Key Takeaways
- Japan Airlines business class offers lie-flat seats and good service, but the cabin layout (2-3-2) has trade-offs in privacy.
- The food is fresh and varied, with both Japanese and international menu options, though amenities are simpler than some rivals.
- For long-haul travel, the upgrade provides significant comfort, but it may not be the best business class available.
A Splurge for Long-Haul Comfort
Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations right now, but getting there often means a marathon flight. For many travelers, the question of upgrading to business class is a serious consideration.
One couple, journeying from the south of France to Tokyo, decided to invest in business-class upgrades for their 14-hour legs between Helsinki and Tokyo. Their convoluted route—Marseille to London, London to Helsinki, and then Helsinki to Tokyo—allowed them to secure a deal. Each round-trip ticket cost approximately 2,904 euros, or about $3,366.
They flew with Japan Airlines (JAL) and shared their candid experience, comparing it to other premium carriers.
Lounge Access: A Strong Start
Business class comes with perks, and access to airport lounges is a major one. Since both Finnair and JAL are part of the Oneworld alliance, the couple used the Finnair Business Lounge in Helsinki.
- The lounge was spacious, stylish, and comfortable.
- Complimentary food was plentiful and delicious.
- Bartenders served a variety of drinks, from cocktails to Champagne.
On the return leg, they used JAL’s Sakura Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport. While it was a peaceful place to wait, it felt less inspiring than the Finnair lounge.
The Cabin Layout: A Clever but Flawed Design
The business-class cabin featured a 2-3-2 layout, which at first seems cramped. However, the seats are staggered so that even the middle passenger has direct aisle access.
For window seat passengers, the design allows you to step behind the aisle passenger’s screen to reach the aisle. While clever, the reviewer noted that this layout isn’t ideal for couples who want to chat easily. The divider between seats required leaning forward to see each other.
Aisle Seat: A Lack of Privacy
The traveler chose an aisle seat, but quickly regretted it. Unlike some business-class suites with high walls or doors, the JAL aisle seat felt exposed.
- The seat was “open” all the way to the back and elbow.
- It lacked the cocoon-like privacy of a window or center seat.
- In contrast, her husband’s window seat offered a perfect, private nook.
One upside for the aisle seat was a spacious cubby hole for storing items like a phone or book during the flight.
Amenities and Comfort: Simple But Effective
Upon boarding, passengers received a pillow, slippers, headphones, and an amenities pouch with a bottle of water. On the return flight, passengers were offered branded cardigans to use, but not keep.
- No pajamas were provided (those are reserved for first class on select routes).
- The amenity kits came in colorful Heralbony washbags.
Contents varied by flight:
- Outbound: earplugs, tissues, toothbrush and toothpaste, hand cream, a phone stand, and a heated eye mask.
- Return: no heated eye mask, but a USB charging cable.
The reviewer found the amenities “simpler” than those from other airlines, which often include high-end toiletries. However, JAL did provide a nice facial mist in the bathrooms and mouthwash sachets.
Lie-Flat Beds and Legroom: The Real Luxury
The ability to lie flat is the greatest luxury of business class. The seats converted into comfortable, lie-flat beds.
- Legroom was generous, allowing for complete stretching.
- The seat had a massage feature, which was a nice bonus.
- Passengers could use mattress toppers from overhead racks for extra comfort.
One minor complaint: in the upright position, shorter passengers (under 5’9”) might struggle to reach the footrest easily.
Dining: A Taste of Japan
The dining experience began with small bites like crisp breads with scallop cream, or nuts and breadsticks. The main meal offered a choice between Japanese and international menus.
- Drinks were served in simple tumblers, lacking the elegance of different glasses for Champagne or wine.
- The origami-swan chopstick holder added a charming Japanese touch.
- Dishes included pak choi and king-oyster mushrooms, deep-fried sesame tofu, and grilled Finnish beef.
After the main meal, an à la carte menu was available on demand. The reviewer particularly praised the salads for their freshness, though they were served too cold.
The signature miso ramen was a highlight, and the variety of food made the long flight feel manageable.
Entertainment and Connectivity: Good, Not Great
The seatback screen was a good size with solid sound quality. However, the remote control’s small screen made browsing movie options difficult. It lacked detailed descriptions, forcing the reviewer to rely on familiar titles.
- Complimentary WiFi was available and worked well, with occasional dropouts.
- The reviewer wished she had researched movies before the flight to make better choices.
Final Verdict: A Treat, But Not the Best
Overall, flying JAL business class was a lovely experience with small critiques. The biggest drawbacks were the lack of privacy in aisle seats and the simpler amenities compared to top-tier carriers.
- The reviewer’s previous experience with Qatar Airways (often ranked the world’s best business class) set a high bar.
- JAL’s offering felt less luxurious, but the value was still there for long-haul travel.
Was it worth it? For the ability to lie down, the extra space, and the polite service, yes. The upgrade provided significant comfort on a 14-hour flight. Even if it wasn't the absolute best, the couple felt lucky to have had the experience.
The trip proved that even a “good” business class is a vast improvement over economy for those long journeys to Japan.