Review: Japan Airlines First Class Airbus A350-1000 (HND-JFK)

Review: Japan Airlines First Class Airbus A350-1000 (HND-JFK)

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FROM: HND
TO: JFK
CABIN: First
DATE: January 2024
REVIEW RATING:
BEN SAYS: Japan Airlines' new A350 first class is a work of art, with massive suites, amazing tech, tasty food and drinks, and flawless service. This might be my favorite first class product in the world.
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Well, I saved the best for last. For the final long haul segment of my trip to Japan via Mongolia, I flew Japan Airlines’ Airbus A350-1000 first class on the 12hr40min flight from Tokyo (HND) to New York (JFK). I can’t even explain how excited I was about this flight, given that Japan Airlines just recently started flying the A350-1000, and it features a new passenger experience across cabins.

I’m happy to report that Japan Airlines’ new A350 first class is spectacularly good, among the best first class products in the world. The new first class suites are massive, with amazing tech, a huge TV, and tons of storage. And of course that complements Japan Airlines’ phenomenal soft product, thanks to the friendly service, tasty food and drinks, and more. Add in the fact that you’re on a quiet A350 with a tail camera, and I can’t recommend this product enough.

How I booked my Japan Airlines first class ticket

I booked my Japan Airlines first class ticket using American AAdvantage miles. Specifically, I booked the following award in first class for 80,000 AAdvantage miles plus $51.85 in taxes and fees:

1/30 JL6 Tokyo to New York departing 11:05AM arriving 10:00AM
1/30 AA2786 New York to Miami departing 12:30PM arriving 3:44PM

Read my guide to redeeming miles for Japan Airlines’ A350 first class, as it’s far from easy, but it is possible.

Japan Airlines first class lounge & boarding

Prior to my flight, I spent some time in the Japan Airlines First Lounge Haneda Airport, which is excellent, and which I reviewed in the previous installment. My flight was departing from gate 147, about a five minute walk from the lounge. Once at the gate, I couldn’t help but first admire the brand new Airbus A350-1000 I’d be flying — what a gorgeous beast!

Japan Airlines Airbus A350-100 Haneda Airport

Boarding was scheduled for 10:35AM, 30 minutes before the planned 11:05AM departure. Boarding ended up being delayed by 15 minutes “due to cabin preparations.” Of course since this is Japan, this slight delay was taken very seriously, and was also communicated thoroughly, unlike what you’d expect in the US.

Boarding did start at 10:50AM, with first class passengers and oneworld Emerald members being invited to board first. I don’t remember the last time that I was so excited to walk down a jet bridge.

Japan Airlines departure gate Haneda Airport

Japan Airlines A350 first class cabin & seats

I boarded the Japan Airlines A350-1000 through the second door on the left, where I was greeted by the friendly crew, and pointed left toward first class.

This first required walking through a portion of the business class cabin. There are 20 business class seats between the first and second set of doors, and then the remaining 33 business class seats are behind the second set of doors. I’m looking forward to trying this business class in the near future.

Japan Airlines business class cabin Airbus A350-1000
Japan Airlines business class cabin Airbus A350-1000

I then found myself in the stunning first class cabin, consisting of just six seats, spread across two rows, in a 1-1-1 configuration. Each suite has 83″ of pitch and 48″ of width, which is next level. This is an impressive cabin, and pictures don’t really do it justice.

As far as the cabin layout goes, the center seat in row one opens up into the left aisle, while the center seat in row two opens up into the right aisle. Therefore my first pick seats would be 2A or 1K, since you have no one across from you. Between those seats, I’d slightly prefer 2A to 1K, as it has less foot traffic, and is further from the lavatory. Aside from the direction in which suites open up, there aren’t any material differences between the seats.

Japan Airlines first class cabin Airbus A350-1000
Japan Airlines first class cabin Airbus A350-1000

While Japan Airlines’ new first class suites don’t feature floor-to-ceiling walls and doors (like you’ll find on Emirates’ new 777 first class), they do feature 62″ high walls and doors, so they offer a ton of privacy. The aisle definitely feels a bit narrow, since the airline decided to dedicate as much space as possible to the suites (which is a choice I appreciate).

Japan Airlines first class cabin Airbus A350-1000

I assigned myself 2A, the window seat on the left side in the second row, which is what I’d recommend assigning, if possible. WOW, WOW, WOW. I really don’t know how else to describe this product. This has to be the most spacious first class seat in the world.

Sure, you have Etihad’s A380 First Class Apartment and Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites, which are awesome, but the space isn’t actually utilized that efficiently. Meanwhile the space in this suite is very efficiently utilized. Frankly the walls are so high and the suite is so large that it’s almost hard to photograph it.

Japan Airlines first class seat Airbus A350-1000
Japan Airlines first class seat Airbus A350-1000

The thing that stands out the most about Japan Airlines’ new first class is just how wide the seat is. It’s more like a couch, and could very comfortably seat two people.

Japan Airlines first class seat Airbus A350-1000

The dimensions are equally impressive in the other direction, as you have a huge ottoman (which can also seat someone, so there’s really seating for three people in this suite), plus a 43″ entertainment monitor, among the largest in the sky.

Japan Airlines first class seat Airbus A350-1000

Let’s take a look at some of the finer details of the suite, starting with the couch area. You might be wondering what the point of such a large seat is. Yes, there are seatbelts for two people at the seat, but you can only book one person in the space. So the side of the seat actually has a tray that folds down, where you can place things during the flight. I found this to be super handy, as it was a great place to keep a drink within easy reach.

Japan Airlines first class seat table A350

This seat offers seven different charging options, a new record in commercial aviation. On both the left and right side of the seat, you’ll find an AC, USB-A, and USB-C outlet. Then on the left side of the seat you’ll find a wireless charging pad, and on the right side of the seat you’ll find the headphone jack.

