JAL Haneda London A350-1000 Review: Business Suite & Food

The Prelude to a Journey: High Expectations for the JAL Haneda London Flight on JL43

Every journey begins with a prologue, a narrative that sparks the imagination about the destination ahead. This time, my stage was set for Lisbon, Portugal, home to WebSummit, one of the world’s largest tech conferences. (The Ultimate Guide to Web Summit 2025: A Complete Chronicle of Tech’s Evolution from 2019, 2023, and 2024)For someone like me, who makes a living in digital marketing, it’s an annual pilgrimage of knowledge. However, a straight path to the destination isn’t the CityNomix way. The true essence of travel lies in the journey itself.

My layover city of choice was, once again, London. It’s a city where history and innovation collide, where every stroll reveals a new discovery that never fails to captivate me. But this trip had another, equally important purpose: to experience the business class on Japan Airlines’ newest flagship, the Airbus A350-1000. I had heard the rave reviews, but I needed to verify them with my own senses.

Amidst the controlled chaos of Haneda Airport, I made my way to the gate for flight JL43 to London Heathrow. The word “London” on the display screen quietly fueled my anticipation for the 14-hour flight to come. My secret hope of an upgrade to First Class didn’t pan out, but my spirits remained high. I was about to experience not just a means of transport, but a private room in the sky, a testament to Japanese aviation excellence.

Information displays at an airport boarding gate, showing priority boarding information for a JAL flight to London: Group 1 (First Class) and Group 2 (Business Class). — From Haneda Airport to London! Priority boarding is starting.

The priority boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. It was time to step aboard. From this point on, Photomo would be documenting a journey of sensation, not just scenery.

A Deep Dive into the JAL A350-1000 Business Class Review

The moment I stepped onto the aircraft, I felt a shift in the atmosphere. The cabin was bathed in soft, sophisticated lighting, revealing a masterfully designed space. And there it was—the centerpiece of my journey, the business class seat. To call it a mere “seat” would be an understatement. It was a suite, a personal sanctuary enclosed by high partitions ensuring complete privacy.

Sinking into the deep wine-red seat, I was immediately impressed by its texture and spaciousness. Everything I could possibly need was within arm’s reach, thoughtfully arranged. The expansive side table, the large 4K monitor, and, most importantly, the sense of having my own room once the door was closed. It was in that moment I knew this long flight would not be tedious, but rather a luxurious private retreat.

Evaluating the JAL New Business Class Seat: Space and Innovation

When discussing JAL’s new business class, a comparison with its rival, ANA’s “The Room,” is inevitable. Both are exceptional suite-style products. However, my firsthand experience revealed JAL’s distinct advantage in its meticulous attention to detail.

A prime example is the dedicated personal closet for a jacket and shoes. The simple act of taking off my jacket and changing my shoes right after boarding dramatically enhances comfort on a long-haul flight. Hanging my jacket without worrying about wrinkles and freeing my feet created a sense of at-home relaxation.

A storage compartment in a business class airplane seat. A camouflage-print jacket is hanging inside, with a pair of grey sneakers placed in the shoe storage area below. — A dedicated closet for neatly storing your jacket and shoes.

Moreover, the comfort of the seat in its full-flat bed mode is remarkable. On previous flights aboard the Boeing 777(An Epicurean Journey at 35,000 Feet: A Full Review of JAL Business Class Meals on the Helsinki Route), I found the seat, while private, a bit narrow for turning over comfortably. The A350-1000 is a different story. It offers ample width, allowing for a natural sleeping posture. This “freedom to toss and turn” might be the true, underrated value behind its stellar reputation. After all, quality sleep is the most critical factor for performance upon arrival.

Culinary Journey at 35,000 Feet on My JAL Haneda London Flight

Another major highlight of flying is, of course, the in-flight meal. On a long-haul business class flight, the anticipation is akin to visiting a fine dining restaurant. JAL’s A350-1000 did not disappoint.

Once we reached cruising altitude, the aperitif service began. I opened the menu to find a delightful dilemma. Should I choose the Western course, supervised by the famed French restaurant L’Effervescence in Tokyo? Or the Japanese course, curated by the master chef from Ginza’s Ren Mishina? This luxurious choice is one of the pure joys of travel.

An in-flight meal menu opened on a plane. The left page lists the Japanese (Washoku) course meal, and the right page lists the Western (Youshoku) course meal. — One of the joys of flying is the in-flight meal. The delightful dilemma of choosing between Japanese and Western cuisine.

Flying from Japan, I opted to indulge in the profound flavors of the Japanese menu.

An Exquisite JAL A350 Food Review: The “Ren Mishina” Washoku Course

The service began with the delicate bubbles of champagne, a perfect overture to the meal ahead. The accompanying amuse-bouche consisted of sugar-coated nuts and a zesty tomato dip served with grissini, a delightful start.

An appetizer setting on an airplane tray table, featuring a glass of champagne, sugar-coated nuts, a red dip in small white bowls, and a packet of grissini breadsticks. — The champagne and appetizers have been served.

Then, the main event: the Washoku course. The first presentation was a stunning autumn appetizer selection. Small, colorful dishes were arranged like works of art on a black tray. Salmon roe, pumpkin, teriyaki chicken with sansho pepper, simmered shrimp, and grilled salmon—each element was crafted with care, celebrating the season’s bounty. The small red origami crane was a touching symbol of Japanese hospitality, a truly thoughtful detail.

