JAL First Class 777 Review (2025): Is The Old Suite Still Worth It?

Is Japan Airlines’ aging First Class on the Boeing 777-300ER still worth the points in 2025? While it’s not the newest suite in the sky, I discovered it delivers an outstanding experience where it matters most: impeccable Japanese hospitality, phenomenal cuisine, and premium beverages, including the legendary Salon 2013 Champagne. Here’s my detailed review of the 13-hour journey from Helsinki to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

How I Booked This JAL First Class Award Flight

I was struggling to find a good award redemption from Europe to Tokyo using my usual options (SAS Eurobonus and Finnair Plus). I took a look at what was available through British Airways Club, and a last-minute First Class seat was available on the JAL flight from Helsinki.

• Program: British Airways Executive Club
• Avios: 180,000
• Taxes: 3,347 SEK (~$320 USD)

For comparison, at the time of booking, Finnair was offering a bonus on purchased Avios. It was possible to purchase 180,000 (120,000 + 60,000) Avios through Finnair for around 28,800 SEK. For a one-way First Class flight, I would say that’s pretty good value.

Ground Experience in Helsinki (Finnair Platinum Wing)

I arrived in Helsinki after a quick hop with Finnair from Copenhagen. I made my way through the terminal to passport control, which has always been very quick and smooth in my experience, and then made my way over to the Finnair Platinum Wing lounge.

The Finnair Platinum Wing lounge is Finnair’s highest-tier lounge, accessible to Finnair Plus Platinum members, oneworld emeralds, and First Class passengers. At the time of travel, JAL was the only (oneworld) airline operating First Class flights out of Helsinki.

This was my second time visiting the Platinum Wing. While I do feel it is a nice lounge, and I was thankful to have access to it, as a First Class passenger, it doesn’t compare to the dedicated First Class lounges offered by airlines like Lufthansa or JAL’s own flagship lounge in Haneda.

Boarding

Boarding was a very normal experience. First-class passengers boarded in Group 1, together with JMB Diamond/Premier holders and oneworld Emeralds. Once on board, I was swiftly escorted to my seat, and several flight attendants came around to welcome me, showed me around my Suite, and offered a glass of Champagne and a warm hand towel (one of many warm hand towels on this flight).

The JAL First Class Suite: A Look at the 777-300ER Cabin & Seat

The First Class cabin has two rows of 1-2-1 seating. Large seats with plenty of legroom and an ottoman, allowing two people to sit and dine together. This older Suite on the 777-300ER definitely feels a bit dated (compared to the newer Suite JAL offers on their A350). However, while it isn’t the latest cabin on the market, it still felt spotless and fresh. The leather seats didn’t look or feel worn.

The aspects of the Suite that showed their age were the IFE with a very small screen and perhaps the lack of an enclosing door for extra privacy. Regardless, the IFE is typically one of the lowest priorities for me, since I always carry my own entertainment, and privacy wasn’t really much of an issue, given that there are only a maximum of four (myself included) First Class passengers who share the same aisle.

The seat offered plenty of storage (more than I’d ever need):

One odd design decision is that the power outlet is located at the very front of the Suite next to the IFE, which is actually quite far from where you’re actually sitting. Luckily, I had a very long USB cable with me; otherwise, I would have struggled to use a device while also charging it.

Menu

Menus arrived in a nice leather folder, with a separate menu for Food and Beverages.

Food menus featured the main course (dinner) as well as numerous à la carte options. While there isn’t an “explicit” second serving, I figured the Washoku/International Plate was the “before arrival” meal that could be ordered at any time.

The beverage menu was extensive, featuring a fine selection of Japanese specialties, including Sake, Shochu, Whisky, Umeshu, Tea, and even Japanese Wine. I really appreciate it when an airline offers local options!

Amenities: Heralbony Kit and Shiseido Skincare

The amenity kit was stocked with a lot of useful goodies. What surprised me the most was the addition of a USB cable (which worked with both USB-C and Lightning). Other than that, the selection was normal. The sleep mask was quite basic, and it would have been nice to receive something nicer/luxurious, like some other airlines offer in First Class.

In addition to the amenity kit, a small package of Shiseido skincare products and a face mask were also included.