Japan Airlines first class seat wireless charging A350
Japan Airlines first class seat outlets A350

The left side of the seat also has a panel as well as a tablet, which can be used to control many of the seat’s features. The tablet lets you control not just basic functions, but even things like mood lighting. It’s also how you can control the entertainment system, since it’s not touchscreen.

Japan Airlines first class seat monitor A350
Japan Airlines first class seat controls A350
Japan Airlines first class seat lighting controls A350

Looking at the other side of the seat, you’ll notice just how big the ottoman is, as that becomes part of the bed when you recline. This can also double as a buddy seat, should you want to dine face-to-face with someone.

Japan Airlines first class seat ottoman A350

Japan Airlines doesn’t have overhead bins in the A350 first class cabin, in order to give it a more spacious feel. Instead, carry-on items can be stored in a compartment underneath the ottoman. This is a good size, as it easily fit my full size carry-on, with room to spare.

Japan Airlines first class seat storage A350

To the side of the ottoman, you’ll find a counter where you can put items during the flight. The counter even has a secret storage compartment, where you can place some small items for easy access. There’s also a closet right by the door, where you can hang clothes.

Japan Airlines first class seat features A350
Japan Airlines first class seat storage A350

Underneath the table are two more storage compartments, a bit larger than the one on the counter.

Japan Airlines first class seat storage A350
Japan Airlines first class seat storage A350
Japan Airlines first class seat storage A350

The suite’s tray table also extends from underneath that console, and getting it out is quite a production. You first have to push a button so that the entire tray table concoction extends out, and then you actually have to lift it, and it’s quite heavy.

Japan Airlines first class seat tray table A350

The tray table is massive, and two people could easily enjoy their meals from this at the same time, with room to spare.

Japan Airlines first class seat tray table A350

As mentioned above, the suite has 62″ doors, and they’re easy to use, as they just slide open and closed. While this doesn’t quite offer full privacy, the reality is that these doors are much higher than most others on planes, and the crew can’t typically look over. After all, Japan Airlines primarily has female, Japanese flight attendants, and they’re not typically particularly tall.

Japan Airlines first class door A350

Japan Airlines’ A350-1000s are the “new production standard” version of the jet, meaning that the cabin is a bit wider than past A350s, and there are also dimmable windows. I far prefer the Airbus A350 dimmable windows to the Boeing 787 dimmable windows, as they do a better job of blocking light.

Japan Airlines first class seat dimmable windows A350

Perhaps the one downside to Japan Airlines’ A350 first class is that there are no individual air nozzles. I sure wish that Japan Airlines had elected to install those, but unfortunately that’s hardly surprising for a Japanese carrier.

Japan Airlines first class seat overhead console A350

One other thing I want to briefly discuss is the color scheme. Personally I don’t love Japan Airlines’ seeming obsession with burgundy. However, I have to say that I thought it looked a lot more elegant in person than in pictures, and I didn’t mind it. Would I want to decorate my home like that? Nope. But it exceeded my expectations.

Japan Airlines first class amenities

Japan Airlines offers a seemingly endless number of amenities in first class. Waiting at my seat upon boarding were two large, thick pillows, as well as a blanket. There’s more bedding available when you’re ready to sleep, but this helps with getting cozy while just lounging around. After all, in this product you feel like you have a couch in the sky, so it’s nice to be able to make yourself feel at home.

Japan Airlines first class pillow & blanket

There were a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones, which are high quality. However, you have two other options for listening to audio — you can use your own headphones thanks to the bluetooth audio, or you can use the headrest speakers.

Japan Airlines first class headphones

There was also an amenity kit from Zero Halliburton, containing an eye mask, earplugs, hair brush, pocket tissue, moisture mask, dental kit, and mouthwash, as well as hand cream and lip balm from L’Occitane.

Japan Airlines first class amenity kit

Then there was a Shiseido kit, with a face cleanser, a hydrating lotion, and a revitalizing cream.

Japan Airlines first class Shiseido amenities

There were also slippers, including a bag and a shoehorn.

Japan Airlines first class slippers

The menu and drink list were on display at the seat, in a nice leather binder.

Japan Airlines first class menu & drink list

Within a minute of settling in, the two fabulous first class flight attendants stopped by my seat to introduce themselves. Aoki would be primarily taking care of me, while Takada was the senior cabin attendant.

They were as enthusiastic as I was, as it was the first time they were flying on the A350-1000. Amazingly enough, they knew the product perfectly, and I didn’t notice any challenges with the service flow, so I guess Japan Airlines trained crews well.

They first offered me a pre-departure drink, with the choice of champagne or orange juice. That was served with a warm towel. Japanese airlines just consistently aren’t big into pre-departure drinks, as the focus during boarding is very much on safety and efficiency.

Japan Airlines first class pre-departure drink

They then offered me pajamas for the flight. These are soft and comfortable pajamas that I took home with me — truth be told, I’m wearing them right now, as I write this review!

Japan Airlines first class pajamas

I was also presented with a voucher for complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the flight, with no data caps.

Japan Airlines first class complimentary Wi-Fi voucher

Japan Airlines A350 first class entertainment & Wi-Fi

Japan Airlines has Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350-1000s, provided by Panasonic. The Wi-Fi pricing on the jet is as follows, all with no data caps:

  • A one hour pass costs $10.15
  • A three hour pass costs $14.40
  • A full flight pass costs $18.80
Japan Airlines A350 Wi-Fi pricing

I find that pricing to be attractive, especially for a flight this length, given the lack of data caps. You can also switch between devices freely. However, in my case the Wi-Fi didn’t cost anything, since I received a code for free Wi-Fi, which worked with no limits.

