[tpg_rating tpg-rating-score="85" ground-experience="4" cabin-seat="22" amens-ife="13" food-bev="23" service="23" pros="Well-padded seat with above average width and recline, tasty food and great service." cons="Inefficient ground experience with long lines everywhere, limited IFE selection." /]
On my recent hop around the world, I found myself in Bangkok without a flight booked back to New York. Before I departed for my trip, I couldn’t find a great mileage option to review, so I waited until two days before my planned return date hoping that an exciting award option presented itself. It did — I booked Japan Airlines (JAL) in business class from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to New York-JFK on the carrier’s flagship 777-300ER (review coming soon). But I still needed to get to Tokyo.
At this point, only economy seats were left on flights from Bangkok (BKK) to HND, and I began to question why I waited so long to book my flight home. I was committed to the JAL business-class flight, so I bit the bullet, booked economy and set ExpertFlyer alerts for business-class space. July 14 clearly wasn’t my lucky day, so read on for my experience on JAL’s Boeing 777-200 in economy.
Booking
This was a last-minute purchase without any great redemption options. I ended up paying $782.70 for my H-class ticket, and earned 3,194 American Airlines (AA) miles as a Platinum member.
Had I booked with more advance notice, I could’ve easily found award availability for this segment. Some of the best programs for booking JAL award tickets are Alaska, American Airlines and British Airways. If there were availability, I would’ve paid 15,000, 20,000 and 12,500 miles with each program, respectively.
We’ve also seen some incredible deals on economy-class tickets to Japan, so keep an eye out for those, as it may make sense to save your miles for more exciting awards down the line.
[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="4" tpg-rating-max="10" tail="JA704J" age="16" departure="22" departure-2="13" duration="5" duration-2="35" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]
I had a 6pm late checkout from the St. Regis Bangkok, so I headed straight to the airport to allow plenty of time for lounge hopping before my flight. Or so I thought.
The chaos and commotion at the Bangkok Airport began before I stepped foot inside the check-in hall. The airport was packed with people going in all directions. The scene reminded me of Times Square.
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I pushed my way to JAL’s check-in counters in the R row, only to find massive lines for check-in. Turns out that the counters didn’t open until 170 minutes before the flight. I had already checked in online, but wanted change my seat to a bulkhead window that was blocked for pre-assignment.
I waited 15 minutes for the counters to open. My patience paid off when I scored an “upgrade” to the bulkhead simply by asking. It really never hurts to ask.
With lines everywhere, security and passport control together took an hour. Once airside, I made a beeline to the JAL Sakura Lounge to decompress after that experience.
I entered the Sakura Lounge located in the D Pier of the terminal using my Oneworld Sapphire status from my American Airlines Platinum membership. Since lounge access isn't ordinarily included with an economy ticket, my experience isn't factored into this section's score.
The lounge wasn’t too crowded when I arrived, but quickly started filling up as it got closer to the evening departures to Japan.
Plenty of beige were scattered throughout the lounge.
The buffet selections featured mostly Japanese options, but with some notable exceptions like fried chicken and scrambled eggs.
There was plenty of self-serve liquor, coffee machines and soft drinks in the fridge.
The lounge was clean and the food presentation looked appealing, but I wanted to escape the crowds, so I made my way to the Cathay Pacific Lounge located just a few steps away on Level 3 in the G pier. Fortunately, the Cathay lounge was empty and was even more stylish than the JAL's Sakura lounge.
If you're looking for a place to work, stick to the Cathay lounge, which is equipped with plenty of iMacs, each outfitted with printers.
There was a limited buffet in Cathay's lounge but the highlight was Cathay's signature noodle bar. I’d definitely recommend parking yourself here when the JAL lounge gets crowded.
After a few too many Dan Dan Noodles, I made my way to Gate F5. Boarding passes were scanned as you entered the gate area, so I technically "boarded" the flight once I entered the gate.
The gate area was incredibly organized -- the first sign of the night that I was flying on a Japanese airline.
[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Cabin and Seat" tpg-rating="22" tpg-rating-max="25" configuration="3" configuration-2="4" configuration-3="2" width="19" pitch="33" tray="15.5" tray-2="9.25" lavs="6" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]
There’s not much an airline can do to significantly improve the economy experience, although JAL certainly tried and had a degree of success.
The seats were incredibly clean and looked fresh, especially considering the plane was 16 years old. The 3-4-2 cabin configuration was great for a solo traveler like me, as I could select a seat on the starboard side of the plane and only needed to bother one person when I needed to use the restroom.
I’m not sure why JAL went with such an unusual configuration for their 777s, but it worked for me. I definitely wouldn’t have been happy sitting in a middle seat in the middle section.
