Review: Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER First Class Los Angeles to Tokyo (Narita)

Flight no.	JL 15
Aircraft	Boeing 777-300ER
Seat no.	2K
Cost	70k Alaska miles + US$17 taxes/fees
Flight duration	11.5 hours

This flight was part of my Round The World in Business & First Class using miles trip. Click here to read about how I planned the trip.

How to book Japan Airlines First Class with Miles

I’d booked this flight using just 70k Alaska miles + US$17 in taxes/fees. Unfortunately, due to Alaska’s devaluation, this same route now requires 110k miles.

Travellers can book Japan Airlines First Class seats using miles from partner Frequent Flyer Programs (FFPs) like:

• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Qantas Frequent Flyer

Miles on these FFPs can be earned through the best travel/rewards credit cards in Singapore.

Seat map

This seat type can be found in all of the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircrafts. There are a total of 8 seats, in a 1-2-1 cabin configuration.

Pre-flight

Prior to take-off, I was offered a beverage of choice and wet towel in a plastic wrapper.

Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER First Class seat

The airline’s Boeing 777-300ER First Class seats are similar to those from other airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

They are all forward-facing, with generous foot and knee room, something you don’t get in Business Class (aside from the Apex Suites).

Bed mode

Seats can be transformed into fully-flat beds, with the arm rests pulled down for more shoulder room.

Before preparing the bed, the flight attendant asked if I wanted a soft or hard mattress-topper. I chose the soft one, and wow, I couldn’t believe how thick and comfortable it was; great for side-sleepers!

Amenity kits

Japan Airlines’ First Class passengers receive Zero Halliburton amenity kits which contains L’occitane-branded hand cream and lip balm, along with eye masks, comb, ear plugs, dental kit, pocket tissue and moisture mask.

On top of that, I also received a Shiseido Men skincare kit!

Dining

I’ve always enjoyed dining onboard Japan Airlines Business Class, and the First Class dining experience onboard this 11.5 hours flight was, as expected, an epicurean delight.

Lunch

Snack

Dining menus

In-Flight WiFi

Japan Airlines First Class passengers receive a voucher code for free unlimited in-flight internet. The internet speed was alright for light web-surfing.

Airport lounge

Flying in Japan Airlines First Class from Los Angeles gets you access into the Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles LAX Airport.

Review: Qantas First Class Lounge Los Angeles LAX Airport

It wasn’t the most impressive First Class lounge out there, but it was a great space to be in, for some quiet time and good food.

My ratings

This is how I am rating my First Class experience (vs other airlines):

Seat	9/10	Storage	9/10
Bed	10/10	Service	10/10
Dining	10/10	Cleanliness	10/10
Privacy	9/10

Bottom line

Japan Airlines’ First Class seat pales in comparison to what’s offered in some Emirates, Etihad and Singapore Airlines aircrafts. However, unless if you hate Japanese food, the outstanding dining experience easily makes up for it.

And of course, such a comfortable bed is a huge plus on a long haul flight.