Japan Airlines A350 Wi-Fi

As far as the entertainment screen goes, it’s kind of wild to have a 43″ 4K screen at your seat — you almost feel like you’re in a movie theater. The entertainment system has a selection of movies, TV shows, live TV, audio, a map feature, and even a tail camera.

Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350

This isn’t among the best entertainment selections out there, and it pales in comparison to systems like Emirates’ ICE. However, the choices wasn’t terrible either — I’d estimate there were somewhere around 150 movies.

Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350
Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350
Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350
Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350
Japan Airlines first class entertainment system A350

The system also has a map feature, though that was glitching during my flight — it worked for the first portion of the flight, but then the map stopped tracking the plane’s location for the remainder of the flight. I imagine Japan Airlines is still ironing out some glitches.

Japan Airlines first class map feature A350

But honestly, the entertainment not being amazing didn’t bother me. Between the unlimited Wi-Fi and the tail camera, I was entertained just about the entire way. As an aviation geek, having a high definition tail camera on a 43″ screen is a dream come true. I mean, what more could one ask for?!

Japan Airlines first class tail camera A350

Probably the most interesting thing about Japan Airlines’ entertainment system is how there are built-in headrest speakers. Yes, you can watch movies or listen to music without even putting headphones on, as the speakers are all around your head. That’s quite something!

Japan Airlines first class headrest speakers A350
Japan Airlines first class seat controls A350

Japan Airlines A350 departure from Tokyo

The door closed at around 11:10AM, as boarding was efficient. For that matter, the flight just wasn’t very full, and had maybe 100 people onboard. In first class, there were a total of four passengers — a Japanese lady who was clearly an avgeek was seated in front of me, as she was as enthusiastic about the product at I was. Then an older Japanese couple was seated on the other side of the cabin.

At 11:15AM we began our pushback, and then five minutes later we started our taxi.

Japan Airlines A350 pushing back Haneda Airport

Around this time, the safety video was screened.

Japan Airlines safety video A350-1000

Once the video wrapped up, I of course turned on the tail camera, to enjoy the views.

Japan Airlines A350 taxiing Haneda Airport

We had a pretty long but fast taxi, and by 11:30AM we were cleared for takeoff on runway 34R.

Japan Airlines A350 taxiing Haneda Airport
Japan Airlines A350 taking off Haneda Airport

Departing Haneda on a daytime flight with clear conditions is such a treat, as it really puts into perspective what a sprawling city Tokyo is.

Japan Airlines A350 taking off Haneda Airport
Japan Airlines A350 taking off Haneda Airport
Japan Airlines A350 taking off Haneda Airport

We had a smooth climb out, and then the seatbelt sign was turned off about 10 minutes after takeoff.

Japan Airlines first class lunch service

After takeoff, it was time to eat… and drink! On this route, Japan Airlines offers one main meal after takeoff (though you can enjoy it whenever), and then a large snack and pre-arrival meal menu. Below you can find the menu for the first meal on this flight, featuring both a Japanese and international cuisine option.

Japan Airlines first class menu
Japan Airlines first class menu

Then below you can find the extensive Japan Airlines first class drink list.

Japan Airlines first class wine list
Japan Airlines first class wine list
Japan Airlines first class wine list
Japan Airlines first class wine list
Japan Airlines first class wine list
Japan Airlines first class drink list
Japan Airlines first class drink list
Japan Airlines first class drink list
Japan Airlines first class drink list
Japan Airlines first class drink list

While I typically select the Japanese option when flying with Japanese carriers, this time around I chose the international option instead. That’s because the international menu sounded great to me, while the Japanese menu was a bit too blowfish, herring, and urchin-centric for my liking.

I kicked off my meal with a glass of champagne. Japan Airlines currently serves 2013 Salon champagne on flights from Japan, which retails for around $1,200 per bottle. That’s the most expensive champagne served on any airline, but there’s a catch — the airline only caters a single bottle per flight.

After that there’s the backup champagne, which is currently Champagne Drappier La Grande Sendrée 2012. I find it a bit strange and stingy how the airline has an incredible champagne, but only caters a single bottle. If the cabin were full and every passengers wanted some, there would be enough for everyone to have a single glass (if that).

Well, I was in luck on this flight, as I was the only person who was drinking the Salon, so the bottle was all mine — score!

Japan Airlines first class meal service — champagne

The champagne was served with a canapé consisting of some nuts, salami, and shaved carrots.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — champagne & canapé

Then the “proper” meal started, and my goodness, it was a feast. The amuse bouche was a delicious goat milk bavarois. At the start of the meal, I was offered a selection of warm and fresh bread, served with butter, salt, and olive oil.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — amuse bouche

I was then served my first of two hors d’oeuvres, a botan shrimp & “kobashira” with quinoa tartar sauce. This was a surprisingly lovely combination of flavors.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — starter

Once that was cleared, it was time for a scallop & vegetable mille-feuille. Yum, yum, yum.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — starter

At this point I decided to switch from champagne to sake. Per the flight attendant’s recommendation, I chose the Juyondai Junmai Daiginjo, which I loved.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — sake

Then it was time for my first of two main courses, described as kichiji rockfish and winter vegetables à la nage. This came wrapped in plastic, and the fish literally melted in my mouth.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — main course
Japan Airlines first class meal service — main course

The next course was an Irish grassfed beef sirloin, served with a green peppercorn sauce and gratin dauphinois with mushrooms. This was much better than it looked — the beef was tender, and I loved the sauce.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — main course

Then it was time for dessert, which was pistachio cream and chocolate cream puffs, quite artfully presented. This was tasty, and I was glad to see that it was small, as I was stuffed.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — dessert

I washed down the meal with a glass of Japan Airlines’ amazing Queen of Blue Royal Tea, arguably the best non-alcoholic drink served on any airline. This tea is so fancy that it comes in a wine bottle, and is served in a wine glass. Hah.

