ZIP AIR
Initially, I was booked to fly with Zip Air, JAL’s low-cost airline. Unfortunately, upon arrival at LAX, the check-in staff refused to let me check in because I didn’t have a visa to enter Japan, despite only transiting in the same terminal.
This was incredibly frustrating since I had purchased the tickets directly from their website and verified all travel requirements beforehand.
This incident happened during COVID restrictions, which added to my frustration.
To make matters worse, despite the Zip Air PR team granting me permission to take photos and videos, the check-in staff were unaware and refused.
With no other options, I had to find an alternative flight for the same day.
Thankfully, JAL accommodated me, though it came with an additional cost for a new ticket. Needless to say, I vowed never to fly with Zip Air again.
What disappoints me even more is Zip Air’s refusal to discuss the issue.
Despite numerous messages and emails, my attempts to reach out have been ignored.
While Zip Air is quick to take your money, they lack the customer support needed when things go wrong.
This experience has left me with no desire to fly with them again.
JAL ECONOMY CLASS 2014
On a brighter note, let’s shift focus to Japan Airlines (JAL). I’ve flown with them multiple times since 2014, and their consistency has always impressed me.
KFC & JAL
One of JAL’s notable strategies has been its partnerships with renowned brands to create unique dining experiences onboard.
In the past, JAL collaborated with Kentucky Fried Chicken Japan (KFC) to offer KFC meals on select international flights.
These meals came in a special box and tray designed by KFC and JAL.
This collaboration was significant in Japan, where KFC became popular as a Christmas meal option due to a 1974 marketing campaign.
The idea began when a foreign customer visited a KFC restaurant on Christmas Day and requested turkey. Although turkey is not a traditional Christmas food in Japan, the customer decided to try KFC and was so delighted that he spread the word.
In 2014, I flew to Japan specifically to experience this inflight meal collaboration, and it remains a memorable trip.
Besides the special KFC meals, JAL consistently offers generous portions and a wide variety of food options on their inflight meal trays.
Here’s a look at some regular meals that JAL served in 2014 on routes between Europe and Japan.
LOS ANGELES TO TOKYO
On my 10-hour flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, JAL provided two meal services and snacks available in the galley.
The journey began with hot towels, followed by the first meal service shortly after takeoff.
For this first meal, passengers could choose between chicken or beef.
I opted for the chicken with rice, although it wasn’t particularly outstanding, so I ended up picking around the chicken itself.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed the side dishes of Soba noodles, fresh fruit, and turkey.
During meal collection, a cabin attendant noticed I didn’t touch my meal and apologised, offering me snacks later on.
JAL’s economy class service can be exceptional; it’s not every day that a crew member goes out of their way for you.
During a visit to the galley, I had a chance to explore the available snacks, which were quite varied.
About two hours before landing, the second meal was served. However, unlike the first service, there was no choice offered.
Everyone received eggs with meat and rice, complemented by fresh fruit, yogurt, and cheese spread with crackers.
I found this meal much more enjoyable than the previous one.
TOKYO TO BANGKOK
After a quick transit at Narita Airport, I continued from Tokyo to Bangkok. For this leg, I booked into premium economy to experience the differences in service and meals.
As an added bonus, JAL Premium Economy Class passengers are treated to champagne and a variety of snacks not available in economy class.
On this five-hour sector, JAL introduced their “Red à table” service, aiming to create a warm and homely dining experience.
This service is available in both premium economy and economy class.
There were two main course options – Japanese-style beef curry or chicken teriyaki with rice.
I chose the latter, which was accompanied by a refreshing salad and a choice of bread rolls. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and the portion size was more than sufficient.
However, the crew on this sector were disappointing. They rushed the service, kept communication to a minimum, and literally threw the second service meal (a piece of corn mayo bread) at passengers after collecting our meal trays.
The lights went out, and a few hours later, we landed in Bangkok.
It was quite unfortunate, as this was the only disappointing experience I’ve had with JAL throughout all my travels with them.
CONCLUSION
Despite a frustrating experience with Zip Air, which left me scrambling for an alternative flight at LAX, I am reminded of the reliability and exceptional service provided by Japan Airlines (JAL).
Over the years, JAL has consistently impressed me with thoughtful touches, like the unique KFC collaboration, and their commitment to quality.
In contrast to my experience with Zip Air, JAL’s unwavering commitment to customer service and inflight excellence reinforces why they remain a preferred airline for many travellers, including myself.