Regular economy seats had a 33-inch pitch, while the exit and bulkhead rows had a pitch of 45.5+ inches. The well-padded seats were quite wide at 19 inches, and the recline was generous at 4.5 inches.
Since I was seated in the bulkhead, the armrest was immovable, and my bi-fold tray table measured 15.5 inches wide and 9.25 inches deep.
I appreciated the personal AC power outlet located underneath the seat.
Each seat featured an adjustable headrest that made it easier to sleep on my side.
All six economy-class bathrooms were kept spotless throughout the flight. None were oversized, but I was impressed that they were stocked with dental kits.
[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Amenities and IFE" tpg-rating="13" tpg-rating-max="15" screen="10.6" movies="60" tv-shows="39" live-tv="No" tailcam="No" wifi="0.12" wifi-2="5.28" headphones="Yes" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]
There was enough to keep me occupied throughout the 5.5-hour flight. The 10.6-inch touchscreen was very responsive and featured 60 movies and 39 TV shows. JAL could've loaded more TV shows, especially since they only had two episodes of each show.
Bring your own headphones because the ones waiting at my seat were flimsy and of poor quality.
If you get bored, tune in to the in-flight behavior video demonstration. It will help you stay off the Passenger Shaming list.
As an AvGeek, I loved how the in-flight map was fully customizable.
Wi-Fi was available on this flight and only cost $18.80 for 24 hours, which meant that I’d be able to use it on my connecting flight. I found the speeds to be alright for staying in touch with work back home.
When it came time for a power nap, the small pillow and plush blanket were above average. I managed to sleep for about two hours, definitely more than I was expecting on this short flight.
[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Food and Beverage" tpg-rating="23" tpg-rating-max="25" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-meal="1" meals-purchase="No" comp-alcohol="Yes" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]
To start, we were offered hot towels and a choice of drinks.
There was an extensive drink menu, and I found the JAL-exclusive Double “O” white wine to be refreshing.
The meal was presented on one tray and featured a main, three side dishes and an optional soup.
I picked at the chicken and rice (there was no choice on the main entrée), but really liked the soba (noodles) drenched in soy sauce, bok choy with peanut sauce and miso soup.
After dinner, flight attendants served a strawberry Danish, tea and coffee.
The quantity and quality of the food was above average for economy. Furthermore, as a non-Japanese passenger, I liked how JAL incorporated Japanese and Western menu items into one meal.
[flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Service" tpg-rating="23" tpg-rating-max="25" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" blurb="Flight attendants provided efficient, personalized service throughout the entire flight. They genuinely cared about each passenger's experience." /]
This is where JAL really excelled. It felt like the flight attendants were genuinely proud of the product and were happy to serve the passengers throughout the flight.
As a pescatarian, I couldn’t eat the chicken in the main dish (my seatmate enjoyed his). Instead of just clearing my tray, the flight attendant asked why I ate around the chicken, and when I explained that I was pescatarian, she immediately offered to bring me more of the vegetarian side dishes.
The one minor service issue was that the crew prepared the cabin for landing a full 75 minutes before touchdown. Everyone would’ve appreciated some extra shut-eye had the crew waited until descent to prepare for landing.
Overall Impression
The ground experience ex-Bangkok left much to be desired, and while I can't fault Japan Airlines for the crowds in the BKK airport, it was certainly the low-point in my journey.
On the flight itself, I had a very comfortable seat with above-average width, pitch and recline. The food was good, the built-in IFE and reasonably priced Wi-Fi kept me entertained and the legendary Japanese service was much appreciated.
There’s only so much an airline can do to improve the economy experience. And JAL did about as much as it could to make me want to fly economy again.
All photos by the author.
FAQs
Is Japan Airlines economy good? ›
As confirmed by the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards – the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, featuring 13.4 million voters from over 100 countries – Japan Airlines has the World's Best Economy Class with the Best Economy Class Airline Seat.
What is economy like on Japan Airlines? ›Japan Airlines offers wider legroom than our competitors, alongside superior cuisine, in-flight entertainment, and amenities. In addition to a straightforward booking process and an exceptional ground experience, flying economy class with Japan Airlines is the best decision for your travels.
Is the Boeing 777 the safest plane? ›The Boeing 777 is one of the safest and most successful aircraft in aviation history. If you've been on a long-haul flight in the last 20 years, there's a high probability that you've been on one. First entering service in 1995 with United Airlines, it is now a member of over 50 different airline's fleets.
Which is best economy seat on Boeing 777 300ER? ›The first four rows are in a mini-cabin of sorts, and you'll probably find these to be the most quiet. But the best seats in the house (outside of the Polaris cabins, of course) are located in the third economy cabin, in row 39 (more on that shortly).
