How Japan Air Transforms Business Class Travel

Known for its outstanding service and focus on the little things, Japan Airlines (JAL) makes sure business class travelers feel super comfortable and have everything they need. They take care of everything from the time they arrive at the airport to the time they reach their destination.

In addition to fancy in-flight chairs, JAL provides lots of extras that can make your trip even better. Let’s explore some of the things they do.

Airport Experience

The premium experience with JAL starts well before you get on the plane. In fact, if you’re flying Business Class, you can take advantage of priority check-in and drop off your bags at dedicated counters. Not only will this speed up the process, but it will also mean less time spent queuing.

At major airports such as Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda hubs, which are also exclusive areas for JAL customers, passengers who have finished checking in can whizz through security via special lanes.

The airline wants to give people more opportunities to relax before their flight takes off, so efficiency here is key. The staff shows they care about providing an experience that is hassle-free from A to Z.

One of several perks available to those in first or executive cabin class is entry to an oasis away from the hustle and bustle: its own lounges. For example, at various locations worldwide, travelers will find Sakura Lounges – places designed with peace and quiet top of mind.

Comfortable Seats

Business travelers can enjoy various seating options on JAL’s Business Class throughout the fleet — all with exceptional comfort and privacy in mind.

A350-1000: Ultimate Comfort in Business Class

January 2024 saw the debut of JAL’s new flagship aircraft: the Airbus A350-1000. Boasting an all-new business-class cabin, the A350-1000 sets a new standard for comfort at 30,000 feet.

Each of the plane’s 54 Business Class seats is arranged in a 1-2-1 layout. So, there is a direct aisle access for all passengers.

But that’s not all. With a closing door that reaches up to your shoulder, each seat effectively becomes its own little room (six are even bigger than that).

When it’s time to sleep, your comfortable bed is already made – just lie back and drift off.

Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 777-300ER: The JAL SKY SUITE Experience

JAL’s JAL SKY SUITE Business Class product on its Boeing 787-8s, 787-9s, and 777-300ERs has won fans for being well thought out and comfy. Travelers get fully flat beds with plenty of legroom — great for a rest on those long-haul routes.

Each seat is designed to feel like your own personal space, with sliding privacy screens and direct aisle access to all parts of the package.

To make things cozier for sleeping, Airweave mattresses and pillows are provided for each passenger. These items are known for their excellent support and comfort! When it’s time to relax and be entertained, a 23-inch personal screen awaits you.

A large swivel table (which moves in lots of different directions) lets you work or dine whenever suits you. There’s also loads of storage space around this area, including underneath the footstool.

Boeing 767-300ER: Introducing the JAL SKY SUITE II

The JAL SKY SUITE II Business Class on the Boeing 767-300ER provides travelers with technology and comfort within an area that meets cabin space restrictions — plus lots of it.

It offers fully flat beds in a 1-2-1 configuration so everyone has aisle access, seats boast dividers for privacy, and large personal entertainment screens complete with noise-canceling headphones.

There’s plenty of room, too, thanks to nifty storage compartments near each suite (there are also overhead bins specifically reserved for this section).

Whether your priority is work or sleep, this cleverly designed environment manages to feel both cozy and open-plan. Perfect if those all-important arrivals meetings run over schedule!

Boeing 787-9: The JAL SKY SUITE III

The JAL SKY SUITE III can be found on the Boeing 787-9 and offers Business Class passengers a modern version of first-class travel. These seats are set out in a 1-2-1 configuration that gives every traveler direct access to the aisle as well as plenty of personal space.

When it’s time to relax and get some shut-eye, your comfy chair converts into a fully flat bed with a mattress topper (they’ll make up the bed for you), cotton duvet, and a big fluffy pillow from the popular Japanese chain store Muji.

Boeing 787-8: The JAL SHELL FLAT NEO

JAL provides Business Class passengers on particular Boeing 787-8s with its JAL SHELL FLAT NEO seat. It doesn’t recline to 180 degrees (making it “angled lie-flat”), but it does offer a decent night’s sleep.

These seats are set out in a 2-2-2 configuration and come with dividers for privacy as well as large personal TV screens. Though maybe not as much stowage or overall space as some travelers would like!

Boeing 737-800: The JAL SKYLUXE SEAT

JAL’s Boeing 737-800 planes that fly regional routes have Business Class sections with SKYLUXE SEATS. These special seats are comfy and practical.

They recline a lot (for a plane seat) and are extra roomy. In a 2-2 layout, every passenger also gets lots of personal space as standard plus their own entertainment system. There’s storage room by you as well.

The airline wants to make sure customers enjoy high levels of service combined with cutting-edge design, even on shorter trips.

Dining Experience

Upon boarding, JAL maintains its reputation for excellence by providing passengers with an exceptionally crafted meal service. Knowing that tastes differ widely, the airline has created Japanese and Western menus. So that everyone can enjoy the flavors they love.

• Japanese Menu: Created with the help of top chefs, this menu includes classic dishes made from ingredients that are in season. Passengers can have multicourse meals that show off Japan’s diverse culinary heritage.
• Western Menu: Here, passengers will find dishes inspired by international cuisine– meaning food from all around the world! It is gourmet dining at 35,000 feet.

In addition to all this, there is an “Anytime You Wish” a la carte menu. If you don’t fancy sleeping and want some noodles or a light sandwich instead, it can be rustled up.

This flexibility means travelers can eat when they want – whether adjusting their body clock to a new time zone or fancying a midnight feast.

In-Flight Entertainment

On the plane, there are many things you can do! The entertainment system has something for everyone, including:

• Lots of movies and TV shows: You can choose from new releases in every genre, timeless classics, and popular box sets.
• A huge amount of music and audiobooks: There’s an extensive library of albums plus audiobooks if reading is more your thing.
• Games and e-books: These interactive games and online books are great fun, and there’s lots to choose from.

You’ll have your own high-definition screen and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones at your seat, so you won’t be disturbed. There are also USB ports and power sockets next to each screen to keep your devices charged throughout the flight.

Amenity Kit

JAL has teamed up with experimental welfare firm HERALBONY to make amenity kits for Business Class passengers. Each pouch features art from six HERALBONY-contracted artists, making it a one-of-a-kind piece.

Amenities include a toothbrush set, earplugs, eye mask, pocket tissue, and smartphone cradle—all meant to provide comfort while traveling.

These are offered on routes connecting Japan with Europe, the Americas (except Hawaii and Guam), Canada, Australia, and Doha. Slippers are also available free of charge on all flights for extra coziness.

Bottom Line

The Business Class service of Japan Airlines goes beyond what you expect from traditional airlines. They want travelers to feel comfortable, happy, and relaxed throughout their time with them.

Whether you’re checking in at the airport, eating delicious food on board, or enjoying world-class service. Every detail has been carefully thought out so that it caters specifically to those flying Business Class.

There is no doubt that this level of commitment makes Japanese Air Lines one of the best companies around when we talk about deluxe air travel options!