[2023 REVIEW] Japan Airlines (JAL) First Class Review: Chicago to Tokyo Narita

Japan Airlines First Class Review Boeing 777-300ER

I flew from Chicago to Tokyo Narita with Japan Airlines first class on their Boeing 777-300ER. This was my first time flying JAL airlines, not to mention a first class flight to Japan, and it left quite an impression.

Flying JAL first class is a world class experience, from start to finish. First-class passengers were greeted with a warm towel and drink of their choice (I picked a refreshing orange juice over champagne). For the rest of the flight, I barely slept because I was either eating endlessly or just watching a movie.

The total flight time took roughly 13 hours. But the whole experience from checking-in to landing felt like the trans-pacific flight took only ten minutes.

Here’s the breakdown:

TAXI/TAKE-OFF

The whole process from closing the aircraft doors to taxing to the runway was fairly quick. After the first-class passengers were greeted with their drink of choice, it wasn’t long until the flight attendants announced that boarding was complete.

JAPAN AIRLINES FIRST CLASS REVIEW: SEAT COMFORT

Even though the “suite” wasn’t fully enclosed, there was still very much a sense of privacy during the flight.

The seat was big and wide and transforms into a bed. I think my favorite part of all this is the full-size memory foam pillow that was placed when I got to my seat. I was sort of wondering how I could possibly fit that in my carry-on bag because I need that in my life.

Just like any other first class seat, the seat comes with a massage feature and other controls to best adapt the comfort to your liking.

The seat also converts to a fully-lie flat bed. The flight attendants will prepare the bed and ask your preference for a soft or hard mattress.

I chose soft!

FOOD & BEVERAGES

The food and beverage service started shortly after take-off, which was perfect timing considering we departed just before lunch time started.

Japan Airlines’ first-class cabin offers world class menu – with a choice of western or traditional Japanese menu. Considering I was flying to Japan on their national airline, it only seemed appropriate that my cuisine of choice throughout the flight was Japanese. Anything else would have been inappropriate!

And then I realized: my favorite cuisine , Japanese food, was on demand for 13 hours at 35.000 feet. That took a while for it to sink in.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Japan Airlines’ first-class cabin features a 23″ LCD screen, with a wide selection of Western and Japanese movies and music.

OTHER THINGS I ENJOYED

JAL first-class passengers are treated to a Shiseido Amenity kit for men. I became fan of the moisturizer that was included in this kit, which I still use to this day.

Time to get comfy with the pajamas!

And that quirky toilet seat in the lavatory…