Why Japan Airlines Business Class offers the best in-flight experience
On this international airline, flight attendants go out of their way to get everything you need. The meals almost look like art and there are cardigans as well as pyjamas.
On this international airline, flight attendants go out of their way to get everything you need. The food also looks like art and there are cardigans and pyjamas.
Take a seat
There are 49 seats configured in a two-three-two layout. Japan Airlines business class is divided into two cabins by the galley, and my section is just behind first class. With only seven seats, it feels almost like I am at the pointy end of the plane. The layout reminds me of individual train carriages, long and boxy in design, but without carriage doors. The seat is incredibly spacious; 65cm wide and 188cm when laid out to a fully flat bed. When sitting, my feet cannot reach the footrest in front. I am on the aisle on the left-hand side of the plane, so there is not much privacy from other passengers walking past.
There is plenty of storage space, including a handy – almost hidden – compartment on the left-hand side. It is very Japanese in design; everything has its place. Headphones hang on a designated hook, and there is room to store a laptop while it charges. An international power plug, USB-A port and a headphone jack are other features. The amenities kit complements this functionality with a phone charging cord and stand to keep it upright. The kit also has an eye mask, toothbrush, ear plugs and tissues. Pyjamas, slippers and a thick quilt are provided, and flight attendants offer cardigans after takeoff to those who are cold.
Tech talk
There is a free wi-fi in business class but it takes a three-page instruction manual in Japanese and English to get it to connect via two QR codes. It is overly complicated, but it works.
That’s entertainment
The 53cm screen is huge and it is controlled through a remote to my left. A good selection of Hollywood and Japanese movies and television shows are offered. I decide on British independent film All of Us Strangers and The Fall Guy; the first is brilliant, the second I don’t even finish.
On the menu
Business passengers have a choice of two cuisines: Japanese or international.
I choose the former and am given a selection of starters: deep-fried eggplant; sauteed sweet potato and carrot; chicken marinated in sake; and roast beef rolls.
They are served in a bento box and each looks like a work of art – it’s the most beautifully presented meal I have seen on a plane, right down to the small red origami bird placed next to my chopsticks.
I have salmon with miso butter sauce and rice for my main, and a honey crunch cake for dessert. Another meal is offered before we land and I have roast beef and egg salad sandwiches, and both are excellent. The snacks are also deliciously addictive and are available in the galley for refills; a vanilla madeleine-style cake and the dark-chocolate squares are highlights.
In the bag
Business-class passengers can check in up to three pieces of luggage at 32kg each and two bags in the cabin totalling 10kg.
At your service
Flight attendants go out of their way to get anything you need. I soon learn that, rather than walk up and down the aisles checking in, they leave you in peace and wait for the call button to be used. The result is a quiet, relaxing flight. I spend a number of hours on my laptop and develop a penchant for the vanilla cakes. This does not go unnoticed; my attendant drops me off a handful of these treats before landing. “You have been working very hard, try to take care of yourself,” she says kindly. She also notices that while other passengers can see Mount Fuji from the windows, it’s invisible from my seat. She taps me on the shoulder and takes me to where I can admire one of the world’s most famous mountains peeking through the clouds.
On the ground
Business-class passengers can use the Qantas Business Class Lounge at Sydney Airport. It is packed to the brim on a Wednesday at 8am.
In the know
Japan Airlines has an Explorer Pass for domestic flights within Japan. It is significantly cheaper and only available to non-Japanese residents. The Boeing 777-300ER is slowly being replaced by the A350-1000 and is in service from Tokyo to New York, Dallas and London.
Make your points
Japan Airlines has its JAL Mileage Bank program and is part of the Oneworld alliance. Qantas frequent flyers can earn points and status credits on all JAL flights.
The bottom line
A one-way business-class flight from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda is $4002, based on airline website search two months from publication.
Verdict
The service on board is the best I have experienced in the air. The staff are polite, kind and go above and beyond. Their attention to detail means this is a flight I will never forget, along with the view of Mount Fuji at sunset.
Milanda Rout was a guest of Japan Airlines.
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