JAL Business Class in an Apex Suite makes for a comfortable flight across the Pacific. My first time for both JAL business class as well as in an Apex Suite. a 2-3-2 cabin in business class on a 777 sounds bad, but the seat is very private, especially since I was able to book the front row of the cabin in front of door 2, thanks to my Oneworld emerald status. JAL premium cabins shines, with both good service, good food, and solid seats. My only previous flight with JAL was in First Class from Narita to Chicago, which was truly special. 
The purpose of this trip is for me to run the Tokyo marathon, and return to Japan, which has always been a favorite place. My last trip was with my wife when our daughter was very young. Now she is almost 10, and this would be her first time in Asia. I flew out a few days before the rest of my family intending to acclimate to the 12 hour time difference before the race. Originally booked a 60,000 mile AA award with a connection in SFO, but kept searching, and eventually found availability for and booked a nonstop between Chicago and Tokyo Haneda. AA rarely has good values for flights on their own metal, but partner awards are still a solid deal.
I was considering first class, but it never opened on my preferred date, which saved me some miles and I was excited to try out the JAL Sky Suite, which is their name for Collins Apex Suite product.
JAL Sky Suite
Business Class on the JAL Boeing 777-300ER is in a 2-3-2 configuration. Wait, a business class middle seat in 2024? Yes, but despite that, all seats have aisle access. There is a privacy shield between seats that we lifted shortly after takeoff, and I was basically in my own private suite until shortly before arrival, when the divider went back down.
This unique design means lots of privacy, and since all seats are forward facing, without any angle or footrest below seats in front there is lots of legroom. I found this to be a really comfortable seat and a great way to spend the day flying to Japan. I was traveling solo, and enjoyed my window seat, kept the privacy partition closed, and barely knew my seat mate was so close by. The window seat has aisle access thanks to a narrow path in front of the aisle seat on that side. Innovative design, and great to experience. Maybe this seat would be narrower on a 787, although that is 2-2-2, and seats aren’t that wide even on the 777, but I had plenty of space.
JAL Business class prior to Depature
My flight was delayed due to the inbound being late, we left and arrived about 2 hours and 15 minutes past schedule, departing around 12:35pm, and arrived in Tokyo just after 5pm the next day. I knew this before I even headed to O’Hare, so I had a more leisurely morning. I had stayed at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare the night before to have a more leisurely morning, and not rush to get there from home. It gave me time for a quick jog before the long flight, which I appreciated. Japan being noted for punctuality, it was interesting to see and hear many apologies.
Dropped my checked luggage off, and seemingly the agent was flustered, since she didn’t give me my claim check, but I was paged at the gate to get this. I should have thought to ask for it, but I don’t often check bags, and didn’t think about it either.
Waiting at the seats are a duvet, pillow, menu, headphones, amenity kit, and a pair of slippers. Also a bottle of water. Not a lot of shelf space, but the bottle fits, and there is a more significant drink shelf on the far side of the center console.
Somewhere during the boarding process, a flight attendant offered me a cardigan. With no individual air vents above seats, and a reputation for warm cabins, I didn’t find it necessary, but I did take it. Ultimately I never even opened it . The cabin thankfully wasn’t that warm, but I didn’t need the cardigan. It is only for inflight use.
JAL Business Class meal service
Technically service began before departure with an offer of water, champagne or orange juice. I made my own mimosa. Plastic cup…also notice the small table, good for holding a phone or a drink, etc.
Once we departed a drink was offered, I went with Champagne again, which was served with some marinated olives and cold mixed nuts. Olives are a nice touch for business class. For my main meal, I opted for the Japanese menu. Catered in, not Tokyo but I still thought this was well presented. Menus are available online here. Just put in your flight information.
The printed menu provided is nice in that it is very specific in noting what each item is and where is is located on the tray. While I love Japanese food, a little help is always appreciated:
One of the best parts of the meal was the red plastic chopsticks holder. Looks like an orgami crane, and the crane is part of JAL branding. I left it out on my armrest after the meal, and it was never taken, so this may have made it home with me.
After the starters, the main course is chicken and Sea Bass. It is served with steamed rice, miso soup, and pickles.
Then dessert is Mascarpone Yogurt mousse.
Given it was early afternoon my time, I wasn’t really ready so sleep. Instead I watched some shows, and eventually had some tea and fruit as a snack.
Eventually I did take advantage of the excellent flat bed. JAL offers turndown service, with a reversible mattress pad, depending on your preference for a soft or more firm surface. The pad is thick enough to make for a very level sleeping surface on what can be a lumpy seat. Overall the seat is a bit narrow at shoulder level, but I slept comfortably as the surface is flat and spacious, especially the large footwell.
After a nap, somehow I was hungry again, so ordered the Thai green curry
JAL Business class Final thoughts
JAL Business class Final thoughts
My trip in JAL business class was an excellent, well rounded experience. For 57,500 AA miles, a good value. I find the Apex Suite is very comfortable. The seat isn’t overly modern anymore, but hard to beat the privacy and c?omfort both seated and reclined. A nice way to get to Japan, and while I took a different route home, I was glad to finally experience Apex Suites, and would gladly fly it again. Have you flown JAL Business class.