Who has a better economy US or Japan? ›If we measure by growth in real gross domestic product (GDP), without considering changes in population, Japan's economic growth is far behind that of the United States. From 2000 to 2015, its real GDP grew an average of 0.72 percent per year, while U.S. real GDP grew an average of 1.77 percent.
What airline has the best economy seats? ›Emirates wins award as the World's Best Economy Class with Qatar Airways in second place and Singapore Airlines in third position. Scroll down to see all of the economy class airline category ratings.
How big are Japan Airlines economy seats? ›This is where Japan Airlines truly delivers: Seating configuration: 7 to 9 across. Seat width: 17.7 to 18.9 inches (the industry average is about 17 inches). Seat pitch: 33 to 34 inches (the industry average is around 30 to 31 inches).
Does Japan Airlines have good service? ›As confirmed by the Skytrax 2021 World Airline Awards – the world's largest airline passenger satisfaction survey, featuring 13.4 million voters from over 100 countries – Japan Airlines has the World's Best Economy Class with the Best Economy Class Airline Seat.
Why Is Japan's economy weak? ›Economists say the fall can be attributed to the Bank of Japan's decision to keep interest rates low. The difference in rates that has opened as the United States has repeatedly raised its own, experts say, has driven a sell-off of the yen as investors pile into the dollar in search of higher returns.
Why is the Boeing 777 so popular? ›“The Boeing 777's unique combination of superior range, outstanding fuel efficiency and passenger-preferred comfort has created long-range success for carriers around the world. And the 777-300ER now gives operators a perfect opportunity to extend that success.
Is Boeing 777 comfortable? ›
Generally speaking, the Boeing 777 offers a more comfortable passenger experience. This is because it is somewhat larger than the 787 and has higher capacity, leading to more room in terms of seating comfort.
What is the most unstable plane in the world? ›The X-29 was developed by Grumman, and the two built were flown by NASA and the United States Air Force. The aerodynamic instability of the X-29's airframe required the use of computerized fly-by-wire control.
What is the difference between Boeing 777-300 and 777 300ER? ›As you might expect, a key difference between the 777-300 and the 777-300ER is their range. The standard 777-300 has a listed range (with a 368-passenger configuration and powered by General Electric GE90 engines) of 11,165 km (6,030 NM). This is impressive in itself, but the 777-300ER can go more than 22% further.
What are best seats on Boeing 777? ›United Boeing 777 300er Seat Map: Best Seats
Anybody in the seats 3AL, 5AL, 7AL, 11AL, 15AL, and 17AL will experience maximum comfort with more privacy due to their location and partly enclosed. Aisle seats like 1DG, 6DG, and 9DG are the best for couples because they can take down the divider between them.
They say in Jet 777 best is row 26, 31, 50. These 3 has maximum leg space. Row 31 is where there is facility for basinet.
Is Japan Airlines a good Airlines? ›Japan Airlines is Certified as a 5-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.
Why Is Japan's economy so good? ›Japan is one of the largest and most developed economies in the world. It has a well-educated, industrious workforce and its large, affluent population makes it one of the world's biggest consumer markets.
Is Air Japan a budget airline? ›The key goal of its new budget airline Air Japan, which was announced in 2022, is to regain airline revenue.
Is Japan Airlines a 5 star airline? ›Currently, only 10 airlines worldwide, including JAL , are certified as "5 Star." remained focused on providing a safe and comfortable journey for our customers and we are grateful for their continued support, said Yuji Akasaka, President of Japan Airlines.
What Airlines are not good? ›Department of Transportation (DOT) complaint data backs up this list of the least favorite carriers. In the first half of 2022, American Airlines had the most complaints (3,186), followed by United Airlines (2,391), Spirit Airlines (1,909) and Frontier Airlines (1,750).
What is the rank of Japan Airlines? ›
| 2022 | 2021 | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 8 | China Eastern |
| 12 | 10 | British Airways |
| 13 | 15 | Japan Airlines |
| 14 | 14 | Ryanair |
The unemployment rate is very low, modest GDP growth per capita continues, and prices are flat with CPI increases still significantly below the 2 percent target. Japan is fundamentally stable socially, politically, and economically, with an ethnically homogeneous population of 126 million.
Is Japan economy in trouble? ›Japan's economy is set to enter into recession as export growth slows, according to Capital Economics. “We think the Japanese economy will enter a recession sometime next year,” said Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan economist at Capital Economics, said CNBC's “Squawk Box Asia” Tuesday.
Where does Japan rank in economy 2022? ›It has the world's 3rd largest economy by nominal GDP and the 4th largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP). Ranked as one of most innovative countries in the world, Japan is the world's largest electronic goods producer and the 3rd largest automobile manufacturer.