Welcome to my trip report on Japan Airlines 2024 edition!
This is Japan Airlines A350-900 (JA15XJ) in the oneworld special livery being prepared for departure to Osaka at Okinawa Airport.
Introduction
One of my main priorities for this trip was to fly on Japan Airlines A350 and all I need to decide was which route I like to do in order to catch this aircraft. I did a bit of checking and I could do either OKA-HND or OKA-ITM (Okasa's secondary airport). If I wasn't doing a joyride flight with Air Do and back in Tokyo the following day, I would have flown to ITM instead. So with the OKA-HND route set, all I need to decide on which flight to take as there are many flights a day for this route and some of them are operated by the Boeing 767-300ER. I flew with this airline's 767 before (JA604J and JA607J) on the SIN-KUL-SIN many years ago so it wasn't necessary for me to fly on this bird.
So without further ado, let's begin this trip report.
About Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines is the national airline of Japan based in Shinagawa, Tokyo. The main hubs for this airline is Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita airports and also focusing on traffic in Osaka Kansai and Itami Airports. This airline along with J-Air, JAL Cargo, Japan Air Commuter, Japan Transocean Air, Hokkaido Air System and Ryukyu Air Commuter are managed by the JAL group and the subsidiaries (excluding JAL Cargo) operate on domestic feeder services, while for JAL Cargo, it operates both domestic and international routes.
This airline was founded in August 1951 and has been a member of the Oneworld alliance since April 2007. Before that, Japan Airlines and Japan Air System were merged in 2002 and later on in 2008, Japan Airlines merged its operation of JAA (Japan Asia Airways) into the JAL mainstream operations. Japan Asia Airways operated between 1975 to 2008 as a separate airline due to the political status of Taiwan. In 2009, the airline suffered huge financial losses and a restructure was required to save the airline for going bankrupt. One of the possible proposes was to merge its rival ANA (All Nippon Airways) with JAL but that didn't happen , but fortunately for the airline a rescue plan to save the airline succeeded and eventually the airline exited bankruptcy protection and while it went through a tough period, it remained in the Oneworld alliance.
For now, this airline operates a fleet of 141 aircraft, comprises of 22 Airbus A350-900, 42 Boeing 737, 24 Boeing 767, 11 Boeing 777-300ER and 42 Boeing 787 Dreamliner (-8/-9) and the airline has more aircraft on order which includes Boeing 737 MAX 8, more Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350-900 (International configuration) and JA13XJ replacement (Domestic configured aircraft).
Booking
I did the booking on the airline's mobile app. While the interface is not the best, I got whatever I want done within minutes. At least the instructions and information are clear and more importantly no problems with the app.
As I booked this about a few months before the flight, there was special fares which I took advantage of. Initially I was happy to be flying on economy class but when I saw I only had to fork out another S$100 for the more comfortable cabin, I went for it.
Majority of the flights were operated by A350-900.
This is the seat map, I went for row 11A.
Do note that aircraft changes can take place as I did a check on the flight history for that month and that happened on one flight.
Once the booking was done, I was able to save my flight itinerary on the app without the need of registering.
Currently, a mixture of Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 767-300ER are operating on this flight, JL918. (Feb 2025 update)
On the day of departure
The residential area of Okinawa!
Beautiful isn't it?
I did the self check-in at the kiosk before heading over to the counter to check in my baggage.
My boarding pass
The floor above the departure hall
There are a good number of restaurants at this level.
ANA, the main rivals of Japan Airlines
Skymark's check-in desks are decorated in Pokemon theme
One last look at the Pikachu's decoration
Planespotting time @ at the Observation deck (Land side)
This is Japan Transocean Air's Boeing 737-800.
ANA's Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. ANA is the first airline to operate both Roll Royce and General Electric powered Boeing 787-10.
Skymark's Boeing 737-800
Thai Air Asia Airbus A320ceo
Peach Airbus A320ceo
ANA's Boeing 767-300ER
Thai Air Asia A320ceo in special livery
ANA's Boeing 787-10 getting ready for departure
Departure Hall (Airside)
It was quite busy at this period, majority of the travellers were locals, heading to other parts of Japan.
The cabin/flight crew of my flight were waiting for the arrival of our aircraft.
The gate assigned to our flight
Off we go! Time to experience the Class J product on the domestic configured A350-900!
