Information on Japan Airlines Flights

Japan Airlines, often referred to as JAL, is the flag carrier airline of Japan. It is based in Tokyo, with hubs at Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. It serves both domestic and international destinations, and has codeshare agreements with OneWorld Alliance carriers, as well as 25 other global airlines. It is known for its professional, thoughtful service and hospitality.

Japan Airlines classes and cabins

Japan Airlines’ international flights have four cabins of service, ranging from economy class to first class. Although the premium cabins are a priority for JAL, they don’t skimp on the economy experience, which often wins awards. Although it’s worth the splurge if you can spring for first or business class, most travelers will have a good flight farther back in the plane.

Economy class

The economy cabin is the most basic of JAL classes. The seats are comparable to most international airlines and have about 34 inches of space between rows, which is a decent amount of legroom. All economy seats on international flights have seat-back screens, while the newer aircraft have power outlets at seats. It’s best to check your intended route for a seat map before booking as the seats on the A350-1000 are newer and more comfortable.

JAL’s economy dining focuses on well-being, with menus designed by Japanese chefs. The options vary by route, but in my experience the food is good and tends to be more exciting than Western airlines.

On long-haul routes, JAL offers a self-service snack corner for passengers to help themselves to small treats. Passengers who want something slightly tastier can pay to upgrade their meal online ahead of a flight. Wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks are available in economy (pro tip: ask for the iced green tea).

On certain flights, economy passengers can (and should) ask for earplugs and eye masks. Although the seats are not always super comfortable, these small perks can help ensure you fall asleep on overnight flights.

Premium economy class

Premium economy seats offer more space in a smaller area of the main cabin on international flights. The seats have significant recline and a footrest, which means you’ll be able to sleep better on overnight flights. The meals are the same as the economy class options. Passengers can request wine, prosecco, and shochu, as well as spirits, to accompany the meals.

On longer routes, premium economy passengers have access to amenities like toothbrushes and eye masks. You can also request slippers, which is great for longer flights when you may want to remove your shoes. All premium economy seats have power outlets and seat-back screens.

Business class

The business class cabin takes up a large portion of the JAL international flights. The seats vary based on the aircraft, ranging from individual suites on the A350-1000 to more traditional seats on older planes and domestic flights. Many of the seats do lay flat, but it’s best to check the configuration in advance when booking to ensure you’re paying for the best product. All seats have power outlets.

The food in business class is notably good, with a choice between Japanese cuisine and Western-style dishes. After the initial meal service, passengers can request a la carte options whenever they’re hungry, a nice amenity for travelers on long-haul flights. The food is served with specialty wines, including sake and champagne.

Business class travelers get a well-appointed amenity kit. On select flights they can also opt to borrow a cardigan or relaxing wear (a.k.a. pajamas). There is a dedicated check-in area for business class passengers, who also get priority bag service and lounge access. The lounges are especially nice at Haneda and Narita, and business class passengers can access OneWorld lounges at international airports if there isn’t a JAL lounge available.

First class

JAL’s first class cabin offers top service and amenities on international flights. It has two types of first class seat, depending on the aircraft type, but both are individual suites with lay-flat beds. The newer suites on the A350-1000 planes are exceptionally large, with sofa-like seats and built-in speakers in the headrest. First class has more storage and space than business class, as well as a choice between high-end Western and Japanese cuisine, which is served with the same specialty wines as business class.

First class travelers are given a relaxing pajama set and an amenity kit with Shiseido products during the flight. Prior to flying, passengers can use a dedicated first class check-in, priority bag service, and airline lounges. At Haneda, there is a special first class entrance to the JAL first class lounge, while Narita has its own first class offering for passengers. Because first class is a small cabin it tends to be more private than business class, which takes up the majority of the international flights.

Onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi

On international flights, passengers can expect seat-back screens with a choice of movies and TV shows. The newer A350-1000 have significantly larger 4K screens and the option to use your own headphones with a Bluetooth connection. In my experience, JAL has a good selection of movies, including new releases, and they also offer games and audio programs.

International JAL flights have Wi-Fi onboard, although you may want to check that your flight will have it available. It can be used by all classes of passengers, everyone except for first class will need to purchase one of the packages. It’s important to note that the Wi-Fi won’t allow passengers to stream video, so be sure to download any content you want onboard before flying.

Check-in and seat selection

Most travelers in all classes have the option to choose their seats before check-in. You can opt to pay in advance for extra legroom. If you are flying a codeshare flight, like British Airways or American, you may need to access that airline’s website to pick a seat. In my experience, it’s best to contact that airline directly rather than attempt to pick the seat through JAL.

There are two ways to check in for a JAL domestic flight: online with the airline’s “Touch & Go” check-in or at the airport. Typically, passengers on domestic flights will take advantage of the online check-in, while anyone with international connections or flying on a codeshare will need to check in at the airport.

Passengers on international flights can also check in online or at a self service kiosk at the airport. Check-in opens 24 hours before a flight and I would suggest checking in right away if you still need to select a seat.

Baggage policies

JAL is very generous with their checked bag policy, especially if you’re used to U.S. airlines. On international flights, the first two checked bags are free for all passengers, while first and business class travelers can check three bags. All bags must be under 50 lbs. Passengers can pay for additional luggage of up to seven more bags. Many airports, including Narita and Haneda, have self service bag drop stations where you can print your own bag tags.

Carry-on allowances are equally generous. You can bring one personal item and one carry-on bag regardless of your cabin, although the weight can’t be more than 22 lbs in total.

Japan Airlines lounges

JAL lounges are notably nice, especially in Japan. Haneda and Narita have separate lounges for first and business class passengers, and the business class lounges, known as the Sakura Lounges, can also be accessed by those with elite status on JAL or OneWorld.

Several international airports have dedicated JAL first and business class lounges, including Frankfurt Airport, Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. In other international airports, like London’s Heathrow, JAL passengers have access to OneWorld Lounges from codeshare partners like British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Boarding process

On JAL, boarding is done in several groups. It begins with pre-boarding for families with small children, disabled passengers, and pregnant women. Priority boarding includes three groups determined by your cabin class or airline status, either on JAL or OneWorld.

The remaining cabins are boarded starting with those in rear seats by seat number (group four) and then everyone else (group five). This process is meant to ensure the economy cabin doesn’t get blocked during boarding and I’ve experienced that it typically does work. If you’re in boarding group five you don’t need to get to the boarding gate more than 30 minutes ahead of departure.

Loyalty program and global alliance

JAL’s mileage program is called JAL Mileage Bank, or JMB. Frequent fliers can accumulate miles from traveling or from shopping to spend on future travel. The airline’s loyalty program, FLY ON, is slightly different. A passenger’s FLY ON membership is determined by the number of FLY ON Points collected during the previous calendar year from January to December.

There are four levels of FLY ON membership: JMB Diamond, JGC Premier, JMB Sapphire, and JMB Crystal. Each has its own perks, including priority boarding and lounge access. Because JAL is part of the OneWorld alliance, each also corresponds with a specific OneWorld status, which similarly come with perks.

You are likely not going to use the FLY On program unless you live in Japan or frequently fly on JAL specifically. I have status on American Airlines, which translates to OneWorld Sapphire, allowing me to access JAL lounges when traveling. It’s best to keep your status and miles on an airline in your home country and then take advantage of the global alliance.