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Airline: Japan Airlines
Flight Number: JL58
Route: NRT-SFO
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Registration: JA866J
Delivered: December 2016
Flight Duration: 8 Hours 35 Minutes
Distance: 5,124 Miles
Overall Impression:
After an unforgettable few days exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, we were eagerly anticipating our journey back home to San Francisco with Japan Airlines. Flying JAL in business class has always been a highlight of our travels, thanks to their impeccable service and renowned in-flight dining experience—especially on flights departing from Tokyo.
As a fan of the Apex Suite seat, I was pleased to see JAL’s signature design still shining on their long-haul 787s and 777-300ERs. While there have been some minor upholstery updates, the seat remains an excellent choice for both lounging and sleeping. The in-flight service, though slightly reserved, was consistently prompt and efficient. Despite their shyness, the flight attendants provided attentive and courteous service throughout, particularly during meal times.
Speaking of meals, the catering truly stole the show—a hallmark of JAL’s premium experience. Perhaps it’s my love for Japanese cuisine talking, but every dish I ordered was a delightful blend of freshness, flavor, and artistry, presented with the precision and care Japan is well-known for.
What I liked:
The JAL First Class Lounge at Narita – Thanks to our Oneworld Emerald status, we had the privilege of accessing the JAL First Class Lounge at Narita Airport. This elegant lounge is divided into two distinct floors, each offering a unique experience.
Upstairs, the focus is on dining. The highlight here is undoubtedly the made-to-order meals available through the JAL Lounge App. Complemented by a self-serve snack and beverage bar, this floor provides a delicious and convenient way to relax before a flight. We sampled several items from the menu, and each dish impressed us with its excellent taste and presentation.
Downstairs, the ambiance shifts to a more traditional lounge experience. With dimmed lighting and plush seating, it’s perfect for unwinding. Amenities include both self-serve and staffed bars, a shoe shine area, and a smoking room. For those in need of a freshen-up, the shower suites—reservable via the JAL Lounge App—offer a fresh touch to the overall experience.
The Catering – The catering out of Narita on this flight was exceptional, offering restaurant-quality meals that were as delicious as they were beautifully presented. The service began with a full meal after takeoff, transitioning into a dine-on-demand system, where passengers could order from the à la carte menu throughout the flight—a truly luxurious experience.
The post-takeoff meal service kicked off with a beverage accompanied by mixed nuts, Italian breadsticks, and a rich tomato purée. For my meal, I chose the Japanese option, starting with a beautifully arranged bento of seasonal appetizers, or “Irodori Gozen.” My companion selected the Western option, which began with a plate of hors d’oeuvres and warm artisan breads. Both starters were a hit, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Next came the main courses. My Japanese meal featured grilled marinated cod, deep-fried chicken, and a flavorful Japanese curry sauce, served alongside miso soup, rice, and pickles. It was hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor. My companion’s Western main—grilled beef filet with demi-glace—was equally impressive, cooked to a perfect medium and bursting with savory richness.
For dessert, my Japanese selection included a roasted soybean bavarois with soft mochi. It struck a perfect balance—not overly sweet but delightfully satisfying. Meanwhile, my companion enjoyed a strawberry and white sesame mousse, which was also light and elegant. We paired our desserts with a calming cup of hot green tea.
Midflight, the crew setup a self-serve snack bar at the galley for those wanting to have a small bite in between meals.
About 90 minutes before landing, we explored the à la carte menu. I opted for the Beef Domannaka Bento and a glass of JAL Skytime, while my companion tried the egg salad sandwich and JAL’s signature yuzu-flavored ramen noodles. Both meals were delicious, providing the perfect conclusion to a memorable in-flight dining experience. The pre-arrival meal finished with a fresh cup of coffee.
The Friendly Service – The crew members we interacted with exuded a quiet, reserved demeanor, but their friendliness and eagerness to please were unmistakable. They were attentive and proactive, consistently offering drink refills and checking in periodically to ensure we had everything we needed. Despite their shyness, their professionalism and warm hospitality shone through, adding to the overall comfort and enjoyment of the flight. We were offered pre-departure beverage as well as hot towels through out the flight.
The seats – JAL features the Apex Suite on their long-haul configured 787s, offering business class seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. While the seating arrangement is a bit denser than some other layouts, the Apex Suite remains exceptionally comfortable for both lounging and sleeping. Each seat offers direct aisle access, ensuring convenience and privacy, making it a great choice for long-haul flights.
What I didn’t like:
The IFE – The IFE system offered a wide range of content, but I wasn’t particularly fond of navigating through it using the small remote control rather than the larger screen. As a result, I ended up opting to watch the moving map for most of the flight, which provided an engaging, albeit simpler, alternative to the traditional entertainment options.
No personal air nozzles – One of my pet peeves on long-haul flights is the absence of personal air nozzles, and unfortunately, this aircraft didn’t have them. However, the crew was considerate enough to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature throughout the flight, which made up for the lack of individual controls.
It was OK…
The Amenities – I was impressed with JAL’s new amenity kit, which includes some thoughtful extras like a phone stand and charger, in addition to the usual essentials. While JAL doesn’t provide pajamas in business class, they do offer cozy slippers, a bottled water, and loaner cardigans for added comfort. The airline also provides an Airweave mattress, a full-size pillow, and a duvet, which make for a great sleep experience.
The Sony noise-canceling headphones, though not the best on the market, provided acceptable sound quality for the duration of the flight. As for the lavatories, they were well-stocked with toiletries and other amenities such as toothbrushes and mouthwash, ensuring passengers had everything they needed to freshen up. As a parting gift, the crew gave us some warming eye masks.
Bottom Line:
Japan Airlines continues to impress with its top-notch business class service. From the comfortable Apex Suite seats with direct aisle access to the exceptional in-flight catering, every aspect of the experience was well-crafted for comfort and enjoyment. The friendly, attentive service, along with thoughtful amenities like the new amenity kit, airweave mattress, and high-quality bedding, added to the overall luxury of the flight. While the lack of personal air nozzles and slightly underwhelming IFE could be considered drawbacks, they were minor compared to the overall positive experience. If you’re looking for a premium, comfortable, and gastronomically delightful flight, JAL is a standout choice for long-haul travel.
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