We started our journey in Paris, which is one of only two European cities that JAL currently flies its A350-1000 to, London being the other. Only this plane has JAL’s amazing new First Class Suite.
We arrived at Charles De Gaulle airport for JL46 full of excitement for our 13 hour flight, having spent weeks looking forward to it and months planning it.
JAL’s beautiful new A350. Just over a year old.
First Class is configured in a 1-1-1 configuration across two rows, with just six seats in total. I was in 2A, Ed was in front in 1A. We were the only people in First Class.
The suite itself is extremely generous. Designed to evoke the style of the cabin on a luxury train, the very wide dark purple leather seat and ottoman look gorgeous.
Whilst large, it’s not quite as big as Singapore Airlines Suites (which is over 50 square feet). However, the integrated bed/chair design (which SQ lacks) does allow for a much bigger and more comfortable bed, whilst still retaining room to sit and stand in your suite whist in bed mode.
Unlike Singapore Airlines, the JAL Suite allows for very comfortable companion dining, using the banquette. The Suite technically has a maximum occupancy of 3. THREE! Incredible.
Other novelties include a huge 4K screen, lots of charging ports, a tablet, and JALs novelty in seat audio: the Sound Bubble. Cool to try, but not actually something I wanted to use for the flight.
Railway car vibes
The massive 4k screen
Whilst the suite is amazing, one of the best reasons to fly JAL is for the dining experience.
Ed and I decided to sit together for dinner. We both opted for the Washoku Japanese tasting menu, which comprised of around seven dishes, each immaculately plated and served. It felt like a genuine fine dining experience.
Some of the premium drink options are also insane. Each flight loads just one bottle of Salon Champagne. At $1200 a bottle you can understand why they limit it to one. This felt like a genuinely special novelty, especially as we were the only ones in First; we polished it off between us.
JAL also has some interesting Japanese whiskeys but the other thing I really enjoyed was the Royal Blue Tea. The most expensive non-alcoholic drink, apparently.
Whilst these premium options were fun the highlight was actually the Tonkotsu sandwich and Ramen option that I enjoyed later on the flight, super delicious.
