JAL to discontinue complimentary personal massage service at its lounges from October 1 2017

JAL Relaxation Service Room

Since the last big renovation, Japan Airlines (JAL) has been providing complimentary massage service at its First Class Lounges at both Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT), and Sakura Lounge at Narita. Lounge visitors are eligible to receive a 10-minute massage service provided by a therapist and can choose to focus on one of the three areas: upper body, feet, and scalp. Even though it is a very popular service and most of the time there is a long wait for it, JAL has decided to discontinue this relaxation service from October 1 2017.

Inada 3S Takumi medical massage chair at Narita Sakura Lounge

Instead of the personal massage service provided by a therapist, JAL plans to increase the number of massage chairs at its lounges so more passengers can enjoy its relaxation service. There will be no change in the massager chair model, i.e. Inada 3S Takumi medical massage chairs will continued to be used.

Personal cubicle at Haneda provides a more private relaxation experience

Personal cubicles are installed for each massage chair at Haneda

But no words on whether JAL will provide personal cubicles for the massage chairs like the ones at Haneda or a common room like the one at Narita. The cubicles at Haneda provide much better privacy and security if you keep your valuables with you during massage.

Given the limited space used by the current relaxation center, I am not quite sure how many new massage chairs can be added. I hope it's more than adding 1 chair in each of the current massage room. But then if JAL wants to add more, it will have to take away some other areas in the existing lounge. Guess we will find out in October.

Source: JAL (Japanese, English)