Effectively, I saved the perfect for final. For the ultimate lengthy haul section of my journey to Japan by way of Mongolia, I flew Japan Airways’ Airbus A350-1000 firstclass on the 12hr40min flight from Tokyo (HND) to New York (JFK). I can’t even clarify how excited I used to be about this flight, on condition that Japan Airways only recently began flying the A350-1000, and it encompasses a new passenger expertise throughout cabins.
I’m pleased to report that Japan Airways’ new A350 firstclass is spectacularly good, among the many greatest firstclass merchandise on the planet. The brand new firstclass suites are large, with superb tech, an enormous TV, and tons of storage. And naturally that enhances Japan Airways’ phenomenal smooth product, because of the pleasant service, tasty meals and drinks, and extra. Add in the truth that you’re on a quiet A350 with a tail digicam, and I can’t advocate this product sufficient.
How I booked my Japan Airways firstclass ticket
I booked my Japan Airways firstclass ticket utilizing American AAdvantage miles. Particularly, I booked the next award in firstclass for 80,000 AAdvantage miles plus $51.85 in taxes and charges:
1/30 JL6 Tokyo to New York departing 11:05AM arriving 10:00AM
1/30 AA2786 New York to Miami departing 12:30PM arriving 3:44PM
Learn my information to redeeming miles for Japan Airways’ A350 firstclass, because it’s removed from simple, however it’s attainable.
Japan Airways firstclass lounge & boarding
Previous to my flight, I spent a while within the Japan Airways First Lounge Haneda Airport, which is superb, and which I reviewed within the earlier installment. My flight was departing from gate 147, a couple of 5 minute stroll from the lounge. As soon as on the gate, I couldn’t assist however first admire the model new Airbus A350-1000 I’d be flying — what a beautiful beast!
Boarding was scheduled for 10:35AM, half-hour earlier than the deliberate 11:05AM departure. Boarding ended up being delayed by quarter-hour “on account of cabin preparations.” In fact since that is Japan, this slight delay was taken very significantly, and was additionally communicated completely, in contrast to what you’d count on within the US.
Boarding did begin at 10:50AM, with firstclass passengers and oneworld Emerald members being invited to board first. I don’t keep in mind the final time that I used to be so excited to stroll down a jet bridge.
Japan Airways A350 firstclass cabin & seats
I boarded the Japan Airways A350-1000 by means of the second door on the left, the place I used to be greeted by the pleasant crew, and pointed left towards firstclass.
This primary required strolling by means of a portion of the enterprise class cabin. There are 20 enterprise class seats between the primary and second set of doorways, after which the remaining 33 enterprise class seats are behind the second set of doorways. I’m wanting ahead to attempting this enterprise class within the close to future.
I then discovered myself within the gorgeous firstclass cabin, consisting of simply six seats, unfold throughout two rows, in a 1-1-1 configuration. Every suite has 83″ of pitch and 48″ of width, which is subsequent degree. That is a powerful cabin, and footage don’t actually do it justice.
So far as the cabin format goes, the middle seat in row one opens up into the left aisle, whereas the middle seat in row two opens up into the fitting aisle. Subsequently my first choose seats could be 2A or 1K, since you haven’t any one throughout from you. Between these seats, I’d barely choose 2A to 1K, because it has much less foot site visitors, and is farther from the bathroom. Apart from the course wherein suites open up, there aren’t any materials variations between the seats.
Whereas Japan Airways’ new firstclass suites don’t function floor-to-ceiling partitions and doorways (such as you’ll discover on Emirates’ new 777 firstclass), they do function 62″ excessive partitions and doorways, so they provide a ton of privateness. The aisle undoubtedly feels a bit slender, for the reason that airline determined to dedicate as a lot area as attainable to the suites (which is a alternative I recognize).
I assigned myself 2A, the window seat on the left aspect within the second row, which is what I’d advocate assigning, if attainable. WOW, WOW, WOW. I actually don’t understand how else to explain this product. This must be probably the most spacious firstclass seat on the planet.
Positive, you could have Etihad’s A380 First Class Condo and Singapore Airways’ A380 Suites, that are superior, however the area isn’t truly utilized that effectively. In the meantime the area on this suite may be very effectively utilized. Frankly the partitions are so excessive and the suite is so giant that it’s virtually onerous to {photograph} it.
The factor that stands out probably the most about Japan Airways’ new firstclass is simply how vast the seat is. It’s extra like a sofa, and will very comfortably seat two individuals.
