Flying Business Class on Japan Airlines from Miami to Tokyo – A Rollercoaster of Comfort, Confusion, and Culinary Adventures

Scoring a round-trip Business Class ticket on Japan Airlines (JAL) for 120K points was a win. The excitement was real—lie-flat seats, Japanese hospitality, and, of course, in-flight ramen. But as with any long-haul flight, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Between Wi-Fi struggles, food surprises, and an unfortunate sleep fail that I will never live down, this was one for the books.

The Plane: A Bit Dated, with a Big Gap Between Business and First Class

Our flight was on one of JAL’s older aircraft, which was still a solid experience, but it definitely showed its age. The Business Class cabin felt more traditional, lacking the sleek modern finishes you might find on newer JAL planes.

The real difference, though, was between Business and First Class. On some airlines, the gap between these two cabins is small, but on this particular plane, it was night and day. First Class had much more spacious suites and extra privacy that made Business feel like a big step down. If you have the points (or cash) to splurge on First Class, it might be worth it on this route—especially if you’re in for the long haul to Tokyo.

That being said, Business Class still got the job done. Lie-flat seats, solid service, and an overall comfortable experience—even if it wasn’t the most modern setup.

The Service: Japan Airlines’ Gold Standard

If you’ve ever flown a Japanese airline, you already know—the service is next-level. JAL’s flight attendants are the definition of attentive, polite, and precise. They glide through the cabin with an elegance that makes you feel like a royal guest, ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

We experienced this firsthand within minutes of boarding. As soon as we settled in, a flight attendant came by with a warm welcome, followed by an oshibori (a hot towel, because hydration and cleanliness are key at 35,000 feet). Need a refill? Done. Extra blanket? Already on the way. The moment you press the call button, they appear as if teleported. It’s truly something special.

The Seat: A Cozy Cave (Maybe Too Cozy?)

I picked the window seat, and Jorge went for the aisle. The window seat provided extra privacy, and the aisle meant Jorge could stretch out freely. In hindsight, the window seat felt a bit claustrophobic on this plane. The privacy is great, but if you're someone who needs a little more breathing room, the aisle might be a better bet. Lesson learned.

Jorge, on the other hand, had no complaints about his aisle seat. More space, easier access, and zero regrets. If you’re someone who likes a bit more openness while flying, you may want to rethink choosing the window on this one.

Wi-Fi Woes: Why Is This So Complicated?

With 12 hours ahead of us, we figured we’d be responsible travelers and check some emails before fully committing to movie marathons and sake. We pulled out the Wi-Fi instructions, assuming it would be a quick and painless connection process.

It was not.

JAL’s Wi-Fi isn’t the worst, but getting connected felt more like solving a riddle than clicking a button. Multiple steps, logins, re-logins, and just enough confusion to make us question our life choices. We got it done, but why does this have to feel like setting up a 1990s dial-up connection?

Amenities: Thoughtful Touches That Make a Difference

One thing JAL does exceptionally well is providing thoughtful amenities that enhance the flight experience. Aside from the standard blanket and pillow, each passenger receives:

• A comfortable set of slippers – a game-changer for long-haul flights.
• A lightweight robe – perfect for lounging in comfort.
• An amenity kit packed with:
  • A toothbrush for freshening up mid-flight.
  • Earplugs to drown out cabin noise.
  • Pocket tissues (because JAL thinks of everything).
  • A shoehorn (which I never use, but hey, nice touch).
  • A phone stand for hands-free movie watching.
  • A charger cable with both USB-C and USB-A compatibility—an underrated lifesaver.

Even the restrooms were well-stocked with mouthwash, adding an extra layer of refreshment to the journey. JAL doesn’t just give you a seat and a meal—they make sure you’re set up for a comfortable, well-equipped experience.

Food & Drinks: A Culinary Adventure (With Some Hits and Misses)

One of the biggest draws of flying Japan Airlines is the traditional Japanese menu. Jorge, feeling adventurous, went for the Irodori Gozen (a beautifully curated washoku meal), while I stuck with the international menu.

Jorge’s Irodori Gozen:

• Simmered Yellowtail and Daikon Radish – A classic Japanese dish where the fish is braised in a soy-based sauce until tender. Jorge said it had a deep, umami-packed flavor, but the radish was a bit too soft for his liking.
• Carrot and Radish in Vinegar Sauce with Abalone – A light, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the other dishes. The abalone was delicately chewy, and the vinegar-based sauce added a nice tang.
• Side Dishes: A selection of pickled vegetables, steamed rice, and miso soup rounded out the meal.

My International Menu:

• Tenderloin with a Perigueux sauce – Looked promising, but turned out dry and underwhelming. A little more seasoning and a lot more sauce would’ve gone a long way.
• Salad and Bread Roll – Standard airplane fare. Nothing memorable.

Now, here’s where the real heartbreak happened: JAL’s in-flight ramen? Sold out. A blow to our morale. We had been hyping it up, only to be told they didn't have it available for our flight. Tragic.

The drink selection, however? A+. We made sure to take full advantage (for review purposes, obviously).

Sleep… or Lack Thereof

After indulging in a few drinks and scrolling through JAL’s entertainment system (which, by the way, had a surprisingly limited selection), I was ready to get some rest.

I reclined my seat, pulled up my blanket, and spent the next several hours tossing, turning, and questioning my life choices. No matter how I positioned myself, my hips hurt, and the seat felt hard.

By the time we landed, I was exhausted and venting to Jorge about my terrible night of sleep.

His response?
"Why didn’t you use the mattress topper?"

Excuse me, WHAT mattress topper?!

Turns out, JAL provides a legit mattress pad for added comfort, but instead of being placed with the blanket and pillow (as I had expected), it was in the overhead bin. Since I never mentioned feeling uncomfortable, Jorge never thought to tell me.

So, while he slept like a baby, I suffered like a sleep-deprived goblin. Lesson learned: Always check the overhead bin.

At the end of the day, Japan Airlines Business Class is a fantastic way to fly to Tokyo on points—just don’t be like me and forget to check for that mattress topper. You’ll thank me later.