Why Japan Airlines' Premium Economy Is Winning Hearts.

I love these vending machines in Japan. Credit Alex Mesmer. Unsplash.

I was recently invited to a sales briefing with the Japan Airlines (JAL) team - a rare chance to hear directly from the airline reps about what’s new for the winter and ski season. It was a reminder of why Japan Airlines continues to stand out for travellers who value space, comfort, and genuine hospitality in the sky.

Japan is one of the most in-demand destinations right now. Between ski holidays, cultural festivals, and an ever-growing appreciation for Japanese food and design, flights to most cities in Japan are filling quickly.

If you’re heading there this season from Melbourne or Sydney, it’s worth taking a closer look at the airline itself because the journey there is such a big part of the experience.

Summary

• Japan Airlines offers some of the widest economy seats in the world, with noticeable comfort on long-haul flights.

• The airline’s outstanding accessibility plan and thoughtful cabin design make travel smoother for all passengers, including those with disabilities.

• Meals and service reflect Japan’s distinctive sense of calm, precision, and care.

• Premium Economy offers genuine “business-light” comfort at solid value.

• Working with a trusted travel coach or advisor helps you access information and comparisons, upgrade opportunities, seat maps, and aircraft details not always visible online.

The first thing that struck me: space

Japan Airlines quietly holds one of the most impressive records in the industry: it offers some of the widest economy-class seats in the world. That's worth calling out as airline seats feel like they are continuously shrinking.

On JAL’s international fleet featuring the Sky WIDER economy cabin, the space between armrests measures 45–48 cm (around 17.7–18.9 inches), with a seat pitch of about 86 cm (33.9 inches).

It might not sound dramatic until you sit down — but compared with the usual 17-inch seat you’ll find on most airlines, those extra centimetres make a real difference on a long-haul flight.

Most JAL wide-body aircraft use an 8-across (2-4-2) configuration in economy, instead of the tighter 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 layouts familiar elsewhere. Fewer seats per row mean more personal space and easier aisle access, small luxuries that add up on a nine-hour journey.

By contrast, Qantas economy seats typically measure 43–46 cm (17–18 inches) wide, with pitch around 79–81 cm (31–32 inches), depending on the aircraft. It’s still a solid full-service experience, but there’s no denying JAL’s layout gives you a bit more breathing room.

An unexpectedly thoughtful design for accessibility

Another detail that stood out at the briefing and one that genuinely impressed me was JAL’s approach to accessibility.

The airline has invested heavily in what they call an Accessibility Plan, including trained cabin crew, wheelchair assistance, and accessible lavatories that are notably larger than average.

If you or someone you travel with has mobility considerations or simply values space and ease of movement, JAL’s design sets a high benchmark.

Qantas also provides accessible facilities on its Dreamliner and A380 aircraft, but with its denser cabin configuration, the experience feels a little less open.

Comfort beyond the seat

Dining

JAL’s meals have long had a reputation for quality, and it shows. Menus are developed in collaboration with renowned chefs, balancing Japanese precision with Western favourites. Even in the economy, meals look to be well presented and portioned sensibly.

Qantas has also improved its economy dining in recent years — with larger trays and Australian-inspired dishes — but most reviewers agree the changes are incremental rather than transformational.

It's a shame Qantas lost the option for Japanese meals, which it introduced on the route with the Neil Perry team when I was in the Qantas Market Research department. It was a real hit with customers.

Entertainment & Service

Both airlines offer personal screens, a wide selection of movies, and Wi-Fi on long-haul routes. The real difference lies in service style.

Japan Airlines embodies omotenashi — a quiet, sincere hospitality that feels calm and attentive without being intrusive. It’s a tone that often helps travellers unwind before they even arrive.

Qantas, by comparison, offers its signature friendly, familiar warmth that Australians know well though once you’re in the air, it can feel a little more familiar than distinctive.

Upgrade opportunities worth knowing

One of the most practical tips, direct from the JAL sales team: airport upgrades from economy to premium economy can often be excellent value at AUD450 upon check-in only.

Arrive early, ask politely, and you might secure a significant comfort boost for less than you’d expect, particularly during quieter travel windows.

JAL’s Premium Economy is a true step up: more recline, larger screens, and a quieter, separate cabin section that genuinely improves the long-haul experience.

The only thing is that you will most likely still receive your normal economy meal service, as the meals are planned for the number of pre-booked premium travellers. Still, I would personally give it a try in a flash - it's great value.

Why it pays to book through a travel advisor

One of the advantages of working with a professional travel advisor — like us at Solo Travel Collective — is access. Because we maintain direct relationships with airline sales reps, we hear about product updates, seasonal campaigns, and upgrade opportunities before most travellers do.