Japan Airlines first class meal service — tea

I can’t say enough good things about this meal. The food quality was exceptional, the drinks were great, and the service was flawless and perfectly customized. I took a bit over two hours to enjoy my meal, but that was entirely my choice. The crew never let my glass be empty, and was attentive without being overbearing.

Japan Airlines A350 first class lavatories

After an amazing meal, I got ready for bed, and checked out the lavatories. Japan Airlines has two first class lavatories on the A350-1000. One lavatory is right by the cockpit, and is the larger of the two lavatories.

Japan Airlines first class lavatory A350-1000
Japan Airlines first class lavatory A350-1000

The second lavatory is on the right side of the cabin at the front, and is just slightly smaller.

Japan Airlines first class lavatory A350-1000

Look, these lavatories obviously aren’t as big as the Emirates A380 shower spas, but that’s not surprising, since there’s a much higher cost to this real estate. I thought the lavatories were nicely appointed given the space limitations, and a few things stood out to me.

For one, the lavatories had bidet toilets, which is always a nice touch.

Japan Airlines first class lavatory bidet A350-1000

I like how the lavatories had a little plank that folded down, so that you could change your clothes in the lavatory without having to step on the floor.

Japan Airlines first class lavatory A350-1000

The lavatories had a few amenities, including dental kits, mouthwash, and a couple of beauty products.

Japan Airlines first class lavatory amenities A350-1000

The best thing about first class lavatories on Japanese airlines is how consistently spotless they are. They’re cleaned after just about every use, and look as spotless at the end of the flight as they do at the beginning.

There was one kink with the lavatories — the doors closed way too fast and loud, so I suspect some sort of a stopper needs to be put in place to change that. That’s a minor issue, and also an easy fix.

Japan Airlines A350 first class bed

After the meal, I asked the crew to prepare the bed for me. Before they did this, they asked me if I wanted a soft or firm Airweave mattress, as the airline offers that choice, which I love. I decided to go with a soft mattress.

Japan Airlines first class mattress A350-1000

Japan Airlines’ A350 first class bed is unbelievably comfortable, possibly the most comfortable in the sky. The seat is wide and offers privacy without being claustrophobic.

Japan Airlines first class bed A350-1000
Japan Airlines first class bed A350-1000
Japan Airlines first class bed A350-1000

Now, in an ideal world, I wish that the buddy seat could also recline and become part of the bed, to make this by far the largest first class bed in the sky. But still, the amount of personal space is nothing short of impressive.

I ended up falling asleep with around 9hr45min remaining to New York, as we were over the North Pacific…

Japan Airlines first class map feature

…and woke up with around 5hr10min remaining to New York, as we approached the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

Japan Airlines first class map feature

Around 4hr30min of sleep is great as far as I’m concerned. While I could have probably slept longer, I wanted to be awake and enjoy the experience, since I don’t know when I’ll get to fly this product again!

Despite the lack of individual air nozzles, I found the temperature to be quite comfortable. The only disturbance to my sleep was that every time the seatbelt sign was turned on, there was an unnecessarily long announcement about the procedures associated with that.

Japan Airlines first class snack & pre-arrival meal

Within a moment of waking up, the crew was by my seat to see if I wanted anything. I just asked for some coffee. As a standard, Japan Airlines serves French press coffee, with a beautiful mug, plus an hourglass. What fun presentation!

Japan Airlines first class coffee

A bit later, I ordered a cappuccino, which was served with some chocolates.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Japan-Airlines-First-Class-A350-134.jpeg
Japan Airlines first class cappuccino

I got some work done for a bit, and before I knew, it were just over two hours from arriving in New York, and I was treated to a glorious sunrise, thanks to the A350’s tail camera. Who needs traditional inflight entertainment when you have this?!

Japan Airlines A350 sunrise view

At that point I figured it was time to eat something else. So I had a look at the menu, which you can find below (the first page is the standard pre-arrival menu, while the second page is the snack menu).

Japan Airlines first class menu
Japan Airlines first class menu

To kick off the meal, I figured I needed to have another glass of Salon. I mean, while it was perhaps a bit flat, how can you let the crew just pour this precious champagne down the drain? I felt like it was my moral obligation… 😉

Japan Airlines first class champagne

I selected the Japanese meal, which was all served on a single tray. It was comprised of salt and butter flavored salmon with flaxseed powder, lotus root, and bok choy. It also consisted of steamed rice, miso soup, and Japanese pickles.

Japan Airlines first class pre-landing meal

The dish perfectly hit the spot. I then also ordered a fruit plate, and then a dessert tray, to finish off the meal.

Japan Airlines first class pre-landing meal
Japan Airlines first class pre-landing meal

Once my plates were cleared, the crew suggested that I enjoy a gentle steam eye mask. Okay, I’ve seen these a bunch of time on Japanese airlines, but never used them before. OMG, I’ve been missing out, because these are awesome! It’s amazing how warm they get, just by removing them from the packaging.

Japan Airlines first class eye mask

Japan Airlines first class service

If there’s one thing you can count on when flying with Japanese airlines, it’s good service. That applied here too, except this crew wasn’t just good, but was great. Both Aoki and Takada had such pleasant personalities, and also had an unbeatable eye for detail.

Their service couldn’t have been any better, and just briefly passing through Japan made me wish I had been there for longer, because there’s no place in the world like it.

Japan Airlines A350 arrival in New York

At around 9:35AM New York time, we began our descent from 39,000 feet. Nowadays at the end of a long haul flight, I’m typically excited to land, but this is a flight that I didn’t want to end. We had a pretty gradual descent, and at 9:55AM the flight attendants were advised to prepare the cabin for landing, and around that time the seatbelt sign was turned on.

