Japan Airlines Premium Economy Review on Boeing 787-9

Long-haul flights can be brutal in standard economy, but business class prices can be hard to justify. That’s where premium economy comes in.

Premium economy sits in the sweet spot between the two. You get wider seats, more legroom, better food, and a quieter cabin without paying thousands for a lie-flat seat.

I love flying premium economy on long-haul flights. It makes the journey far more comfortable, especially on overnight routes or flights over 8 hours.

On our recent trip to Japan, we flew Japan Airlines Premium Economy on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Osaka to Los Angeles. Here’s what the experience was like, including the seats, food, lounge access, and whether I think it’s worth booking.

How to Book It

There are several ways to book premium economy on Japan Airlines, either with cash or with points. For this flight, we booked using 50,000 miles through American Airlines AAdvantage, which partners with Japan Airlines through the Oneworld Alliance.

If you’re using points, American Airlines miles are often the easiest option to find availability. Alaska Atmos Rewards is another popular airline that may also have availability, though pricing varies by program.

If you are reading this before March 31, 2026, you can also search on JetBlue’s Best Fare Finder for award redemptions. Their partnership will end after this date.

Of course, you can also book directly through Japan Airlines using cash. Premium economy fares are still typically much cheaper than business class.

Departing Osaka: Terminal Transfer and Lounge Access

Our flight departed from Kansai International Airport in Osaka.

One perk that really stood out with this ticket was lounge access. Premium economy passengers flying Japan Airlines can enter the Sakura Lounge before departure.

This is a particularly nice benefit because most airlines offer lounge access only to business or first-class passengers. Japan Airlines extends that perk to premium economy travelers, which feels like an extra bonus before a long flight.

Note: If you’re flying international out of Osaka, you will need to take a train to the lounge in the South Wing.

The Sakura Lounge had a comfortable atmosphere with plenty of seating, massage chairs, food and drink options, and even a smoking area. Make sure you try the beef curry, it’s a popular food item! It was a relaxing place to unwind before boarding, making the airport experience feel a bit more elevated.

JAL Sky Premium Economy Seats

The premium economy cabin on the Boeing 787-9 definitely felt more spacious, especially in the bulkhead, with plenty of legroom. The seats are wider and offer more recline, which is especially helpful on long flights.

However, there is one important thing to know about the bulkhead row. We chose bulkhead seating because it offers extra legroom, but there are a couple of trade-offs that are worth mentioning.

Bulkhead seats do not have a footrest, while regular premium economy seats typically include one. If you need a footrest for sleeping or relaxing, the bulkhead may not be the best choice.

Another difference is the entertainment screen. Because there isn’t a seat in front of you, the screen is stored in the armrest instead. This means you cannot use the screen during takeoff or landing, as it must remain stowed.

While the extra legroom was nice, I would probably choose a regular premium economy seat next time so I could use the footrest and have the entertainment screen available throughout the entire flight.

Dining and Service

The dining experience in premium economy was definitely a step above what you would typically receive in economy.

Shortly after takeoff, we were offered drinks, and we started with sake and sparkling wine, which felt like the perfect way to kick off the long flight back to the United States. The meal service included a full hot entrée, sides, and dessert, and everything was nicely presented.

To finish the meal, we were served Häagen-Dazs ice cream, which was a fun and satisfying treat at the end of the service.

The service throughout the flight was excellent. The flight attendants were friendly, attentive, and polite. It’s something Japan Airlines is known for, and the hospitality on this flight really stood out.

Entertainment and Amenities

Each premium economy seat includes a large personal entertainment screen, headphones, and a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music.

The in-flight entertainment system had a good mix of international and Hollywood content, making it easy to pass the time during the long journey across the Pacific.

Premium economy passengers also receive pillows, blankets, slippers, eye masks, and an amenity kit, which adds another layer of comfort for a long-haul flight

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think Japan Airlines Premium Economy is an excellent choice for long-haul travel.

The larger seats, extra legroom, upgraded meals, and lounge access all make the flight much more comfortable than standard economy. It’s a great middle ground if you want a more enjoyable experience without spending the points or cash required for business class.

If you can find this flight for 50,000 American Airlines miles, it’s a steal! For that price, the added comfort, food, and lounge access felt completely worth it.

If I were booking again, I would probably skip the bulkhead seats and choose a regular premium economy seat so I could use the footrest and the entertainment screen throughout the flight.