That insider access means:

• We can confirm which aircraft types feature the Sky WIDER cabin.

• We can pre-request specific seats or accessible services.

• We can help you find those quiet upgrade windows when they appear.

For solo travellers, that level of detail can make a big difference — especially on journeys where comfort and peace of mind really matter.

Premium Economy: The Unsung Hero of Long-Haul Flying

If there’s one cabin that truly showcases the difference between Japan Airlines and Qantas, it’s Premium Economy. This is where JAL shines — and it’s not just marketing.

Japan Airlines Premium Economy

JAL’s Premium Economy offers one of the most generous layouts in the sky. Seat width: 48–49 cm (18.9–19.3 inches).Pitch: 107 cm (42 inches) — approaching business-class territory on some aircraft.

Seats recline with a sliding mechanism that preserves personal space, and each includes a footrest, leg rest, and privacy divider. Screens measure around 12.1 inches.

The cabin design is calm and deliberate — just a few rows, with dedicated crew and upgraded amenities like noise-cancelling headphones, premium blankets, and better meal service. It feels distinctly separate from economy — a genuine middle ground between comfort and value.

Qantas Premium Economy

Qantas Premium Economy, on the Boeing 787-9, has a slightly wider seat at 51 cm (20 inches) and a pitch of 96 cm (38 inches).It’s comfortable and well-finished, but the 2-3-2 layout means middle seats remain.

It’s a noticeable improvement from economy, yet the experience feels more practical than indulgent — efficient rather than serene. Where Qantas feels social and polished, JAL feels considered and quietly restful.

Premium Economy Comparison at a Glance

Feature	Japan Airlines (JAL)	Qantas Airways
Seat Width	48–49 cm (18.9–19.3 in)	51 cm (20 in)
Seat Pitch	107 cm (42 in)	96 cm (38 in)
Layout	2-4-2	2-3-2
Recline	Deep slide with leg rest	Standard with leg rest
Screen Size	12.1 in	13.3 in
Cabin Feel	Small, calm, private	Open, social
Amenities	Noise-cancelling headphones, upgraded meals, amenity kit	Pillow, blanket, upgraded meal
Overall Impression	Boutique-style comfort, true “step up”	Stylish but denser cabin layout

(Sources: Japan Airlines official website; Qantas.com; SeatGuru; 2024–25 fleet data.)

Why Premium Economy Might Be the Smartest Seat on the Plane

For travellers who want comfort without stretching to business class, Premium Economy is the sweet spot. On JAL, it’s treated as a true class of service with its own check-in, cabin, and crew. It feels more business-light than economy-plus.

For many of our clients — particularly those flying solo or long-haul to Japan — Premium Economy offers the right balance of comfort, space, and calm. And because we have direct airline contacts and fare alerts, we can often access opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.

How Japan Airlines compares with Qantas — at a glance

Feature	Japan Airlines (JAL)	Qantas Airways
Economy seat width	45–48 cm (17.7–18.9 in)	43–46 cm (17–18 in)
Economy seat pitch	86 cm (33.9 in)	79–81 cm (31–32 in)
Premium Economy width	48–49 cm (18.9–19.3 in)	51 cm (20 in)
Premium Economy pitch	107 cm (42 in)	96 cm (38 in)
Economy layout	2-4-2	3-3-3 or 3-4-3
Premium Economy layout	2-4-2	2-3-2
Accessibility	Larger lavatories, trained crew	Available on select aircraft
Dining	Chef-designed menus	Australian-style menus
Upgrade options	Frequent airport upgrades	Primarily via points
Service style	“Omotenashi” hospitality	Familiar Australian warmth

Why does this matter if you’re heading to Japan

Japan has never been more popular, and winter flights are filling fast. Whether you’re planning to ski in Hokkaido, soak in an onsen in Nagano, or explore Tokyo’s design scene, the way you get there sets the tone for the whole experience.

Japan Airlines is a standout for travellers who value comfort, accessibility, and the kind of quiet care that makes long-haul flying more enjoyable. Qantas remains a strong, reliable favourite with excellent connections and loyalty benefits — but if you haven’t flown JAL before, this might be the season to try it.

FAQs

Is Japan Airlines Premium Economy worth the upgrade? Yes — especially for long-haul flights. The seat comfort, space, and quieter cabin make a tangible difference.

Can I pre-book an accessible seat or wheelchair service? Absolutely. JAL has a detailed Accessibility Plan. We can coordinate this directly when booking.

When is the best time to find Premium Economy upgrade offers? Early-season flights (late November to mid-December) and shoulder dates often have the best airport upgrade availability.

Which aircraft have the Sky WIDER economy cabin?Most JAL Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft on Australia–Japan routes. We can check the exact configuration when booking.