During the time of waiting, I did a couple of checks on my aircraft's location.
My ride: JA08XJ
(Photographed during my time at Fukuoka airport)
Airbus A350-941
Dream Sho Jet livery
Configuration: F12 C56 Y323
Engines: 2 X Roll Royce XWB-75
Delivered in December 2020
Age: 4+ Years Old (Feb 2025)
476th Airbus A350 built
Built in Toulouse (TLS)
Flight Route: OKA-HND
Miles: 966
My seat: 11A (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
Date of departure: 26th November 2024
Airline: Japan Airlines
Flight: JA918
Route: OKA-HND
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Registration: JA08XJ
Seat: 11A (Class J)
Terminal: Domestic
Gate: 23
Load: 100%
Flight Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Actual Flight Time: 1 hr 51 mins
Schedule Departure: 1905
Boarding: 1839
Push back: 1922
Take Off: 1930
Schedule Arrival: 2115
Actual Arrival: 2121
Departure Runway: 36R
Departure Weather: Raining
Arrival Runway: 34L
Arrival Weather: Raining
Welcome on board Japan Airlines A350-900 X12 Configuration!
The airline's A350 has 2 types of configuration.
X11: F12 J94 Y263
X12: F12 J56 Y323
My inflight experience
Boarding process was in order and was organised in groups. Once on board, I was welcome by a lovely crew and was directed to my seat. This may just be a domestic configured A350 but the interior looks impressive and some music was played during the boarding process. The cabin in Class J was full and my guess is so are the other class cabins, that is how popular these domestic routes are especially when you have mulitiple flights a day operated by wide-body aircraft.
Announcement was made in both Japanese and English languages and although we boarded the aircraft on time, we pushed back late due to late arrival of some passengers. It was nice to hear the Captain making announcement before departure and he warned us of some expected turbulence during our descent towards HND. The cabin lights were turned off during take off and we were on our way, 25 minutes behind schedule. For the class J seat, I found it be quite comfortable as I enjoyed a movie during this short flight. Only beverage was served in this class cabin and for the F class passengers, they are given a full meal on this short flight.
I continued to observe the cabin and I find the crew's interaction with the passengers to be quite pleasant and when there was turbulence, announcements were made to remind us. I find the announcements from the speaker to be quite soft though. Anyway, with the complimentary W-Fi and the impressive exterior camera view, these 2 features on this aircraft certainly blow some of the airlines away and mind you, this aircraft flies only on domestic routes. I can imagine how good the cabin amenities are on the airline's A350-1000.
Anyway, I left my window seat to use the lavatory and had no difficulty getting across to the aisle without disturbing my seat mate. I managed to have a good conversation with one of the more interesting crew I had come across. It all started when she approach and notify me not to take photos of any one, from there, I shared with her what I do, it was very pleasant chatting with her.
Soon we started our descent and the expected turbulence came at this timing predicted by the Captain. Everyone including the cabin crew had to be seated and it was quite bumpy especially flying through the clouds. Once we were clear of them, landing at Tokyo Haneda was not too bad. In the end, we were 6 minutes behind schedule but what is more important to me is how much I enjoyed this flight.
First Class cabin (Domestic)
For the trip report of this cabin class, I recommend KNaviation's version, click here for it.
There are 12 Tangerin designed Jamco shell recliner seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. These seats have a seat width of around 20 inches, legroom space of around 53 inches and every seat comes with a retractable 15.6 HD touchscreen display. For each pair of seats, there is an adjustable divider screen. This is the domestic configured aircraft which means the aircraft with this product and configuration would only be deployed on domestic routes.
The First Class Recliner seats
If you are sitting besides a stranger, you can adjust the privacy screen after take off.
These seats would not affect the legroom space of the passengers sitting behind when on reclined mode.
I had a feel of these seats and I find them to be comfortable.
This is the first row of the First Class.
These domestic F class seats are definitely top notch.
You are able to observe what others are watching on their screen during the flight.
The bulkhead row seats
The middle and window side seats do not align with each other.
It is certainly comfortable.
Economy Class
For the trip report, you can check out Aigle_Voyageur's version over here.
There are 323 Recaro CL3710 seats arranged in a 3-3-3 configuration on this aircraft and each seat excluding the front row, comes with a legroom space of 31 inches and 10.6 inches HD touchscreen display. All of the seats have hammock-style headrest and have a seat width of 18 inches. For the front row seats, there is more legroom space and also have retractable HD touchscreen display of 8.9 inches. USB and Universal AC ports are available.
