Flying in Style: Japan Airlines’ New A350 Business Class Is a Game-Changer
Have you ever felt like Business Class flights can be a little too ordinary? Japan Airlines totally gets it. Which is why they’ve gone all out on their new Airbus A350-1000 Middle Suite. It’s a whole new way to fly.
Picture slipping into your own personal space that’s part Japanese ryokan inn, part super-tech future. As you leave Tokyo for anywhere else in the world, it really does feel as if you’re coasting through the sky inside a calm bubble.
This isn’t a showy blast of bling; more a quiet blend of top-notch quality items that will make you feel instantly soothed and special.
If you’re considering splashing out on a fantastic Business Class journey in Asia and wondering which might be the best airline to try, stop scrolling – you’ve found it.
Airport Experience
When you get to Haneda, Narita, or Kansai Airport in Japan, you’ll notice right away: you’re in for some serious pampering.
There are special counters for Japan Airlines Business Class passengers. And they work so efficiently and quietly that there are never any rowdy crowds or long lines. You can get through security (also a breeze, thanks to priority lanes) more quickly than usual and have extra time to chill out.
Your first taste of this treatment? Head to the Sakura Lounge. With their good looks and great food and drink, these places – named after the Japanese word for cherry blossom – take the sting out of waiting for a flight.
Would you like a shower before take-off? A bowl of steaming miso soup? It’s all here, included in the price of your ticket. Sushi and sashimi are prepared on request; there is also a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, from fine wine to chilled beer, as well as several different types of sake.
Paid lounge access has been introduced at airports such as Nagoya (Centrair). This means that passengers traveling in Economy Class also have the opportunity to experience life in a JAL lounge.
And for those flying overseas, there is also Oneworld lounge access: so whether you are leaving from London, San Francisco, or Bangkok, there are some excellent facilities to choose from.
Inside the Middle Suite
Let’s turn our attention to the true highlight of the A350-1000: the Middle Suite seat. This aircraft has a 1-2-1 configuration. Each passenger has direct access to the aisle and doesn’t need to clamber over sleeping neighbors. But what sets these seats apart goes beyond convenience.
Rather than opting for solid full-height doors (as some other carriers have done), JAL chose sliding semi-transparent ones. They give you a real sense of privacy – without cutting you off from the cabin crew walking back and forth.
The suite itself is roomy (approximately 23 inches wide), converting into a bed that’s nearly 78 inches long when fully reclined. This makes for a soft, flat surface with weight-distributing gel cushions, which proved very comfortable.
When you’re ready to sleep, there’s even a turndown service: flight attendants will put a mattress topper on for you and provide a big pillow and duvet so all feels snug.
Attention all tech enthusiasts: this setup is next-level. Picture it – a 24-inch display with 4K resolution (basically a compact TV), Bluetooth audio (say goodbye to clunky airline headphones), and an adjustable headrest with built-in speakers that means you can enjoy a film au naturel.
There are also plenty of places to keep gadgets juiced up, and clever storage options like ottoman cubbies and side compartments.
And relax. The overall feel is pure Zen, with lots of features inspired by sleek Japanese design: think calming light, muted colours, and controls that feel totally intuitive. It’s easy to forget you’re 40,000 feet in the air.
Delicious Foods
When flying with JAL, one thing you’ll love is the food – even if you usually hate airplane meals. It’s so good that you might be surprised! And if you’re vegan or just fussy (like me), there’s an option to pre-order your food online.
The Washoku (Japanese) menu onboard is fantastic. You could tuck into Kuroge Wagyu sukiyaki, refined sushi, tasty miso soup, or steamed rice accompanied by grilled fish – all of it seasonal and delicately flavoured.
If Japanese food isn’t really your thing, though, don’t worry. There is also a selection of Western dishes such as beef tenderloin, salmon with yuzu butter sauce, or even a creamy risotto.
Too soon for another meal? Ask for something light from the “express meal” list or perhaps skip eating altogether in order to get a quick nap.
And let’s not forget about drinks: they have top-notch sake and shochu, plus champagne, carefully chosen wines, a variety of Japanese teas, including hojicha and matcha green tea… It feels as if every detail has been thought through incredibly well.
Entertainment That Actually Entertains
The A350-1000’s in-flight entertainment system is more akin to a personal movie theatre than a small screen plonked into the seat in front.
The beautiful 24-inch 4K display isn’t just great to look at. It’s also rapid, responsive, and filled with content.
Japan Airlines provides an extensive selection of viewing material via its own system (similar to KrisWorld but with a JAL twist). Think big-name Hollywood movies, popular Japanese TV shows, anime series, music playlists, and even specially selected travel programs designed to inspire your next trip.
It’s really easy to find your way around, too, thanks to a smart user interface. And if you want to use your noise-cancelling headphones to watch films, listen to music, or simply block out cabin noise on board, you can. The screen has Bluetooth connectivity built in with no need for any special adapters.
And here’s another thing that sets this service apart from many others found on long-haul routes: all passengers travelling in business class can connect to Wi-Fi for free.
Amenity Kits
JAL does not simply provide passengers with a standard amenity kit. Instead, they have partnered with HERALBONY: a Japanese art brand showcasing pieces created by artists who have intellectual disabilities.
Each kit comes wrapped in a beautifully designed pouch. The result is something personal and significant – definitely not the kind of thing you’d sling into a drawer and forget about!
Open it up and you’ll find all the usual suspects: toothbrush, earplugs, USB cable, tissues, eye mask, plus skincare products. It’s got the things you need to hand (or face) but with an added dimension of loveliness.
When it’s time to bed down, you’ll be given slippers (on every route) as well as full bedding comprising a mattress topper and a soft duvet.
Bottom Line
Traveling on the new A350-1000 Business Class Middle Suite from Japan Airlines doesn’t feel like simply sitting in a fancy seat. Rather, it’s more akin to undergoing a thoughtfully designed experience.
There are no garish elements for the sake of being flashy. Instead, the cabin exudes warmth, sophistication, and purpose. Every detail appears to have been considered with passenger comfort in mind.
If you want to make a wise booking choice, why not try flying with a high-end ticketing agency such as Simply Business Class? By doing so, you could reduce the cost of your flight by half.
