Here is my review of the Japan Airlines business class. This was from ORD to HND. I acknowledge that JAL has revamped their business class offerings with new seats on their A350’s, so this review will be for their old hard product. A product still being used on the majority of their flights today.
The Plane
The plane for this flight was switched back and forth between a 777-ER and a 777-200 until the last hour of the flight, where we ended up in the former. It was a massive plane in person, but this image should somewhat show what I mean.
The Seat
I cannot help but compare this trip to Japan’s other flagship carrier, ANA. I feel like ANA seats are rocks. Their seats feel like they would have been created by Fred from the Flintstones. This seat is not that. Maybe it’s just me, but it was actually pretty comfortable. Even after 11 or 12 hours, I hadn’t any butt pain until the LAST hour of the flight. Despite that, I didn’t get any sleep, but that is beside the point. Where the seat fails, is the amount of space allotted to the passenger. The seat was smaller, but there was plenty of legroom, after all it is a lie flat seat.
When it came to the storage, there was none. If you have things like a laptop, or book or an iPad, either get used to holding it or put it in your carry-on because there is no shelf, no cubby, or slot. Literally nothing. Don’t bring anything big with you.
The Food
The food was the highlight of the trip. I can’t say enough good things about the Steak, the ice cream, or any of the drinks. You will love it all, whether you go with the western option or the Japanese food. From the à la carte menu, the only 2 items available were the Ramen, and the pork jowl and rice bowl. Both of them were delicious.
Service
The service was fantastic. I didn’t get as much attention as I do on ANA, but that is to be expected with over 49+ business class seats.
Something else I wanted to mention. Since there were so many people in business class, and only 4 available restrooms at any time. It was quite the challenege to use the restroom whenever I needed to. Lay off on the drinks, you'll thank me later
But they had this convenient remote in which I could order food and drinks directly via a digital menu. I didn’t actually have to speak to a flight attendant to order food. I never had to wait more than a few minutes for the food or drink to show right up. It was excellent.
Overall Score
Because of the more comfortable seats, the astonishing food, stelar service and free Wi-Fi. I’ll give it a 5/5