It wasn’t a particularly nice day in New York, as there was a low level cloud layer.

Japan Airlines A350 approaching New York JFK Airport

Eventually we made it under the clouds, and of course my eyes were glued to the tail camera.

Japan Airlines A350 approaching New York JFK Airport
Japan Airlines A350 approaching New York JFK Airport

We had a smooth touchdown on runway 4R at 10:10AM (at an altitude of 80,000,240 feet, apparently).

Japan Airlines A350 approaching New York JFK Airport

From there we had a lengthy 15 minute taxi to our arrival gate at Terminal 8, where we pulled in at 10:25AM.

Japan Airlines A350 arrival gate New York JFK Airport

Funny enough, the aircraft was deplaned through the second set of doors, and the crew insisted that first class passengers deplane first. While I appreciate the sentiment, I find this to be awkward, as you have to squeeze past the business class passengers standing in the aisle.

Bottom line

Japan Airlines’ new Airbus A350-1000 first class is a masterpiece, in terms of both the hard and soft product. These suites are amazing, and I’d argue they’re the best in the sky when you factor in the sheer amount of space, the functional design, and the tech. There’s also the advantage of this being an A350, which means you get a quiet cabin with a tail camera and good cabin pressurization.

On top of that, Japan Airlines has flawless service, tasty food and drinks, and lots of amenities.

I’m extremely impressed by this new product — it’s definitely among my top two first class products (along with Emirates’ new 777 first class), though I think I might even prefer this.

What’s your take on Japan Airlines’ A350 first class?

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  1. Jamie Coogan Guest

    Did they serve a hot towel with each course or you moved it for the photos?

  2. Mos Guest

    Hi Ben, What route will JAL be flying the A350? Any idea if LHR is covered?

  3. Singledigitseat Guest

    @ben thanks for such an amazing review. (I’ve reread it multiple times!)

    From what I can see in the pics it looks like row 1 has three windows but row 2 only has two. Did I get that right? If so were you still able to enjoy the view with one less window in 2A?

    PS I used your technique to book myself in F on the 350 in March ‘25. Thanks for the advice!

  4. Jj Guest

    The buddy seat does recline into a double bed , you either didn’t ask or the FA did not offer - clearly is the case even from the pics on the JAL website. Should’ve done your research beforehand!

    https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/inter/service/first/seat/A350-1000.html

  5. BookLvr Diamond

    Great review.

    The bed looks and sounds delightful. Open space for your feet rather than a confined footwell, two nice-sized pillows, a choice of firm or soft mattress pad...this is what I am looking for.

    For me, the quality of the lay-flat bed set up (and the quality of sleep I am going to be able to get) is the #1 thing I am looking for in a first or business class experience, especially...

    Great review.

    The bed looks and sounds delightful. Open space for your feet rather than a confined footwell, two nice-sized pillows, a choice of firm or soft mattress pad...this is what I am looking for.

    For me, the quality of the lay-flat bed set up (and the quality of sleep I am going to be able to get) is the #1 thing I am looking for in a first or business class experience, especially on a long flight. Food, drink, entertainment, wifi, etc. are all much further down the list. I am bringing a book, so I can entertain myself...but I can't bring my own sleeping surface.

  6. Jim S Guest

    I’m sure it was an amazing experience. My only comments are regarding the cabin decor. That mauve seat, bright red carpeting and what appears to be a light blue on the upper part of the seat just does not look appealing. I always think the Japanese aesthetic is less is more but not in this case with that cabin. Even Business Class looked drab. Glad it was a fantastic flight. My upcoming trip to Paris on American in Business Class will be marginal at best.

    1. Jimffoster Guest

      I wouldn’t even go for marginal at best. I would expect the worst and go up from there. It’s America West 2.0 that you’re flying on.
      The authentic American Airlines is long dead and gone. I’d be surprised if your plane doesn’t go mechanical.

  7. Melissa Guest

    I was a little dismayed at JL5 from JFK not having the Salon champagne but I realised the food was better - they had caviar on the menu as well as Hideki Matsui special beef curry rice which was so good. If only caviar and Salon could be offered together in one flight!

  8. Clem Diamond

    Amazing review, I really hope I get to try the new suite one day!
    Side note about loading only one bottle of Salon, I read several times that people don't seem to request it in general (minus us award people lol). Also, it is a really, really small production. Very few bottles are made so they may simply not be able to cater more than one per flight.

  9. Anthony Guest

    First class to me is luxury. I have found in 1st class hotels in Japan, to integrate their beautiful nature, throughout the hotel and also in ones room.
    I am sure it would be a pretty good trip, good service. I just don't like the feeling of a monotone box.
    Maybe this is the old Japan style. Not knocking it, just my opinion of what I'd prefer.

  10. LOA Member

    "I far prefer the Airbus A350 dimmable windows to the Boeing 787 dimmable windows, as they do a better job of blocking light."

    Unfortunately, in my experience, this statement is not true. It seems you were seated on the side without direct sunlight. Both the airbus and boeing version don't fully block the light when there's direct sunlight. I experienced that on my starlux flight from tpe to lax. Tbh, I was let down by...

    "I far prefer the Airbus A350 dimmable windows to the Boeing 787 dimmable windows, as they do a better job of blocking light."

    Unfortunately, in my experience, this statement is not true. It seems you were seated on the side without direct sunlight. Both the airbus and boeing version don't fully block the light when there's direct sunlight. I experienced that on my starlux flight from tpe to lax. Tbh, I was let down by the airbus version since they made it seem like their version blocked light completely, but it definitely wasn't the case. I wish one could post pics in comments so I can show you how it looked.

  11. Dan Guest

    How was the quality of the speakers in the head rest? Any noise transfer from other seats? I know that was a concern when the product was announced.

