Review: JAL Sakura Business Class Lounge Frankfurt
Intro
Following a change of plans, it was time to embark on an expedition to Scotland. Thanks to BA having space in Business Class, my ticket was eligible for lounge access in both Frankfurt and London on the way to Edinburgh. Considering BA doesn’t have a lounge in Frankfurt, passengers with OW Emerald/Saphire, as well as those in business, are directed towards the JAL Business Class (Sakura Lounge)
Overall, I would say that this lounge isn’t too bad at all. After visiting the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the Lufthansa Business Class Lounge, I might rank the JAL Lounge just below both of them, but it isn’t bad, as I mentioned. They have real champagne flutes!
Location+Access
The Sakura Lounge is relatively easy to find. Once clearing immigration, make a hard right and follow the signs to gate D5. Just across the way is where you will find the JAL Sakura Lounge, and it is pretty hard to miss with its wooden panel exterior.
In terms of access, the Sakura Lounge follows the same rules as regular OneWorld lounges.
Those ticketed into Business Class on a same-day ticket are eligible for lounge entry. No guests allowed.
Those with Oneworld Emerald and Saphhire are eligible for access with a same-day ticket. Guest allowed.
There is also a First Class Lounge, but that is only open from 4:30 p.m onwards to coincide with the JAL flight to Tokyo. On the contrary, the Sakura Lounge is open from 6 am until 8 pm, covering most Oneworld departures.
Around The Lounge
Stepping into the lounge, I came across a couple of telephone booths perfect for making conference calls before taking off on a long flight to Tokyo. Continuing on, I came across the lounge in itself.
The whole design is set to be one big open layout, almost similar to the back room of the ANA business class lounge in Narita. There are plenty of different seating options, from comfy chairs to places for working to even a couple of couches scattered around the lounge. All in all, the design isn’t the most aestetically pleasing, but it is a decent place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the lounge 😉.
Food+Drink
The aspect of the lounge that thoroughly impressed me was the drink selections. Okay, apart from one thing, there isn’t actually any champagne being served in the lounge, only sparkling wine. I find this a bit peculiar, as JAL offers real champagne flutes but only sparkling wine.
However, there were plenty of other drinks, such as a multitude of different boozes (that’s a nice word, isn’t it), individual still and sparkling waters (something I love), a lovely tea station, and traditional coffee machines.
However, where the JAL Sakura Lounge really shines out to me is the food selection. I had heard in the past that the Sakura Lounge only had a buffet, but when I was there (June 2024), there were multiple made-to-order dishes that they would cook behind a counter. Fantastic for a business class lounge!
Other Amenities
Anyone who has been to Japan has to love the heated toilet seats. So when I got up to visit the restroom, I was enthralled to see that they had Japanese toilets 😍.
Additionally, if you are looking to freshen up, there are two shower suites accessible to business-class customers. As I had just showered in the Air Canada Lounge, for some reason, my mind slipped about visiting them 😒 (sorry).
Of course, free wifi is offered as well.
Final Thoughts
The JAL Sakura Lounge in Frankfurt isn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Before the pandemic, I had heard quite a few bad reviews about the lounge, but with staff preparing food, real champagne flutes (just without the champagne), and Japanese toilets, this isn’t a bad lounge per se.
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