Review: Japan Airlines JAL37 Business Class Sky Suite III Boeing 787-9 Tokyo HND to Singapore SIN

My flight originated at Okinawa Naha Airport (OKA) in one booking to Singapore with Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) layover. The layover time was only 1 hour 45 minutes, and Tokyo Haneda airport is definitely one of the busiest airports in the world. 

Upon arriving at Tokyo Haneda airport, I had to take a bus from domestic to international terminal 3 and clear security and immigration. The line at the security was super long, thankfully, I asked the JAL agent, and she was so helpful in telling me about the Face Express lane. Register your boarding pass with your eligible passport and facial biometrics to use that lane. After that, you go through the Face Express lane that puts you ahead of many people in the queues, closer to the security scanning machines. Therefore, if you are checking in or connecting through Tokyo Haneda Airport, make sure to do that if you have an eligible passport. 

Lounge Access

Boarding with Japan Airlines at Gate 133 for Singapore-bound is via a shuttle bus. The bus must transport everyone to the plane, and Group 2 is the priority group for Business Class passengers and other oneworld elite members. 

I like that the Japan Airlines 787-9 aircraft features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. So that everyone has direct aisle access. I picked a 13K window seat at the back for privacy. 

JAL Sky Suite III seat pod is a bit tight and hard to move around. The lack of compartments is also an issue. 

While the reverse herringbone seats offer privacy, the open pod design of JAL Sky Suite still feels a bit not completely private without a door. 

Back in the old days, these types of business class seats would be amazing, but nowadays, with business class seats coming with doors, the Boeing Dreamliner 787-9 seats fall slightly behind and not cutting edge. Regardless, it was a comfortable seat to sit and lounge, which beats economy seats. 

I also like the window shade that can be controlled. However, the shoulder-strapped seat belt has always been my least favorite seatbelt on the plane. 

Once the seat belt sign was turned off after departing, the flight attendant handed out towels. 

After that, she came back and took drinks and food orders. I decided to go with plum wine and the Japanese menu. 

The plum wine was very good! They offered the wine and a bag of rice crackers. 

Then comes the appetizer with a bento 5-compartment setting. 

After that was the main course. 

Then followed by a green tea and matcha red bean dessert. 

For snacks, I decided to go with Chanpon de Sky. What I did not realize was that it was a cup of noodles. Although it’s JAL’s original Chanpon de Sky, I did not find it any special. So I would not recommend getting it. It’s basically a cup of noodles with a seafood flavor. 

The seat, when turned into a lie-flat position, is comfortable. There are also pillows and blankets provided on the seat. What I found interesting is the overhead bin above my seat, 13K. They actually store more pillows and blankets. So it’s convenient for me to just grab another pillow. 

The crew service on the flight was nice and friendly. I had no problems with this area, but all I can say is I have experienced better crew service though. Sitting at the back of the cabin tends to receive slower services, but that’s expected. Most crews were friendly, and a couple crews were not. 

Blankets and pillows are provided, including a sleepwear jacket. 

Slippers and a shoehorn are also provided, and a pouch with amenities such as a moisture mask, ear plugs, eyes mask, and a toothbrush. 

Before Landing

Inari Sushi

I redeemed 25,000 Alaska Airlines miles to fly between Japan and Singapore plus $40.60, which also includes Alaska’s $12 partner fees, for a one-way business class ticket with Japan Airlines.

This redemption remains one of the best redemptions in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Program. Be creative and find a long distant flight between Southeast and East Asia so that you can enjoy the flight experience in Business Class longer. Japan Airlines is your best bet, so you’ll have to layover in Tokoyo if it’s not your final destination. Backtracking is possible, too; for example, you can fly from Cambodia to Singapore via Tokyo with Japan Airlines. The flight will be longer than a direct flight from Cambodia to Singapore but will give you plenty of time to enjoy JAL Business Class products, such as this JAL Sky Suite on the Dreamliner Boeing 787!