The size are equally spectacular within the different course, as you could have an enormous ottoman (which might additionally seat somebody, so there’s actually seating for 3 individuals on this suite), plus a 43″ leisure monitor, among the many largest within the sky.
Let’s check out among the finer particulars of the suite, beginning with the sofa space. You is perhaps questioning what the purpose of such a big seat is. Sure, there are seatbelts for 2 individuals on the seat, however you’ll be able to solely e-book one individual within the area. So the aspect of the seat truly has a tray that folds down, the place you’ll be able to place issues throughout the flight. I discovered this to be tremendous helpful, because it was an important place to maintain a drink inside simple attain.
This seat gives seven completely different charging choices, a brand new report in business aviation. On each the left and proper aspect of the seat, you’ll discover an AC, USB-A, and USB-C outlet. Then on the left aspect of the seat you’ll discover a wi-fi charging pad, and on the fitting aspect of the seat you’ll discover the headphone jack.
The left aspect of the seat additionally has a panel in addition to a pill, which can be utilized to manage lots of the seat’s options. The pill helps you to management not simply primary capabilities, however even issues like temper lighting. It’s additionally how one can management the leisure system, because it’s not touchscreen.
Wanting on the different aspect of the seat, you’ll discover simply how huge the ottoman is, as that turns into a part of the mattress if you recline. This will additionally double as a buddy seat, do you have to wish to dine face-to-face with somebody.
Japan Airways doesn’t have overhead bins within the A350 firstclass cabin, to be able to give it a extra spacious really feel. As an alternative, carry-on objects could be saved in a compartment beneath the ottoman. This can be a good dimension, because it simply match my full dimension carry-on, with room to spare.
To the aspect of the ottoman, you’ll discover a counter the place you’ll be able to put objects throughout the flight. The counter even has a secret storage compartment, the place you’ll be able to place some small objects for simple entry. There’s additionally a closet proper by the door, the place you’ll be able to grasp garments.
Beneath the desk are two extra storage compartments, a bit bigger than the one on the counter.
The suite’s tray desk additionally extends from beneath that console, and getting it out is kind of a manufacturing. You first should push a button in order that your complete tray desk concoction extends out, and then you definately truly should elevate it, and it’s fairly heavy.
The tray desk is very large, and two individuals might simply get pleasure from their meals from this on the similar time, with room to spare.
As talked about above, the suite has 62″ doorways, and so they’re simple to make use of, as they simply slide open and closed. Whereas this doesn’t fairly provide full privateness, the truth is that these doorways are a lot greater than most others on planes, and the crew can’t sometimes look over. In spite of everything, Japan Airways primarily has feminine, Japanese flight attendants, and so they’re not sometimes significantly tall.
Japan Airways’ A350-1000s are the “new manufacturing customary” model of the jet, which means that the cabin is a bit wider than previous A350s, and there are additionally dimmable home windows. I far choose the Airbus A350 dimmable home windows to the Boeing 787 dimmable home windows, as they do a greater job of blocking gentle.
Maybe the one draw back to Japan Airways’ A350 firstclass is that there are not any particular person air nozzles. I positive want that Japan Airways had elected to put in these, however sadly that’s hardly shocking for a Japanese provider.
One different factor I wish to briefly focus on is the colour scheme. Personally I don’t love Japan Airways’ seeming obsession with burgundy. Nevertheless, I’ve to say that I believed it appeared much more elegant in individual than in footage, and I didn’t thoughts it. Would I wish to embellish my residence like that? Nope. Nevertheless it exceeded my expectations.
Japan Airways firstclass facilities
Japan Airways gives a seemingly limitless variety of facilities in firstclass. Ready at my seat upon boarding have been two giant, thick pillows, in addition to a blanket. There’s extra bedding obtainable if you’re able to sleep, however this helps with getting cozy whereas simply lounging round. In spite of everything, on this product you’re feeling like you could have a sofa within the sky, so it’s good to have the ability to make your self really feel at residence.
There have been a pair of Bang & Olufsen headphones, that are prime quality. Nevertheless, you could have two different choices for listening to audio — you need to use your personal headphones because of the bluetooth audio, or you need to use the headrest audio system.
There was additionally an amenity equipment from Zero Halliburton, containing an eye fixed masks, earplugs, hair brush, pocket tissue, moisture masks, dental equipment, and mouthwash, in addition to hand cream and lip balm from L’Occitane.
