For frequent flyers and oneworld Emerald members, Japan Airlines’ Diamond Premier Lounge is the spot for relaxation before a flight. For international flights, like in Tokyo Haneda, the first class lounges offer premium comfort, excellent food and a true first-class experience. Unfortunately, the domestic Naha Airport version falls far short of those expectations. While the aesthetics of the lounge are undeniably impressive, the comfort and catering leave much to be desired.
Location: Seamless Access from Check-in to Lounge
One of the few advantages of the Japan Airlines Diamond Premier Lounge at Naha Airport is its convenient location. Like other JAL domestic lounges, it is situated immediately after the dedicated First Class check-in and security checkpoint. This means that First Class passengers and oneworld Emerald members can enjoy a seamless transition from check-in to relaxation without navigating the crowded main terminal.
This setup is a signature feature of JAL’s domestic lounges, allowing premium passengers to breeze through formalities and settle into the lounge within minutes. While the lounge itself may not be impressive in terms of comfort or food, at the very least, its prime location makes it easy to access before departure.
Aesthetics: A Beautifully Designed Space
Walking into the Diamond Premier Lounge at Naha Airport, one might expect a luxurious experience simply based on how it looks. The wooden surfaces throughout the lounge give it a warm, inviting atmosphere and the works of art displayed around the room add a refined touch. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into making the space visually appealing. The lighting is soft, and the overall design exudes a sense of calm that you’d typically associate with a premium lounge.
Unfortunately, that’s where the positive aspects of the experience end. For a lounge that is meant to cater to Japan Airlines’ first-class passengers and elite frequent flyers, the seating is shockingly bad. The chairs are rigid, unergonomic and uncomfortable, making it difficult to truly relax before a flight. Whether you want to sit back with a drink or catch up on some work, the seating arrangement simply doesn’t support it. Compared to international JAL lounges, this is a major letdown.
Food: Sparse and Underwhelming
If you’re hoping to grab a satisfying meal before your flight, you’re out of luck. The food selection is minimal—far below what you’d expect from a premium airline lounge. The offerings include a basic soup, which is passable but nothing special, a few rice balls, which feel more like an afterthought than a proper offering and some sweet buns, which are uninspired and not particularly good.
There’s no variety, no signature JAL catering touch, and nothing remotely close to what you’d expect in a lounge catering to first-class passengers. Even a crappy business lounge at a smaller airport in Europe would likely provide a better selection.
Drinks: Strong Alcohol, But Not Much Else
One area where the lounge does deliver is in its alcohol selection. There are several strong alcoholic beverages, including whiskey and shochu, for those who want to indulge before their flight. If your priority is grabbing a stiff drink rather than a meal, you might not be too disappointed. There’s also your usual coffee, juices, beer and tea.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Japan Airlines’ Diamond Premier Lounge at Naha Airport is a textbook example of style over substance. The space itself is beautiful, featuring elegant wooden finishes and thoughtfully placed artwork. However, the terrible seating, lackluster food and uninspired amenities make it one of the weakest lounges in the oneworld First Class network. For a lounge that caters to First Class and Oneworld Emerald members, the experience feels more like a budget business lounge than a top-tier offering.