Class J (My focus on this trip report)
There are 56 Recaro PL3530 seats arranged in a 2-4-2 seating configuration. These seats have a legroom space of 38 inches and seat width of 18.7 inches. Unlike the clam shell seats in F class, these seats can recline up to 8 inches and will reduce the space between your seat and the seat in front of you. Each seat comes with a 4-way adjustable headrest and legrest, 11.6 inches of HD touchscreen display for the passengers to enjoy the entertainment offered by the airline and USB and Universal ports are available.
The Class J cabin
My seat: 11A
These seats are similar to the Premium Economy Class of other airlines that use them on international routes.
The cabin view
I like the seat colours of the black and red, I find them matching.
The view from my seat
Cabin view during the flight
The bulkhead row seats offer slightly more legroom space.
Another view of my seat.
2-4-2 configuration
The view from my seat
Legroom space is adequate.
The seats across my row.
The legrest and seat reclining buttons and the remote comtrol.
There is a side pocket, but I won't put my stuff in there as I might not remember picking my stuff after the flight.
The adjustable reading lamp
Behind the last row of the Class J cabin is the cabin crew's work space.
The retractable tray table
Fully extended tray table
That's how to take the tray table out of the storage compartment.
What's provided for each passenger?
Safety card
Wifi instructions
Inflight duty-free magazine
Inflight magazine
Disposal Bag
Headset
A choice of beverage was distributed, I had the soup option.
In-Flight Entertainment (WiFi and IFE Screen)
The introduction
Advertisment was shown.
There are a good number of movie selection for both Japanese and foreign passengers.
The seat map
As the flight was short, I had only time for a movie, but had to skip a few parts in order to complete the movie.
The remote control
There are 2 camera views
The view from the tail.
The view from the landing gear,
Overall I find JAL's A350-900's cabin product quite fantastic.
Complimentary WiFi
Just click on the connect button to access.
I used flightradar24 to keep track of my flight's progress.
Speed check of the inflight WiFi.
The weather in Tokyo was not good as we experienced a good amount of bumps during our descent.
I was able to track my flight all the way to landing at HND airport.
Lavatory
One of the nicest lavatories I have been on.
Posh looking lavatory, isn't it?
Window view photos (Take Off to Landing)
(Sorry for the poor quality)
At the gate before departure
During take off
On final approach to Tokyo Haneda
On arrival in rainy Tokyo
My flight summary
Thanks for the ride, JA08XJ!
Welcome to Tokyo Haneda Airport!
The departure hall (airside)
A good walking exercise towards the baggage claim.
I headed out and took a bus service to the train station then walked to my accommodation from there.
Wet Wet Tokyo!
I had to endure the rain while walking to my accommodation.
My ratings
Airline website/mobile app: 3.5/5
Airport Experience (OKA): 3.5/5
Inflight Service: 5/5
Seat Comfort: 5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 5/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Seat Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Inflight Beverage: 4/5
Punctuality: 4/5
Overall Rating: 45/50
Percentage: 90%
Conclusion
The airline has 2 different products for both domestic and international configured aircraft. I find the domestic economy and premium classes cabin to be more than adequate for the airline's A350-900. Flight duration is no longer than 2 hours for most of the domestic routes which the Airbus aircraft are operating on. Class J is very similar to the Premium Economy Class on many international airlines out there, I have to say that these seats are pretty comfortable and I certainly like the colours and seat material the airline chose to emphasis more on delivering a quality product. For an additional US$80 or so to upgrade to this class, I think its money well spent. One can't expect much for this price so if you want to include premium lounge access and a full meal on these domestic flights, the only choice is to book yourself on First Class. While the airfares for Y class is more expensive than the domestic carriers, I think it justifies as you can earn miles with JAL or any oneworld members' mileage program. Overall, this is one of the most enjoyable flights in my flight logbook and I had even met an interesting cabin crew who is half Japanese and half Kiwi.
For my previous trip report (Skymark Boeing 737-800 FUK-OKA), click here
For my next trip report (EVA Air's Boeing 787-10 HND-TSA), coming up soon!
Have a good one!
Charles
(If you are happy with my work, feel free to contribute by donating any amount over here. Greatly appreciated!)
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