Airport news: Japan Airlines improving services at Haneda

This autumn, Japan Airlines (JAL) will commence flights from Haneda to the US, Europe, and Asia, and overseas travel will not only become more convenient for city dwellers in Tokyo, but with JAL’s ext

This autumn, Japan Airlines (JAL) will commence flights from Haneda to the US, Europe, and Asia, and overseas travel will not only become more convenient for city dwellers in Tokyo, but with JAL’s extensive domestic coverage, passengers from regional Japan will also find traveling abroad more appealing than ever with smoother connections at Haneda.

Japan Airlines will begin serving passengers at the newest international terminal of Tokyo International Airport when it officially opens on October 21, 2010. In addition, JAL will also unveil its renewed facilities such as check-in counters and lounges at domestic passenger terminal 1 as soon as the upgrades are completed from the middle of October.

To meet the needs of JAL customers that will connect between its wide domestic network and the world via Haneda, JAL will offers a list of new and improved services and facilities founded on the concept of “Simplicity, Convenience, and Speed” and its heartfelt appreciation for its customers.

JAL International Departure and Arrival Lounges
Eligible JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) members, as well as first class and executive class passengers can look forward to an inaugural Arrival Lounge on their inbound journey and also find comfort in a familiar environment when JAL establishes its reputable JAL First Class Lounge and Sakura Lounge for passengers waiting to board their flights.

Designed with warm colors and a spacious lay out with designated business, dining, and relaxation areas, JAL aims to provide a lounge with an inviting atmosphere that is also equipped with practical facilities that can meet an array of needs of its valued customers. The latest models of massage chairs and hotel-like shower facilities are among other amenities offered to ensure ultimate comfort for passengers, especially for those waiting to board late-night flights.

On arrival, eligible passengers may use JAL’s first-ever Arrival Lounge, fitted with shower facilities and where light snacks and beverages will be provided. Business travelers arriving in the morning will find the Arrival Lounge to be particularly appealing in its functionality as a place to freshen up after a good rest onboard and before starting a productive day at the office.

Conditions governing the use of the lounges and their service details will be available on JAL’s homepage soon.

Speedy Connections between JAL Group Flights
JAL operates domestic flights out of Terminal 1, which is already nearest to the new international terminal. However, to further ease the transfer between flights exclusively for customers of JAL and its partner airlines, JAL will introduce a direct shuttle bus service that takes just 8 minutes one way.

Passengers with a connection from regional airports in Japan to international flights at Haneda will be able to check-through their baggage for the entire journey. While passengers transferring from international flights onto domestic routes are required to pick up their baggage upon arrival into Haneda for custom clearance, JAL has set up a convenient domestic check-in counter located at the international terminal where passengers can check in their baggage for the domestic portion before hopping on the shuttle bus service provided by JAL bound for their next departure with only their hand-carry baggage.

At present, check-in procedures are required at Haneda Airport for connections from domestic to codeshare international flights operated by other airlines.

Renewal of Domestic Terminal Lounges
JAL has moved its domestic lounges at Terminal 1 to the third floor of the terminal building, which now provides a view of the runway. The revamped Diamond Premium Lounge and Sakura Lounge will be officially opened from October 20. Offering passengers a softer ambience and enhanced privacy, the lounges also feature a library area ideal for business travelers, shower and massage facilities, as well as a family room conducive for customers traveling with children.

For passengers not originally eligible by their class of travel or frequent flyer membership status, JAL will also start to offer the use of Sakura Lounge at a fee. Passengers are required to make a reservation online prior to their journey. Details and conditions will be available on JAL’s homepage soon.

Improvements to Check-in Counters
JAL has renovated its Smiles Support and Priority Guest counters located on the second floor of Terminal 1.

Reflecting a keen consideration for passengers with special needs, the Smiles Support counter now incorporates the concept of Universal Design so that as many people as possible, regardless of age or physical ability, will be able to use it with ease. JAL began serving from these counters located in the south and north wing of the terminal from July and August this year, respectively.

JAL recognizes that time is of the essence for many business travelers and thus endeavored to minimize the time taken from check-in to boarding. JAL First Class counters and JAL Global Club (JGC) counters have been redesigned with this objective in mind, and a dedicated security channel has been established for JAL First Class passengers, JMB Diamond members, and JGC premier members, so that they may be able to smoothly and speedily proceed through security to the renovated lounges before their flight.

This autumn, JAL invites passengers to come experience the new services at Haneda.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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