Japan Airlines (JAL) Review: My Experience Flying Economy Class
Combining Japanese hospitality and world-class service, Japan Airlines (JAL) is the best airlines, in my opinion. I’ve flown JAL internationally and domestically and can honestly say Japan Airlines is amongst the best airlines in the world.
From cleanliness and comfort to in-flight services and customer support, JAL continues to amaze me.
I fly economy and want to write this honest Japan Airlines review. This review is solely based on my experiences with JAL both at the airport and while on board their flights.
I wrote this post to help other travelers like me, that fly economy just in case you are debating buying that flight ticket with Japan Airlines.
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Summary
About Japan Airlines (JAL): Japan Airlines is a 5-Star rated airline based out of Tokyo, Japan. JAL is known for its customer service, modern fleet, and comfortable seating arrangements. This Japan Airlines review is based on my experiences flying with economy.
Why Fly Japan Airlines:
- Modern and a fuel efficient fleet
- Comfort
- Great Customer Service
In need of travel accessories for the long flight or layover? I shop on Amazon, from phone holders to travel bags, you can find everything here.
Haneda Airport
Haneda Airport (HND) serves as one of two hubs for Japan Airlines. Haneda Airport is one of the busiest in Asia and is conveniently located just 30-minutes from central Tokyo.
Other then being close to central Tokyo, Haneda Airport is known for its clean facilities, modern terminals, and abundance of places to eat and shop.
Both domestic and international JAL flights arrive and depart from Haneda Airport. There is also a JAL Premium Lounge at Haneda Airport.
Narita International Airport
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the other major hub that serves Japan Airlines. Many long-haul destinations across Europe, North America, and Asia connect through Narita International Airport.
Like Haneda, Narita does have Japan Airlines lounges that include dining options. For those that don’t take advantage of the lounge, there are plenty of Japan-related shops, restaurants, and things to do within Narita International Airport.
Narita International Airport is not as convenient as Haneda it terms of transport to central Tokyo but it is very doable using the local trains and buses.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) is one of Asia’s leading full-service carriers serving 64 airports within Japan and flying to 68 different countries around the world.
Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines has grown to a fleet with 232 aircraft. Their fleet includes top of the line aircraft like the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A321 ceo.
Japan Airlines is a member of the Oneworld Alliance partnered with other major airlines like Alaska Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas, and Qatar Airways.
Japan Airlines is a 5-Star Airline
I pay a lot of attention to Skytrax airline ratings and a 5-Star rating is an incredible achievement. Airlines are ranked by Skytrax based on certain criteria like safety, customer satisfaction, and in-depth audit assessments.
Japan Airlines ranks amongst the best airlines in the world and is well deserving of Skytrax certified 5-Star airline rating.
Skytrax has Japan Airlines listed as a 5-Star airline based on the quality of the airport and onboarding procedures, and customer service.
My Japan Airlines Review
Like my China Airlines review, this Japan Airlines review is based solely on my personal experience flying with JAL. I’ve flown Japan Airlines domestically around Japan and Internationally. Based on budget, I only fly economy on Japan Airlines.
For my Japan Airlines review, I’ll go over my experiences with topics like customer support, food and drinks on board, and the flight itself.
For specific questions regarding the airline or to learn more about Japan Airlines, feel free to visit their website.
Check-in
Checking in to your Japan Airlines flight is pretty straightforward and honestly not much different then any other airline or flight to check in to.
If flying domestically or internationally with JAL, prepare to receive emails for early check in. I always feel early check in is the way to go, it seems to speed up the check in process at the airport.
Whether I am in Okinawa, mainland Japan, or the Untied States, checking in to my flight at the check in counter is always quick and easy with JAL.
If flying domestically within Japan, you don’t even have to go to the counter, you can check in on a kiosk and even drop off your luggage yourself.
Domestic Flights within Japan
When flying domestically within Japan, it has to be one of the easiest travel experiences I’ve ever dealt with. There is no checking of passports, going to the check in counter, or staff handling your luggage, at least in Okinawa.
If flying domestically, JAL offers flights to 64 different airports and 133 routes meaning you can basically fly Japan Airlines all throughout Japan from the beautiful island of Okinawa to the northern prefectures of Aomori and Hokkaido.
