Japan Airlines (JAL) is making major strides in fleet renewal with the introduction of the JAL A350-1000, a modern, fuel-efficient aircraft designed to elevate the passenger experience while minimizing environmental impact. The new JAL A350 1000 offers a range of seating options across four cabin classes: First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
With 13 A350-1000s on order, JAL is replacing its older Boeing 777-300ERs and embracing the A351 (another term for the Airbus A350-1000) as the future of long-haul / international travel. Currently, JAL operates 3 A350-1000 aircraft on key international routes, including: Tokyo Haneda to New York JFK, Tokyo Haneda to Dallas Fort Worth, and Tokyo Haneda to London Heathrow.
They do not currently fly this aircraft into Australia, however that doesn’t stop you from booking through Qantas rewards to score yourself a seat on board one of their current routes out of Haneda.
Before diving into the JAL A350 seat map, let’s explore some of the key features that set this aircraft apart. Japan Airlines has mastered the art of simplicity and precision, delivering a product that reflects the meticulous attention to detail that the Japanese are renowned for.
Key Features of JAL A350 1000
Here are the key features I am loving about JAL’s new A350 1000:
1. More legroom in economy class with a pitch of 33-34 inches.
2. Wireless Charging in Business and First Class Cabins
3. The Forward Electronic recline on premium economy seats as well as the partitions for enhanced privacy
4. Fully horizontal leg rest in premium economy
5. The surround sound built in speakers on the head rests in business and first class
6. No overhead luggage compartments in First Class and middle aisle area of business class
7. WC in first class has a fold out panel for passengers to step on while getting changed and a fold out seat to sit on if needed. Talk about attention to detail!
8. Wardrobe & full body Mirror in the first-class suites
9. Wardrobe and shoe compartment in business class
10. First Class Suite can seat up to 3 passengers.
JAL A350 Seat Map International
Here’s the current seat map of Japan Airlines A350 1000 which flies international.
First Class Suites: 6 Suites
Business Class Suites: 54 Suites
Premium Economy: 24 Seats
Economy: 155 Seats
JAL A350 First Class
Only 6 seats in the Cabin!
JAL’s First Class on the A350-1000 is an enclosed private suite with a door, offering one of the most luxurious flying experiences in the sky.
Here are the key features of the First Class seat:
Wall height: Approximately 157 cm, providing privacy and a quiet, exclusive environment.
Seat pitch: Approximately 211 cm, allowing passengers to stretch out and enjoy maximum comfort.
Bed length: Up to 203 cm when fully reclined, transforming into a bed that can comfortably host up to three passengers.
Seat width: The seat is 1.5 times the typical width and turns into a double bed, perfect for long-haul flights.
Entertainment: A 43-inch 4K monitor brings in-flight entertainment to life with crystal-clear visuals.
Wardrobe with mirror and shoe compartment: Designed for convenience, passengers can store their belongings neatly.
No overhead compartments: To create an open, spacious feel, the First Class cabin has no overhead bins. I first experienced this on board the Emirates A380-800 in their first class cabin and was impressed by the difference this made. Instead of overhead compartments JAL has space inside each suite for your cabin trolley. In fact it fits two!
If you have mastered the art of how to pack light then you really don’t need to check in any luggage.
Surround sound speakers: Each seat comes with built-in speakers in the headrest, creating a sound bubble for each passenger. This system dynamically adjusts to cabin noise and prevents disturbance to others.
Wireless charging station: Convenient for passengers with devices without the fuss of the cables.
Charging options: USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as AC power, ensure passengers can keep their devices charged throughout the flight. Available on both sides of the seat & at the front as well!
JAL A350 Business Class
As you will see on the JAL A350 business class seat map, the Business Class cabin on the JAL A350-1000 features 54 private and comfortable suites with plenty of space and advanced technology. Unlike the QSuites on Qatar these are all forward facing. They are also not the same as the reverse herringbone seen on board Cathay Pacifics newly retrofitted Aria Suites.
The main highlights include:
Wall height: Approximately 132 cm, providing ample privacy in each enclosed suite with a door.
Seat pitch: Approximately 130 cm, giving passengers plenty of legroom.
Bed length: A full-flat bed extending up to 198 cm ensures restful sleep on long flights.
Headset-free surround sound: Just like in First Class, each Business Class seat is equipped with speakers in the headrest that adapt to cabin noise and create a personal audio experience.
Wardrobe and shoe compartment: Built-in storage keeps personal items organized.
No overhead bins: Like First Class, overhead compartments are removed above the middle seats, enhancing the open feel of the cabin. There are additional storage solutions for luggage and closet space for clothing.
