JAL A350-1000 Business Class Review | London to Haneda Flight

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Leaving London is always bittersweet. The vibrant culture, the history, the streets I’ve walked—it’s hard to say goodbye. However, this time, the journey home held a special allure. I was booked on the JAL A350-1000 Business Class.

Having experienced this flagship aircraft on the outbound flight from Haneda, I knew what to expect. Yet, the return trip from London Heathrow (flight JL042) exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t just a flight; it was a sanctuary in the sky.

In this article, I will take you through the 14-hour journey. We will explore the private suite, the exquisite dining, and the stunning views upon landing. You can also read my review of the outbound flight here:
Haneda to London JAL A350-1000 Business Class Review

A Prologue at Heathrow: Nighttime Anticipation

It was past 6 PM at Heathrow Airport. The terminal buzzed with the usual mix of excitement and fatigue found at international hubs.

Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000 parked at a gate at Heathrow Airport at night, viewed through a terminal window — JAL’s latest Airbus A350-1000 awaiting departure at London Heathrow Airport at night

Through the glass, I spotted it. The Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000 stood elegantly at the gate. Its distinctive cockpit windows, often called the “raccoon face,” glowed under the floodlights. Seeing the modern silhouette of this aircraft always heightens my anticipation for the long-haul journey ahead.

I must confess, I had hoped to upgrade to First Class. Unfortunately, it was fully booked. However, any disappointment vanished the moment I stepped on board. The new JAL Business Class is so advanced, it feels like a private room.

JAL SKY SUITE: Your Private Moving Study

JAL SKY SUITE business class seat with burgundy upholstery, equipped with pillow, headphones, and amenities. — The luxurious and private JAL SKY SUITE business class seat featuring a refined burgundy design.

I headed to my seat. The cabin design is striking. It features a sophisticated color palette of burgundy and black. This is the latest “JAL SKY SUITE.”

The most significant feature is the door. Previously, JAL emphasized openness. Now, with the A350-1000, they have shifted to privacy. The high walls and sliding door create a fully enclosed space. It rivals the famous “The Room” by ANA.

High partition walls inside a luxury airplane cabin with a screen showing the tail camera view — The high-walled private space of the cabin, resembling a ‘moving hotel’

Once seated, I closed the door. Immediately, the noise and presence of the aisle disappeared. I was left with my own sanctuary. Whether you want to work on your laptop or binge-watch movies, this is the perfect environment. It feels like a moving hotel.

Dining: The Comfort of Authentic Japanese Flavors

After takeoff, the seatbelt sign turned off. Dinner service began. My body was craving the comforting taste of dashi (Japanese soup stock).

In-flight meal menu card showing Japanese and Western cuisine options supervised by Chef Daisuke Hayashi — Main menu for Japanese and Western cuisine supervised by Chef Daisuke Hayashi, featuring options unique to flights departing from London.

I opened the menu. I saw that the Japanese meal was supervised by Chef Daisuke Hayashi, owner of “ROKETSU” in London. The choice was obvious.

Starting with Champagne Delamotte

Open JAL Business Class menu booklet showing chef and advisor profiles on the left and the Champagne and wine list on the right. — The JAL Business Class menu showcasing the culinary team and the curated Champagne and wine selection.

JAL inflight amuse-bouche featuring a creamy dip, crackers, and a glass of Delamotte champagne — Savoring the elegance of Delamotte champagne paired with a carefully prepared amuse-bouche

I started with a glass of Delamotte Blanc de Blancs. This champagne is the sibling maison to the legendary “Salon,” which is served in JAL First Class. The refined bubbles paired perfectly with the amuse-bouche, a creamy dip with crackers.

A Feast for the Eyes: “Irodori Gozen”

A luxurious Japanese in-flight meal appetizer called 'Irodori Gozen' served in a black bento box with salmon roe, simmered vegetables, and seafood. — The vivid and delicately plated ‘Irodori Gozen’ appetizer, a feast for the eyes on board.

Next came the appetizer, “Irodori Gozen.” It was served in a beautiful black bento box. Inside were small, colorful bowls containing salmon roe, simmered vegetables, and seafood. The presentation was delicate. The flavors were gentle. It made me forget I was cruising at 30,000 feet.

The Main Course and Freshly Steamed Rice

Japanese airline meal set featuring Salmon Miso Yuan-yaki, braised meat, steamed rice wrapped in paper, miso soup, pickles, and green tea. — A heartwarming Japanese meal in the sky, featuring freshly cooked rice and Salmon Miso Yuan-yaki.

The main dish was Salmon Miso Yuan-yaki. The fatty salmon was balanced by the richness of miso and the scent of yuzu citrus. Best of all was the freshly cooked white rice and hot miso soup. For a Japanese traveler returning home, this is the ultimate comfort food.