I’ve flown several destinations with JAL domestically and some of the domestic aircraft include the: Boeing 767-300, Airbus A350-900, and Airbus A321neo.
Flying economy domestically with JAL is kind of a no thrills experience. It’s your standard flight experience with short domestic travel. There generally is no entertainment so bring your own means of entertainment.
Food and beverages is available for purchase, but they do offer a drink service with coffee, tea, and water.
Japan Transocean Air
My Japan Airlines review also covers my experience with flying Japan Transocean Air (JTA). This regional airline is a member of Japan Airlines Group and is based in Okinawa, Japan.
JTA connects travelers to many destinations on Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku, and throughout the Ryukyu Islands. Starting 2026, Japan Transocean Air will launch a direct route to Taipei, Taiwan.
I flew their “Jimbee Jet” Whale Shark Jet from Naha, Okinawa to Ishigaki, Okinawa. The Jimbee Jet is a fun special painted aircraft, kind of like Skymark’s Pokémon Aircraft.
The Jimbee Jet is a Boeing 737-800 and offers the same experience you get with any other Japan Airlines in terms of safety, reliability, comfort, and customer service.
International Flights
Japan Airlines flies internationally to 68 countries and regions to places like the United States and Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
When it comes to long haul flights, I’ve taken JAL across the Pacific Ocean a few times from Tokyo to the United States and it’s always a comfortable and pleasant journey.
On long haul international flights, the JAL crew is always attentive, the seats are spacious, and the food is surprisingly delicious.
Seating and Entertainment
For international long haul flights, the seating and entertainment on Japan Airlines is of high standard, even in economy.
I find their seats to be more comfortable and spacious then other airlines. Entertainment is about the same across other 5-star rated airlines.
The seating in Economy Class provides generous legroom with adjustable headrests. I typically pick an aisle seat and have flown on their A350-1000 with three seats per row and have flown on the Boeing 787 with two seats per row on the outside.
I prefer the 2-4-2 seating arraignments on airplanes, especially when flying with my significant other.
For entertainment, Japan Airlines offers a decent selection of movies, tv shows, games, and music. I wouldn’t say it’s better then other airlines because it’s pretty similar across the board.
To check the latest movies and shows on Japan Airlines, you can visit their inflight entertainment webpage.
Food & Beverages
I can’t write a Japan Airlines review without mentioning the food on board in the economy class. In my opinion, JAL has some of the best airplane food around!
Like most long haul flights, you get a dinner and breakfast meal on board. Dinner is usually served an hour or two after takeoff while breakfast is served an hour or two prior to landing.
Japan Airlines has some of the freshest food on any airplane I’ve had. The side dishes seem fresh withe a nice mix of salads and fruit. The main course can vary I’ve had everything from Chicken Curry to Hamburg and Rice.
Make sure to try their Miso Soup!
Japan Airlines does serve alcohol on board. You can find your typical big name Japanese brands like Asahi, Suntory, and Kirin.
Bathrooms Onboard
Normally, I wouldn’t write a section about bathrooms onboard an airplane but I feel that Japan Airlines bathrooms are worth bringing up.
First, the bathrooms on board are kept clean and wiped down by the staff periodically throughout the flight.
Each time I flew with Japan Airlines internationally, the toilets have been very spacious, not sure if it’s because I used the handicapped bathroom or not but you can spread your arms in the bathrooms, they are that spacious.
The restrooms onboard JAL also include a few Japanese touches like toiletries and a bidet-style toilet.
Customer Service
I don’t want to keep repeating myself, but Japan Airlines is a 5-Star rated airline and part of that rating is because of their customer service, which includes high standards, amazing staff, and great support.
Just to give you an idea of JAL’s customer service I want to include two stories in this Japan Airlines review that blew away my expectations.
Flight from Honolulu, Hawaii to Tokyo, Japan
I visited the Big Island of Hawaii and when departing Kona International Airport on Hawaiian Airlines to Honolulu.
The individual at the check-in counter (working for Hawaiian Airlines) changed something around with our flights and assured us our luggage would make it on the plane. Due to the circumstances she told us, I had my doubts.