Then there was a Shiseido equipment, with a face cleanser, a hydrating lotion, and a revitalizing cream.
There have been additionally slippers, together with a bag and a shoehorn.
The menu and drink record have been on show on the seat, in a pleasant leather-based binder.
Inside a minute of settling in, the 2 fabulous firstclass flight attendants stopped by my seat to introduce themselves. Aoki could be primarily caring for me, whereas Takada was the senior cabin attendant.
They have been as enthusiastic as I used to be, because it was the primary time they have been flying on the A350-1000. Amazingly sufficient, they knew the product completely, and I didn’t discover any challenges with the service stream, so I suppose Japan Airways skilled crews properly.
They first supplied me a pre-departure drink, with the selection of champagne or orange juice. That was served with a heat towel. Japanese airways simply persistently aren’t huge into pre-departure drinks, as the main focus throughout boarding may be very a lot on security and effectivity.
They then supplied me pajamas for the flight. These are smooth and cozy pajamas that I took residence with me — fact be instructed, I’m carrying them proper now, as I write this assessment!
I used to be additionally offered with a voucher for complimentary Wi-Fi all through the flight, with no knowledge caps.
Japan Airways A350 firstclass leisure & Wi-Fi
Japan Airways has Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350-1000s, supplied by Panasonic. The Wi-Fi pricing on the jet is as follows, all with no knowledge caps:
- A one hour go prices $10.15
- A 3 hour go prices $14.40
- A full flight go prices $18.80
I discover that pricing to be enticing, particularly for a flight this size, given the shortage of knowledge caps. You too can change between gadgets freely. Nevertheless, in my case the Wi-Fi didn’t price something, since I acquired a code at no cost Wi-Fi, which labored with no limits.
So far as the leisure display goes, it’s sort of wild to have a 43″ 4K display at your seat — you virtually really feel such as you’re in a movie show. The leisure system has a number of films, TV reveals, reside TV, audio, a map function, and even a tail digicam.
This isn’t among the many greatest leisure alternatives on the market, and it pales compared to methods like Emirates’ ICE. Nevertheless, the alternatives wasn’t horrible both — I’d estimate there have been someplace round 150 films.
The system additionally has a map function, although that was glitching throughout my flight — it labored for the primary portion of the flight, however then the map stopped monitoring the aircraft’s location for the rest of the flight. I think about Japan Airways continues to be ironing out some glitches.
However actually, the leisure not being superb didn’t hassle me. Between the limitless Wi-Fi and the tail digicam, I used to be entertained nearly your complete manner. As an aviation geek, having a excessive definition tail digicam on a 43″ display is a dream come true. I imply, what extra might one ask for?!
Most likely probably the most fascinating factor about Japan Airways’ leisure system is how there are built-in headrest audio system. Sure, you’ll be able to watch films or take heed to music with out even placing headphones on, because the audio system are throughout your head. That’s fairly one thing!
Japan Airways A350 departure from Tokyo
The door closed at round 11:10AM, as boarding was environment friendly. For that matter, the flight simply wasn’t very full, and had possibly 100 individuals onboard. In firstclass, there have been a complete of 4 passengers — a Japanese girl who was clearly an avgeek was seated in entrance of me, as she was as enthusiastic in regards to the product at I used to be. Then an older Japanese couple was seated on the opposite aspect of the cabin.
At 11:15AM we started our pushback, after which 5 minutes later we began our taxi.
Round this time, the security video was screened.
As soon as the video wrapped up, I after all turned on the tail digicam, to benefit from the views.
We had a reasonably lengthy however quick taxi, and by 11:30AM we have been cleared for takeoff on runway 34R.
Departing Haneda on a daytime flight with clear situations is such a deal with, because it actually places into perspective what a sprawling metropolis Tokyo is.
We had a clean climb out, after which the seatbelt signal was turned off about 10 minutes after takeoff.
Japan Airways firstclass lunch service
After takeoff, it was time to eat… and drink! On this route, Japan Airways gives one principal meal after takeoff (although you’ll be able to get pleasure from it at any time when), after which a big snack and pre-arrival meal menu. Beneath you’ll find the menu for the primary meal on this flight, that includes each a Japanese and worldwide delicacies possibility.
Then beneath you’ll find the intensive Japan Airways firstclass drink record.
