Flying on Japan Airlines has always been, well, delightfully Japanese. Think of it as an introduction—or if departing from Tokyo, a bid farewell—to the country’s characteristic tenets of respectful, nearly differential service; seafood-forward and fresh cuisine; and commitment to cultural traditions. (Onboard oshiburi, anyone?) Add in comfortable seats across all cabins—yes, even decent economy ones with 34 inches of recline—and you have an experience worth writing home about. Or at least not complaining to someone about.
As airline competition continues to heat up, especially across Asia and the Middle East, the Japanese carrier is refining things even further. Enter Japan Airlines’ next-generation widebody aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000. The first long-haul-equipped A350 entered service in early 2024 and will eventually become the airline’s gold standard for international routes, including between the US and Tokyo.
I recently traveled on Japan Airlines’ plane of the future, with the difficult assignment of sampling the two most premium cabins onboard. From New York’s John F. Kennedy (JFK) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND), I sat in the ultra-exclusive, six-seat first-class cabin and for the return journey, I settled for one of the 54 business class suites.
Here’s what it's like flying Japan Airlines business class and first class on the A350-1000, the latest and greatest from Japan’s flag carrier.
Onboard comforts and tech
There is no questioning it: The seats and overall experience on the new Airbus are a major improvement from the Boeing 777-300ER that previously operated this route. (I’ve flown the older generation Japan Airlines aircraft a total of eight times.)
On the A350-1000, the airline has six cavernous first-class suites (we should note that each suite can fit up to three passengers), 54 business-class suites with doors, 24 electronically-reclining premium economy berths, and 155 standard economy-class seats. As for aesthetics, the burgundy color scheme from nose to tail is soothing to the eye, albeit slightly dated-looking.
However, what does get high marks in the looks department are the uniquely Japanese touches and key attention to detail. For instance, the sliding, semi-transparent suite doors of first class are a nod to shoji entrances found in traditional Japanese homes. In business class, the shoji-inspired door makes another appearance, but this time in the form of an elegant full-length wardrobe, perfect for hanging a suit jacket or coat.
Sleek, wraparound ambient lighting—fully customizable through an in-seat tablet—illuminates each first-class pod. Travelers can set the mood by dimming the automated window shades and watching a movie from a crisp 43-inch 4K monitor. A meager in-flight entertainment selection, unfortunately, remains a sore point. Instead, I watched the A350 tail camera (an aviation geek dream) and connected to super-fast WiFi. Passengers in both first and business have the choice between listening to audio through provided Sony headphones, Bluetooth, or, in an industry-first, built-in headrest speakers. There are wireless charging capabilities, power outlets galore, and USB-A and USB-C ports; in premium economy, seats are fully motorized. Yes, that last feature is yet another industry first.
Beyond the impressive technology capabilities, what really stands out in the premium cabins is the sheer amount of space and privacy. For the first time, Japan Airlines business class and first class both offer closing doors at each seat, an increasingly common feature seen across the industry.
In first class, a 62-inch-tall door opens to an expansive suite which is a full 30% roomier than the seats in the previous generation. As a testament to just how much square footage there is, Japan Airlines has room for up to two additional companions to join the primary passenger. Sorry, your other suitemates are supposed to have their own tickets in first class, too. No stowaways here.
The sleeping experience in first-class is next-level extravagant. The primary seat transforms into an 80-inch lie-flat bench complete with a mattress pad (and choice of firmness), a comforter, and two pillows. What makes the first-class JAL bed particularly comfortable, however, is the extra secondary seat that provides additional shoulder, hip, and leg space so you can sprawl out even more. Passengers also receive an amenity kit stuffed with high-end Shiseido products and an ultra-soft pajama set.
In business, the bedding is a bit more spartan, with a single pillow that could use some extra fluff. However, with a 78-inch lie-flat platform, a massive footwell, and a mattress pad similar to what you receive in first class, the cabin is more than adequate for getting quality rest. Japan Airlines also offers a cardigan-like sweater for business class passengers, but with a warmer-than-average cabin and no air vents, it wasn't an amenity you'll likely need to use.
There are no overhead bins in first class, and in business, they are only located on the sides of the aircraft (none in the center). Instead, there are numerous other storage compartments, from seemingly bottomless cupboards to nifty shoe storage. Business class passengers can stow one smaller rollaboard-style suitcase under the ottoman, and in first, there’s room for two. We’d be remiss not to mention the Japanese-style bidet in every first- and business-class lavatory.
Food and beverage
Passengers across first, business, and premium economy can select between a Western menu and a Japanese menu; the latter is heavier on seafood. Meals are offered shortly after takeoff, followed by an array of mid-flight hot and cold snacks (including beef curry, ramen, udon, pork katsu sandwiches, and more), and a full pre-arrival meal.
If you enjoy Japanese cuisine and have never eaten a set meal at 35,000 feet, you’re in for a treat. Food on the airline is regarded as some of the best in the world, with the Japanese set being a particular highlight. Expect a first course of cold selections, called irodori gozen, that includes a variety of fresh fish and Japanese specialties. Following that, a hot course called dainomono, includes a flavorful main, along with miso soup and rice.
First-class passengers can have a flute (or several) of 2013 Salon Blanc de Blancs Champagne which retails for a staggering $1,200 a bottle. Even non-drinkers like myself will appreciate the alcohol-free sparkling wine and the most expensive non-alcoholic beverage in the sky, Queen of Blue deluxe tea.
At the Haneda Airport, both the business- and first-class lounges offer a wide selection of Japanese and Western-style dishes—including JAL’s famous beef curry and freshly baked bread by Maison Kayser—which passengers can enjoy while admiring expansive tarmac views. Both lounges also have shower and rest facilities. The first-class lounge at HND steps it up even further with a sushi and Champagne bar and a stunning Art Deco library filled with mementos from JAL’s storied past.
Routes
Japan Airlines currently flies twice daily between New York and Tokyo. One frequency, the early afternoon departure from New York, features a shiny A350. However, starting on July 1, 2024, both daily flights will be on the new aircraft. Meanwhile, A350-1000 flights between Dallas (DFW) and Tokyo (HND) will start daily on October 26, 2024. (They currently alternate between days.)
After this, it’s expected that Japan Airlines will next assign the A350 to its flight between Tokyo (HND) and London (LHR), likely in early 2025. Right now, the carrier has three Airbus A350-1000s in its fleet. The rollout of all 13 A350-1000s isn’t expected to be complete until 2028, at which point the older Boeing 777-300ER—and its previous generation seats—would be retired.
The takeaway
Historically, flying with Japan Airlines has been pleasant, but its cabins have been overdue for a refresh. The airline retains everything passengers love, now with more modern niceties. Even better, there’s the undeniable feeling of stepping foot on a metal-tube-at-35,000-feet version of Japan itself. The cherry on top is the tech-forward, yet uber-quiet interior, making for a particularly luxurious ride anywhere you sit.
