Japan Airlines, or commonly known as JAL, is the second largest airlines in Japan after All Nippon Airways (ANA). According to IATA, the airline is recognized as the world’s best airline in passenger and cargo transportation performance. JAL’ headquarter is located in Shinagawa, Tokyo, with two main hubs in Narita and Tokyo International Airport. JAL currently serves flights to 220 destinations across 35 countries with four cabin classes, ranging from the Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, Business Class, and First Class.
Japan Airlines offers different types of Economy Class seats, depending on the aircraft. Seats range from JAL Sky Wider, JAL Sky Wider II, and RECARO seats. However, the Economy Class cabin commonly provides seats that are 45-48 cm in width, free unobstructed space under cabin seat, power outlet, and 10.6-inch touch panel monitor. In-flight entertainment includes movies, videos, audios, games, and digital books, with contents ranging from pop music to Rakugo, the comic storytelling culture in Japan.
As the airline with the best Economy Class, the meals in JAL’s Economy Class are styled by Nami Iijima, Japan’s top food stylist. Passengers can find a variety of menu items depending on their flight destination. Passengers traveling to China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan will be served the Hokkaido set menu with a dessert such as Ishiya’s mifuyu matcha and Rokkatei’s butter sandwiches.
Compared to the Economy Class, the Premium Economy Class offers bigger seats with a width of 48-49 cm, complete with leg and foot rest. Each seat is also equipped with a table big enough for a laptop or notebook, power supply, adjustable reading lights, 12.1-inch touch panel monitor, and a center console in the armrest. There are two types of Premium Economy Class seats, which are JAL Sky Premium and JAL Sky Shell Seat, each suitable for both working and sleeping during long-haul flights.
Just like in the Economy Class, meals in the Premium Economy Class are also styled by Nami Iijima. Passengers will be served with a Hokkaido-themed menu with variations such as Hokkaido corn stew, various noodle and udon, with baked cheese tart in certain routes. Premium Economy passengers can also enjoy a variety of branded champagne such as Gardet Brut Tradition N.V and Japanese shochu with Tomi-no-Hozen brand.
The Business Class cabin offers seven types of seats depending on the aircraft, which are JAL Sky Suite I, JAL Sky Suite II, JAL Sky Suite III, JAL Shell Flat Neo, JAL Shell Flat Seat, JAL Skyrecliner, and JAL Skyluxe Seat. Each seat can be transformed into a comfortable bed and is equipped with a large table, convenient storage space, USB port, video input, and power outlet. Together with a 15.4-inch touch panel monitor in each seat, each passenger will be provided with noise-cancelling headphones from SONY. With a 1-2-1 configuration, the seating arrangement in JAL’s Business Class is specifically designed to give better privacy for its passengers.
Meals in JAL’s Business Class are created by Japanese top chefs such as Jun Kurogi, Chikara Yamada, Seiji Yamamoto, Yosuke Suga, and Fumiko Kono. The variety of desserts is also available onboard, ranging from macarons, palette chocolate, and pastry. Beverages such as Delamotte Blanc de Blancs N.V., Marlborough Sauvignon blanc, Chateau de Beau-Site, and Becker Spaetburgunder Doppelstock are also available to complete the dining experience.
JAL’s First Class suites are designed to make passengers feel right at home, with the woodgrain interior and furnishings to provide a sense of luxury and elegance. Each suite features large seats which can be transformed into a bed, with two mattress pad option, hard or soft. Aside from the privacy of the suites, passengers will also get to enjoy a 23-inch personal screen and ample storage room. With similar in-flight entertainment features as Business Class, the facility is completed with an in-flight entertainment controller equipped with an LCD touch panel.
First Class passengers can choose from a variety of Japanese cuisines created by Chef Seiji Yamamoto, or Western cuisines created by Chef Yosuke Suga from Sugalabo. Various beverages such as Japanese rice wine (sake), western wine, and high-quality champagne are also available, all handpicked by an expert for its luxurious pleasure.
Japan Airlines offers a frequent flyer program called JAL Mileage Bank, with four membership level, from Crystal, Sapphire, JGC Premier, and Diamond. By joining this program, members can collect points and redeem them for various rewards from Japan Airlines and other airlines in the oneworld® alliance, such as free flight, additional free baggage, boarding priority, and lounge access. Members in a higher membership tier will get a chance to enjoy bigger rewards and benefits.
JAL’s airport lounge facilities vary depending on passenger’s seat class and destination. International passengers will gain access to the First Class Lounge, Sakura Lounge Annex, and JAL Lounge. Meanwhile, domestic passengers will gain access to the Diamond Premier Lounge and JAL Lounge. The Sakura Lounge offers high-quality beverages such as fruit juice, soda, coffee, tea, mineral water, and various snacks. In this lounge, passengers can also enjoy a selection of local newspapers, weekly magazines, and economy books. Passengers who want to continue their work while waiting for their flight can also utilize the public phones, fax machine, photocopy machine, personal computer, and the internet available inside the Sakura Lounge.
Similar to the rest of the staff, Japan Airlines’ flight attendant uniform features navy blue color with red accents, representing JAL’s corporate colors. The female flight attendant wears a white shirt, a navy blue blazer with red accent, and also a matching skirt or trouser, depending on the class they serve. The uniform is also completed with a beautiful navy blue and red scarf and a red belt with the JAL logo in the middle.
Please find the check-in time for all Japan Airlines flights on the table below. Check-in time may vary if your flight is operated by a partner airline. Please check your e-ticket to ensure.
Flight Route | Recommended Check-in Time | Check-in Time Limit |
All Routes | 2 hours before departure | 1 hour before departure |
Online check-in is also available for Japan Airlines flights. Please follow the steps below.
In general, refunds are permitted for personal reasons (self-cancellation, sickness, pregnancy, or death of a passenger), cancellation/rescheduling by the airline, force majeure, or double booking. However, different airlines have different policies regarding acceptable refund reasons. Please visit Japan Airlines Refund Policy for a complete information on refund.
You can easily change your flight schedule and itinerary using Easy Reschedule. Some airlines allow changes to date, time, route, and airline, while some only allow changes to date and time.
Please refer to Japan Airlines Reschedule Terms & Conditions to find the complete guide to rescheduling your flight. If your flight is not eligible for Easy Reschedule, please contact Japan Airlines directly to reschedule.