Whereas I sometimes choose the Japanese possibility when flying with Japanese carriers, this time round I selected the worldwide possibility as an alternative. That’s as a result of the worldwide menu sounded nice to me, whereas the Japanese menu was a bit too blowfish, herring, and urchin-centric for my liking.
I kicked off my meal with a glass of champagne. Japan Airways at the moment serves 2013 Salon champagne on flights from Japan, which retails for round $1,200 per bottle. That’s the most costly champagne served on any airline, however there’s a catch — the airline solely caters a single bottle per flight.
After that there’s the backup champagne, which is at the moment Champagne Drappier La Grande Sendrée 2012. I discover it a bit unusual and stingy how the airline has an unbelievable champagne, however solely caters a single bottle. If the cabin have been full and each passengers needed some, there could be sufficient for everybody to have a single glass (if that).
Effectively, I used to be in luck on this flight, as I used to be the one one who was consuming the Salon, so the bottle was all mine — rating!
The champagne was served with a canapé consisting of some nuts, salami, and shaved carrots.
Then the “correct” meal began, and my goodness, it was a feast. The amuse bouche was a scrumptious goat milk bavarois. At first of the meal, I used to be supplied a number of heat and recent bread, served with butter, salt, and olive oil.
I used to be then served my first of two hors d’oeuvres, a botan shrimp & “kobashira” with quinoa tartar sauce. This was a surprisingly pretty mixture of flavors.
As soon as that was cleared, it was time for a scallop & vegetable mille-feuille. Yum, yum, yum.
At this level I made a decision to modify from champagne to sake. Per the flight attendant’s advice, I selected the Juyondai Junmai Daiginjo, which I liked.
Then it was time for my first of two principal programs, described as kichiji rockfish and winter greens à la nage. This got here wrapped in plastic, and the fish actually melted in my mouth.
The subsequent course was an Irish grassfed beef sirloin, served with a inexperienced peppercorn sauce and gratin dauphinois with mushrooms. This was significantly better than it appeared — the meat was tender, and I liked the sauce.
Then it was time for dessert, which was pistachio cream and chocolate cream puffs, fairly artfully offered. This was tasty, and I used to be glad to see that it was small, as I used to be stuffed.
I washed down the meal with a glass of Japan Airways’ superb Queen of Blue Royal Tea, arguably the perfect non-alcoholic drink served on any airline. This tea is so fancy that it is available in a wine bottle, and is served in a wine glass. Hah.
I can’t say sufficient good issues about this meal. The meals high quality was distinctive, the drinks have been nice, and the service was flawless and completely custom-made. I took a bit over two hours to get pleasure from my meal, however that was completely my alternative. The crew by no means let my glass be empty, and was attentive with out being overbearing.
Japan Airways A350 firstclass bathrooms
After a tremendous meal, I bought prepared for mattress, and checked out the bathrooms. Japan Airways has two firstclass bathrooms on the A350-1000. One bathroom is true by the cockpit, and is the bigger of the 2 bathrooms.
The second bathroom is on the fitting aspect of the cabin on the entrance, and is simply barely smaller.
Look, these bathrooms clearly aren’t as huge because the Emirates A380 bathe spas, however that’s not shocking, since there’s a a lot greater price to this actual property. I believed the bathrooms have been properly appointed given the area limitations, and some issues stood out to me.
For one, the bathrooms had bidet bogs, which is all the time a pleasant contact.
I like how the bathrooms had just a little plank that folded down, in order that you possibly can change your garments within the bathroom with out having to step on the ground.
The bathrooms had a number of facilities, together with dental kits, mouthwash, and a few magnificence merchandise.
The very best factor about firstclass bathrooms on Japanese airways is how persistently spotless they’re. They’re cleaned after nearly each use, and look as spotless on the finish of the flight as they do initially.
There was one kink with the bathrooms — the doorways closed manner too quick and loud, so I think some type of a stopper must be put in place to vary that. That’s a minor problem, and in addition a straightforward repair.
Japan Airways A350 firstclass mattress
After the meal, I requested the crew to organize the mattress for me. Earlier than they did this, they requested me if I needed a smooth or agency Airweave mattress, because the airline gives that alternative, which I like. I made a decision to go along with a smooth mattress.
Japan Airways’ A350 firstclass mattress is unbelievably snug, presumably probably the most snug within the sky. The seat is vast and gives privateness with out being claustrophobic.
Now, in a perfect world, I want that the buddy seat might additionally recline and grow to be a part of the mattress, to make this by far the most important firstclass mattress within the sky. However nonetheless, the quantity of private area is nothing wanting spectacular.
