Japan Airlines JL16 Business Class A350-1000, Tokyo to Los Angeles

I flew Japan Airlines’ flagship A350-1000 from Tokyo to Los Angeles in business class. It was a long-awaited trip after seeing this aircraft delivered years ago. The service had new tech, refined design, and a few rough edges in pacing. I wanted to see how JAL’s latest hard product compares with ANA’s and other Asian carriers.

Ground experience

I started the trip at Haneda Airport. Japan Airlines’ lounge impressed me right away. The design reflected Japanese culture, with aviation memorabilia and even a wall of aeronautical charts. There was a quiet corner upstairs overlooking the apron. I tried the famous curry rice, rich in aroma and perfectly balanced. It felt calm, comfortable, and distinctly Japanese. There was also a small gaming room and several displays showing flight instruments and the airline’s history. It felt more like a curated space than a waiting area.

Boarding and first impressions

Boarding was organized. The A350-1000 looked sleek at the gate, still smelling new inside. I boarded through door 2L and found my seat in the middle section of the business cabin. The configuration provided each passenger with a private suite and a closing door. Even from the middle, I couldn’t see anyone else once seated. The feeling was almost like being in a small office pod. Some might find it isolating, but the privacy was impressive.

Seat and layout

The seat was spacious and full of smart storage. There was space for a phone, shoes, and even a camera. The table swung out smoothly from the side console. Each seat had wireless charging and multiple power ports. The crew explained the storage compartments carefully. The center seats had a divider that could be lowered for couples, but I kept mine up for privacy. I noticed that many modern business cabins are moving this way—high walls, sliding doors, and isolation. It takes a bit of getting used to but feels premium once settled in.

Bedding and amenities

Each passenger received a set of amenities, including a cardigan available on request through the screen. I ordered one and it arrived within ten minutes. That digital ordering system felt like a big step forward. When it came time to rest, the crew offered to set up the bed and even asked whether I preferred a hard or soft mattress topper. The seat reclined into a fully flat bed, long enough for my 185 cm height. The footwell was fine for sleeping on my back but a bit tight when turning sideways. I appreciated the soft bedding, but despite the comfort, I didn’t sleep much during the night flight.

IFE and connectivity

This aircraft featured Japan Airlines’ new inflight entertainment system with speakers built into the headrest. I didn’t need headphones, though I could connect Bluetooth if I wanted. The sound quality was strong but cut out slightly when I leaned forward to eat. The interface was fast, though the film selection felt limited. Wi-Fi was available, but I didn’t test it long enough to assess speed. The combination of wireless sound and touchscreen control made the experience feel next-generation, even if content variety lagged.

Dining

Service started slowly. More than an hour after takeoff, no drinks had arrived. I later learned the cabin stretched across two large zones, and I was seated in the rear section. When the meal finally came, the appetizer impressed me—beautifully presented, a mix of seafood, beef, chicken, salmon, and crab. Each bite had flavor and texture. The main course arrived almost three hours after departure, which felt too long on a nine-hour flight. I chose the Japanese option with curry, fish, and rice. It tasted fresh and homey. I skipped dessert to rest instead. The crew remained gracious throughout and helped set up my bed immediately after the meal.

Cabin environment

The lighting shifted gently between meal and rest periods. The air felt slightly dry, but the cabin was quiet thanks to the A350’s newer engines and sound insulation. The surfaces looked immaculate. Lavatories stayed spotless. Even after several hours, the cabin retained that “new aircraft” scent. It’s clear Japan Airlines pays attention to presentation and cleanliness.

Service

The crew balanced formality with warmth. They introduced each feature of the seat patiently and handled digital requests quickly. I appreciated that they noticed when I wanted to sleep and offered to convert the seat without prompting. The only gap was the slow meal pacing, which might have been due to the new service flow on this aircraft. Otherwise, everything—from cardigan delivery to drink refills—was attentive once it began.

Comfort and sleep

Despite the bed’s length, I couldn’t sleep deeply. The cabin lights were off for only about three hours before being turned back on two hours before landing. The bed felt a bit narrow, and my shoulder brushed the wall when I turned. Still, for a short overnight, it worked. I woke up feeling like I had dozed, not slept. Before landing, I ordered another curry rice, which arrived hot and comforting.

Comparing with ANA

Both JAL and ANA now offer private cubicles with sliding doors. ANA’s seat feels wider at the shoulders, while JAL’s has a more straightforward sleeping surface with better legroom. ANA’s footwell is angled, JAL’s is straight. Both maintain excellent service standards, but I appreciate that Japan Airlines has preserved quality even after the pandemic. The tech focus—wireless audio and digital ordering—sets JAL apart slightly in innovation.

Operations

JL16 departed Haneda and landed in Los Angeles on time. Taxiing was smooth, and there were no turbulence reports worth noting. The total block time was about nine hours. On arrival, Los Angeles felt chaotic—crowded terminal, limited shops, and slow security. I was continuing on another Japan Airlines flight soon after, but the ground flow at LAX was far less polished than Tokyo’s calm efficiency.

Value and traveler fit

This flight fits business travelers who need rest and privacy. The seat’s isolation helps productivity and relaxation, though it sacrifices the social feel of open cabins. The digital ordering, Bluetooth audio, and adjustable bedding show Japan Airlines aiming at tech-savvy passengers. For leisure travelers, the quiet might feel too detached, but for work trips, it’s ideal.

Ratings

Overall score: 8.1 / 10

Reflections on the A350-1000 experience

Japan Airlines’ A350-1000 sets a new tone for its premium cabins. The technology and privacy are world-class. The digital service tools make it modern and efficient. The delay in meal pacing showed that crew routines may still be adapting to this new cabin design, but the professionalism never slipped. I left impressed by how Japan Airlines continues to hold high standards even after challenging years for aviation. For business travelers who value calm and control, this product is a strong contender across the Pacific.