Japan Airlines B777-300 business class LONDON-TOKYO

BACKGROUND Japan Airlines' B777-300 aircraft is configured with 244 seats across four cabins: JAL Suite (first class), JAL Sky Suite (business class), JAL Sky Premium (premium economy) and JAL Sky Wider (economy).

You no longer need to take a Covid-19 test to enter Japan if you are triple vaccinated, but you do need to fill in various forms and wear a mask during the flight. For my trip in November 2022 I had to download the My SOS app for immigration. This has now changed to Visit Japan Web - an online service for the fast-track of customs and immigration.

CHECK-IN Japan Airlines operates from Heathrow's Terminal 3, with check-in at Zone D. I arrived at the airport at 1500 for the 1745 departure. There are several desks for economy class and a separate desk for first and business class.

Baggage labels were affixed to my luggage and I was told that I would have to pick up my bags at Tokyo Haneda before connecting to Kansai airport. This is because it is the first point of entry into Japan and you have to clear customs.

Business class passengers can use the fast-track security lane, which was quite busy on this Tuesday afternoon, but did not take long. I was airside by 1535 and headed to the lounge.

THE LOUNGE Japan Airlines is a Oneworld carrier, meaning that business class passengers can use British Airways lounges when travelling from Heathrow. At Terminal 3 this is the BA Galleries Club Lounge at Zone F, along the corridors leading to gates 13-22.

The large lounge features a rectangular dining area, with a buffet along one of the walls. This opens up into a space with various seating areas. There are USB and plug sockets throughout the lounge.

The food buffet was replenished regularly. Staff were cleaning areas regularly and were very polite. There is a separate station to refill your water, and alcoholic drinks such as wine and Prosecco are located at the back of the lounge along with a fridge of beers, mixers and soft drinks. Coffee is provided by Union Coffee Roasters. You can also order food by scanning a QR code and entering the day's password.