Many airline lounges have closed as travel has dropped off by more than 90%. Lounges that are open have cutback substantially on food and services. Once travel resumes, it is my belief that the quality and quantity of services in the air and on the ground (including lounges) will fail to match pre-Covid-19 levels.
That remains to be seen. This review is a pre coronavirus look at a very nice business class lounge, the Japan Airlines (JAL) Sakura Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
JAL names its international business class lounges Sakura which means cherry blossom in Japanese. I visited this lounge in January 2020.
Location, Hours and Access Policies
The lounge is on the third floor of the D Concourse. It is conveniently located within a short walk from passport control for departing passengers.
Hours of operation, 05:40 – 09:45 and 18:00 – 00:20 daily, coincide with JAL flight departures. Access is based on status in JAL’s frequent flyer program, the type of fare purchased, or status in the Oneworld airline alliance. I entered because I was flying business class.
Those with access may bring in a guest for free. Members of JAL’s frequent flyer program can bring in additional guests by using airline miles to purchase coupons. Access is unavailable on arrival.
Layout
Sakura Lounges always have a schematic of the layout near the reception desk. That is very helpful for orienting myself in unfamiliar lounges and it makes blog posts easier. 🙂
The reception desk is on the left as you enter. Luggage lockers are in a hall opposite the reception desk as are the bathrooms and shower.
Seating
After entering, the main seating area is to the left. Seats are comfortable enough for an hour or two. A work bench runs the length of the lounge next to wall of windows overlooking the ramp. Electrical outlets are available at every seat.
Food and Beverages
For just about any lounge, I think food service is the defining element. This lounge earns high marks in that department.
A well-established local Japanese restaurant, Nippon-Tei, manages the buffet. The menu is primarily Japanese centered but also includes Thai dishes.
Japanese favorites include fish cooked in soy broth, bamboo shoots cooked in soy, mirin and bonito, soybeans with seaweed, and sweet potato cooked in syrup. Nippon-Tei duplicates its famous beef or chicken curry for the buffet. I tried it. It is delicious. Green curry and Chicken gapao headline the Thai menu.
Staff keep the buffet neat as a pin. Menus change seasonally.
The lounge provides complimentary premium international alcoholic beverages. I trust the Japanese drinks like shochu and plum wine are of at least equal quality. A variety of soft drinks, juices, tea and coffee are also available.
Dining Area
Tables for dining are located at the far right side of the lounge. Electric outlets are plentiful in this area too.
Other Services
The lounge provides good WiFi, internet terminals, printers, TVs, reading materials, flight monitors, a phone booth for calls, and showers.
Overall Impression
The Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok more than satisfies my requirements for a good business class lounge. It is large enough to accommodate the expected traffic. Seating areas have plenty of electrical outlets. WiFi is good. There are runway views. Showers and luggage lockers are available. The staff is attentive. Last but not least, Nippon-Tei restaurant prepares an excellent buffet of Japanese and Thai dishes.
How do you evaluate an airport lounge?
Looks like a decent offering! It’s interesting to consider whether lounges will be able to offer the same level of service when we come out of the travel restrictions, but here’s hoping they can because it’s my favourite part of flying business!
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Hi! Good question. I think airlines and lounge operators will use covid-19 as an excuse to maintain some of the scaled back services after the pandemic wanes. Charges will not be reduced. Thanks for your comment and taking a look at the blog!
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I’ve never been to an airport lounge so I guess I’m not cut out for giving any evaluations. But the JAL Sakura Lounge does look pretty neat. It looks really Japanese, the simplicity, cleanliness, and all. 🙂
Nice post! 🙂
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I agree. There is a Japanese look and feel in that lounge. The more I travel the more I appreciate airport lounges. Free food and drinks and peace and quiet. Thanks.
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Sweet potatoes in syrup, sounds yummy!!
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Yep. Delicious!
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the food sounds wonderful; I was waiting to read what you had to say about the alcohol offerings! 🙂
I think this is the airport we flew into when we visited Bangkok from Singapore, but then we flew out of the other…
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The booze seleccion looked great to me. Along with good food, good booze is a must in a decent lounge. 🙂 It was a morning flight and I didn’t investigate the beer but I’m sure there is a good selection too. As long as not prevented by local liquor laws, lounges always have alcoholic drinks available. They follow the “it’s always 5:00 pm somewhere” rule as I often do.
Interesting that you experienced both Bangkok airports on your first visit. I always fly through Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and have never gone through Don Muang (DMK). I met someone there once. I should make a point of using DMK to see what it is like.
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I like your 5:00 rule.
I think we used two different airports perhaps because we used two different airlines – Scoot and Jetstar.
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You must have used one-way tickets. Smart. That can be cheaper and you get to fly two different airlines. Which airline and airport one did you like more.
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We had booked the trip through Travelocity, I guess that’s how we ended up with the two airlines. We actually liked both airlines, and I can’t remember paying much attention to the airports. I just remember that nothing matches Changi airport in Singapore…
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Changi is amazing – a destination by itself.
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we actually did do a day trip there while staying in Singapore; lots to see and do…
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an amazing place my dear friend
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I was pleased to rest my rear end there for awhile. The food hit the spot. Thanks for the comment. Stay safe. Be well.
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thank you my friend
have a great day and stay blessed
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