Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Wednesday!

Today's post is all about Japan Airlines.

Dan's latest video is out, and it is about JAL, one of those airlines people absolutely love, but Dan has always been a little conflicted about the hype. He has flown Japan Airlines business class around a dozen times, and while the airline is very respected, his experience has been mixed: well-intentioned service, inconsistent catering, and seats that range from excellent to not worth going out of your way for.

So this video asks a simple question: can Japan Airlines' new Airbus A350-1000 business class finally change his mind?

Here's what's inside today's post:

Dan's journey starts in Bangkok, connecting through Tokyo before continuing to New York on Japan Airlines' new A350-1000.

The first short-haul segment is on JAL's 787-9, and the takeaway is simple: avoid the older 1-2-1 business class configuration on that aircraft if you can. It may look like a normal reverse herringbone seat, but Dan finds it cramped, barebones, and not competitive with the best products in Asia.

The main flight is a completely different story.

The A350-1000 business class cabin has 54 seats spread across two cabins, and the seat is extremely private. The walls are almost Qsuite-level high, the footwell is enormous, the storage is excellent, and the bed is one of the best he has slept in on a plane. He even says the seat feels closer to first class than most business class products, and that JAL's version of the Safran Unity seat is one of the best off-the-shelf business class seats in the world right now.

But there is always a downside.

The lounges in Tokyo are underwhelming compared to the competition. Onboard, the seat and bedding are phenomenal, the lavatories are great, and the Wi-Fi is free and usable. But the service flow still feels messy. Small things like not clearing trays, not offering drink refills, and leaving used items around the seat take away from what should feel like a polished premium experience.

That is what makes JAL so interesting. The hard product on the A350-1000 is fantastic. But whether you love the airline overall may depend heavily on how much you value service style, food, and the more reserved interaction approach.

The most important thing to know is that this new business class is only on the Airbus A350-1000. If you want the seat Dan flew, you need to check the aircraft before booking.

Japan Airlines' A350-1000 is currently scheduled on these routes (you can se that on JAL’s website):

JAL currently has 11 A350-1000 aircraft in its fleet, so the network is still limited. Japan Airlines has very different business class products across its long-haul fleet, and "JAL business class" does not always mean this seat. Always verify the aircraft before booking.

Japan Airlines is in Oneworld, so there are several ways to book. The bad news is the best programs are not always the easiest to access. That is why comparing is important.

One of the best options. Paris to Tokyo Haneda on JAL business class costs 75,000 AAdvantage miles plus $206 in taxes. A very good price for a nonstop flight from Europe to Japan on the A350-1000.

The catch is access. AAdvantage miles are not the easiest to earn outside the US since American does not partner with most major transferable currencies. But if you already have them, check here first.

The same Paris to Tokyo Haneda flight shows at 75,000 Alaska miles plus $226. Very similar to American, and Alaska miles can be easier to buy during sales at around $18.90 per 1,000.

If you were buying the miles: 75,000 x $18.90 = $1,417.50 Taxes = $225.80 Total = around $1,643

Not cheap in absolute terms, but potentially much cheaper than cash depending on the fare.

The cheapest mileage price is often through JAL's own program.

Extremely attractive numbers. The problem is access. JAL miles are not easy for most readers to earn or buy depending on where you live, and taxes can vary. If you already have JAL miles, this is one of the first places to look.

New York JFK to Tokyo costs 125,400 Qantas points plus $474. Significantly more expensive than American, Alaska, or JAL Mileage Bank. Qantas points are accessible through several transferable currencies, but they are extremely expensive to buy. Not my first choice, but an option if it is what you have.

Avios can also work for Japan Airlines, depending on the route. I am seeing pricing around 100,000 Avios plus some taxes, which is more expensive than the top options. But Avios are one of the most accessible currencies out there, and if there is a good sale or transfer bonus, the math can shift.

Paris to Tokyo costs 134,500 Flying Blue miles plus $660. Recent sales prices of around $16.90 per 1,000, that works out to roughly $2,930 in total, which is not great. But Flying Blue is one of the easiest programs to acquire points, and if it is what you have available, it is still possible.

Would I choose Flying Blue first for Japan Airlines? No. But it is worth knowing it is an option.

My take

Japan Airlines' new A350-1000 business class looks like a product worth going out of your way for.

The seat is exceptional, the privacy is excellent, the bedding is among the best in the sky, and if sleep and space are what you care about most, this may be one of the best business class products available right now.

In an ideal world, I would start with American AAdvantage, Alaska, or JAL Mileage Bank, then check Avios, Qantas, and Flying Blue depending on what I can actually access.

That is the real lesson here. Some programs have better prices. Some have easier-to-earn points. Some have lower taxes. And sometimes the best option is simply the one that works with the points you already have.

Check the aircraft. Verify the award space. Compare the taxes. Do the math before transferring anything.

More deals, news, and trip ideas coming your way on Friday.

Catch you in the clouds,

Tomi from Points Master

Getting too many emails? Adjust how often you hear from us