JAL’s Upgraded First Class Lounge ‘Bowls’ Us Over

Back in March we announced a new wave of lounges at Haneda Airport for Japan Airlines. The airline has just announced and opened its brand new addition to its first class wing, which is the height of modernity and luxury. The crowning glory called ‘RED Suite’ is the new adult hideaway for JAL, which is basically somewhere for the adults to get comfortable and forget about the airport for a couple of hours, whilst enjoying really comfortable and unique surroundings. Designed more for today’s Phileas Fogg than a super modern traveller, the lounge matches historic ‘Gentleman’s club’ chic with a contemporary twist.

The whole area also has some great historical elements that showcase the vibrant history of the airline, and eagle-eyes can spot elements from 1950’s flight crew bags to traditional dials and displays from older aircraft. In Japan, the colour depicts ‘Elation’ and the carrier “…is looking forward to delivering a surprising experience to customers before their departure. Thus, we decided to name the suite ‘RED’.”

The library room is the central room, holding the area together. As well as a grid like floor, dark wooden furniture and plethora of historic and interesting literature, there is a waft of the smell of leather that helps create the sense of an established library. The smell comes from a dedicated John Lobb shoeshine service, staffed by a specially trained technician who will carefully polish your shoes in front of you whilst you soak up a good read.

The Gallery Room, part of the RED Suite, is JAL’s mini museum of JAL memorabilia, that will help inspire and reassure travellers of the lengthy history that JAL has. Featuring more seats, the room is a little lighter, and also features large black and white photography.

If this is all a little too relaxing, take some time out in the play room. Decorated from floor to ceiling with real route maps from the flight deck, the space has more of a sense of fun, with chess boards, table football games and even fun elements such as Bowler Hats, hanging from the ceiling.

For those wanting to celebrate their flight, head into Champagne heaven in the Bar Room. With a fridge filled head to tow with Laurent Perrier Champagne, and if you want to enjoy a more local tipple, three seasonally chosen Japanese sakes from internationally known Hasegawa Saketen, all to be enjoyed in luxury Riedel glass.

For those who have a bit of hunger that just won’t wait until you board, head to JAL’s Tepan Dining area, where you can enjoy anything from freshly made pancakes in the morning to Black Berkshire pork and Japanese black beed hamburgers with JAL’s special original sauce. Fancy something lighter, then get stuck into some Nigirizushi (hand shaped sushi) made by chefs on the spot. The food area is still set in the original first class lounge, which offers the same luxury, and more space, plus features showers, massage chairs and a dedicated relaxation service by dedicated staff.

We love the whole lounge concept, with its minimalist design and soft, neutral colour palette. It truly is a well designed, luxurious and modern product, that shines above many other lounges out there.

In our eyes, there has never been a better time to head over to Japan. Our tip, consider booking now and reserve yourself a spot if you plan visiting to see the cherry blossom blooms in the spring – and save on booking early.

The Big Picture