The Hottest Seat in the Sky

Japan Airlines is a great option for miles redemption to Asia, especially for US flyers. There’s tons of flights from a bunch of major cities and, seeing as it’s part of OneWorld, you have extra options like AA miles to utilize. There is however one thing that gets in the way for JAL, and that’s Cathay Pacific. Having flown with Cathay last year from LAX to HKG, and finding them to have the best First Class bed in the sky, I’ve been reluctant to try anything else. However, this particular trip afforded me the chance to see what JAL’s 777-300 First Class bed was like.

What’s awesome:

Seatlink’s Take

As soon as I entered, I was greeted at the door by the First Class flight attendant and escorted to my seat (2K). Having settled me in and taken my drink order, I was keen to check out the cabin. The cabin itself is a modest size, with 8 First Class suites in 2 rows of 1-2-1. Behind the First cabin, I noticed a single row of Business Class seats – they looked pretty exclusive I can tell you!

Japan Airlines has one of my favorite seats in the air – the Sky Suite. The seats are super wide – 33″ and when in bed mode, it’s almost as wide as an actual bed. Also the leg room is, as you’d imagine, very generous. When fully laid out, the bed extends to almost 200cm – even a lot of basketball players will be able to stretch out here. The Sky Suites don’t have a door, but the cabin is small enough to feel enough privacy, especially around the head area.

One thing I wasn’t so happy about was that the seats were leather. JAL have a reputation for a toasty cabin and this was no exception. Unfortunately, the leather made things worse as it got pretty sweaty after a while. Still, the seats are VERY comfortable. When it’s time to sleep, the Flight Attendant will provide a foam mattress with a firm and soft side. That way you can select your preference and even swap it around if you’re not happy with it.

2K

Comfy bed!

Ottoman

Storage under the ottoman

More storage and power outlets

Seat controls

Headphones

Reading light

More storage

Where the IFE remote lives

Ample space on tray table

Amenity Pack

Quality amenities

IFE remote

If you like storage, you will also love these suites. I found ample room around, under, above, next to… the tray table is roomy too (loads of rooms for my laptop, phone AND a drink or snack) and I liked how it slid around in different positions. The IFE screen is nice and big (23″) and the controls were intuitive. Although I have to say the movie selection is (still) rather limited.

During the flight, the Flight Attendants were very cheerful and professional. Taking my order for food and drinks as well as making sure I was comfortable. JAL really does a great job in this, especially in First. The food too was great. I was a bit concerned when I read that the food was sub-par but I needn’t have worried as every dish was delicious. The amuse-bouche in particular was a highlight.

Which seats to choose and avoid:

Seeing as there are only 8 seats in First Class, you can’t really go wrong. Also, the suites are set up much the same so for you, it most likely boils down to if you want window or aisle. For solo travelers, a window seat will be the obvious choice while couples or companions traveling together will generally opt for the center pair of seats.

There was one slight annoyance in my 2K seat that I’ll point out and that was the light directly behind me. It shone down from the rear of the cabin into my suite. I noticed it wasn’t so bad in the first row, so keep that in mind. Also, a side note for those in J – remember the single row of Business Class right behind the F cabin – seems like a sweet deal there!

For more seat reviews from other travelers on Japan Airlines, check out this plane’s seat map here: Japan Airlines 777-300ER seat map

The Bottom Line

I really loved my experience on this JAL flight in First. The seat was extremely comfortable and you can sleep exceptionally well in this suite. The crew were great and the amenity kit and other niceties are also premium. There’s a lot of privacy in these suites and the fact there are only 2 rows adds to that exclusive feel. Overall, a really solid product for Japan Airlines and definitely a decent First Class cabin.

What are Your Thoughts on Japan Airlines?

If you’ve flown JAL, let us know in the comments below! Or better yet, write a review of your seat here: Write a review 😀