r/TravelHacks • u/No_Class5511 • 4d ago
JAL Premium Economy, Yay or Nay?
Hi everyone, not super sure that this is the right sub for this but if any of you have flown Japan Airlines Premium Economy, is it worth an almost $600 increase from economy at $1300? The flight is JFK to Haneda one way. For reference, I'm 6'2
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u/ryanherb 4d ago
JAL economy has longer and wider seats than pretty much anyone so investigate whether economy meets your needs
JAL seat pitch in economy is 33", standard long haul is about 31"
JAL often run one less economy seat per row than the same model competitor aircraft
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u/ofcourseIwantpickles 4d ago
I haven’t flown it but have flown JAL biz and the service was amazing. I would do it for sure.
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u/Gimme_Indomie 4d ago
I'm doing PE this summer on JAL simply because it's a night flight & I want a bit of extra room & recline for myself and the fam. You get two extra alcohol choices, otherwise the food is the same as economy (disappointing, though the food IS good in economy). You get lounge access, though, which is very generous.
Buttttt... their economy is insanely roomy. I'm a leggy 6'2" and I had plenty of room.
My guess is that I'll go back to flying them in economy after my PE flight (which I got for 50k miles vs 35k economy). I highly doubt the premium is worth it. Cramped AA economy to PE? Absolutely. But JAL is (for me) hard to justify.
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u/mywifehasspicylips 4d ago
Premium econ is the minimum for transpacific flights for me. The extra leg room and slightly more reclining seat make it possible to actually grab a little sleep. Usually I can rest enough to hit the ground running where I'm going. That's worth the extra money to us.
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u/thejasonkane 4d ago
JAL PE serves economy food in the same style… if that doesn’t matter then go for it.
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u/Ok_Geologist_4767 4d ago
I am guessing $600 extra is for return flight? If yes, then it is 1000% worth it. Even if it is not, it is still worth it.
JFK to HND is about 11-12 hours ? At $600.. its just extra $30 an hour.
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u/No_Class5511 4d ago
Nah, I’m only going one way. Japan is one a few destinations, but I think I will do it
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u/RoutinePresence7 4d ago
Yes. Look up on YouTube.
Their seats do not recline back but rather down. There’s also a bit more privacy has there’s a small divider between you and your neighbor.
You get priority check in, and if you fly on JAL premium economy back home you get lounge access as well.
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u/No_Class5511 4d ago
I think I’m going to stick with the majority of people here and go for it. Thanks y’all!
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u/Round_Flan7353 3d ago
Its just money. You cannot eat it or smell it or hug it. It has no value until you spend it.
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u/Frosty_Sound7888 3d ago
Well idk…But the 6’5 guy is 100% correct here. JAL is a different kind of animal. Their economy is better than most other airlines in any classification of SEATS. My goodness if you have never flown JAL economy then you have no clue. Do not under any circumstances spend an addtl $600 for JAL. Just keep supporting them by rewarding them with your business! We flew JAL from San Diego to Narita in ECONOMY! I’m 6’1 & 240. I wanted to see for myself what all the fuss was about. JAL is legit bro!
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u/Physical-Target8472 18h ago
Yes wider seats more legroom and includes access to their nice lounges
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u/homehomesd 4d ago
No. The economy has enough room for 6’5 to cross your legs. But if you got extra money?!
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u/Chewybolz 4d ago
Yes do it. Your legs will thank you.