[Click above for the video review.]
Overall Impression:
Flying business class with Japan Airlines (JAL) offers a refined blend of thoughtful service, authentic Japanese hospitality, and culinary excellence. On a recent long-haul journey, I had the chance to experience JAL’s business class product in full—from the meticulously prepared meals to the calm, attentive service and unique seat design. While not without its quirks, the overall experience highlighted JAL’s strengths and offered a compelling glimpse into what makes this carrier a favorite among premium travelers.
What I liked:
Exceptional In-Flight Dining – JAL’s business class dining experience is a true highlight, especially for fans of Japanese cuisine. The multi-course Japanese set menu was beautifully presented and full of rich, authentic flavors. Each dish reflected a high level of culinary craftsmanship—impressive at 35,000 feet.
Adding to the experience is JAL’s dine-on-demand concept, available after the initial meal service. This flexible offering allows passengers to order a variety of mid-flight or pre-arrival dishes whenever it suits them—perfect for those who prefer to eat on their own schedule.
For a light bite or refreshment between meals, the self-serve snack bar near the galley was a welcome touch, offering a good selection of snacks and beverages to keep passengers comfortable and satisfied throughout the flight.
Refined and Attentive Service – Despite a few minor language gaps and the crew still adapting to the newer aircraft, the service onboard truly embodied omotenashi—Japan’s signature spirit of hospitality. The flight attendants were consistently warm, attentive, and proactive, maintaining a calm and polished cabin environment. A pre-departure beverage was offered to us upon boarding, and hot towels were also provided after each meal. They also kept the lavatories spotless and well-stocked throughout the flight, which added to the overall sense of care and comfort.
Comfortable Seats – JAL’s Apex Suite seats are arranged in a somewhat dense 2-3-2 configuration on the 777, but once seated, the experience is far from cramped. Each seat offers direct aisle access and a high degree of privacy—particularly in the window seats. The seats themselves are spacious and supportive, with intuitive controls that make it easy to switch between lounging, dining, and fully-flat bed modes. Combined with the Airweave mattress pad, getting restful sleep during the flight was genuinely achievable.
What I didn’t like:
Lack of Individual Air Nozzles – One noticeable drawback was the absence of individual air vents at each seat. While this may be a minor issue for some, it’s a personal preference of mine—especially on long-haul flights where temperature regulation can impact comfort and sleep quality. That said, the cabin temperature was generally well-managed by the crew, and the attentive service did help offset this inconvenience.
It was OK…I guess:
In-Flight Entertainment – JAL’s in-flight entertainment system offers a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music, catering to a broad range of tastes. However, the interface felt dated and unintuitive—operated via a small handheld remote rather than a touchscreen, which made browsing more cumbersome than it should be. While the content library itself was solid, the overall user experience would benefit from a more modern, streamlined design.
On a positive note, JAL provides complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi for Business and First Class passengers. Although the connection isn’t particularly fast, it’s a valuable perk for staying connected while in the air.
British Airways Lounge at SFO – The Galleries Lounge at SFO, used for this flight, had undergone renovations and looked fresh and contemporary. Visually, it was a pleasant space—but practically, it fell short. The lounge is relatively small, and during peak hours it became overcrowded and noisy, making it difficult to find seating or enjoy a calm pre-flight moment. On the upside, the lounge offered a few nice amenities, including a modest à la carte menu via QR code, a buffet, and a well-stocked bar.
Amenities – JAL’s amenity offerings were functional but far from luxurious. The absence of pajamas in business class was noticeable, though slippers and loaner cardigans were provided to add a bit of comfort. The Sony noise-cancelling headphones were serviceable, but didn’t quite deliver the premium sound quality you might expect in this cabin class.
The amenity kit itself was fairly basic, but a pleasant surprise was the inclusion of a phone charging cable and stand—an unexpectedly practical touch that proved useful during the flight. As for bedding, the duvet and pillow were adequate, but the real standout was the Airweave mattress pad, which added a layer of support and comfort that made restful sleep much easier.
One major plus: the lavatories were kept impeccably clean throughout the flight and featured Toto washlets—a uniquely Japanese luxury that added a thoughtful and memorable touch to the onboard experience.
Bottom Line:
Japan Airlines’ business class delivers a premium experience with standout elements that make it easy to appreciate—from exquisite in-flight dining and gracious service to comfortable flat-bed seating. However, a few minor drawbacks, such as the warm cabin temperature and underwhelming entertainment interface, kept the experience from being flawless. Still, for travelers seeking a serene and service-oriented journey, especially those with a taste for Japanese cuisine and hospitality, JAL remains a top-tier choice worth considering.
TravelingFoody.com 