blowfish, rice & miso soup. The blowfish was not too bad. Not something I would have again but that comes down to taste preference more than anything. Miso soup and rice pretty standard.
Cheese board – standard. Enjoyable.
Dessert – brown sugar jelly & rum mousse. This was very nice. Sweet, rum flavour not overpowering. Enjoyable.
I had been steadily consuming the Salon but with the meal coming to an end I thought I should try something else. I’d been intrigued about the Queen Of Blue tea so asked for a glass. Very nice. Had another glass and would have again as a non-alcoholic option.
Reverted back to the Salon and before too long noticed that it was being poured from a new bottle. What? I had been led to believe that only one bottle was loaded. A lovely turn of events! Got through one movie and about a quarter of the 2nd bottle before the movie came to an end.
Decided that some sleep would be a good idea so had the bed made up. Lay down and wow! This bed was comfortable! Managed a fairly solid 6 hours which is a good result for me.
Day 5 - Continued……
Woke up, put another movie on and thought it was probably time to eat again. Ordered the pork cutlet sandwich and another tin of caviar. Both went down a treat. The sandwich in particular is very nice with the mayonnaise style sauce adding a little tang. Enjoyed it so much that I had another towards the end of the movie.
Chocolates. A nice touch.
Continued on with the champagne and with around 90 minutes to arrival it was all gone. Two bottles! Supply exhausted! Good thing there were no other F PAX I suppose!
By now we were beginning our descent into JFK and the captain was nice enough to let me know that Manhattan views would be out the other side. Over to 2K I went to enjoy the approach. Last trip we had been on the wrong side and missed it all but this time was completely different. I got to see everything!
Definitely some snow down there!
Shortly after, JFK was visible and before I knew it we were down and taxiing to the gate.
The JL F experience was over. Where does it rate? Well obviously right up there. The seat was simply spectacular. I’d say its clearly my favourite F seat that I have experienced. The food options were very good too. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine then you will really be spoiled. A little hard for me to comment on the overall drink selection as I pretty much stuck to the champagne. Put it down to it being Salon and me being the only one there to drink it. Customer service was simply amazing. Obviously being the only PAX in the cabin meant that the attention was solely on me but the staff really went out of their way to make sure my experience was top notch. I couldn’t recommend them enough. If anyone has the opportunity to fly JL F on the A350-1000 I would say jump at it. Do not hesitate.
First off the plane (obviously) and into a brisk walk to immigration.
First there and they were just opening up. A short wait for the agents to decide they were ready and then called up. I had been a little nervous that I would get a similar reception to the last couple of times I have visited (2018 @LAX and 2022 @JFK) and this was how I came to be travelling by myself on the outbound. Realising that we were going to be split up into two groups and that having NoName Jnr potentially separated from me while being questioned by US immigration would not be good, we decided that I would be the one to fly solo on this leg of the trip. As it turned out though, this entry experience couldn’t have been more different. Asked a couple of run of the mill questions – why are you here, how long for, what are you doing etc – and then waved through. Collected my bag and I was landside within 15 minutes of deplaning. Made my way to the airtrain to take the ride around from T8 to T4, found a spot to sit down and await the arrival of the other NoNames.
Woke up, put another movie on and thought it was probably time to eat again. Ordered the pork cutlet sandwich and another tin of caviar. Both went down a treat. The sandwich in particular is very nice with the mayonnaise style sauce adding a little tang. Enjoyed it so much that I had another towards the end of the movie.
Chocolates. A nice touch.
Continued on with the champagne and with around 90 minutes to arrival it was all gone. Two bottles! Supply exhausted! Good thing there were no other F PAX I suppose!
By now we were beginning our descent into JFK and the captain was nice enough to let me know that Manhattan views would be out the other side. Over to 2K I went to enjoy the approach. Last trip we had been on the wrong side and missed it all but this time was completely different. I got to see everything!
Definitely some snow down there!
Shortly after, JFK was visible and before I knew it we were down and taxiing to the gate.
The JL F experience was over. Where does it rate? Well obviously right up there. The seat was simply spectacular. I’d say its clearly my favourite F seat that I have experienced. The food options were very good too. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine then you will really be spoiled. A little hard for me to comment on the overall drink selection as I pretty much stuck to the champagne. Put it down to it being Salon and me being the only one there to drink it. Customer service was simply amazing. Obviously being the only PAX in the cabin meant that the attention was solely on me but the staff really went out of their way to make sure my experience was top notch. I couldn’t recommend them enough. If anyone has the opportunity to fly JL F on the A350-1000 I would say jump at it. Do not hesitate.
