At the Skytrax World Airline Awards in 2024, Japan Airlines was awarded the world’s best Premium Economy Class, the best Premium Economy Class Seat, and the best Premium Economy Class in Asia for the first time. This is a massive achievement for Japan Airlines as competition increases in the Premium Economy cabin. Our Airfare Specialist, Joe, was able to experience the new JAL Premium Economy cabin and seat on the Boeing 777-300 flight from Sydney to Tokyo. While the trip started with a delay, it was an enjoyable experience onboard. Read about Joe’s thoughts here.

The airline recently introduced a new Premium Economy seat onboard its Airbus A350-1000. This seat enhanced the features of the existing seats with larger dividers for privacy, motorised leg rests, and a large 16-inch 4K screen- 1.3 times larger than the previous model.

Japan Airlines Premium seats are much closer to the airline’s Business Class seats than the JAL Economy seats. Sharing many of the same priority perks at the airport and a reduced Business Class inflight menu gives passengers much more value for ticket costs.

You can fly on the World's Best Premium Economy seat to Europe or to North America with Japan Airlines.

Lounges and Airport Perks

Unfortunately, Joe’s flight out of Sydney was delayed 14 hours due to a typhoon, but the service he received from the airline was excellent! Japan Airlines was very proactive and changed his flights the day before; this meant he could sleep in and avoid heading to the airport only to be turned away.

When it did come time to check in, Joe was able to do so either online, then drop his bags or he was able to head to the dedicated check-in counter at the airport. Passengers travelling in Premium Economy can check two bags up to 22kg each, with carry-on items totalling up to 9kg.

Travelling in Premium Economy with Japan Airlines allows passengers access to the Qantas Business Class lounge in Sydney, thanks to both airlines being part of the oneworld alliance. Japan Airlines is the only airline to offer this perk to Premium Economy passengers, but it is important to note that it is only available on JAL-operated flights; on Joe’s way home, he flew from London to Tokyo with British Airways and did not have lounge access.

Seating Comfort

The Japan Airlines Premium Economy seat was voted best in the world for a reason. One feature that has put the airline in front of the others is the hard outer shell around the seat—removing passenger's frustration when the seat in front would recline, reducing their legroom. The new seats recline into the shell, creating a private space for passengers to relax while in flight. The seat is a roomy 19 inches wide with a pitch of 42 inches, which is pretty general among other Premium Economy seats. We recommend the seats at the bulkhead, which have even more legroom. Other features include an extendable leg rest, footrest rest and adjustable headrest, allowing passengers to get comfortable during the flight.

The seat design does offer some privacy when reclined, and for solo passengers there is the additional privacy screen, which slides out about 6 inches for more personal space. Keep in mind, this translucent divider won’t block light from other passengers' screens. The seat also features a footrest that drops down from the seat in front, although when the seat is fully reclined with the calf rest, the footrest is blocked from use.

Dining Experience

When Joe’s flight was changed due to the typhoon, his meal requests were unfortunately dropped from the booking due to a flight number change. This is actually common amongst many airlines as meals are usually linked to the original flight number. The staff onboard did however go above and beyond to help Joe get vegetarian meals.

Meal service started with drinks service followed by the meal. Joe would have preferred it if they had combined the two so it all happened a bit quicker. This is a common recurrence with our staff agreeing that airlines should maximize the “lights down” time on overnight flights. While also still ensuring that passengers who want to enjoy an extra drink or two don’t feel cut short. Perhaps a progressive dimming of the lights could be something many airlines consider.

Because of the longer dining service, Joe felt like there wasn’t enough time to get a good nap. There was a choice of water, juice, soda, beer, wine, sake and spirits. The wine onboard is a special blend made in Spain and created for the airline by master of wine Kenchi Ohashi and sommelier Motohiro Okoshi for the airplane cabin environment.

There was a wide variety of meals available with dishes created by chef Naoto Ohno from a restaurant called Syn in Fukuoka. Because Joe had visited the lounge he opted for smaller snack options during the flight. The second meal service happened two hours before landing and was a collaboration between the airline and Japanese design store Muji, served in a cute little takeaway-style box.

Entertainment and Amenities

While the screen size is similar to some Business Class screens at 16 inches, the options are a bit dated and limited. There was enough English material, but after a while, it started to get limited. Good practice to take a book or two or a tablet, which goes for any airline. The system featured a few new releases, television series, a selection of music and podcasts plus audiobooks. JAL provides all passengers with basic Sony noise-cancelling headphones which work pretty well, but thanks to recent improvements in connectivity, the entertainment system can now be enjoyed using your own wireless headphones via Bluetooth. There is a corded remote control for the entertainment system that can also be used to turn on your personal overhead light and call the flight attendant.

Passengers are provided with a range of amenities, including a lightweight blanket, slippers, an amenity kit, and a pillow. The amenity kit featured a few basic items, including an eye mask, shoehorn, face wipe, ear plugs, toothbrush, and toothpaste. The slippers were a welcome surprise, as this is usually a perk of Business Class. They were great to wear when moving around the plane.

Storage

There is ample storage around the seat. A small backpack can fit under the seat in front, and the seatback pocket is large enough to stow a laptop and other essentials.

There are more compartments in the armrest and a small water bottle holder at knee height on the back of the front seat. The space inside the armrest contains USB-A and C ports plus a universal power plug and headphone jack.

Enhanced Cabin Atmosphere

The smaller Premium Economy cabin is laid out in a 2-4-2 seat layout. If travelling as a couple or solo we would recommend booking early to secure the two seats on their own by the window for a little more privacy and space. JAL has slowly been retrofitting their older planes with their newer Premium Economy seat design.

Pricing and Value for Money

Premium Economy flights are very similar in price between airlines, so it is important to look at the benefits of each airline. Japan Airlines for example is perhaps at the higher end of the spectrum but passengers also have access to Business Class lounges, state-of-the-art seats and a premium wine list. For Australian passengers, the opportunity to easily add in a stopover in Japan makes JAL a leading contender for the market.

Is Japan Airlines' Premium Economy Worth It?

The new Premium Economy seats are a game changer for Japan Airlines and set the airline apart from the competition. The extra-wide seats are comfortable and relaxing while flying. The entertainment options could be improved, but with the huge 16-inch wide screen, they provide passengers with an experience not heard of in other Premium Economy cabins. It’s no surprise that Japan Airlines won the award for the World’s Best Premium Economy.

To book your next Premium Economy flight with Japan Airlines, get in touch with an Airfare Specialist or view the deal page here.