I ended up falling asleep with round 9hr45min remaining to New York, as we have been over the North Pacific…
…and wakened with round 5hr10min remaining to New York, as we approached the Pacific Northwest of the US.
Round 4hr30min of sleep is nice so far as I’m involved. Whereas I might have in all probability slept longer, I needed to be awake and benefit from the expertise, since I don’t know after I’ll get to fly this product once more!
Regardless of the shortage of particular person air nozzles, I discovered the temperature to be fairly snug. The one disturbance to my sleep was that each time the seatbelt signal was turned on, there was an unnecessarily lengthy announcement in regards to the procedures related to that.
Japan Airways firstclass snack & pre-arrival meal
Inside a second of waking up, the crew was by my seat to see if I needed something. I simply requested for some espresso. As an ordinary, Japan Airways serves French press espresso, with a lovely mug, plus an hourglass. What enjoyable presentation!
A bit later, I ordered a cappuccino, which was served with some sweets.
I bought some work carried out for a bit, and earlier than I knew, it have been simply over two hours from arriving in New York, and I used to be handled to an excellent dawn, because of the A350’s tail digicam. Who wants conventional inflight leisure when you could have this?!
At that time I figured it was time to eat one thing else. So I had a have a look at the menu, which you’ll find beneath (the primary web page is the usual pre-arrival menu, whereas the second web page is the snack menu).
To kick off the meal, I figured I wanted to have one other glass of Salon. I imply, whereas it was maybe a bit flat, how will you let the crew simply pour this valuable champagne down the drain? I felt prefer it was my ethical obligation… 😉
I chosen the Japanese meal, which was all served on a single tray. It was comprised of salt and butter flavored salmon with flaxseed powder, lotus root, and bok choy. It additionally consisted of steamed rice, miso soup, and Japanese pickles.
The dish completely hit the spot. I then additionally ordered a fruit plate, after which a dessert tray, to complete off the meal.
As soon as my plates have been cleared, the crew instructed that I get pleasure from a mild steam eye masks. Okay, I’ve seen these a bunch of time on Japanese airways, however by no means used them earlier than. OMG, I’ve been lacking out, as a result of these are superior! It’s superb how heat they get, simply by eradicating them from the packaging.
Japan Airways firstclass service
If there’s one factor you’ll be able to depend on when flying with Japanese airways, it’s good service. That utilized right here too, besides this crew wasn’t simply good, however was nice. Each Aoki and Takada had such nice personalities, and in addition had an unbeatable eye for element.
Their service couldn’t have been any higher, and simply briefly passing by means of Japan made me want I had been there for longer, as a result of there’s no place on the planet prefer it.
Japan Airways A350 arrival in New York
At round 9:35AM New York time, we started our descent from 39,000 ft. These days on the finish of a protracted haul flight, I’m sometimes excited to land, however it is a flight that I didn’t wish to finish. We had a reasonably gradual descent, and at 9:55AM the flight attendants have been suggested to organize the cabin for touchdown, and round that point the seatbelt signal was turned on.
It wasn’t a very good day in New York, as there was a low degree cloud layer.
Finally we made it below the clouds, and naturally my eyes have been glued to the tail digicam.
We had a clean landing on runway 4R at 10:10AM (at an altitude of 80,000,240 ft, apparently).
From there we had a prolonged 15 minute taxi to our arrival gate at Terminal 8, the place we pulled in at 10:25AM.
Humorous sufficient, the plane was deplaned by means of the second set of doorways, and the crew insisted that firstclass passengers deplane first. Whereas I recognize the sentiment, I discover this to be awkward, as it’s a must to squeeze previous the enterprise class passengers standing within the aisle.
Backside line
Japan Airways’ new Airbus A350-1000 firstclass is a masterpiece, when it comes to each the onerous and smooth product. These suites are superb, and I’d argue they’re the perfect within the sky if you issue within the sheer quantity of area, the useful design, and the tech. There’s additionally the benefit of this being an A350, which implies you get a quiet cabin with a tail digicam and good cabin pressurization.
On prime of that, Japan Airways has flawless service, tasty meals and drinks, and many facilities.
I’m extraordinarily impressed by this new product — it’s undoubtedly amongst my prime two firstclass merchandise (together with Emirates’ new 777 firstclass), although I believe I would even choose this.
What’s your tackle Japan Airways’ A350 firstclass?
