I love Japan Airlines. While they probably aren’t the absolute best at everything, they consistently excel in all aspects from the time you reach the airport until the time you exit the aircraft.

Ever since my first Etihad experience in the “Apartment” I’ve wanted to fly sitting backwards in first class on their 787.

I had originally booked United to go east hoping for Lufthansa to release space on the 747. Instead to my bucket list delight a seat on the A340 in first was released just in time.

I’ll start by saying, it will be difficult for any trip to be better than this experience on ANA’s new first class called “The Suite”.

After a quick breakfast at the Hilton Narita it was off to the airport for one of the best first class experiences you can have, Japan Airlines.

After a power nap at the Dubai International Airport Hotel, which doesn’t require passing immigration, I was back in the First Class Lounge preparing for the 8AM departure to Haneda in the virtual window suite.

a few months later the schedule was changed. The search was on. And the crazy idea to return to the US from Europe going east was born! It’s now my favorite route to fly.

After the experience flying British Airways 787-9 in first class back in the spring, I was anxious to fly the A380. Would it compare, exceed, disappoint? Unfortunately the later.

The plan was to fly Air France on their new 787 to Europe, but a couple days before departure Lufthansa in First Class on their 747-8i opened up, so why not!

This Swiss 777 which was a mere 3 years old would be traveling to Chicago this afternoon.

But it had ticketed when I clicked book, and even after a change with the assistance of an agent. Now the risk was flying to Bangkok to get a boarding pass.

But the purpose of the visit was to fly from Singapore to Bombay to catch Swiss in first. Not a bad way to start flying Singapore in First Class!

In no time she returned and had the pilots navigational map of the North Pole to show me!

For years the bloggers would post British Airlines First Class was the best Business Class in the skies. Well they certainly weren’t on this flight. British Airways 787 in First Class for this blogger any day.

it was time for another Emirates first class flight where the hope was for a better experience that lived up to their reputation. I will say this flight was far more enjoyable.

Before long I decided to head down to gate 60, only a short walk from the lounge. Such a beautiful view of the Emirates A380 readying for its flight to Dubai.

As any confessed avgeek would do the morning of a highly anticipated flight, they would check for the assigned aircraft to their flight. Todays’ aircraft would be JA789A, Star Wars BB-8!

This 4-leg 15,000+ mile first class journey was everything I’d hoped for. Could it get any better? Yes!

Reward Flying has flown many miles in first class on most of the world’s premier airlines. This flight may have been the best.

While first class redemptions are always a treat, when they include special services like private check-in, the experience becomes extra special. Today’s flight would include Singapore Airlines renowned first class reception.

If you can’t get excited about flying Singapore’s A380 Suites class, then reward flying isn’t for you.

After my visit to the lounge it was off to the end of Concourse C to board the A380 for a 14 hour flight to Sydney.

It's all Delta's fault. So thanks Delta for a reason to fly Japan Airlines first class again.

So I saved at least 10,000 points and got to Chicago in first class with the quickest connection. 

Having flown Thai's 747 last year on a business class ticket sitting in a first class seat, I was anxious to try the real first class experience.

One of the attendants whose name was Angie walked up the jetway to meet me halfway. She introduced herself and escorted me onto the plane.

It's fair to say anticipation was at an extreme for this flight. A year in the making the day finally came.

What to do?I came within a mouse click of changing the flight. Am I glad I didn't.

A couple years ago I flew 4 international segments on their new 747-8i which only enhanced my affection for the airline. Maybe I was due for a let down. 

What more can be said? The worst part of this flight was arriving.