First off the plane (obviously) and into a brisk walk to immigration.
First there and they were just opening up. A short wait for the agents to decide they were ready and then called up. I had been a little nervous that I would get a similar reception to the last couple of times I have visited (2018 @LAX and 2022 @JFK) and this was how I came to be travelling by myself on the outbound. Realising that we were going to be split up into two groups and that having NoName Jnr potentially separated from me while being questioned by US immigration would not be good, we decided that I would be the one to fly solo on this leg of the trip. As it turned out though, this entry experience couldn’t have been more different. Asked a couple of run of the mill questions – why are you here, how long for, what are you doing etc – and then waved through. Collected my bag and I was landside within 15 minutes of deplaning. Made my way to the airtrain to take the ride around from T8 to T4, found a spot to sit down and await the arrival of the other NoNames.
Day 5 – Continued…….
Meanwhile on SQ26……..
The other two had landed in FRA and spend a quick hour freshening up in the LH J Lounge. Nothing much to report about this lounge. Mrs NoName wasn’t really interested in getting too many photos however she did report that it was much the like the Senator Lounge we had visited in 2022. With a shower under their belts they went back to the gate and when the time came they reboarded, ready for the final 8 hours to JFK.
Up in the air and lunch service was underway pretty soon after.
Satays were a welcome sight
Prawn appetiser for Mrs NoName
Mains for the two of them. Struggled to identify these and Mrs NoName was unable to assist much 6 weeks later . Definitely the beef roulade and I’m going to go with the lamb which appears to have been chosen by NoName Jnr judging by the leftover vegies in another of my photos.
Ice cream for dessert was a winner.
It was now the mundane part of the flight where everyone just rests and watches movies. Well it was supposed to be. NoName Jnr began to feel a little motion sickness which although he seems to often get, was less than idea. Somehow he managed to get through without any major incidents and did begin to feel better a few hours out. Just in time for the refreshment to be served of course.
Ham and cheese toastie for him.
Mrs NoName went for chicken noodles and was quite pleased
A somewhat boring review of this flight but that said, the reports I got back were that it was a somewhat boring flight. After such a long trip from SIN to JFK I can see how that would have been the case. That said, the service was great once again. Right up to usual SQ standards and the help given when NoName Jnr was feeling off were appreciared. SQ remain towards the top of our choices to fly and given our regular trips to see family in SIN its unlikely to be long until we fly them again.
Uneventful descent into JFK with the excitement level building the lower they got. Their wait at immigration was a little longer than mine but eventually they were through to arrivals and we were all greeting each other, ready for the next part of the trip to begin.
Meanwhile on SQ26……..
The other two had landed in FRA and spend a quick hour freshening up in the LH J Lounge. Nothing much to report about this lounge. Mrs NoName wasn’t really interested in getting too many photos however she did report that it was much the like the Senator Lounge we had visited in 2022. With a shower under their belts they went back to the gate and when the time came they reboarded, ready for the final 8 hours to JFK.
Up in the air and lunch service was underway pretty soon after.
Satays were a welcome sight
Prawn appetiser for Mrs NoName
Mains for the two of them. Struggled to identify these and Mrs NoName was unable to assist much 6 weeks later
. Definitely the beef roulade and I’m going to go with the lamb which appears to have been chosen by NoName Jnr judging by the leftover vegies in another of my photos.Ice cream for dessert was a winner.
It was now the mundane part of the flight where everyone just rests and watches movies. Well it was supposed to be. NoName Jnr began to feel a little motion sickness which although he seems to often get, was less than idea. Somehow he managed to get through without any major incidents and did begin to feel better a few hours out. Just in time for the refreshment to be served of course.
Ham and cheese toastie for him.
Mrs NoName went for chicken noodles and was quite pleased
A somewhat boring review of this flight but that said, the reports I got back were that it was a somewhat boring flight. After such a long trip from SIN to JFK I can see how that would have been the case. That said, the service was great once again. Right up to usual SQ standards and the help given when NoName Jnr was feeling off were appreciared. SQ remain towards the top of our choices to fly and given our regular trips to see family in SIN its unlikely to be long until we fly them again.
Uneventful descent into JFK with the excitement level building the lower they got. Their wait at immigration was a little longer than mine but eventually they were through to arrivals and we were all greeting each other, ready for the next part of the trip to begin.
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