Hello from Sapporo as we’ve now reached the destination for our winter ski trip to Niseko. I just flew Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 Class J on the short 70-minute flight from Tokyo (HND) to Sapporo (CTS).
Domestic aviation in Japan is fascinating, given that airlines have dedicated fleets used exclusively for flights within the country, and many of those planes are wide body aircraft. Some time back, I reviewed Japan Airlines’ A350-900 first class, which is an incredible way to fly domestically. This time around I flew one cabin back, in Class J, which isn’t necessarily what you’d expect.
In this post, I want to share some initial thoughts on the experience, and then soon I’ll have a full review.
In this post:
Japan Airlines’ Class J is not business class
Japan Airlines’ entire domestic fleet features Class J, while all of the carrier’s domestic wide body aircraft also feature first class (you won’t find first class on narrow body aircraft).
Here’s the thing that throws people off — Class J is not business class. This can be confusing, since typically the “J” fare class refers to business class, so the branding is unusual.
The important thing to understand is that Class J offers more spacious seats, but doesn’t offer any additional priority services. Class J passengers receive the same service as in economy, and they don’t receive lounge access, or an additional baggage allowance, or even priority boarding (assuming the traveler doesn’t have elite status). As a matter of fact, Class J passengers board last, since the airline boards planes back to front, aside from first class.
Let me also emphasize that Japan Airlines’ domestic Class J is typically super reasonably priced. For example, on the Tokyo to Sapporo route, you’ll find that economy starts at $96, Class J starts at $111, and first class starts at $178. So you’re potentially paying just an extra $15 for Class J.
Japan Airlines’ A350-900 Class J is a pleasant way to fly
On the A350-900, Japan Airlines has a total of 94 Class J seats, which are in a 2-4-2 configuration. In terms of space, this is comparable to premium economy on international flights, or to domestic first class within the United States.
Seats feature 38″ of pitch, have roughly 19″ of width, and boast 8″ of recline.
Seats also have 12″ seat back entertainment monitors, which have a modest selection of movies and TV shows.
However, given the short flight length and the beautiful scenery in Japan, the play is to enjoy the map feature, plus the A350 tail camera, while gazing out the window.
Japan Airlines also offers free Wi-Fi to all passengers on domestic flights, and there are even power ports, to keep your electronics charged.
As far as inflight service goes, it’s the same as in economy, and consists of the choice of either coffee, beef consommé, apple juice, green tea (hot or cold), water, or Sky Time (the carrier’s signature juice, currently a peach and grape mix). I had Sky Time, natch, while Ford had the beef consommé.
While first class has much more extensive service (with a meal, alcohol, and more attentive service), this was more than sufficient for such a short flight, and super comfortable.
Japan Airlines embraces aviation geeks of all ages
Japan Airlines consistently offers great service and warm Japanese hospitality, even on such a short flight. But I want to take a moment and express my gratitude for what stood out most to me — the crew went above and beyond to embrace my aviation geekiness.
Obviously when I review flights, I take a lot of pictures onboard. On most airlines, the crews either look at me suspiciously, or at best, are indifferent. Well, not on Japan Airlines.
For example, at the end of boarding, one of the flight attendants came up to my seat and brought me two postcards about the Japan Airlines A350-1000, saying “I hope you enjoy your flight with us.” To be clear, they had no clue who I am (I mean, I am nobody, but you know what I mean), but rather they just sensed my passion and interest.
Then at the end of the flight, she brought even more gifts, in the form of Japan Airlines keychains, saying “it looks like you enjoy your flight with us, so here is a small gift.”
I might not be five years old, but I am a huge aviation geek, so I always appreciate when crews embrace that.
Being a oneworld Emerald on domestic flights rocks
As I’ve written about in the past, oneworld Emerald is the best alliance-wide status, as far as I’m concerned. I’ve gotta say, Japan Airlines really goes above and beyond to treat Emerald members well on its domestic flights.
Emerald members can use the dedicated first class check-in area for domestic flights, which is awesome. There’s a check-in desk inside the facility, and then a private security checkpoint that takes you straight to the lounge. It’s almost like the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, and makes the whole process so seamless.
The domestic lounge boasts incredible views, and a very basic selection of food and drinks. Still, it’s quite pleasant.
Then oneworld Emerald members can board with first class, even when traveling in a lower cabin (I love Japan Airlines’ efficient boarding).
Essentially you get the entire domestic first class experience, except the actual onboard product.
Bottom line
Japan Airlines’ A350-900 Class J is a comfortable way to travel domestically within Japan. For a reasonable premium, you can get something that’s comparable to premium economy on an international flight, all at a modest premium.
While there’s nothing in the way of special service, Japan Airlines offers such a dignified experience in all cabins, with free Wi-Fi, seat back entertainment, friendly service, and of course great operational reliability.
Admittedly first class is even more of a treat, and can typically be had at a reasonable premium. But if it’s not within budget or available, Class J is excellent as well.
What do you make of Japan Airlines’ domestic A350-900 Class J experience?
Looks awesome. But did you see the Hello Kitty Happy Flight store in CTS? I'm sure you'd love it if you liked EVA Air.
Just to add, on your way out, visit the observation deck and any aviation-themed gift shops in Japan. Japan, in my opinion, is the best for avgeeks, with their observation decks and gift shops.
I really liked the leg rests this seat has. Unfortunately I didn’t receive the cool keychain with the Elon Musk statue.
Class J is basically a Recaro premium economy seat.
As domestic flight times can be really short (some people's commutes are way longer), think of it as a more comfortable bus or train ride. And plenty of folks buy bento boxes from their local convenience stores and eat them onboard.
And since I've been flying JAL as a kid on their 747s, they always have baskets of aviation-themed goodies such as model planes, keychains,...
Class J is basically a Recaro premium economy seat.
As domestic flight times can be really short (some people's commutes are way longer), think of it as a more comfortable bus or train ride. And plenty of folks buy bento boxes from their local convenience stores and eat them onboard.
And since I've been flying JAL as a kid on their 747s, they always have baskets of aviation-themed goodies such as model planes, keychains, et. al., which are always fun, and I'm a huge fan of.
next time, you may try asking for a flight certificate.. I got one from ANA previously, but forgot to ask JL one