Review of Japan Airlines Business Class – BusinessClass.com

The airline’s long-haul fleet consists exclusively of Boeing widebody jets. The fleet includes a mishmash of Boeing 767, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft that all come in a range of configurations with varied styles of seats. Some are in a 1-2-1 setup, others in a 2-2-2 configuration and some even in a tight 2-3-2. With so many configurations, and plans to continue updating and retrofitting, it can be hard to understand which product is offered on which flight. Seatmaps provide a good indication of what to expect. Japan Airlines have also added the Airbus A350 to its fleet, but with a high-density configuration, thankfully confined to domestic flights.

The Business Class cabins on Japan Airlines all feature a distinctly Japanese design, largely using tones of black and grey, with seat shells in cream and white. Long-haul flights all offer the JAL SKY SUITE with fully flat beds, although in three very different designs.

Arguably the best version is simply named the JAL SKY SUITE and is offered on select Boeing 777s and 787s. Although the 2-2-2 configuration on the Boeing 787 and 2-3-2 on the Boeing 777 may be on the tight side, the suites are remarkably comfortable. Every suite offers direct aisle access thanks to clever positioning, and retractable partitions add privacy. For couples, the privacy partition can be lowered for conversation. For the most private of all suites, select one by the window. Entertainment is provided on 23-inch monitors, and Airweave mattresses and pillows help provide a good rest on long flights. Bulkhead seats offer greater legroom.

Another popular seat is the JAL SKY SUITE III, which comes in a standard 1-2-1 reverse herringbone setup on other Boeing 777s and 787s. Every seat has direct aisle access and good privacy thanks to all seats facing slightly away from the aisle and featuring winged seat shells. Pairs of seats in the centre section are ideal for couples because you can lean forward and chat together or sit back in privacy thanks to a movable central divider. These seats feature 17-inch monitors.

The final version of the JAL Business Class long-haul seat is the JAL SKY SUITE II, which is only featured on select Boeing 767-300ERs. They come in a staggered 1-2-1 setup and feature a 15.4-inch monitor.

In addition to the flat-bed JAL SKY SUITES, Japan Airlines also offers three more seat types in Business Class. The JAL SHELL FLAT NEO reclines to an angled flat bed and the JAL SKYRECLINER is more like a cradle seat. The even older JAL SKYLUXE seat is a standard recliner seat with generous legroom. It is best to avoid the reclining or angled lie-flat seats that are low on privacy and comfort. These are mostly used on regional routes aboard the Boeing 767 and 787 Dreamliner, but are sometimes used on longer flights.

Power outlets are convenient in all setups, and tray tables are easy to unfold. Small storage areas detail thoughtful touches such as a place for reading glasses, a water bottle or reading material. Still, with such a dizzying array of seat types, be sure to pay attention to the route and aircraft type.

The flight search on BusinessClass.com includes images, videos and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft Search results also include details such as seat pitch, width and recline. This way you can see the seat and cabin configuration of the flight in which you are interested, before making your choice.