Japan Airlines has quite okay economy and business class on domestic routes, but there are certain longer distance routes that also have a superior First Class product. These flights mainly depart from or arrive at Tokyo Haneda airport, but there is one, cheaper flight between Osaka and Naha. This is exactly the flight I booked. Get ready for a Japan Airlines domestic First Class review from Osaka Itami to Naha, Okinawa.
Check-in
It is clear you will be flying in First Class from the moment you check-in for your flight. The check-in desks are in a private area behind a door to the domestic First Class check-in area. Your luggage will not be placed on a belt either, but the agents will take your luggage forward by hand. After the private check-in experience, you will pass through a dedicated security check – just for Japan Airlines domestic First Class and oneworld Emerald passengers.
It is to be noted that Japan Airlines does not do a traditional check-in for domestic flights. Instead, you can download a QR code for boarding through the app just by entering your e-ticket number. You can get a traditional boarding pass as well from the agents. JAL Domestic First Class passengers get a generous 45 kg baggage allowance without a limitation on the number of bags. Note that you will not get extra allowance on top of this if you have oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status as this is the maximum weight per passenger.
Domestic First Class Seat
The seat is quite nice. It will not recline fully flat, but then again, domestic flights are quite short so you won’t be sleeping anyways. There is not a lot of space for your belongings, but there is plenty of leg room for tall fellows like me.
As noted in the instructions, or to make it sound more Japanese, a seat usage procedure, there is a socket for charging your devices and a USB port too. The reading light was a bit small and I really wonder why anyone would use it, but it is there if needed. The divider provided enough privacy for a short flight.
Amenities
You won’t be getting an amenity kit on this flight, but then again, it is not to be expected either. Instead, you can make use of a small memory foam pillow and a noise cancelling headset. Blankets are available upon request. It was quite nice to get a pair of slippers to walk around in the cabin.
Domestic First Class Food
Now, there is only one choice of meal on a domestic First Class flight and the meal choice depends on the route you fly. I must say that I was not disappointed by this as everything that was served was extremely delicious. I am not a big fan of Japanese food in Japan, but JAL made me see that it can be very good too. You will get your meal with a drink you ordered before take-off.
If you fly back and forth, you will get to try out both meals. Unfortunately I won’t be flying back to Osaka but to Fukuoka instead. My meal was the one on the right. The main star, yellowtail (a type of fish), was to die for.
Japan Airlines Beverages
There is an ample selection of drinks to choose from. From special sake to JAL original sky time peach and grape mix, which I suggest you to try. It was very good. Equally good was the Hiroshima cider. All in all, I was very pleased with the selection.
I ordered some sake and I was brought two kinds. They let me taste both, and it was difficult for me to decide which one to go for. They were both extremely good and had a super soft taste. My sake was delivered with some rice crackers and fermented soy beans.
Entertainment
The in-flight entertainment system had a big and bright screen. There was a small selection of movies and some TV shows too. The main thing for me was the short travel shows they had, because they provided me with insightful information on my holiday destination.
The best part of the entertainment section is of course the fact that Japan Airlines domestic First Class comes with free wi-fi. Yes, free internet for the whole flight. And not only that, but it is rather fast too! It’s also free for economy and business class passengers.
Conclusions
JAL domestic First Class is the way to go if you want to fly within Japan in style. The flight attendants are very welcoming and friendly. As expected, First Class luggage was the first to arrive in Naha. The domestic lounges may not be the most exciting ones, but all in all, this was a great experience and I am looking forward to the next First Class flight with JAL.
