✈️ Unlocking Japan Airlines' Domestic First Class Secrets
Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we explore the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and today we're going to talk about something really exciting - Japan Airlines' domestic First Class routes. Yes, you heard that right, domestic First Class. While we often focus on international premium cabins, Japan Airlines offers a proper First Class service on several domestic routes, which is increasingly rare worldwide. So, let's dive into where you can find these premium seats. All of Japan Airlines' domestic First Class routes operate from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and they include Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Okinawa, Ishigaki, which is a seasonal service, Hiroshima, and Kagoshima. Plus, there's one additional route from Osaka to Okinawa. What makes Japan Airlines' domestic First Class special is that it offers dedicated check-in counters, except at Hiroshima, Kagoshima, and Ishigaki airports, priority security lanes, lounge access, a 45 kilogram baggage allowance, priority boarding and deplaning, and enhanced catering with seasonal meals from well-known Japanese restaurants. And, if you're crediting your miles to Japan Airlines' Mileage Bank, you'll get a 50% bonus. Now, here's where it gets interesting for us points collectors - you can book these seats using Avios. While availability can be tight, you can check using our Smart Redemptions tool. These short domestic hops can offer excellent value, especially if you're looking to experience First Class without breaking the bank. I think that while domestic First Class might seem excessive for such short flights, Japan's impressive attention to detail and service standards make these routes intriguing. For those doing a multi-city tour of Japan, booking First Class on longer domestic segments, like Tokyo to Okinawa, could be a great way to make your journey more comfortable, especially if you're connecting from a long-haul flight. If you're planning to book one of these routes, here are a few tips - book early, as Japanese domestic routes can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Consider using Avios for these routes, as the redemption rates can be quite reasonable. Don't forget your Airalo eSIM for easy navigation between terminals, and use our Flight Seatmap tool to pick the best seat in the cabin. Given Japan's increasing popularity, these premium domestic routes offer an interesting way to enhance your Japanese travel experience. Plus, with Japan Airlines' commitment to service excellence, it's a chance to experience something quite different from European domestic business class. If you've flown Japan Airlines' domestic First Class, or are planning to, I'd love to hear your experiences. Thanks for listening to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to hear more about travelling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms, or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk. Safe travels, and we'll catch you in the next episode.
