I expected to take my maiden voyage in Japan Airlines first class back in 2020. At the time, I was going to spend a few days at the Tokyo Olympics, before flying up-front on the 777-300ER from Haneda back to the US. We obviously all remember how 2020 went down.
The silver lining of this? JAL has now introduced both a new flagship aircraft, and a vastly superior first class product inside of it.
And without completely spoiling my JAL A350 first class review, I’ll just say that I am literally grinning ear to ear as I prepare to write this post. JAL’s new first class experience is so spectacular that I almost can’t believe it’s real!
JAL’s Amazing First Class Lounge(s) at Haneda
If your journey originates in Japan, then your JAL A350 first class experience begins before you even board the plane. I recommend arriving at Haneda around two hours in advance to sample the amazing JAL First Class Lounge, located across from Gate 114. Well, lounges—in addition to the main lounge area, there is a special area called the JAL Salon, Sushi Tsurutei restaurant and a strange cigar room (that doesn’t appear to have cigars).
Although I did explore all areas of this lounge, my favorite part of it was simply sitting at one of the seats overlooking the tarmac, and using the LoungeApp to order fresh-made sushi delivered directly to me. JAL now has enough A350s in service that I was able to enjoy an amazing view of the aircraft that would soon be taking me to Dallas (DFW) as JL12, as well as planes bound for London, Paris, Los Angeles and New York.
Breaking Down JAL’s Amazing A350 First Class
Boarding and welcome
Boarding at Tokyo was a bit hectic, since oneworld Emeralds board at the same time as first class; since we were bound for Dallas (an American Airlines hub), there were literally dozens of passengers with this status. Thankfully, I arrived in seat 2A to find only two other passengers in the six-person cabin, from the moment pursue Mio-san (who served as my personal flight attendant handed me my first glass of Salon champagne, I was in my own world.
The “seat”
As is the case with many a JAL first class review, I cannot emphasize enough just how huge and exclusive JAL’s A350 suite is, with an extra-wide main seat, an ottoman on the other side, floor-to-ceiling walls (and a privacy door that can be closed fully after take-off) and a footprint that occupies approximately the same real-estate as 9 economy class seats. It is almost like having your own apartment (albeit a Tokyo-sized one) in the sky!
Food and drink
Beyond the free-flowing Salon champagne (2013 vintage), every aspect of the food and drink onboard was flawless. I was lucky enough to be able to eat not only the Japanese washoku meal, but also the wagyu entree, which is technically reserved for passengers who book the Western meal. Another unexpected highlight? Okinawan kokuto, a black sugar liqueur Mio-san served me since (shockingly) they didn’t have Bailey’s onboard.
Service and hospitality
One of the things that, for me, puts the JAL new first class above ANA’s (which, oddly, is better reputed in general) is the service. All of the first class flight attendants were constantly waiting on me, whether that was keeping my drinks filled, offering me on-demand food, performing turndown service or simply chatting me up in either English or Japanese—well, except for when my door was closed. It was the most attentive flight crew I’ve ever had.
Sleep quality, entertainment, et cetera
Another thing I appreciate about JAL’s A350 first class? The fact that there was an option for a soft mattress during the aforementioned turndown service. I didn’t sleep much, however—I didn’t want to miss the experience. Entertainment-wise, I watched the new Snow White (which wasn’t as bad or as “woke” as I expected” due to the limited selection for enjoying the massive 43-inch TV screen. I also had free WiFi service during the flight.
How I (Finally) Booked First Class on the JAL A350
As of late 2025, you can still book first class flights between the US and Japan for just 80,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles one-way, which is an incredible value. However, availability is notorious hard to come by, especially given that up until recently, only New York (JFK) and Dallas (DFW) flights were served by the A350-1000. So, how did I do it, in order to make this JAL new first class review happen?
First, I relentless stalked AA.com, since award search tools like Seats.aero have a notorious blind spot for American award availability. Secondly, I searched not only for direct flights between HND and DFW/JFK, but also journeys originating and terminating in Sapporo (CTS). For whatever reason, adding on this “married segment” unlocks availability that is not bookable for customers starting or ending their journeys in Tokyo.
Other FAQ About JAL’s A350 First Class
How many first class seats are on JAL’s new A350?
JAL’s new A350-1000 has just six first class seats, configured in an ultra-exclusive 1-1-1 configuration, spread over two rows. Each of these huge suites occupies about as much space as 9 economy seats, meaning that it is one of the most spacious seats in the sky, apart from an actual private jet.
How much does JAL first class cost?
If you pay cash, you can expect to pay as much as (or more than) $10,000 one-way to fly in JAL’s A350-1000 first class between Japan and the US or Europe. Conversely, as of this writing, you can redeem between 80,000-90,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles for the same flight, pending availability (which is admittedly extremely limited).
Is JAL’s A350 first class worth it?
JAL’s A350-1000 first class is, to me, the best experience in the sky offered by an airline that operates from a free country—yes, that is deliberate shade thrown at Emirates, Etihad and Qatar. From the massive room-sized suite and comfortable bed, to restaurant-quality food and personalized, attentive service, it’s an in-flight experience you wish lasted twice as long as it did, because it’s just so perfect and enjoyable.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve enjoyed my JAL A350 first class review—and that I haven’t oversold this absolutely fabulous product and experience. Having just weeks before flown ANA’s slightly-less new first class (which was also great), the bar was set high by the time I entered JAL’s A350-1000 and sat down in “seat” 2A, which is really more like a private apartment in the sky. In spite of this, nearly every moment of the journey exceeded my expectations. I was genuinely sad when the flight ended! Need help putting your Japan trip together? Whether with finding award availability or creating a custom itinerary, I hope you’ll consider hiring me to assist you.
