Japan Airlines First Class Suite Review - Tokyo to London

Source: Travel Review Channel | Host: Tim

Overview

A full review of Japan Airlines (JAL) flagship first class suite on the Tokyo to London route — a 14 hour, 25 minute flight operated on the A350. This is one of the newest first class products currently in the air. Total cost for a round trip (outbound with British Airways, return with JAL): just over £5,000.

Check-In & Airport Experience

The JAL first class check-in queue was notably quieter than economy and premium economy. Staff recognized the first class booking immediately and assisted with seat assignment at the counter.

One frustration noted: Despite booking well in advance, no option was available to select a seat online — the flight appeared full and check-in online wasn't possible until arriving at the airport. A window seat was requested but unavailable, resulting in a middle suite placement. For nervous flyers who prefer window visibility, this is worth flagging when booking JAL first class.

Security was fast and effortless.

Narita First Class Lounge

The lounge spans two floors and is located near gate 113. Highlights include:

• Full à la carte breakfast menu (scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, granola)
• A dedicated sushi lounge
• Japanese whiskey and vodka selection
• A self-serve beer tap — grab a glass, scan, and pour
• Table ordering via QR code
• Shower booking available through the app
• Godiva chocolate available alongside the coffee service
• Signature hand-dripped coffee — takes five minutes to prepare, served with chocolate, lighter in strength than expected but well-regarded

The lounge atmosphere was refined and spacious, with a selection of high-end retail shops nearby in the terminal.

The Suite

JAL's flagship first class suite is described as one of the widest and most private currently flying.

Layout and design:

• Fully enclosed private suite — no fake windows like some competitors; when closed, it is a completely private space
• No overhead bins — luggage stored in a dedicated compartment within the suite
• A second seat inside the suite for a guest, which doubles as a marble-topped side table
• Textured wall paneling with high-end leather finish
• Color palette reminiscent of Qatar Airways

Seat and entertainment:

• Enormous flatscreen TV — described as the largest ever seen on an aircraft, "like a cinema screen"
• In-seat speakers built into the headrest — surround sound experience without headphones, audible enough to enjoy but not enough to disturb neighboring suites
• Tablet controller that mirrors the main screen and controls seats, lighting, entertainment, and food ordering
• Seat positions include lounge, dining, and bed modes — all controllable from the tablet
• Light massage function on the lower back
• Full lighting customization including sleep mode

Storage and amenities:

• Wireless charging
• Multiple USB ports and plug sockets throughout the suite
• Mini wardrobe with pull-out mirror
• Dedicated shoe storage
• Champagne and warm towel offered on boarding

Amenity Kit

Provided in a two-compartment pencil case-style bag that opens into a full kit:

• Moisturizing mask
• Bath wash
• Toothbrush
• Eye mask
• Tissues
• Assorted creams and skincare
• Lip balm, lotion, and face cleanser (men's specific set also provided)
• iPhone and Note 11 charging cables included — noted as a first across all first class flights reviewed

The Bed

Staff asked whether a firm or soft mattress was preferred — noted as an unusual and appreciated touch. A foam mattress topper with a fitted sheet was laid over the seat flat.

Positives:

• Among the widest flatbeds experienced across all first class reviews — comparable only to Singapore Airlines for width
• Enough room to move arms freely without hitting the sides
• Door closes for full privacy — though a gap remains at the top, unlike Emirates on the same A350 frame where the partition reaches the ceiling

One criticism: A slight bump in the mattress surface that broke the otherwise flat sleeping surface. The duvet was also noted as narrow — turning over repeatedly exposed the back to cool air.

Sleep quality: approximately 2.5 hours achieved on the flight.

Dining

JAL first class offers both a tasting menu and an à la carte menu. Ordering before sleeping is recommended — by the time food was requested after waking, most of the tasting menu had been exhausted.

Meals and courses experienced:

• Amuse bouche
• Scottish salmon with Japanese-infused tea fruits
• Cold green asparagus and cuttlefish terrine
• Steamed course — described as melting in the mouth with a standout sauce
• Light pre-landing meal: fried chicken rice bowl with pickled mustard greens, Japanese omelette, shishito pepper, and pickled radish

Note on the menu: Japanese food options were exceptional. The international menu options were visually less impressive, though all dishes tasted good. If flying JAL, leaning into the Japanese menu is the clear recommendation.

Drinks: One glass of champagne on boarding. Premium cognac and wine were available but not taken. No alcohol consumed for the remainder of the flight.

Cabin Crew

Standout service throughout — staff were proactive, attentive, and delivered each course within five seconds of the previous one being cleared. On landing at Heathrow, cabin crew moved first class passengers to the front of the door and held back other cabins to allow first class to deplane first.

Luggage at Heathrow was also noted as unusually neat and well-organized on arrival — a first for this reviewer at that airport.

Delay

A runway closure at Narita caused an approximately 90-minute delay before departure. A hole was found in the runway and repairs were required. No cancellation — the suite made the wait comfortable.

Final Verdict

Standout strengths:

• Widest and most comfortable flatbed experienced across all first class reviews
• Biggest in-flight TV screen seen on any aircraft
• In-seat headrest speakers — a genuinely unique feature
• Tablet control system — the most comprehensive and responsive of any airline reviewed
• Cabin crew service was exceptional throughout
• Amenity kit quality and charging options exceeded expectations

Areas for improvement:

• No advance seat selection available — frustrating at this price point
• Duvet too narrow for comfortable sleep when turning
• Suite door does not reach the ceiling, leaving a small gap at the top
• International food menu less impressive than the Japanese options

Overall: A world-class first class product and a strong recommendation, particularly for travelers who appreciate technology, space, and attentive service over pure aesthetic luxury.