I spent 10 hours in Japan Airlines' retro 'JAL Suite' first-class cabin. These 4 things surprised me the most.

• I flew first class on Japan Airlines' "JAL Suite" from Sydney to Tokyo in January 2026.
• The more than a decade-old cabin was surprisingly comfortable with great amenities.
• The 13-course meal and top-shelf Champagne and whisky were outstanding.

I've experienced some of the world's most luxurious premium cabins as airlines race to pack in ever more cutting-edge amenities at 35,000 feet. But after flying Japan Airlines' retro flagship first-class cabin, I'm convinced that old-school luxury can still compete.

My family of three flew the airline's "JAL Suite" for 10 hours from Sydney to Tokyo in January 2026.

Being named a five-star airline by the aviation ranking website Skytrax, I expected exceptional comfort, food, and service — and nearly every part of the experience delivered, from the airport lounge and top-shelf Champagne to the elaborate multi-course inflight meal.

What most impressed me was how well Japan Airlines' aging cabin has held up. Despite lacking doors, its open layout made flying with a toddler much easier and it was still perfectly private and cozy.

First introduced in 2008 and refreshed in 2013, the JAL Suite is exclusive to Japan Airlines' Boeing 777-300ER fleet.

As those aircraft are gradually replaced by the modern Airbus A350, the cabin will eventually be phased out in favor of a new pod-style suite with doors — though Japan Airlines has not announced an official retirement date.

Here's what surprised me most about flying Japan Airlines' iconic JAL Suite. I paid about 113,000 airline points for the three one-way tickets; cash fares can cost up to $10,000 a person.

I accessed one of the world's best airport lounges

Japan Airlines is a member of the oneworld alliance, giving eligible first-class passengers access to premium lounges operated by other alliance members before departure.

For our flight, that meant my family could relax in the ultra-luxe Qantas International First Lounge in Sydney. It consistently receives excellent reviews from flyers and was named one of the top 10 first-class airline lounges by Skytrax in 2025.

I'd visited the Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles a few years ago, which gave me a pretty good idea of what to expect: great food, unique design, and premium amenities. However, the Sydney location exceeded my expectations.

The retro flap-board information displays, the panoramic views of the tarmac and the Sydney skyline, the fantastic breakfast and coffee, and the generous seating set the tone for the premium experience ahead.

My only frustration was that the lounge's spa — which offers complimentary treatments for guests — didn't have any appointments available until after our flight departed, even though we arrived four hours before our flight.

It was the only blemish on an otherwise excellent pre-departure experience.

The 13-year-old cabin is impressive despite its age

Japan Airlines offers two first-class products: the older configuration on its 777-300ERs, and the new cabin — complete with sliding doors and updated technology — on its Airbus A350-1000s.

Because the JAL Suite is more than a decade old, I expected it to feel worn and dated. Instead, its wood-paneled interior and oversized leather loungers felt warm and inviting. The seats were in excellent condition, and settling into one felt like sinking into a leather La-Z-Boy.

With the partition lowered between our two adjacent seats in the middle of the cabin, my wife and I could easily share parental duties without any gymnastics. There was also ample storage space to absorb toys, books, bottles, and the general chaos of traveling with a toddler.

When it came time to rest, the flight attendants prepared the spacious bed with a cozy mattress pad and deluxe bedding. We were given complimentary pajamas and amenity kits with luxury skincare and toiletry products from Japanese beauty brands Clé de Peau Beauté and Shiseido.

I expected the gentle steam eye mask to be a bit of a gimmick, but it turned out to be surprisingly pleasant.

The JAL Suite is flying on about a dozen routes, while the A350 flies between Tokyo and New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, and Paris.

Japan Airlines has not yet announced an official retirement date for its eight remaining 777-300ERs; five have left the fleet since 2024.

Japan Airlines' top-tier Champagne isn't served on every route

Japan Airlines is known for serving the most expensive Champagne in commercial aviation: the ultra-luxe Champagne Salon 2015, which retails for up to $1,500 a bottle.

I was excited to try it on this flight, but I didn't realize until a few days before departure that the airline's beverage list varies by route — and Sydney wasn't one of the routes featuring the rare bottle.

Champagne Salon 2015 is reserved for Japan Airlines' flagship routes, like Tokyo to New York and London, where the first-class wine list is significantly more elevated.

On our Sydney-Tokyo flight, the Champagne was Jacquesson Cuvée #744, which retails for around $100 a bottle, while the whisky selection included Suntory Hibiki 100th Anniversary, which sells for around $400.

Both were excellent, but I recommend flyers check the beverage list for their specific route before booking if they want to experience Salon.

The inflight meal was a full culinary experience

Japan Airlines has earned an excellent reputation for its in-flight catering, especially in first class.

After working my way through an inflight washoku feast — a traditional Japanese multi-course culinary experience — I finally understood why.

There were 13 dishes served over seven courses, plus an additional round for caviar.

I opted for the Japanese menu instead of the Western menu, and enjoyed dishes such as miso-marinated broccolini with salmon roe, potato potage with grilled cod and truffle, and roast beef with sansho pepper sauce.

The leather-bound menu made it feel more like dining at a restaurant rather than ordering on a plane. And the crew was attentive, kind, and extremely efficient.

After a post-meal nap, I ordered a few items from the à la carte menu: simmered Hida beef, rice with grilled scallops, and ramen. I also tried the airline's signature non-alcoholic drink, SKY TIME.

Everything served was excellent, though if you're not a fan of Japanese cuisine, I'd recommend ordering from the Western menu, which includes items like prime beef tenderloin.

I'm glad I finally got to experience Japan Airlines' retro first class before it retires. It was perfect for my family, and the generous cabin size, attentive crew, and exceptional food made it one of the more memorable long-haul flights I've had.

Next time, I'll set my sights on a flagship route just to see what Salon tastes like at 35,000 feet.

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