JAL flagship PREMIUM ECONOMY review [Tokyo–Paris]
Today I’m flying Japan Airlines flagship A350-1000 premium economy on the long 14.5 hour sector from Tokyo Haneda to Paris Charles de Gaulle. That means this should be the ultimate test of this product which I’ve heard great things about. But the reality proved to be pretty different from the hype. Dive in to see everything about this offering from the seat comfort to the amenities to the cabin vibes, food, entertainment and more. I’ll tell you what I think about whether this is worth the upgrade or not. Let me know if you agree.
Bonus northern lights sightings on this almost-polar route plus various other nice views of airplanes and wings and sunrises and sunsets including a very crisp and clear day to check out the traffic at Haneda. Oh and a little glimpse of the JAL First Class lounge and curry rice for breakfast. Hope you enjoy!
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Flight information:
December 15, 2026 | JL45 HND-CDG
Airbus A350-1000 JA08WJ [age: 1 year]
Flight time: 14h15m
Premium economy | seat 19K
How I booked it:
I used American Airlines Advantage miles to book this at a cost of 52,500 miles +. $51.80 one way.
Shot on Sony FX3, iPhone 15 Pro Max, DJI Action 2
Edited by GL
SECTIONS:
00:00 Welcome to Haneda Airport
00:55 Boarding and business class
01:19 Premium economy first impressions
02:53 Taxi & takeoff
05:27 Inflight experience & meal service
07:17 In-depth seat review
10:45 Amenity kit
11:38 IFE
11:56 Legrest & footrest
12:28 Aurora borealis
13:07 Midflight snack service
16:23 Is economy better?
17:26 Pre-arrival meal
18:02 Landing
19:35 Final thoughts
#jal #japanairlines #premiumeconomy
37 Comments
Happy to report I sat in the exact same chair and table in the JAL first class lounge last month lol 0:50
I think I would feel the same about PE and might just save money with economy haha.
3:15 yes to the traffic and planespotting + people watching in terminals. After my yearly long haul in autumn, my last trip out of ARN T2 felt so… tiny. Polar route FTW and another vote to sit back or ahead of the wings for the views. 15:12 Totally 🤣 On the last flight I had the pet peeve of ungrateful window assignment; the front passenger being annoyed by me having the shades up before breakfast but ma'am Karen… Netflix you have home, Tropical coastline views at FL400 not!!
Airbus A350 is a beautiful airplane and the food of Japan Airlines looks delicious. I wish that your YouTube Channel keeps growing❤
Even though it's premium that's gotta be a tough haul in that tight seat. But always appreciate your honest reviews. Great shots of the city after take off! Cheers Gabe!
Of course you're spoiled! I did CDG-HND-CDG in November in business on the A35K. The food offering was better than you got, but you'd expect that. Lie flat, decent but like you turbulence. However, the crew on board. Amazing. So nice. I said to the main lady (cabin manager?) that I liked roasted green tea, although not available, she told me she used to live in a part of Tokyo where it was made. Then about 30 minutes before landing she appeared with a cup and saucer. Roasted was available in first, and she'd sneaked one out! I saw her and the rest of the cabin crew after I'd gone through immigration, and I said hi, and she told the others about my trip and where I'd been! She remembered all that from one fairly brief conversation. Gabe, get back into the section you know!
What was the reason for the delay?
Always harsh and spoiled.
Why we love you.
The request for iced coffee and the perhaps, perplexed look back made me laugh. Nobody thought out of the box by making your coffee and adding ice….
On another channel the “Influencer” stated that JAL economy is so good that Premium is simply not worth it or an upgrade. I think you are just saying it a different way.
Tokyo to Paris is generally an eastward route, requiring odd levels, but specific airspace and oceanic routes can have controllers assign levels based on prevailing winds and traffic, sometimes using every level.
So, while 34,000 ft is an even level (often used westbound), an eastbound flight like Tokyo to Paris would aim for an odd level like FL350 or FL370 for standard separation, adjusting for winds and specific ATC instructions.
Yes to the extended traffic shots for me. As someone who lives in NYC and mostly flies out of EWR and LGA, it's always great to see traffic shots from airports around the world.
I tried Premium Economy on the Paris–Tokyo flight aboard the 777-300, and it felt quite spacious and less confining. It’s rather sad to see the 777 being gradually taken out of service.
Hi Gabe, on this flight I was happy to be able to watch it from the comfort of my swiveling office chair w/ plenty of food and drink nearby! (BTW I do like the longer videos.) RogerC 1/4/26
Did you get an answer as to why they flew east bound? Shorter flight time perhaps?
My wife is Japanese and she keep telling me that ANA is better than JAL. I think she had a bad experience with JAL in the past. I don't know if she is right or not, we only fly ANA because I have a Star Alliance membership. If you have a chance, try ANA so we can have an expert's opinion !
The amenity kit is the same as the business one on longer intra-Asia flights.
Yes, I really like the extended traffic shots. Please include it in every trip report you post from now onward.
I do indeed love the extended airport scenes of other planes on the tarmac and a quick look at the terminal and runways. Also do that for landing too, Paris CDG has some cool terminal designs.
Daytime takeoff on a clear day in Tokyo. What a view!! Definitely keep this stuff in future videos. It is not a view most people see everyday.
Yes, you’re spoiled, but you couldn’t pay me to take that flight! Only someone in the travel profession, like you, Gabe, could endure such a long flight. So, please, don’t take us viewers along on another over 14-hour flight like that. Thanks, – Jim
Hi Gabe! One little concern, the camera you use has way too shallow depths of view and it’s not ideal for shooting on board products. Maybe a better idea to use a phone instead?
i still think emirates has absolutely nailed it
oh everything about this is actually average – quite disappointing. Ooof… plastic cups……
i feel like LH is the only one doing 2-3-2 in premium econ
Yes, love the traffic shots!
Amazing review Gabe as always and expected, nevertheless you will be happy anyway since it is A350 😅. The cabin is amazing and feels spacious in away
Both Japanese airlines, JAL and ANA, offer access to their lounges in premium economy.
However, if you're an elite member, you'll also get access to the lounge, so the value will be reduced.
I saw a blogger who got JAL pre econo for 300$ from jfk -handed , it ws a beautiful experience for her
Imagine doing that long haul flight with an aisle seat 😮
2:37 oh wow, very unepected for that airlines premium product on their new “flagship” plane
3:21 of course we love the taxi footage, we are all avGEEKS lol
Very surprising seat indeed, Aerolopa lists the seat pitch as 42 inches but it looks more cramped than other products I've been on that only offer 38 inches…
I love the almost airside planespotting extended traffic! keep it in!
I once flew JAL A350-1000 premium economy on the flight from NY to Haneda. I’m usually ANA kinda guy and their premium economy offerings aren’t too bad but I’d have to give it to JAL for that product category.
If the route followed the North Pacific Track system, aircraft going in the same direction (East) is separated by only 1000 feet and the odd/even IFR level rules doesn’t apply when in the tracks
They then have to be time separated from the traffic in front and behind and the Aircraft Can get closer to its optimum cruise level, if space on the track Permits
Beautiful Air Craft,And I .ove The Exterior Cameras.Great Video And Info
the extended look at the traffic is the best part of the video 🙂