A Japanese bento box with six compartments filled with colorful dishes like salmon roe, grilled fish, and simmered vegetables, placed on a black tray next to a red origami crane and chopsticks. — Today’s in-flight meal was a beautiful Japanese bento.

This was followed by the main dishes: deep-fried black cod with a mushroom sauce and tender braised beef. The cod was fragrant and perfectly complemented by the savory sauce, while the beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender. A serving of rice wrapped in a bamboo leaf and a warm bowl of miso soup provided a comforting taste of home.

A traditional Japanese meal set on a black tray. The main plate holds a fish dish, a meat dish, and a sauce in a small bowl, accompanied by rice wrapped in a bamboo leaf, miso soup, and pickles. — The rice and miso soup have arrived.

For dessert, a roasted green tea (hojicha) pudding with sweet potato offered a harmonious blend of earthy and sweet flavors. A final cup of Japanese green tea brought the exceptional dining experience to a perfect close.

After-meal dessert and green tea served on a JAL flight.

Anytime You Wish: Exploring JAL’s À La Carte Menu

After a satisfying meal, it was time to rest. I converted my seat into its full-flat position and cocooned myself in the provided bedding. Drifting off to sleep above the clouds while gazing at the stars is a luxury beyond compare.

A lie-flat bed in a business class airplane cabin, made up with a white pillow and a grey comforter. Outside the oval window, blue sky and clouds are visible. A screen on the right shows a flight map. — Good night, above the clouds.

The true value of the A350-1000’s seat was proven by the quality of my sleep. The wide bed allowed me to rest so comfortably that I woke up feeling remarkably refreshed. In fact, I slept so soundly that I ordered fewer à la carte items than I usually do—a welcome problem to have.

Upon waking, I felt a bit peckish and ordered “Fumiko’s Western Meal” from the à la carte menu. It featured a colorful, hearty salad with shrimp and cheese, perfect for a lighter meal. It paired wonderfully with a cold beer.

An in-flight meal, 'Fumiko's Western-style meal,' on an airplane tray table, featuring a colorful salad with shrimp, bread rolls, grapes, and a can of Kirin Ichiban beer. — The much-anticipated in-flight meal: ‘Fumiko’s Western-style meal.’ The colorful salad looks so appetizing!

For my final meal before landing, I was torn between ramen and curry but ultimately chose JAL’s special curry rice. There’s something uniquely delicious about a rich, slow-cooked curry enjoyed at high altitude. It’s another special experience that defines the JAL flight.

An in-flight meal from JAL Business Class, featuring Japanese curry rice on a white plate, a can and glass of Kirin Ichiban beer, fukujinzuke pickles, and a dessert on a tray. — After much deliberation, I chose the special JAL Business Class curry.

JL43 Review: Journey Across the Arctic to Heathrow

To avoid Russian airspace, our JAL Haneda London flight took a polar route over Alaska and Greenland. The unfamiliar place names on the flight map were a stark reminder of our planet’s vastness.

I glanced out the window and was met with a breathtaking vista. Below us lay a world of silver. The majestic, snow-covered mountains and frozen fjords were bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, creating a stunning gradient of orange and deep blue. While I didn’t see the Northern Lights, witnessing this sublime natural artistry made the polar route entirely worthwhile.

Aerial view from an airplane over the Arctic Circle, showing a vast landscape of snow-covered mountains and a frozen fjord under a gradient sky of orange sunset and deep blue. — Passing through the Arctic Circle. A fantastical, sunlit snowy landscape spreads out below.

The ability to quietly enjoy this spectacle was thanks to the A350-1000’s engineering. The Rolls-Royce engines are incredibly quiet, never interfering with conversation or entertainment. The aircraft’s composite fuselage also allows for higher cabin pressure and humidity, which significantly reduces fatigue on a 14-hour journey. From a digital marketer’s perspective, this is a masterclass in optimizing the customer experience.

Arriving in the UK: A Haneda to Heathrow Business Class Perspective

As we began our descent, the familiar grey clouds parted to reveal the lush green landscape of the United Kingdom. Our long yet seemingly short journey was coming to an end.

Walking through the arrivals corridor at Heathrow, a poster caught my eye. It read, “ARTISTS MAKE THE MUSIC. FANS MAKE THE MOMENT.” It was so true. This message, a perfect welcome to the land of music, set an exhilarating tone for my upcoming adventures in London and Lisbon.

A poster at Heathrow Airport promoting the UK's music scene. Against a silhouette of a concert crowd with their hands in the air, white text reads, 'ARTISTS MAKE THE MUSIC. FANS MAKE THE MOMENT.' — A message for music fans that makes you feel you’ve arrived in the UK.

Final Thoughts: The JAL Haneda London A350-1000 Is the New Benchmark

My flight on the JAL Haneda London route aboard the Airbus A350-1000 was an unforgettable experience that will be etched in my travel memories. It was more than just transportation; it was an activity that enriched the journey itself.

The sophisticated private suite, the gourmet dining above the clouds, and the ultimate comfort afforded by cutting-edge technology all combined to make 14 hours feel effortless. If you are planning a trip to London and wish to indulge in a truly premium experience, look no further. The city of London awaits, and there is no more fitting way to begin your adventure than with this exceptional journey through the skies.

Official Website: JAL International Business Class In-flight Meals

JAL Haneda to London Flight Review: Inside the New A350-1000 Business Class Suite