    1. neogucky Gold

      Click on the link to the detailed review…

  12. Paul Guest

    It is impressive and commendable JAL showcase a wide variety of Japanese alcohol products, but it seems even they cannot conjure a stable supply of top-shelf local whiskies to put them on the menu in a consistent fashion.
    Btw, Delta may attract some derision on this blog for a specific reason, but chapeau bas to them for serving Woodford Reserve in international cattle class. It is on the menu in JAL F.

  13. Jacob Guest

    Great review. :) I’m flying in business class from DFW-HND and HND-DFW in January 2025. Hopefully it’s on this new Airbus A350-1000 which it should be. Can’t wait to see your review on the new business class section.

  14. PCT Member

    Excellent review! I had this exact same western meal flying HND DFW back in Feb. after seeing a concert in Tokyo! :-). I too thought it was extremely good! We don’t always need Caviar, though there was caviar on my LHR HND leg! As much as I enjoy the 773, I’ll be on the lookout, like everyone else, for 350 seats! Cheers!!

    1. Melissa Guest

      I had caviar on JL5 from JFK-HND. I think the trend is they offer Salon on ex-Tokyo but Caviar on the return, so the trade off is "fair"

  15. Anthony Guest

    I would be very disappointed about this 1st class seat cabin.
    For one, the colours are not pleasant, kind of like old Japan, not the
    current fresh Japan.
    Very boxy construction.
    I would not choose this first class.

    1. James Guest

      You would not choose what looks like one of the best first classes in the world, because of the colours? And because it’s a bit boxy?

    2. Julia Guest

      Yeah, not choosing a seat based on it's colors is a bit...weird.

      And how are other first class suites not just as boxy?

  16. Miami305 Gold

    @Lucky it can NEVER be one of the best without individual air nozzles. JAL keeps the plane stupid warm. I have literally sweated most of a flight before when I was on the sunny side of the plane.

    1. Bra Guest

      Bring a small USB fan with you. Solves all your problems

    2. Pointshoarder Guest

      Ask them to turn the cabin temperature down. I flew JAL F last year and they offered to turn down the temperature when they saw I was warm.

  17. Jerry Diamond

    You didn't want the flight to end... I didn't want this review to end! What a great flight.

    This RTW trip has been a fun series, and I without a doubt the JAL A350-1000 in F is #1 on products I want to fly. I'm glad you enjoyed your journey (and got the Salon to yourself).

  18. Steven E Guest

    Great review it all looks spectacular- I’m not sure Westerners are going to embrace Champagne in wine glasses

  19. D3kingg Guest

    Boring. There’s a photo of a 787 w the caption a350 pushing back. Huh ? Also the cargo doors were open.

    1. UncleRonnie Guest

      Ben meant the plane HE was on, you silly moaner.

    2. D3kingg Guest

      I have a life bud. At 1pm on a Friday I only had time to skim through the review.

      2 $@$:n bottles of Salon Champagne they wasted on this guy. Good thing the Japanese economy is doing exceptionally well.

      The international meal chef looks ex Yakuza. He must know his way around the knife.

    3. Santos Guest

      "I have a life bud. At 1pm on a Friday I only had time to skim through the review."

      Yet here you are at 9:30pm on a Friday night lol

    4. D3kingg Guest

      My time is valuable when there’s money on the line. Now it’s the weekend I can leisurely troll with the peasants. :p

  20. Jamie Guest

    Wow. Just wow. This really does put the offerings from BA, Lufthansa et al in a third league. Amazing. Thank you Ben.

  21. Leo Guest

    Ben, did you stay in Tokyo mesm hotel in the end of February? I've got a feeling seeing you there

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Leo -- Hah, nope, can't say that was me. Sorry!

  22. Abidjan Diamond

    Super impressive flight. JAL never disappoints.

  23. VT-CIE Diamond

    Oh, JAL. Just when the whole world writes you off (no, not talking about the Haneda runway incursion, but the general decline of the airline compared to ANA), you whip up THIS stunner of a product. To get a stamp of approval from Ben Schlappig as one of the best first-class products in the world is QUITE the achievement, and the folks at ANA must be wondering, ‘How could those guys be THIS incredible?!?!’

    Mind...

    Oh, JAL. Just when the whole world writes you off (no, not talking about the Haneda runway incursion, but the general decline of the airline compared to ANA), you whip up THIS stunner of a product. To get a stamp of approval from Ben Schlappig as one of the best first-class products in the world is QUITE the achievement, and the folks at ANA must be wondering, ‘How could those guys be THIS incredible?!?!’

    Mind you, ANA is the airline which has the world’s best business-class hard product, topped only by Qatar Airways’ all-singing, all-dancing Qsuite. Not to mention all the people over in Taipei, in the Starlux and EVA headquarters, who must be seething. ‘Japan did it again? What about us?!’

    Cathay Pacific, it’s your turn next to redefine Asian aviation, with whatever you’re going to come up with for F after the Aria Suites are launched. (And with much better English, grammar and typography. Because, if there’s one thing I can find fault with JAL, it’s the very poor, borderline awful usage of fonts (Times New Roman?!?!) in the menu. CX is the only Northeast Asian airline which is not only above par in that aspect, it’s beyond outstanding.)

    Meanwhile Emirates can’t even get its first-class suite to more than nine 777s, 7 years after it was launched… (LaugHs in Allegris.)

    1. David Diamond

      The "whole world" didn't write off JAL. Maybe the English blogger world. JAL service and food has always been better than ANA, and honestly I liked the old JAL F seats quite a lot (for one the leather is great quality), and ANA's new F isn't really that much better.

  24. Adam Guest

    "Now, in an ideal world, I wish that the buddy seat could also recline and become part of the bed, to make this by far the largest first class bed in the sky."