JAL in-flight beverage menu featuring lists of white wine, red wine, sake, and shochu — An extensive alcohol lineup characteristic of a Japanese airline, featuring premium sake like ‘Toyo Bijin’ and curated wines.

JAL in-flight drink menu showing pages for Bar, Japanese Whisky, Beverages, and Coffee — JAL in-flight menu featuring a wide range from rare Japanese whisky to specialty coffee

The drink menu was equally impressive. It featured premium sakes like “Toyo Bijin,” rare Japanese whiskies, and specialty coffee supervised by Mi Cafeto.

Sleeping on Airweave: A Full-Flat Bed

After dinner and a movie, the cabin lights dimmed. This is where the A350-1000 truly shines.

Full-flat airline seat set up as a bed with white airweave bedding in a dimly lit cabin — Private bedroom in the sky: Full-flat mode with airweave bedding

I reclined the seat into full-flat mode. I set up the Airweave mattress and pillow. The bed is wide and long. Thanks to the high partitions, you don’t feel people walking in the aisle. It offers a level of privacy that guarantees a deep sleep.

Mid-Flight Snack: Ramen in the Sky

I woke up after a few hours of rest. I was feeling a bit hungry. JAL offers an “Anytime You Wish” service, allowing you to order from an a la carte menu whenever you like.

JAL Business Class inflight a la carte menu booklet featuring ramen, curry, sandwiches, Japanese dishes, and afternoon tea. — An extensive a la carte menu featuring JAL’s famous curry and noodles, available to order anytime during the flight.

While the curry is famous, I opted for the “Kyushu Jangara” Tonkotsu-style Miso Ramen.

In-flight meal tray featuring Kyushu Jangara Ramen, cut fruit, Northern Bloc ice cream, and a can of Kirin beer — A la carte Kyushu Jangara Ramen served with fruit, ice cream, and beer as a late-night snack

The rich aroma of the soup was appetizing. I enjoyed it with fruit, ice cream, and a cold beer. Eating ramen in the middle of the night, high above the clouds, is a guilty pleasure I highly recommend.

The Final Approach: 4K Views at 5 Meters

The 14-hour flight was nearing its end. After breakfast, we approached Tokyo.

In-flight monitor screen showing the tail camera view of an Airbus A350-1000 landing at Haneda Airport at night — Immersive tail camera footage on the A350-1000 monitor, moments before landing at Haneda Airport.

I switched my monitor to the “Tail Camera” view. The A350-1000 has incredible high-definition cameras. I watched the night view of Tokyo and the runway lights appear on the screen. It looked like a scene from a movie.

Watching the aircraft touch down from a height of just 5 meters is thrilling. It is a feature that aviation fans will absolutely love.

JAL A350-1000 Business Class: Key Information

Based on my experience and research, here are answers to common questions about this flight.

A350-1000 Business Class Price / Cost

The price for a round-trip ticket between London and Haneda varies. Generally, you can expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000 USD (approx. 600,000 to 1,000,000 JPY). It is a significant investment. However, considering it serves as both transportation and a hotel, the value is high. Booking with miles is possible, but availability is scarce due to high demand.

JAL A350-1000 Premium Economy

If you want comfort on a lower budget, consider Premium Economy. The A350-1000 Premium Economy seats feature large privacy partitions. They also have a fixed-back shell design. This means the person in front of you will not recline into your space. It is a great alternative for long flights.

JAL A350-1000 First Class

First Class on this aircraft is an exclusive sanctuary of only 6 seats. These seats are essentially double beds with doors. The width is about 1.5 times that of Business Class. Prices often exceed $15,000 USD. It remains a dream goal for a special occasion.

JAL A350-1000 Routes

As of 2025, JAL operates the A350-1000 on key long-haul routes. These include Haneda to New York (JFK), Haneda to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), and Haneda to London (LHR). Always check the aircraft type when booking, as operational changes can occur.

Best Seats on JAL A350-1000

The configuration is 1-2-1. For solo travelers, Window seats (A or K) are the best. They offer maximum privacy and views. For couples, the Center seats (D and G) are ideal. You can lower the partition between them to talk and dine together.

JAL A350 Business Class Review / Flight Report

In conclusion, the JAL A350-1000 Business Class is currently one of the best business class products in the world. The combination of private suites, Airweave bedding, and exceptional Japanese dining transforms travel from a chore into a pleasure.

Conclusion: An Experience, Not Just a Record

When I arrived at Haneda, I felt surprisingly fresh. The privacy, the sleep quality, and the food made all the difference.

If you are searching for “JAL A350-1000 Business Class” and wondering if it is worth it, my answer is yes. It is an experience that enriches your journey.

Stay tuned for my next post. I will share a delightful story about the in-flight shopping experience on this trip.

Sanctuary in the Sky: JAL A350-1000 Business Class Experience from London

A Prologue at Heathrow: Nighttime Anticipation

JAL SKY SUITE: Your Private Moving Study