Here’s what it’s like to fly premium economy on JAL to Tokyo
Is the upgrade worth the cost?
If you’re considering trading dollars and points for comfort on your next trip to Tokyo, this is what you need to know about Japan Airlines’ award-winning premium economy offering.
Mostly, a long-haul flight is something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Of course, there are some mildly pleasant moments to be chiselled from elbow-to-elbow contact with a complete stranger, but as a general rule, nine-plus hours pressed up against someone else’s personal bubble varies in degrees from awkward to excruciating.
For me, the temporary discomfort of economy class is offset by the excitement of reaching a far-flung country. Not one accustomed to a front-of-plane lifestyle, I’d usually rather save my dollars for the destination than splurge on the journey. But, as the years mount, so do my intolerances, and if I can make use of points or throw some money at the problem to buy a few flight-altering centimetres, then why the heck not?
So, I’m flying from Sydney to Haneda, Tokyo with Japan Airlines (JAL) on a Boeing 777-300ER and I’m booked on a premium economy seat. This 9-hour and 40-minute flight departs Sydney at a very agreeable 9.15am. A day flight means that sleep is not strictly necessary, but I’m going to give it a go anyway. Who’s so well-rested they can’t gain from a few extra minutes of shut-eye? As far as premium economy goes, JAL’s is among the best. In fact, it won Skytrax’s World’s Best Premium Economy Class award for 2024, making the 40 seats highly competitive, while JAL also ranked 7th in the World’s Best Airlines for 2025.
Pre-departure
The sleek Sakura lounge exudes modern Japanese style.
JAL premium economy passengers are permitted to sidle up next to business class travellers at a dedicated check-in line at Sydney International Airport, bypassing the line of tired-looking travellers pre-emptively wearing neck pillows and socks under slides. I heave on my 23kg of luggage allowance (the same as economy), and although my carry-on limit is 10kg, I slide in well under this. It’s a smooth transition through with my ticket marked for access to the Qantas business class lounge. On the return, premium economy passengers are invited to enjoy the elevated comforts of the Sakura lounge in Tokyo before departure.
Airline lounges are curiosities to me. Hushed like a library with hotel buffet-style food languishing in a lukewarm state, I’ve often preferred the electricity of airport food courts where the choice in price-inflated foods and people-watching is more interesting. Still, if peace and a quiet place to tap out some last-minute work is what you need, airport lounges are fantastic. Also, if your flight is delayed, access to a lounge is a bit like winning the lottery.
But at the Sakura lounge in Tokyo, everything is so perfectly Japanese that it feels as though you’re an esteemed guest. Beautifully presented morsels, a curated wine list and a sake selection is everything I love about airline service and enough to go to my head. I would almost book a JAL premium economy seat for entry to the Sakura lounge alone.
The seat
The footrest helps reduce swelling and improves blood flow.
But onto the part that perhaps matters most, as this is where you’ll be spending the majority of those hours. The premium economy class on JAL has seats with a class-leading pitch of 107cm, a width of 48cm and a configuration of 2-4-2. On both my trips I have a window seat, which is great on day flights, but slightly annoying during the night when I need to bother my deeply slumbering neighbour to get to the bathroom.
The footrest, however, is everything for me. Getting some elevation for my swell-prone legs makes a huge difference to flight comfort and little niceties, such as slippers, eye shades, toothbrush and noise-cancelling headphones (from business class), also soothe the tension that comes with confinement. I do notice, however, that the arm rest between seats doesn’t move, which means, if you were lucky enough to not have anyone next to you, you can’t exactly take full advantage and stretch your legs out, as you can in economy. But, it’s a small price to pay for overall elevated comfort.
On the return overnight flight to Sydney, I pull down my eye mask, pop my noise-cancelling headphones on and nestle into the pillow provided. To my great surprise, I wake up with only two hours to go. Stiff glutes, sure, but as someone who rarely dozes for more than 20-minute snippets on a flight, this is a win worth noting.
Food and beverage
JAL offers a range of Japanese and Western meals.
I am one of those odd people who get profoundly excited about airline food. It’s the bento box-style compartmentalisation that gets me – like opening a series of gifts. I even relish the incompatibility of the stiff bread roll and unyieldingly cold butter. Something to do, perhaps?
On this flight, the premium economy food service is the same as economy with a few additions, such as cup noodles on demand throughout the flight and individual bottles of premium spirits and prosecco. The meal arrives at the brunch-ish hour of 10.45am and I opted for a very decent teriyaki chicken with rice. We’re fed a ‘snack’ again before landing, both meals were enjoyable.
Entertainment
On my return journey, my neighbour grumbled about the fact the movies hadn’t changed since he flew with JAL three months ago. But as he went directly to sleep on our 9.15pm departure from Haneda, I fail to see how this presented a problem for him. Personally, I found the selection entirely agreeable with a range of watchable options, old and newer, in each genre. The cable from my brought-from-home headphones didn’t fit the socket in the seat, so I resorted to the somewhat tinnie ones supplied to watch a movie on the 12.1-inch screen (the screens in the front row that tuck into the arm rest are a little smaller). There are also TV shows, games, music and audio books to choose from and both premium and economy passengers are given one-hour of free wi-fi – you can buy more if you would like, but if you’re after free and unlimited access, you’ll need to stump up for a business class or first ticket.
Service
In typical Japanese fashion, the service was faultlessly polite and attentive. Big smiles, deep bows and pristine efficiency prevailed throughout the flight.
The verdict
The JAL premium economy class provides extra comfort and convenience.
If you have a few points lingering around, boosting your experience from economy to premium economy offers extra comfort and amenities. Lounge access is a big perk, particularly if you have some time to kill before your flight. And for anyone who just can’t bear the marginal comforts of economy but also can’t manage the steep leap to a business class fare, premium economy is a choice that has real value.
At time of writing, a return premium economy seat from Sydney to Tokyo cost $3490.90
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