Planning a trip to Japan? It’s never a bad time to visit this dynamic country, packed with cultural attractions, unique cuisine, incredible scenery and a vibe that’s all its own. Aside from choosing what to see, what to eat and where to stay, you also have to pick how you’ll get there. Since Japan is an island, that leaves you with two options: plane or boat. Most people opt for plane.
There are several air carriers taking international travelers to Japan each day, but they’re not all created equal. Aside from safety and convenience, you need to look for a carrier that puts the overall customer experience first. After all, a direct flight from the United States is a whopping 11+ hours (on average).
Whether you’re planning to travel in first class or economy, you can’t go wrong with Japan Airlines. The national carrier of Japan, this airline checks all the boxes when it comes to a stellar safety record, passenger comfort, staff service and so much more.
Before you book flights and start to pack your bags, do a little research on which airline you’re choosing to take you there. Read on to learn all about why Japan Airlines should be your first choice when traveling to Japan.
What is Japan Airlines?
Founded in 1951, Japan Airlines is an international airline and the second-largest carrier in the country. It’s Japan’s flag carrier, making it the national airline of Japan, a title it’s held since 1953.
Aside from its preferred status given by the Japanese government, Japan Airlines has cemented an incredible reputation among its customers. From the quality of its airplanes and onboard product, to staff service, amenities, food, cleanliness and more, Japan Airlines sets the bar high for carriers around the world. It was even ranked among the top 15 airlines worldwide in 2022.
If you’re traveling to Japan—whether for business or pleasure—you can’t go wrong when you choose Japan Airlines. You’re bound to get to where you’re going, in comfort and convenience, with plenty of support from the airline along the way. From the moment you book tickets, to your first step on the plane, to the final approach and your arrival in Japan, you’ll be happy you flew Japan Airlines.
Japan Airlines safety ratings (and more)
Japan Airlines is well-known as one of the premier carriers worldwide—not just in Japan. Across the board, the company’s received impressive ratings, reflecting the carrier’s dedication to a perfect flying experience, every time.
One thing that sets the airline apart from the rest is that every seat is comfortable and every customer is valued, whether you’re in first class or economy. Here’s why Japan Airlines gets perfect ratings in so many of the most important criteria:
Safety Rating. Since its founding, Japan Airlines has held an impressive safety record, one that few carriers can match. They’ve experienced very few safety incidents throughout the company’s history, thanks to their complete commitment to customer safety. From investing in new safety technologies to comprehensive staff training, the robust safety and security systems in place give fliers peace of mind every time they fly Japan Airlines.
Product Rating. Japan Airlines offers a great overall value for your money. Whether you’re flying first class or economy, you can expect a high level of staff attention throughout your journey. They offer a full-service experience, including in-flight entertainment, checked baggage, meals, beverages and other comforts in the ticket price. What’s more, Japan airlines is known for its fee transparency, which means you won’t find yourself saddled with hidden costs or extra fees you didn’t account for.
Customer Satisfaction. When it comes to overall customer satisfaction, Japan Airlines gets top marks across the board. From speed and timing of onboard service to language skills, friendliness and personalization of service, Japan Airlines consistently ranks at the top of the pack not just in terms of Japanese airlines, but all worldwide carriers. One of the airline’s claims to fame is World’s Best Economy Class and Best Economy Class Airline Seat—that means even passengers on long-haul flights can count on a comfortable, pleasant experience. Very few other carriers can boast the same feat.
Reviews of Japan airlines consistently mention these three variables: safety, value and satisfaction. That said, they also mention a number of other valuable attributes that aren’t to be overlooked! Convenience in booking, friendliness and attentiveness of staff, and the general cleanliness and orderliness of the airline are all contributors to its more-than-stellar rating.
Comfort is king while flying to Japan
As mentioned, the flight to Japan can be upwards of 11 hours when flying direct from the United States. Depending on where you originally depart from, layovers could push your travel time as high as 15 hours! Needless to say, when you’re finally on a flight over the Pacific Ocean, you want comfort—both for your mind and body. Japan Airlines is well-reputed for offering exactly that.
Expect comfortable seats with better-than-average legroom when flying Japan Airlines, as well as headrests and arm cushions that help you settle in for the long flight ahead. Don’t forget about food and in-flight entertainment, as well! Japan Airlines’ food is routinely described as “above average” by patrons, and the airline has even begun offering meals that were curated in partnership with restaurants in Japan, for a truly authentic onboard meal.
Finally, when it comes to comfort, Japan Airlines goes above and beyond to meet the expectations of passengers with extras and perks. For instance, you can request a neck pillow or eye mask on some overnight flights, to help you drift off to dreamland in the upright position. Some flights also offer soothing wet towels, for those who might have anxiety about the flight.
Japan Airlines has decades of excellence
Of course, safety is of the utmost priority when it comes to air travel. Since its founding in 1951, Japan Airlines has held a stellar safety record, with an extremely low number of issues over the past four decades. Compared to major global airlines, nearly all of which report a variety of safety incidents each year, Japan Airlines has almost none.
How does Japan Airlines maintain such an impressive safety rating? The answer lies in a combination of factors. For one thing, the company invests heavily in maintaining a modern fleet. Japan Airlines’ fleet has an average age of just 10.9 years old, with several new jets currently on order.
Japan Airlines also has a rigorous program that supports daily flight safety. Staff know, understand and execute the duties and responsibilities necessary to ensure a safe flight, every time. There’s more than just a 30-second safety demonstration before takeoff—attendants and other personnel have comprehensive knowledge of the plane and what to do in the event that something goes wrong.
Simply put: safety is at the core of everything Japan Airlines does. They reflect that commitment by providing safe, secure flights in any situation, offering a comfortable journey that customers can enjoy with complete peace of mind.
Read more about Japan Airlines’ safety standards
Japan Airlines reinforces their dedication to safety by investing in the latest safety technologies. They’ve adopted various devices and equipment to keep every flight secure, including a traffic alert system, enhanced ground proximity warning system and so much more. These planes are truly state-of-the-art.
This carrier also leads the way when it comes to maintenance. With a skilled team of maintenance engineers—including line maintenance and aircraft inspectors—every member works meticulously to ensure the safety of every customer by maintaining the integrity and airworthiness of the plane itself. From aircraft inspections between flights to engine maintenance, every task is performed with care and precision.
Japan Airlines’ maintenance team is so skilled that other airlines rely on their services to keep their fleets safe, too. The team provides services to more than 50 other airlines, both domestic and international, including line maintenance, aircraft inspections, engine maintenance, accessory maintenance and more. They’re the best at what they do, and they have the backing of competing airlines to prove it.
Fly Japan Airlines with confidence!
If you’re traveling to Japan, make sure your trip has a perfect start and finish by choosing Japan Airlines. With a stellar safety record and a total commitment to passenger comfort and convenience from gate to gate, Japan Airlines is the first choice for international travelers looking to touch down in Japan.
When you consider that flights from the United States, South America and Europe all average upwards of 10-12 hours one-way, it pays to book tickets on an airline that will prioritize your safety, comfort and peace of mind. Remember, how you get to Japan can set the tone for your first experiences in the country. Japan Airlines knows this, and goes above and beyond to make sure your experience is the best it can be.
Whether you’re flying over for vacation or relocating to start the next chapter of your life, book with Japan Airlines and enjoy a pleasant journey!
