Seat width varies across aircraft: Boeing 777 and 787 have seats up to 48 centimeters wide, which is wider than the A350’s at 46 centimeters. Some configurations allow easier aisle access due to their layout.
In addition to economy class recognition, Japan Airlines’ premium economy was ranked as the world’s best in 2024 by Skytrax. Since 2013, both classes have been recognized as best-in-class six times. In a press release from JAL, Edward Plaisted of Skytrax stated:
“This highest 5-Star Airline Rating for Japan Airlines is an excellent recognition of the high quality of the product and staff service experience that they provide to customers. An important part of 5-Star Airline Ratings is the consistency of standards delivered to all customers which covers all of the different cabin types that Japan Airlines offers. With the exciting new onboard products being introduced by Japan Airlines in 2024, we look forward to their continued progress and raising standards even higher"
Premium economy includes features such as non-intrusive reclining mechanisms, extra legroom (10 centimeters more than standard economy), adjustable footrests, privacy dividers between seats, larger tables and screens (12.1-inch touch panels), upgraded snacks like Udon De Sky cup noodles, expanded beverage menus including champagne and Japanese Shochu, Sony noise-canceling headphones, additional comfort items such as moisture masks and slippers, and lounge access at select airports including Tokyo Haneda/Narita/Osaka/Nagoya as well as Honolulu/San Francisco/Frankfurt/Bangkok.
Economy passengers receive basic amenities such as eye masks and toothbrush sets; premium economy adds further perks like lounge access—a significant benefit for frequent flyers.
Passengers who book through JAL’s website can bid to upgrade their tickets before departure if they wish to move from economy or premium economy into a higher class.
Feedback from travelers online suggests that other airlines are also contenders for top rankings in economy service—Emirates, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines and Korean Air were mentioned alongside Zipair Tokyo (a low-cost subsidiary of JAL) praised particularly for offering free Wi-Fi on long-haul flights.
One Reddit user commented: "Japan airlines budget airline, zipair, was great for me. they didn’t charge extra for a checked bag and had free wifi on board. free wifi. on a transpacific flight from sj to tokyo."
Another said: "Zipair’s Onboard free WIFI was the best perk for me... The internet...is vastly more entertaining than just movies on long hauls."
Some passengers did note issues with cabin temperature being too warm during flights with JAL—a common feature among Asian carriers according to customer reports—which may be less comfortable for travelers accustomed to cooler environments.
A worker based in Japan explained: "I would say that the comfortable temperature for a typical Japanese person is about 3 degrees warmer than the average white person..."
Reviews also highlighted positive experiences with staff efficiency and friendliness during boarding processes but noted room for improvement regarding meal quality in economy class meals.
A reviewer from Travel Pockets wrote: "On our flight with economy seats...we were allowed two complimentary checked bags...and one carryon suitcase as well as a personal bag... All of the staff were extremely friendly...When Candy’s TV wasn't working...their quick response in fixing the issue...was impressive."
Despite minor criticisms regarding food or cabin temperature preferences among some passengers from different regions or backgrounds,Skytrax continues to rank both Japan Airlines’ regular and premium economy offerings highly among global airlines.
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