Which one do you prefer and why? I'm travelling first class, so I can get the ultimate experience...

Since I'll be passing thru NRT both to/from Bangkok, I can try both. So I'd like opinions, what to do, how to spend my free time, whatever... in these two 1st class lounges. I want to make the most of both experiences (altho I don't do massage so skip that idea) as I won't have another opportunity like this for a few years, no doubt.

Thanks!

There's a comparison with photos here:

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/onemil...n-first-class/

In business, the ANA lounge near gate 42 is nicer than the RCC, but that might not be so for First Class as United usually does a good job with them.

someotherguy,
Thanks for that link. Nice photos and great reporting. Sounds like the writer prefers the ANA lounge over RCC. I'm glad I get to experience both of them on this trip.

Anyone else w/opinions?

I use the RCC in NRT frequently, but I keep hearing that UA Business Class customers also have access to the ANA Business Class Lounge...is this the case? Are they in the same area? If so, I'll need to check it out for myself next time.

Let us know what you find out simpsonc510, I'm curious too, although I won't be flying First Class anytime soon!

Mel: I've been in the RCC first class lounge, but it was under a rather stressful situation (my mother had just recently passed away and I needed a getaway after overseeing her care for a few years) so I don't remember a lot about it. I'll have a much better look this time!!! I will probably do the ANA 1st class lounge on my return trip, since the RCC is much more familiar to me. I do like the showers there. Looking forward to the first-class showers. Maybe they have updated ammenities? ANA lounge is slightly farther away. I forget the gate number. I've never been in there, but I understand that a *A gold card will get you in.

Anyway, I'll be reporting a "live from BKK" thread of some sort on the Asia forums and will post my experience(s) there. Feel free to drop by and read by live posts.

The ANA business and first lounges are at the far end of the terminal. Both can get fairly crowded in the late morning for the bank of flights to the U.S. The F lounge is comfortable, but nothing exceptional. Sushi and other very decent food items. I don't recall there being a formal restaurant, though it's been 2 years since I'm there.

For me, one of the most important perks of F is having meals on a schedule that's convenient to me, not one that's convenient to the airline. If I've had a meal at the lounge, then I'm not likely to be interested in having another a couple of hours later just after take-off. When the FAs or purser come around to take meal orders, I'll ask them to reserve my meal choice and let them know that I'm going to order it later in the flight. One more way help make the time adjustment easier.

I agree about the meal schedule, rizzuto. I like having a very small meal (only the starter and a dessert) shortly after take-off. I don't want much food on a long flight. I prefer to sleep. A little bite of something before arriving at NRT will be good. Hopefully I'll be able to do just that!

Hi Carol, just checking in - you should have put "1st Class" in your title as I was chomping at the bit to offer my opinion on the business class lounges since I have been in both, as you know...

I am sure your experiences in the first class lounges will be great and I will try not to be too envious...

Hi Craig! I will report 'live' from both the UA and ANA 1st class lounges; one on the way over; the other one on the way back.

So, tell me what you thought of the biz class lounges! I'd love to get your opinions.

I prefer ANA's lounges - they have two in that terminal so location isn't really a big deal. I think the food they offer is better, the chairs are more comfortable, and when I was there it was pretty quiet. The RCC can get pretty crowded at times.

Yeah, the last half-dozen or so times I've been in the RCC it was a zoo. They have so many flts leaving around 4:00-6:30pm and everyone wants to wait in the RCC, if possible.