We were to pick up our luggage in Honolulu as we were transferring from Hawaiian Airlines to JAL. Of course, our luggage never made it. I mentioned it to the staff at Japan Airlines which they had nothing to do with this. They were very apologetic.
When arriving back in Tokyo, there was a JAL crew member with our names on a board at baggage claim. The crew member told us they were tracking our luggage and that they would send it to our home address as soon as possible.
This made me realize, in the United States, you have to go out of your way to get stuff done. In Japan the employees go out of their way to assist customers. It was an amazing experience. Our luggage was delivered the very next day.
Flight from San Diego, California to Tokyo, Japan
On a trip from San Diego to Japan, the Japan Airlines flight was delayed in San Diego due to late arrival. I was worried because I landed in Narita but had to make a shuttle to Haneda to catch my flight to Okinawa.
Originally, I had a 3-hour layover in Haneda and the shuttle is about an hour. Keep in mind, upon entering Japan, I had to go through customs, pick up my luggage, buy a bus ticket, and navigate through the airport.
We were delayed in San Diego over an hour, so I quickly lost hope. I explained the situation to the flight attendants on board my JAL flight and they contacted their ground crew to meet me at the gate.
Once we landed, I had less then two hours to make my flight to Haneda. There was a crew member at the gate with my name. They gave me express passes to cut through lines and had me follow them through the airport including the bus station.
The crew that assisted me through the airport, waited outside with me until I boarded the bus. Because of the brilliant JAL customer service and amazing staff, I made my flight with about 10-minutes to spare!
Common Questions About Japan Airlines
Is Japan Airlines a good airline?
Yes, Japan Airlines (JAL) is a 5-Star rated airline known for excellent customer service, its comfort, and for its reliability.
Is Japan Airlines Safe?
Japan Airlines is safe to fly. Skytrax recognizes Japan Airlines for its safety. JAL has an excellent safety record.
Is there Wi-Fi on board Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines does offer Wi-Fi services. I have not used it, so I can’t go into to much detail. I recommend visiting Japan Airlines inflight Wi-Fi page.
Who is Japan Airlines Partnered With?
Japan Airlines is partnered with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Birtish Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Sri Lankan Airlines, Fiji Airways, and Oman Air.
What is Japan Airlines Main Hub?
Japan Airlines operates from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT).
Does Japan Airlines Have Good Economy Service?
Absolutely, I only fly economy on JAL and have never had a complaint. Even their economy has generous legroom, comfortable seats, good meals, and a great cabin crew.
Does Japan Airlines Have a Frequent Flyer Program?
Japan Airlines frequent flyer program is called JAL Mileage Bank (JMB). You can earn miles from flights, hotel stays, and other partner purchases.
Is Japan Airlines Part of an Alliance?
Japan Airlines is a member of the Oneworld Alliance along with its other partner airlines.
Can I Choose my Seat on Japan Airlines?
Japan Airlines does have the option to select your own seat during the booking process. Depending on the flight, destination, and package, there might be an additional fee.
Don't Forget These Travel Accessories
For those long flights around the world, there are a few accessories that I use that have made flying so much more pleasant. Here are a few of my recommended travel accessories.
✅ Universal Phone Holder (Handsfree phone mount. It can attach to the tray.)
✅ Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds (The AirPods have been my best purchase in a few years. It drowns out sound and the sound quality is excellent.)
✅ Multi-Pocket Sling Bag (A Sling Bag is a game changer for me. I keep all the smaller items that I use during the flight in here and put my backpack in the overhead bin.)
✅ Airplane Bluetooth Adapter (This product is useful for flights that don’t have built in Bluetooth for the entertainment. You can connect your wireless earbuds.)
✅ Cable Organizer (Storage Bag for cords and chargers)
Conclusion
Japan Airlines truly is my favorite aircraft carrier, I have nothing but positive experiences with JAL. From comfortable seating to amazing customer service, Japan Airlines is always an enjoyable experience.
I would love to fly first class with Japan Airlines, but flying economy continues to amaze me. The level of comfort and reliability make Japan Airlines well worth flying.
If you are considering coming to Japan or see a decent flight with JAL, consider booking with Japan Airlines and let us know what you think. Safe Travels!
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