Comparing First Class: Japanese Airlines vs. American Airlines – A Travel YouTuber’s Insight
From Pajamas to Bed Making!
“The flight attendants actually make the bed for you. When I said I was ready to sleep, they told me to change into these pajamas, and when I returned from the changing room, my seat had turned into a fully flat bed. It was slightly narrower than a single bed, and the sheets were perfectly arranged.”
After a nap, when I woke up, the plane was flying over the Arctic Ocean. Since it was around the summer solstice, it was daytime around the Arctic.
“When I looked outside, I saw a beautiful sight of icebergs that looked just like the Arctic. I could have watched it forever. In economy or business class, the lights are usually dimmed to accommodate those who want to sleep, so you feel hesitant to open the window to let in light. But in first class, there’s no one sitting next to you. You have the freedom.”
About six hours later, I had my second meal. In first class, you can order light snacks anytime you want.
“As I was looking over the menu, a flight attendant naturally asked me what I would like to have. When I ordered ramen, it arrived in about ten minutes.”
The attentiveness of the flight attendants is such that you don’t even have to call for them. However, some people might feel uncomfortable being constantly observed by the staff.
“They handle it very well. There are usually about three flight attendants circulating around in first class, checking in on passengers naturally, so I never felt uncomfortable. Also, the restroom was spotless every time I used it. They must clean it thoroughly after each use.”
About eight to nine hours after takeoff, I watched a movie in my seat. Naturally, you can watch it at any time.
“When I finished, there were still four to five hours until arrival, but I didn’t feel bored at all. In business class, you might start to feel uncomfortable sitting for so long, but here, it felt just like being on the ground.”
When it was time for the last meal order about two hours before arrival, I ordered soup and was met with an unexpected surprise. The flight attendant learned that it was our honeymoon during casual conversation and wrote “Happy Wedding” on a plate of fruit for us. They even gave us a message card from the crew.
“I hadn’t requested anything in advance. To have a honeymoon plate show up just from ordering a regular meal was surprising. I was really impressed by how they kept track of each passenger and genuinely tried to make us happy.”
This level of attention to detail is unique to Japanese airlines. When KK later flew American Airlines from Paris to New York, the atmosphere felt a bit different.