There was also a small pouch with slippers and a shoehorn. Again, the slippers were nice, but for First Class, they could have been a bit better.

The Star of the Show: Salon 2013 Champagne

One highlight of a JAL First Class flight is definitely the Champagne. JAL serves the most expensive bottle of Champagne in the sky. A bottle of Salon 2013 retails for up to $1,500, making it easily the most expensive Champagne I’ve ever tested. I’m by no means an expert, and I have no idea if the price is justified, but it was a very enjoyable and tasty experience.

First Class flights only have one bottle of Salon available, and this was shared between the entire First Class cabin, which unfortunately was almost complete on my flight (7 out of 8 seats occupied). I’m not sure how many of the other passengers tried the Champagne, but regardless, I was only able to enjoy a single glass.

Thankfully, there were two other types of Champagne available. One was the Champagne Bollinger La Grande Année 2015 (on the menu), but there was also a bonus Champagne, the Billecart Salmon Elisabeth Rose 2012, which wasn’t actually listed on the menu.

JAL First Class Dining: A Multi-Course Japanese WASHOKU Experience

For dinner, I chose WASHOKU (the Japanese course). However, this being a First Class flight, I was eager to try the Caviar as well. I asked if it was possible to have the Caviar from the International course as well, and the flight attendant said they would arrange that for me.

Overall, the meal was really to my liking. It was by no means overly indulgent, but rather delicious Japanese comfort food, with an elevated twist, fresh ingredients, cooked and served really well. The clear soup with fried shrimp cake was one of my favorite dishes, and of course, the niku-tofu with Wagyu was really tasty.

To round off the meal, I ordered a glass of the 12-year Suntory Hakushu whisky.

Sleeping on the JAL First Class Bed

After dinner, I changed to “lounge wear” (pajamas) that was provided. Like with most First Class, the pajamas were comfortable, but I usually find the lounge wear to be a bit too warm. The flight attendant also offered to prepare my bed, giving me a choice of a soft mattress or a hard mattress. I chose the soft mattress, which I found to be comfortable. Overall, the bedding, especially the duvet, was very comfortable. My only complaint would be the pillow, which was relatively small and flat. I preferred something more substantial.

Pre-Arrival Breakfast

I managed to get some sleep, but struggled a bit due to some occasional turbulence. Around 3 hours before arrival, I started feeling a bit hungry and decided to order the Japanese plate from the à la carte menu. Again, it was simple, but well-balanced, exceptionally tasty, and well-cooked. The fish was really juicy, and what impressed me the most was the quality of the rice, which was cooked perfectly.

First Class Restroom

The restroom at the front of the cabin was, of course, immaculate during the entire flight, had a Japanese-style toilet (with a bidet), and some extra amenities. There was also a small platform that could be folded down to step on while changing clothes.

IFE & Onboard WiFi

As mentioned, the IFE system was what really showed the cabin’s age. An interesting feature I noticed, though, was that it was possible to order food and drinks through the IFE, although I never used it, since it was easier just to ask a flight attendant. I could see that being more useful in a larger business class cabin.

One thing I really appreciated, though, was that WiFi was available, and First Class passengers received a voucher for free WiFi for the entire flight. The WiFi worked throughout most of the flight.

Final Verdict: Is JAL’s 777 First Class Still Worth It?

Having heard that this particular First Class cabin was a bit “outdated”, I think my expectations were a bit low. Yes, the cabin is not comparable to that of some other planes and airlines. However, what really stood out to me was the absolutely exceptional service. Sometimes Japanese service can be very professional and impersonal. However, the team of flight attendants working in First Class on this flight really struck a perfect balance of professional and personal.

Besides the service, the food was probably among the best I’ve had in First Class. I’m sure plenty of people would disagree, but I’m not one who really enjoys overly rich and indulgent food while flying. The fantastic selection of drinks and Japanese options was, of course, a great addition as well.

Flying from an outstation, especially one that has no dedicated First Class lounge, is less enjoyable. If I could receive Lufthansa ground service and lounge, a Singapore Airlines A380 Suite, coupled with the service, food, and drinks from JAL, you’d have an unbeatable First Class flight.

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