Japan Airlines 787-9 business class: Doha to Tokyo

Sep 19 2024 Travel trends

In April 2024, Japan Airlines (JAL) inaugurated its non-stop service from Doha's Hamad International Airport to Tokyo's Haneda Airport. This daily service, operated as a codeshare with Qatar Airways, caters to the growing demand for business and leisure travel between Doha and Asia. As the first Japanese airline to offer a non-stop route to and from the Middle East, JAL aims to provide seamless connectivity for passengers traveling to Asia and beyond, as well as those connecting to Africa, Europe, and South America.

The flight schedule is ideal for business travelers departing directly from Qatar, as it allows for productive daytime travel and an arrival in Tokyo just in time for a good night's rest. For travelers from other GCC countries, the partnership with Qatar Airways facilitates a smooth transfer, with the convenience of checking bags through to the final destination.

For those with time to spare, Hamad International Airport offers an array of amenities, including world-class lounges, dining options, and entertainment facilities, making it a pleasant stopover.

Al Mourjan Business Lounge South

Passengers on this flight have access to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge South, located a seven to ten-minute walk from the gate. As one of the largest airport lounges globally, it features a water feature, quiet areas, family zones, workstations, meeting rooms, a games room, a nursery, showers, and dining facilities. The lounge's serene and stunning environment, along with its comprehensive amenities, makes it a must-visit, especially given the limited seating available at the gate.

Boarding at the gate commenced eight minutes later than the ticket-stated time, with entry completed within four minutes. Announcements for boarding began 23 minutes later, with Group One (including Diamond and oneworld members) and Group Two (including business class) boarding 12 minutes after. I was seated within three minutes of boarding.

Business class on this flight features 44 fully-flat JAL SKY SUITE III seats in a reverse herringbone layout, all with direct aisle access and privacy dividers. Window seats offer slightly more table space than center seats. While the seats may feel a bit cramped for larger passengers, the massage function in the backrest adds comfort.

Each seat is equipped with a large, flat pillow, a good duvet, and optional Airweave mattresses. The entertainment system includes a 23-inch monitor controlled by a liquid-crystal touch panel, along with SONY noise-canceling headphones. The selection of films, games, music, and other entertainment options is decent, featuring both international and Japanese content.

A large tray table, USB port, and AC power outlet provide convenience for working during the flight. Wi-Fi is available at US$10.15 for one hour, US$14.40 for three hours, or US$18.80 for the entire flight. Connectivity is reliable and fast, accessible through a browser shortcut link detailed in the seat-back guide.

Passengers are welcomed with a steam-pack sheet mask and an amenity kit designed by Japanese startup HERALBONY, containing essentials like a toothbrush and paste, ear plugs, a USB charger, eye mask, pocket tissue, and a mobile phone stand. Miller Harris face mist and hand lotion are available in the bathrooms.

Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, I was offered a warm towel and a choice of champagne or orange juice, followed by “relaxing wear” in the form of a tunic from Japanese towel brand UCHINO.

Japan Airlines: Food and drink

Food on JAL flights is a highlight, curated by award-winning chefs and offering a memorable culinary experience. Passengers can choose between a Japanese “Washoku” menu or an international cuisine menu. I opted for the Washoku menu, which included a selection of Irodori Gozen (small cold plates) and a main hot course of salmon teriyaki with simmered vegetables, steamed rice, miso soup, and Japanese pickles, followed by a pumpkin cheese mousse for dessert. The presentation and taste were exceptional, rivaling that of a high-end restaurant.

An “order anytime” à la carte menu is available until two hours before landing, offering salads, soups, sandwiches, light meals, cheeses, fruits, chocolate, ice cream, and a signature Tonkatsu-flavored miso ramen noodle bowl. The ramen, with its chewy noodles, was particularly delightful.

The landing was slightly bumpy but well-handled by the pilots, and we arrived ahead of schedule. To expedite immigration, passengers are advised to fill out disembarkation and customs declaration forms online via the Visit Japan Web app. Alternatively, these forms are available in-flight.

Baggage retrieval was swift, and the airport offers various connection options, including taxis, private cars, the metro system, and direct access to the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line.

Japan Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner business class service from Doha to Tokyo offers a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, combining excellent service, cuisine, and connectivity. This flight is an excellent choice for business and leisure travelers looking to travel seamlessly between the Middle East and Asia.