I flew in Japan Airlines' retro "JAL Suite" with my wife and toddler for 10 hours and it was one of my favorite flights yet.
Courtesy of T.J. Dunn
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.
