Real Blue｜JAL - Haneda to Singapore, Premium Economy Class Flight Report ④

JAL
Haneda -
Singapore

Premium Economy Class Flight Report

August 2019④

Posted by AO/あお

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About this flight

In August 2019, I flew four round trips between Haneda/Narita and Singapore in Premium Economy Class in order to qualify for JAL Diamond status.

In the world of aviation enthusiasts, this practice is known as “mileage running”—intensively flying within a certain period to accumulate enough flights or points to attain elite status.

At Haneda, I enjoyed various Japanese breakfast dishes from the buffet in the JAL Sakura Lounge. I was especially happy to be able to eat as much mentaiko (spicy cod roe) as I wanted.

I also had the shrimp fresh spring rolls, which are one of my favorites.

The flight to Singapore takes about seven and a half hours, but the Premium Economy seat, while not as spacious as Business Class, was still roomy and very comfortable.

One thing I love about JAL is that even in Premium Economy, you can enjoy a mini bottle of champagne with your in-flight meal—such a nice touch.

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Lounge

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Haneda Airport

This photo shows the escalator going from the first floor up to the departure floor at Haneda Airport.

Breakfast Side Dishes

This is the food corner of JAL's Sakura Lounge. As it was morning, a selection of breakfast side dishes was available.

• Scrambled eggs
• Seasoned cod roe (mentaiko)
• Sausages
• Japanese rolled omelet
• Grilled salted salmon etc.

Fresh Spring Rolls, Salads, etc.

This is the section with fresh spring rolls and salads.

• Shrimp spring rolls
• 17-ingredient salad
• Fruit cocktail
• Plain yogurt
• Salad chicken
• Pickled purple cabbage
• Assorted dressings (vegetable, Japanese-style, Chinese-style) etc.

Meal I Had

This is the meal I had that day.

• JAL's famous signature beef curry
• Shrimp spring rolls
• Pork miso soup with mushrooms
• Seasoned cod roe (mentaiko)
• Scrambled eggs

JAL’s signature beef curry and the shrimp spring rolls were especially delicious. I enjoyed the meal at a standing-style table.

Second Plate and White Wine

While enjoying my second plate, I sipped on some white wine and Diet Coke.

• Fukujinzuke pickles
• Pickled shallots (rakkyo)
• Seasoned cod roe (mentaiko) — probably from Fukuoka, it was so good I had seconds
• Mustard
• Japanese rolled omelet

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Boarding Gate

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Busy Boarding Gate

This is the scene at the boarding gate that day.

In August 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, flights to Singapore were very crowded, especially with business travelers.

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In-Flight

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Seat for the Day

This is my Premium Economy Class seat for the day.

Personal Screen

By scrolling around the world map on the personal screen, I was able to explore various places—so I played around with it for a while.

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In-Flight Meal

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Pre-Meal Champagne

This was the drink served before the meal after takeoff.

I had a glass of champagne.

Drink Service

This is the cart used for the beverage service.

In-Flight Meal Competition

At the time, JAL was running a special in the Economy Class featuring in-flight meals created by up-and-coming chefs. The name and photo of the chef who designed the meal were printed on the main dish’s lid.

Main Dish

The main dish was a three-color rice bowl with chicken in green onion salt sauce. It was very tasty—a flavor Japanese people would surely love.

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Singapore

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View from the Terminal

We arrived at Singapore Changi International Airport.

This is the view of the apron seen from the terminal after disembarking the aircraft.

Nearby, there was an ANA aircraft, and in the distance, a LOT Polish Airlines aircraft was parked.

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