Entertainment: A 24-inch 4K monitor provides top-tier entertainment during the flight.
Wireless charging station: Ensuring passengers can charge their devices without the hassle of cables.
Multiple Ports: There are ample power outlets, including USB, USB-C, and AC, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets easily during the flight.
JAL A350 Premium Economy
The JAL A350 premium economy class seat map shows us 24 seats in this cabin in a 2-4-2 configuration. In a world-first innovation, JAL’s Premium Economy cabin on the A350-1000 features seats that prioritize privacy and comfort. Here’s how:
Seat pitch: Approximately 107 cm, offering ample legroom.
Unique seat recline: In true Japanese fashion, respecting personal space is a priority. Unlike the traditional backward reclining seat as seen on Qantas’s Project Sunrise A350-1000, the seats on JAL premium economy recline forward within their own shell, so they don’t invade the space of the person behind. I love this feature. It really shows the extent JAL has gone to ensure passenger comfort.
Privacy partitions: Ideal for solo travelers, the seats have partitions for added privacy.
Fully horizontal leg rest: This feature enhances comfort for long-haul flights.
Entertainment: A 16-inch 4K monitor, large table, and multiple charging ports (USB-A, USB-C, AC power) provide convenience.
JAL A350 Economy
JAL’s Economy Class onboard the Airbus A350-1000 is designed with extra legroom and comfort. The seat map in economy shows us 155 seats spanning from row 45-62.
Configuration: 3-3-3 layout.
Seat pitch: Approximately 84-86 cm (33-34 inches), offering more legroom compared to many other airlines.
Recline: Seats offer an additional recline for better comfort.
Entertainment: A 13-inch 4K monitor is standard at each seat.
Headrest: Adjustable for enhanced comfort.
Charging options: USBA and USB-C ports, as well as AC power, ensure passengers can keep their devices charged throughout the flight.
Best Seats JAL A350-1000
First Class: I’d take any! There are only 6 seats, if I had to choose I would probably go with 1A or 1K as they are window seats and have 3 windows in comparison to 2A & 2K that have 2 windows. Plus you get served first in Row 1. First world problems, I know!
Business Class: If travelling alone I would opt for a window seat. There are two types in the cabin. (See below seat map.) One is the true window seat and the other is an aisle window seat. I would opt for the true window for the view, and privacy. These are located in Rows 3,5,7,8,10,12,14.
Premium Economy: Row 17 for the extra leg room. Given the 2-4-2 configuration I would opt for the two seats for more privacy.
Economy: Row 45 (exit row seats) for extra leg room.
Baby Bassinets: If you are travelling with kids or infants the baby bassinet seats are available in the following Seats: 45D&F, 18E&F
Sustainability and Fleet Transition
As part of its commitment to customer satisfaction and sustainability, Japan Airlines is replacing its Boeing 777-300ERs with the A350-1000, a more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft. The A350-1000 is designed with advanced environmental performance, reducing emissions and noise while enhancing passenger comfort.
The combination of these features makes the JAL A350-1000 a reflection of JAL’s mission to innovate and lead in both luxury and eco-friendly travel.
JAL’s decision to invest in 13 A350-1000 aircraft demonstrates the airline’s focus on the future of aviation. By offering a top-tier in-flight experience, from private suites in First and Business Class to world-leading Premium Economy seats, JAL is raising the standard for long-haul flights.
Summing Up
The JAL A351 showcases Japan Airlines’ dedication to comfort, privacy, and innovation. With its luxurious First and Business Class suites, world-first Premium Economy seating design, and spacious Economy Class layout, the A350-1000 delivers a world-class flying experience. Unlike Cathay Pacific’s three class A350-1000, Japan Airlines has mastered a 4 class layout without compromising the comfort of each cabin.
By understanding the features as well as the seat map of the JAL A350-1000, passengers can select the best seat to fit their needs, whether traveling in privacy and luxury or seeking practical comfort for long flights.
As a travel enthusiast who has mastered the points game, either through credit card points or signing up for utilities that partner with airlines such as Red energy and Qantas, I frequently fly various airlines on business or first class for free. Japan Airlines is one of my favorites, due to its simplicity and meticulous attention to detail. Their service is nothing short of exceptional. Indeed there is just nothing to compare with this absolute A350 marvel to the underwhelming new Emirates A350-900.
Whenever I redeem points or miles for a ticket, I always use a point redemption value calculator to ensure I’m getting the best value.
Finally, if you’re looking for packing advice, download this ultimate travel packing list for some helpful tips you may not have considered!
Happy travels!
