PARIS TO TOKYO: Japan Airlines First Class

Online check-in wasn't available because of Japan's entry requirements around proof of vaccination

- John Walton

Check-in

Since the country's reopening, travelers need to spend some time getting to know the Visit Japan web system several days before their flight. Its separate QR codes function as proof of vaccination, immigration and customs forms. The authorities validate each stage online before moving on to the next, meaning everyone must check back in an hour or two to see whether the documents have been accepted. Overall, it took an afternoon (on and off) to complete all the steps, with a couple of issues needing to be resolved. Top tip: Do this on your smartphone and make a note of your login somewhere that is easy to access. At the airport, there was no line for First Class, with multilingual staff quickly scanning my Visit Japan QR vaccination code, affixing luggage tags to my bag, and issuing my boarding pass.

Boarding

Slightly frustratingly, the airline did not post a 30-minute boarding delay on the airport screens, so I ended up cooling my heels at the gate. However, despite a delay in boarding, First Class had a separate boarding door, which quickly started the serenity of Japan Airlines' First Class.

The Seat

The airline's First Class cabin-available on all its Boeing 777-300ERs, which fly long-haul routes including to the U.S. and Europe-is called the JAL Suite. Even though it doesn't have doors, it's still very private. I've flown it before and enjoy it, mainly because everything is elegantly simple, with a minimum of flashy bells and whistles.

There's ample storage, including space for large carry-ons beneath the seat in front and large side compartments for handbags, phones and so on. It's infinitely adjustable from fully upright to fully flat, with a great leg rest that allows you to choose a variety of positions as you nestle your way to and from Tokyo.