    But it does, doesn't it? There is a photo here of it doing just that: https://onemileatatime.com/news/japan-airlines-a350-first-business-class/

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Adam -- You're right, that's really interesting. I guess as a standard the bed just isn't made that way, since the mattress pad can't really be shaped in that way. Hmmm...

    2. brandon Guest

      I've seen some videos of the second side seat being down with a airwave mattress. 2 of them.

      Look up @onoda on YouTube and his video review you can see it there.

    3. Sel_D Member

      @Lucky’s face realizing he has to do this all over again :)

      The people demand it!

  25. SeaBass Guest

    Flew this same plane in economy last week (about 60-70% capacity). Hands down the best experience I've ever had.

  26. Julia Guest

    "I wish that the buddy seat could also recline and become part of the bed"

    I suspect it may be designed that way so that after a nap a person can sit in a seated position for a while then return to bed if they want without having to use another suite for that.

    Glad you told us how this seat was purchased. Now, if we could only know how you entered the oneworld lounge in Seoul...

    1. Tennen Diamond

      @Julia, I guess silence is better than saying, "I bought a refundable ticket and canceled it."

      He could've said, "I accessed the lounge through non-traditional means and won't be elaborating further." IMHO, I think readers would've been understanding (and completely supportive) even if he had "violated" his own ethics policy by saying, "I accepted a gift from the airline/OW to access and review the lounge." Either of those would've been better than the current...

      @Julia, I guess silence is better than saying, "I bought a refundable ticket and canceled it."

      He could've said, "I accessed the lounge through non-traditional means and won't be elaborating further." IMHO, I think readers would've been understanding (and completely supportive) even if he had "violated" his own ethics policy by saying, "I accepted a gift from the airline/OW to access and review the lounge." Either of those would've been better than the current situation, which makes a mockery of his position on transparency.

    2. David Diamond

      At first I just assumed Ben didn't read the other comments about his Seoul lounge access in the other posts. But the fact that he replied to other comments but not this one is curious, to say the least.

    3. Santos Guest

      Maybe he's just amused, like many of us are, that some people can't make the connection with his OWE status through AA EXP that he mentions rather frequently?

    4. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Julia -- I've addressed this in the other post. :-)

    5. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Julia -- The lounge review post. :-)

    6. Julia Guest

      Am I missing something? In the post it says:

      "The oneworld Lounge Incheon follows standard oneworld lounge access policies. This means that the lounge can be accessed by all departing oneworld first and business class passengers, as well as the alliance’s Emerald members and Sapphire members. Everyone can bring one guest with them, except business class passengers, who aren’t allowed guests.

      The oneworld Lounge can’t be accessed through any other means — it doesn’t belong...

      Am I missing something? In the post it says:

      "The oneworld Lounge Incheon follows standard oneworld lounge access policies. This means that the lounge can be accessed by all departing oneworld first and business class passengers, as well as the alliance’s Emerald members and Sapphire members. Everyone can bring one guest with them, except business class passengers, who aren’t allowed guests.

      The oneworld Lounge can’t be accessed through any other means — it doesn’t belong to Priority Pass, and you can’t buy access to the lounge."

      So does this mean Zipair provides access to the lounge to it's passengers?

  27. ECR Gold

    "at an altitude of 80,000,240 feet, apparently"

    15,000 miles above sea level? pilot must have been showing off.

  28. Nick Guest

    Finally... I'm reading the full review.

    Those suites are unreal, literally. I can't have think about any first class suite better than this at the moment (perhaps except Etihad The Residence - The Apartment could also have been better if it was less dated). And we don't have to say how perfect Japanese hospitality is (when it comes to serving foreigners, at least; it's my understanding that Japanese people want to show the best...

    Finally... I'm reading the full review.

    Those suites are unreal, literally. I can't have think about any first class suite better than this at the moment (perhaps except Etihad The Residence - The Apartment could also have been better if it was less dated). And we don't have to say how perfect Japanese hospitality is (when it comes to serving foreigners, at least; it's my understanding that Japanese people want to show the best of their country to foreigners), and no exception for JAL. I've seen some people being not happy with JAL catering quality, but it seems like you had a good one. The only thing I can complain about them is... how rare is it to fly those. JAL should've ordered more A35Ks, they only ordered 13 - the exact same number of B77Ws they have.

    By the way, I'm not sure whether did you not get one or did you just not include it, but next time when you fly a Japanese airline, try asking for a "boarding certificate". It doesn't really have a purpose, but it's a good way of remembering a flight and a good collectible too - and good chance that FAs will put extra effort while writing one for you. Even when you're flying Japanese LCCs, it's likely that you can get one (and for sure you'll get one if you're flying JAL or ANA).

    I don't really know what I'm writing, but after all... I really enjoyed reading the review. I wish I could try this at some point... thanks for sharing.

    1. Julia Guest

      It's almost as if they waited for ANA to debut their new first class suite, and thought "Ok, how can we top that?"

  29. C. Weston Guest

    Would have loved to see the new vegetarian menu if it is now available.

    There wasn't a single vegetarian option on the main meal.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ C. Weston -- I'd like to try that out on one of my next Japan Airlines flights, as I think it's cool how the airline seems to be offering a proper vegetarian set menu, rather than just a watered down special meal.

    2. C. Weston Guest

      I'll be flying in first this October. If I haven't downed too much Solan, maybe I can remember to take some pictures!

  30. E39 Member

    Are there two individual seatbelts fin the seat?

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ E39 -- Yeah, the seat actually has three seatbelts, if you include the one on the ottoman.

  31. Felix Guest

    You sure drink a lot...

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Felix -- Indeed, sometimes I do when I fly internationally in top products. Quite a contrast to at home, where I don't drink at all.

