Japan Airlines (JAL) First Class: LAX-HND A350-1000

I booked this Japan Airlines flight from LAX (Los Angeles) to HND (Tokyo Haneda) through Qatar Airways, using 103,000 Avios miles and $453 in taxes, 360 days in advance when the First Class schedule opened. While not the most economical option, the availability made it worth the extra taxes, especially compared to booking through British Airways, which would have saved me about $250. I’ve put together a comparison chart of different booking options for reference. The cash price for this flight was over $15,000, giving me an impressive value of over 14 cents per mile.

I arrived at LAX via the reLAXsan shuttle from San Diego around 8:25 AM, just in time for check-in, which opened at 8:30 AM. Perfect timing. After checking in, I made my way to the Qantas First Class Lounge, a familiar spot I’ve visited countless times while flying to Australia with Oneworld Emerald status. While the lounge hasn’t changed much over the years, it still offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the terminal. I started my morning with breakfast which was initially just cold items due to a gas outage, but after about 45 minutes, hot food was back on the menu. I began with the Bircher muesli, which was absolutely delicious, thanks to the macadamia nuts and fresh fruit. I also tried the Dutch pancake, though it didn’t quite impress me it was worth a try, nonetheless. After such an early start from San Diego, I took the opportunity to freshen up with a shower in the lounge before heading to Gate 157 to board the 12-hour flight. There, I boarded the new JAL A350-1000, my first time on this aircraft after a previous failed attempt more than a year ago.

Before boarding, the gate agent paged me over the intercom and informed me that the side table at my seat was broken. However, she assured me that a cushion would be used to stabilize it. I inquired about alternate seating, but she mentioned that the entire First Class cabin was fully booked. As a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience, she allowed me to board the plane first. Once on board, I was immediately impressed by the expansive suite at my window seat, 2K. The space was truly remarkable and so spacious that it almost rivaled the grandeur of Etihad’s A380 Apartment. In fact, the suite can accommodate up to three people inflight. Most of the amenities were already set up in the suite, but they still offered a pre-departure beverage which was either water or juice along with a hot towel. A complimentary inflight WiFi code was also provided. While the WiFi wasn’t the fastest, it was more than sufficient for checking email and texting. The technology in this suite was exceptionally impressive. It featured a perfectly positioned wireless phone charger, a massive 43″ 4K TV, headrest-mounted speakers, USB-C charging ports, and even a detachable wireless controller. The size of the TV is the same as what ANA offers in their latest First Class, The Suite.

After takeoff, I was treated to a glass of 2015 Salon Le Mesnil Blanc De Blancs Brut Champagne. Traditionally reserved for outbound flights from Japan, it’s now also served on the return leg with just 1 bottle allocated per flight. I have to say, it’s the finest champagne I’ve ever tasted surpassing Cristal. The meal service began with a delightful amuse bouche featuring a cheese ball paired with fish on bread. This was followed by an exquisite array of appetizers: a crab ball, herring roe, broccoli, tuna, and a sea urchin fish cake. Each dish was a standout, showcasing incredible flavors that I savored thoroughly. A delicate clear soup with salted yellowtail was served next, offering a refreshing contrast. For the Mukozuke course, a beautifully prepared salmon was featured, while the Asukebachi course presented a perfectly grilled scallop. The main dish was a tender roast beef, accompanied by miso soup and seasoned rice with chicken. To finish the meal, a KITO-Yuzu warabi mochi was served, and what a perfect conclusion it was. The yuzu flavor was bright, refreshing, and the perfect sweet note to round off an unforgettable meal.

The downside of the headrest-mounted speakers is that you have to keep your head pressed against the headrest to fully enjoy the movie, even at max volume. If you’re eating or moving around, it becomes challenging to hear clearly, so I’d recommend switching to headphones for a better experience.

Since the departure was at 12:35 PM, I wasn’t feeling tired just yet, but I decided to have the crew convert my seat into a bed so I could relax and enjoy some movies. I opted for the soft mattress pad for extra comfort. It’s a nice wide bed similar to what is found on Cathay First Class. Prior to the flight, I had preordered some Japanese whisky for inflight shopping, and the flight attendant promptly delivered the three bottles and processed my payment. The bottles I selected included Kanosuke Single Malt JAL Limited Edition, Tsunuki Single Malt JAL Exclusive 2025, and Suntory Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend. In First Class, they served two of the three bottles, so I decided to do a tasting flight. The flight attendant poured me a glass of Kanosuke Single Malt JAL Limited Edition, Suntory Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend, and Ichiro’s Malt Chichibu Single Malt JAL Exclusive 2025. I requested just one piece of ice for each glass, but there was something lost in translation as I ended up with a bunch of ice. Next time, I’ll ask for them neat, with a side of ice. All three whiskies were outstanding! To complement the tasting, I was served some almonds and trail mix to snack on, enhancing the experience.

I decided to indulge in some caviar since I’d be staying up for a second movie. It was served with delicate blinis, and it was absolutely delicious so much so that I went for seconds. To balance it out, I ordered a bowl of JAL’s signature tonkotsu-flavored miso ramen, perfect for soaking up the whisky. For dessert, I couldn’t resist a second helping, which included a scoop of ice cream, fresh fruit, and a beautifully crafted platter featuring the A350 logo made of chocolate. The platter had an apple cranberry tart, hazelnut mousse, and a hazelnut & orange semolina cake. After two generous meals, two movies, a few glasses of champagne, and plenty of Japanese whisky, I was finally ready for bed.

I slept soundly for about four hours, but was gently woken up by the flight attendant an hour before landing, asking if I wanted a pre-arrival snack. I chose the grilled rice ball topped with spicy cod roe in a rich Japanese dashi broth which was a perfect light dinner before my three-hour journey to Nagoya after landing at Tokyo Haneda at 5:30 PM.

We touched down in Tokyo just as the sun was setting, casting a beautiful golden glow that made for perfect photo opportunities under clear skies. Within 30 minutes of landing, I had grabbed my bags and was already in line at Yamato to ship one to Niseko, efficiency at its best, especially with a First Class-tagged checked bag.

 

Conclusion: Wow! JAL has now claimed the crown from ANA for the best First Class experience of any Japanese airline. From superior food and drink offerings to the cutting-edge technology and upgraded seating aboard the A350-1000, the whole experience was next level. Onboard service was impeccable, exceptionally professional and attentive. This flight has earned a spot in my top 10 all-time favorites, and it’s a memory I’ll always treasure. If you have the chance to book this flight with miles or points, I highly recommend it. It’s absolutely worth it!