Traveling in economy class is not a joy for many of us. With airlines reducing weight and adding more seats, traveling in economy class has become more uncomfortable with less legroom and personal space. Japan Airlines, from a passenger experience perspective, has always been seen as one of the best airlines in the world. If flying to Japan, it is well worth considering using Japan Airlines, as its economy class seat is far superior to its competitors.

Indeed, Japan Airlines won the title of the World’s Best Economy Seat at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards in 2025. The airline also came in fifth place in the Best Economy Class Airline and in tenth place in the Best Economy Class Airline Catering. Japan Airlines has been recognized as the World’s Best Economy Class three times by SKYTRAX. In this guide, we’ll find out more about its economy seat product and why it stands out against the competition.

A Look At Japan Airlines’ Economy Class Seat

The most notable difference between economy class at Japan Airlines and in comparison to its competitors is the wider seats and spacious legroom. The JAL Sky Wider seat and the newer economy seats typically have a pitch of 33 to 34 inches compared to similar long-haul economy seats of 29 to 31 inches, according to airlinequality.com. The seats are in a 2-4-2 configuration rather than the standard 9 seats across, which gives each seat an extra 5cm of space.

Not only do the seats have an increased pitch, but they also have more legroom and a slimmer seatback and are almost in a fixed reclined position, making them much more comfortable than regular seats. The space between the armrests on the JAL Sky Wider seats is between 45 and 48cm. These seats are available on the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9, as well as the Boeing 777-300ER and 767-300ER.

The seatback has a water bottle holder and a charging point, as well as an individual power outlet on the Boeing 787. There is also an accessories pouch for every seat, for charging personal devices. The seatback has a 10.6-inch touchscreen monitor. The MAGIC in-flight entertainment system has plenty of choices, from audiobooks to movies, games, and television series. Passengers receive one hour of free Wi-Fi, with the possibility to buy more. There are pockets and storage spaces on the seatback for personal items.

Alternative Seating Variants

Although the JAL Sky Wider seats are available across much of the fleet, there are some variations. Some of the Boeing 787-8 and Boeing 737-800 have seats designed by RECARD, a world leader in safety and comfort technology. These feature ‘hammock’ style headrests that can be easily adjusted to support the neck. On the Boeing 787-8, the economy class configuration is 2-4-2 and has a seat pitch of 45cm.

The Airbus A350-1000 seats are a new design of world-class seating with extra legroom and are more comfortable. According to Japan Airlines, these seats have been the winner of the SKYTRAX ‘Best Economy Class Airline Seats’ award for six years running. These seats were designed to reduce fatigue and have a larger seatback monitor for the in-flight entertainment. Headrests have a wide range of motion for more comfort and support. The seat has a larger table with a cup holder and an individual power outlet.

Data: AeroLOPA

Front row, bulkhead, and exit row seats with extra legroom can be booked in advance for an additional fee. In comparison, their seats are larger than most airline seats, no matter which type. The monitor size is only different on the Airbus A350-1000 seats, which have the larger 13-inch 4K monitor or a 12-inch monitor in some seats. The seats on the Boeing 777 and 787-9 are wider than those on the Airbus A350-1000. Features and seats may vary depending on route and aircraft type.

What Else Is Special About Economy Class?

As part of their economy product, Japan Airlines offers more than most airlines with superior cuisine, in-flight entertainment, and amenities. The passenger experience that they offer takes a very considered and refined approach. The airline’s economy class focuses strongly on passenger comfort and well-being as well as Japanese hospitality.

The in-flight menu is chef-curated from leading Japanese brands and restaurants, and they are based on the iconic local food culture. A menu card is presented by the flight attendant to show the Western and Japanese-style menu choices. There is also a Häagen-Dazs ice cream service in all classes with special flavors that are unique to the airline and a self-serve Sky Oasis snack corner. Special meals can be ordered in advance. There is also a Sky Wellness Kitchen menu on long-haul flights, and leaflets are provided with stretching exercises.

A blanket, pillow, and headphones are placed on every seat in every class. The lavatories are surprisingly large for economy class and come with a unique bidet function and are kept immaculately clean, according to a review by Travel Pockets. Slippers and medicinal items are available to all passengers, and foot rollers can be borrowed for extra comfort. An amenity kit is offered to all long-haul passengers, which includes an eye mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush/toothpaste set.

A Quick Look At Premium Economy

Japan Airlines has repeatedly won awards for its economy class product, but what does its premium economy experience offer in comparison? The JAL Sky Premium seat has seats in front that do not recline; therefore, these premium seats mean an extra ten centimeters more space than in the economy cabin. The emphasis in premium economy is privacy and functionality.

There is a three-step adjustable footrest and a center divider for extra privacy. The seat features a larger-than-usual table suitable for work or leisure and a 12.1-inch in-flight entertainment monitor. Noise-canceling headsets are provided. The amenity kit is similar to the economy kit, but with an added moisture mask and slippers.

If the extra space, privacy, and comfort were not enough with the JAL Sky Premium seat, access to the Sakura Lounge is included at selected airports. JAL’s Udon De Sky noodles are supplied as an extra snack, in addition to onboard meals, and there is an upgraded beverage menu that includes Champagne and local Shochu. In 2024, Japan Airlines was awarded the best in the world for its premium economy seat.

More About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines is Japan’s second largest airline behind All Nippon Airways, but is still seen as the flag carrier due to its long history. Its main hubs are Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), and Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX). The JAL Group flies to 220 destinations in 35 countries worldwide, including codeshare routes. They offer 131 domestic routes and 66 international routes, according to their website.

According to further data, in September 2025, Japan Airlines operated 24,961 domestic flights and 4,691 international flights, achieving a 98.79% actual operation rate. Tokyo Narita Airport is the main hub for international and cargo flights, although Tokyo Haneda Airport is becoming a major international hub due to its proximity to the city.

Routes from North America include:

• Boston
• New York
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Houston
• Seattle
• San Diego
• Los Angeles
• San Jose
• San Francisco
• Vancouver

Japan Airlines offers high-quality service and traditional Japanese hospitality and is committed to safety and sustainability. The airline has won numerous awards for its economy class and premium economy class cabins from both SKYTRAX and APEX. In 2025, they received APEX World Class Status certification for the fourth consecutive year.

Final Thoughts

It is clear that Japan Airlines has taken a very thoughtful and attention-to-detail approach to their passenger experience and offers a personalized service. The flight attendants are known to be kind and attentive, according to reviews, and the airline is well known for high standards of customer service. The small touches in amenities available and the meals and snacks served are standout features, which would make any passenger feel that they are having a premium experience.

The investment in larger and more comfortable seats will attract more passengers, whereas other airlines are doing the very opposite. Japan Airlines well deserves the award for the World’s Best Economy Seat, and their economy class product is already recognized as one of the best in the world. Their premium seat was also awarded the best in the world in 2024 and came in second place in 2025.

Overall, when traveling to Japan, it is worth considering Japan Airlines for future travel, as it offers a more comfortable economy experience. Even the airline’s premium economy experience offers additional extras that one would normally find only in business class with other airlines. In 2024, the airline was certified a ‘SKYTRAX Five-Star Airline’ for the seventh consecutive year.