JAL or AA business--LAX to TKO
 

We're organizing our flights to Japan this July and costs are very similar with either airlines on the way out. Which business class do you prefer AA or JAL? I've read such mixed reviews and thought I would ask Fodorites instead. Thanks,

It looks like AA is running refurbished 777-200s on the Narita route, with 1-2-1 seating in business class, while the seat maps for JAL show 2-3-2 business class seating on both their 772s and 773s operating the same route.

While I've found JAL's in-flight service in business slightly superior to AA's, the more spacious seat and having aisle access from every seat in business class would definitely tip the balance in AA's favor.

Gardyloo,

Thanks so much! It makes me want to look at AA from Osaka to LA too. I'll see if they run that route. This is sooo helpful.

AA doesn't fly from Osaka to the US, although they codeshare on the JAL nonstop. However the JAL flight from KIX to LAX is operated with a 787 with 2-2-2 seating, so if you sit in the middle you'll each have an aisle. The 787's higher cabin pressure should also really help on this long flight.

Great to know! So, I'll book AA on the way from LAX to Narita and JAL from KIX to LAX.

I flew JAL biz to Narita a few years back and the seats were not lie flat. The food wasn't very good, either, and they didn't put tarps over the luggage even though we landed in a rain storm.

I flew AA from Narita in the new biz class seats last fall. They were lie flat, but I found them cramped and uncomfortable. Service was fine, though.

If you have a third choice I might take it, otherwise I'd pick AA.

Doesn't Singapore fly LAX to NRT? It did when we were setting up flights last year.