Review: Japan Airlines First Class Tokyo to Los Angeles

To cap off my trip to Japan, we took a 10-hour flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles onboard one of my all-time favourite airline products: Japan Airlines First Class. 

This would be my third time flying Japan Airlines First Class, and the first in a few years’ time. Naturally, I was curious to see how the product fared in a post-pandemic world, and I was excited by the prospect of another exquisite Japanese gastronomic experience at 35,000 feet.

Japan Airlines First Class – Booking

I booked this flight using one of the most valuable award redemption sweet spots available at the time.

For just 70,000 Alaska miles per person, I secured a one-way First Class flight from Tokyo to Los Angeles. I made the booking right at 14 days prior to departure, which is when Japan Airlines typically releases its last-minute First Class availability.

This redemption is one of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan’s final remaining sweet spots, and it’s quite possible a devaluation may be forthcoming in December 2022. With a devaluation looking likely, I was delighted to make one final booking using my Alaska miles at such a favourable rate.

Outside of Alaska miles, it’s also possible to book the same route for 80,000 American AAdvantage miles, 103,000 British Airways Avios, or 115,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, with varying amounts of taxes and fees.

By booking Japan Airlines First Class with Alaska miles, there were minimal taxes and fees, as Alaska Mileage Plan doesn’t pass along any carrier-imposed surcharges.

Japan Airlines First Class – Ground Experience

I arrived to a relatively quiet JAL First Class Lounge Tokyo Haneda before my flight. The lounge is elegant and spacious, with two floors, but the second floor was closed at the time of my visit.

I spent my time here trying a few of the à la carte items, dividing my attention between curry rice, sushi, and noodles.

Unfortunately, the JAL First Class Lounge lacks the top-quality noodle bar found in the ANA Suite Lounge. The highlight of the JAL First Class Lounge is the unlimited sushi and live-cooking station, where you can watch the chef prepare your meal.

Nevertheless, I planned on saving my appetite for onboard my First Class flight with Japan…