I recently flew business class on the Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 MNL-NRT flight from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Tokyo Narita Airport. This Japan Airlines business class review will talk about seats, food, amenities and so on. I had booked this flight for 37,000 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles along with 235HKD (about USD$25)
(SEE ALSO: Messing Up A Cathay Pacific Award Flight (And How I Changed It For Free))
This was a midmorning departure from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, so we spent a bit of time in the Marhaba lounge before heading to the gate and boarding our Japan Airlines Business Class flight on a Boeing 787-800.
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class MNL-NRT Details
- Airline: Japan Airlines
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-800 (B778)
- Cabin: Business, 2-2-2 configuration
- Origin: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- Destination: Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- Distance: 1,894 miles
- Departure Time: 9:55 a.m.
- Arrival Time: 3:09 p.m. (+1 hour time difference)
- Total Flight Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Flight date: April 4, 2026
- Seat: 8H (aisle seat on the right side in the 2-2-2 configuration)
Japan Airlines Business Lounge Access and Japan Airlines Boarding Process
Japan Airlines passengers have access to the Marhaba lounge at MNL, which is upstairs from the main departure level. The Marhaba lounge is also open to Priority Pass customers, though if you are a Japan Airlines (or Air Canada) business class passenger, you are directed to the right side of the lounge which has (marginally) better amenities. We spent about an hour there before our flight before heading to the gate.
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class Seats Manila to Tokyo
I had selected seat 8H and 8K for my wife and I, which are forward facing aisle seats on the right side of the plane. With a 2-2-2 configuration, most of the window seats require you to step over someone to access the aisle. This was fine for us as we were traveling together, but could be frustrating if you are traveling alone.
There were reading lights near our seat.
As well as controls at the seat to adjust the positioning. The seat does recline to a fully-flat position, though on such a short daytime flight, I kept it in just a partially reclined state
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class Entertainment
There is a large screen at your seat showing a variety of different entertainment. The entertainment had a pretty wide selection of movies, TV shows and other entertainment.
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class Review – Amenities
At our seat was an amenity kit with a standard array of toiletries as well as a sleep mask, face covering earplugs. Slippers were also included.
There was also a headset which I found to be pretty comfortable.
The windows near the seats had a dimming feature that allowed you to keep the shade open but dim the amount of light that came through the window, which I thought was a nice feature.
There was Japan Airlines business class wifi, and a day or so before our flight, we were both emailed a voucher code for complimentary Japan Airlines business class wifi access. The wifi speed was nothing amazing but enough to do light browsing and email.
Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class MNL-NRT Food
On such a short flight, there was only one meal served, shortly after takeoff. I had the chicken cordon bleu, which was excellent.
My wife had preselected the Asian / Vegetarian meal, which she also said was good.
Dessert was next – I had the chocolate mousse, which was outstanding.
The Japan Airlines MNL-NRT Business Class food was okay and I would definitely fly Japan Airlines business class again.
The Bottom Line – Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class Review Manila to Tokyo
My Japan Airlines Boeing 787-800 Business Class review is that it was a solid option, with a comfortable lie-flat seat and excellent food. If you have the chance to fly Japan Airlines Business Class on the Boeing 787-800, I would definitely recommend it.
Have you flown Japan Airlines Business Class on the Boeing 787-800? Leave your thoughts in the comments below
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Dan Miller travels with his wife and 6 (SIX!) children. He loves to help families travel for free / cheap, especially larger families. If you are looking for help, drop him an email at
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