    2. Willem Guest

      How do you keep your tolerance up for flights like these, then? I can’t go more than 3 drinks if I haven’t “warmed up” first a day or two prior

    3. Edgar Guest

      Because its free in flight

  32. Jared Guest

    That is amazing you found an actual F award. Becoming harder and harder to find.

  33. hanchicago Guest

    Thank you for the long review. I liked the pictures of the Western options I'd passed on during my JAL first class flight aboard the A35K.

    I look forward to your new rankings for first class products following this review.

    (You've still yet to fly Kuwait Airways and Starlux first class, if I recall. Starlux's looks like glorified J, and their prices for it are gross, so maybe you'll fly Kuwait next. And I...

    Thank you for the long review. I liked the pictures of the Western options I'd passed on during my JAL first class flight aboard the A35K.

    I look forward to your new rankings for first class products following this review.

    (You've still yet to fly Kuwait Airways and Starlux first class, if I recall. Starlux's looks like glorified J, and their prices for it are gross, so maybe you'll fly Kuwait next. And I guess new first class products from Air France and Lufthansa are allegedly debuting within the next 12 months, with BA, Qantas, Cathay, and now Qatar further out. Wonder what's percolating for SQ F.)

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ hanchicago -- Thanks, and congrats again on beating me to JL F! Yes, you're keeping track well, I do need to try KU and JX. But yeah, JX pricing sucks, while KU is hard to get excited about (but still worth doing). Perhaps AF and LH are the two more exciting new products.

  34. 305 Guest

    I know it's been almost a year, but what a difference arriving at T8 instead of T1 to connect to Miami on AA.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ 305 -- Totally agree, that's such a positive change!

  35. eric schmidt Guest

    Lucky, can I ask, when you line up your tickets, are you waiting for award seats to open like the rest of us, or do you have tools or even people waiting and watching to redeem flights for you? How likely is it that we can redeem for the going rates that you find? I expect it's unlikely that people can replicate your success, and I think it's astounding that you're somehow able to line...

    Lucky, can I ask, when you line up your tickets, are you waiting for award seats to open like the rest of us, or do you have tools or even people waiting and watching to redeem flights for you? How likely is it that we can redeem for the going rates that you find? I expect it's unlikely that people can replicate your success, and I think it's astounding that you're somehow able to line up multiple award tickets with the right timing for these reports. Maybe you have special tricks.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ eric schmidt -- I find availability the same as everyone else, as no one is doing it for me. Keep in mind this whole trip was based around having found this award seat. My MIAT Mongolian Airlines and ZIPAIR tickets were cash tickets. And then I decided to cross the Atlantic on Air France because Flying Blue had reasonably priced award space. So there wasn't even that much lining up of award seats required here.

  36. Chris W Guest

    Why do they serve a $1,200 bottle of Champagne in a wine glass and then serve the sake in a Champagne flute?

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Chris W -- Hah, fair question. I think it's because many no longer consider flutes to be the best option for serving champagne. Here's an explanation:
      https://www.mumm.com/en-us/taste-explorer/choosing-the-best-glass-for-serving-champagne/

    2. Ed Guest

      Good question, a wider glass would be more appropriate. Reidel make some excellent sake stemware, but pottery is more traditional, lacquer or tin would be cool as well. An ochoko with the JAL crane on it would be a cool souvenir to add to my collection. (BRB checking on yahoo auctions to
      See if JAL did this in the 70s or 80s)

    3. Ed Guest

      Yahoo auctions deliver

      These look like they would have been used in flight in the 90s

      https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u1116375759

      These maybe 80s

      https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d1128763434

      These more likely to be an employee gift or a souvenir Purchase

      https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u1116375759

      So why don’t they have proper sakeki now? IIRC they have proper yunomi for shochu

  37. InternationalTraveler Diamond

    Thank you for the thorough review, the product looks fantastic.

    I am happy to see a beef dish are part of the review. While the presentation is a bit underwhelming, I trust you trat it was very tasty.

  38. Manny Guest

    So the new menu did away with caviar. Another way airlines keep diluting the product.

    This sounds like a great business class meal from 15 years ago.

    1. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ Manny -- I think Japan Airlines rotates menus every so often, so sometimes there's caviar and sometimes there isn't. It also depends on the direction of travel. Also, I'm curious what airline you were flying in business class 15 years ago, that had a meal resembling this? Certainly not any airline I was flying...

    2. Icarus Guest

      Manny, you’ve clearly never flown a premium cabin. And there are other things besides caviar.

    3. Melissa Guest

      JL5 from JFK-HND has caviar! I had 2 servings of it and they were 2 different types

  39. Ryan Guest

    No hdmi in is a bit sad tho everything else looks great. I enjoyed the hdmi in to watch movies from my laptop with the new Ana first class suites.

    1. hbilbao Guest

      Aren't they supposed to collect the PJs before landing, @Ben?

    2. Ben Schlappig OMAAT

      @ hbilbao -- Nope, in first class you can keep them. In business class they collect the cardigans.

    3. MF Guest

      They offer you to take them home. I got 2 sets to take home my last flight.

  40. RetiredATLATC Diamond

    Nope. Wanted to read this but those ads have taken over the entire page practically.

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Julia Guest

"I wish that the buddy seat could also recline and become part of the bed" I suspect it may be designed that way so that after a nap a person can sit in a seated position for a while then return to bed if they want without having to use another suite for that. Glad you told us how this seat was purchased. Now, if we could only know how you entered the oneworld lounge in Seoul...

5
James Guest

You would not choose what looks like one of the best first classes in the world, because of the colours? And because it’s a bit boxy?

3
Jerry Diamond

You didn't want the flight to end... I didn't want this review to end! What a great flight. This RTW trip has been a fun series, and I without a doubt the JAL A350-1000 in F is #1 on products I want to fly. I'm glad you enjoyed your journey (and got the Salon to yourself).

2
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