Japan Airlines (JAL) is to open two refurbished lounges later this year and dramatically reduce check-in times at Narita Terminal 2, the carrier”s international Tokyo hub.
Both the JAL first class and Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Lounges will be upgraded by 19 July, featuring a dining area where passengers can sample Japanese-style curry and breakfast, while the former self-service bars will now feature bartenders.
Prior to departure, passengers can now opt for a free massage from a resident professional, while those requiring even more pampering can also use massage chairs in the enlarged lounges that will triple in size to nearly 4,000sq m (12,800sq ft).
On the business front, the lounges will both have dial-up internet access, electrical outlets for PC power and high-speed LAN connection.
The Japanese flag carrier has also unveiled ambitious plans for Terminal 2 in a bid to reduce check-in times by 50%, through sizeably increasing the number of check-in counters from 91 to around 140 and more than tripling self-service machines from 23 to around 70 by spring next year.
By the same time in 2008, a new baggage screening system will also be in place ensuring that passengers will no longer have to wait for their luggage to go through security inspection prior to checking-in.
New counters for first class passengers will also be set up in the terminal centre, while the distance from the JAL Fast Security Lane to the lounge will be shortened.