As someone who’s spent thousands of hours flying between Asia, Europe, and North America, I’ve experienced Business Class cabins across dozens of airlines, and I can confidently say Japan Airlines (JAL) has one of the most refined premium products in the sky. But in 2025, when competitors like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines continue raising the bar, does JAL’s Business Class still deliver enough value to justify the cost?
I’ve flown Japan Airlines’ Business Class on both their 787 Dreamliner and 777-300ER multiple times this year. Here’s a detailed, experience-based breakdown of what you can expect , and whether it’s truly worth it.
What Aircraft and Seats Do Japan Airlines Use for Business Class?
Japan Airlines uses different seat types across its fleet, but on major long-haul routes, you’ll most likely get their Sky Suite, which is a reverse herringbone layout with privacy doors on newer models.
Business Class Configurations (2025)
| Aircraft | Configuration | Seat Type |
| Boeing 777-300ER | 2-3-2 (Sky Suite) | Fully flat bed with privacy shell |
| Boeing 787-9 | 1-2-1 (Sky Suite III) | Fully flat bed, direct aisle access |
| Airbus A350-1000 | 1-2-1 (new flagship) | Fully enclosed suites (launched 2023) |
The Sky Suite on the 777 may look outdated due to its 2-3-2 layout, but it’s actually exceptionally private and spacious. Middle seats have dividers, and window seats offer cocoon-like privacy.
On the A350-1000, business class seats are fully enclosed suites with doors, wireless charging, and 24-inch 4K displays. If you’re flying the latest A350 routes (currently between Tokyo Haneda and New York), you’re getting JAL’s best business class ever.
How Comfortable Are the Seats?
Japan Airlines seats are exceptionally well-padded, which stands out compared to firmer offerings from other Asian carriers. I’ve flown more than 14 hours in the Sky Suite without soreness, something I can’t say about Qatar or Lufthansa.
Beds extend fully flat, and at up to 78 inches long, they’re suitable for taller travelers. Bedding includes a mattress pad, blanket, and down pillow from Tempur or Airweave depending on the route.
Storage space is generous: each suite offers shoe stowage, side pockets, a vanity mirror, and multiple power outlets. The only downside is that some older 777-300ER aircraft don’t have closing suite doors, yet privacy remains excellent due to the shell design.
How Good Is the In-Flight Dining Experience?
JAL’s food service is where it truly excels. Business Class passengers can choose between Japanese Kaiseki-style menus or Western multi-course options. Meals are plated with care, and ingredients are often sourced from specific prefectures in Japan.
On my recent flight from Tokyo to London, the Japanese meal featured:
- Seasonal appetizer platter with pickled vegetables and grilled fish
- Simmered wagyu beef with daikon and miso glaze
- Udon noodles served mid-flight
- Miso soup and Japanese rice
- Green tea mousse with red bean topping for dessert
Drink offerings include Dassai sake, Champagne Duval-Leroy, Chateau wines, Japanese craft beers, and seasonal teas. The quality of the catering, especially on Japan departures, is among the best I’ve experienced, on par with Singapore Airlines and ANA.
How Is the Service Onboard?
Japan Airlines business class service is polished, graceful, and unintrusive. It’s distinctly Japanese in style: the crew is attentive without being overbearing, formal yet warm.
Flight attendants often kneel at your seat level to take meal orders, and respond within seconds when you use the call button. The language barrier is minimal; crew members speak functional English and always make the effort to ensure requests are understood.
Even on overnight flights, turndown assistance is provided upon request, and I’ve never encountered crew who seemed rushed or inattentive. The consistency across different routes is remarkable.
What’s the Entertainment and Wi-Fi Like?
Japan Airlines offers a decent in-flight entertainment system, but it’s not as extensive as Emirates or Qatar.
Screen sizes vary by aircraft, on newer A350-1000s, you get a massive 24-inch 4K screen, while older 777s have 17-inch HD monitors. Content includes Japanese films, Hollywood releases, music, and documentaries. The interface is a bit dated, but it’s easy to navigate.
Wi-Fi is available on most long-haul aircraft. In 2025, JAL upgraded their system for faster satellite connectivity via Panasonic Avionics. Speeds are usable for email, messaging, and browsing, but streaming video is hit or miss. Wi-Fi is free for first 30 minutes, then charged by duration.
What’s the Lounge Access and Ground Service Like?
Japan Airlines’ Business Class passengers get access to Sakura Lounges in Tokyo Haneda, Narita, and major international airports. These lounges offer:
- Buffet-style Japanese and Western food
- Draft beer machines, sake stations, and private shower suites
- Workspaces and recliners for resting
The Haneda Sakura Lounge is especially impressive after its 2024 renovation, quiet, elegant, and efficient. If flying out of New York, London, or Frankfurt, JAL uses partner lounges such as British Airways Galleries or Qantas Lounges, depending on location.
Check-in is fast and priority-tagged. I’ve rarely waited more than 10 minutes at security or immigration when flying JAL out of Tokyo.
How Much Does It Cost , And Is It Worth the Price?
Typical round-trip pricing in 2025:
- Tokyo–New York (JFK): $4,800–$6,200 USD
- Tokyo–London (LHR): 3,500–4,800 GBP
- Tokyo–Sydney: AUD 5,600–6,800
You can also redeem JAL Mileage Bank or American AAdvantage miles, with one-way Business Class seats starting from 60,000–85,000 miles, depending on route and partner program.
Considering the quality of seat, service, and food, JAL Business Class offers some of the best value per dollar (or mile) in the premium cabin space, especially compared to Emirates or Lufthansa.
How Do Japan Airlines Compare to Other Top Business Class Airlines?
| Airline | Seat Comfort | Food & Drink | Privacy | Service | IFE & Wi-Fi |
| Japan Airlines | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Singapore Air | 9/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 9/10 |
| Qatar Qsuite | 9.5/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| ANA “The Room” | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Emirates (new J) | 9/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 |
JAL may not have the gimmicks of an enclosed suite or onboard bar, but it outperforms nearly every competitor in terms of seat width, meal authenticity, and personal service.
Is Japan Airlines Business Class Worth It in 2025?
If you’re looking for a quiet, refined, and comfortable way to cross the Pacific or Asia, then yes, Japan Airlines business class is absolutely worth it. The value is especially strong if you’re flying to or from Japan, where lounge access, service culture, and cabin consistency remain outstanding.
The seats are large, the food is world-class, and the onboard service rivals the best in the world. Whether you’re paying cash or redeeming miles through programs like Alaska Mileage Plan, American AAdvantage, or British Airways Avios, the experience feels premium throughout.
If your priorities are relaxation, fine food, and understated service, Japan Airlines is one of the top business class products flying today.
FAQs: Japan Airlines Business Class
Do Japan Airlines business class seats lie flat?
Yes, all long-haul business class seats are fully lie-flat with plush bedding.
Does JAL business class have Wi-Fi?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available on most aircraft and has been upgraded in 2025 for better speed.
Can you book Japan Airlines business class with miles?
Yes. JAL is part of the oneworld alliance. You can use miles from Alaska, American, Avios, and JAL Mileage Bank.
What’s the best aircraft for JAL business class?
The Airbus A350-1000 has the newest business class suites with doors. The 787-9 with Sky Suite III also offers a 1-2-1 layout and high privacy.
Are meals customizable?
You can pre-select Western or Japanese meals, and in some cases, choose from premium menus via the JAL website.