Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER business class

The B/E Apex seats are staggered and feature sleek deep blue leather upholstery

- Hannah Brandler

LONDON-TOKYO

BACKGROUND

Japan Airlines operates three daily flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda, served by Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 777 aircraft. This is a review of the latter service, operated with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft 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).

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 on JL044 (note, this departure slot has changed to 1920 for the summer season). There are several desks for economy class and a separate desk for first and business-class passengers.

Cabin baggage labels were affixed to my luggage, and I was told that I would have to pick up my luggage 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, and I was airside by 1535.

LOUNGE

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

BOARDING

Boarding was scheduled for 1725. An announcement was made to apologise for the delay, which was quite humorous as it commenced only five minutes late. Once on the plane however, we sat for a while.

THE SEAT