FLYING in economy usually makes you think of leg pain thanks to limited space.
But one airline’s economy seats are known for having the opposite.
Japan Airlines is often considered as having one of the best and most spacious economy seats in the world, having won the Skytrax award for ‘Best Economy Class Airline Seat’ for six consecutive years.
For example, Japan Airlines has a seat pitch – that’s the distance between seats – of up to 86cm.
Other airlines usually have up to a maximum of 81cm.
The seats are also wider on a Japan Airlines flight, with the Boeing 787 Dreamliners using a 2-4-2 configuration, rather than 3-3-3.
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This allows each seat to have an extra 5cm of room, reaching up to 48cm in total width.
There’s more room between armrests as well, ranging from 45cm to 48cm.
Seats also have 13-inch 4K entertainment screens, adjustable headrests, power outlets and built-in cup holders.
The food on board is next level too, as Japan Airlines collaborates with leading Japanese restaurants to create their in-flight meals.
And Brits can experience this as well…
Japan Airlines runs long-haul flights from London Heathrow to a number of destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Okinawa.
Japan Airlines flights from the UK usually start from around £700 return.
Last year, travel writer Jacob Lewis tried out the first cabin seats with built-in speakers, which were on Japan Airlines aircraft.
He said: “Settling into my private business class suite, I felt nervous as I queued up The Super Mario Bros Movie on my massive 24-inch 4K monitor.
“But it turns out my fears of disturbing my neighbours‘ peace were unfounded.
“Even with explosions raging at full volume through the headrest speakers, you couldn’t hear a peep from the aisle.
“I thoroughly tested this theory by enthusiastically blasting some aggressively peppy J-pop, but again, the audio seemed to be tuned perfectly to keep it confined to my seat.
“The speakers will truly come into their own if you’re the kind who likes to fall asleep to music or a movie.”
He also added that the rest of the cabin felt futuristic.
He said: “Each seat now comes with fully closing doors featuring translucent panels that feel private without being claustrophobic.
“There’s wireless charging built right into the console (no more wrestling with cables mid-flight) and a handy wardrobe space to store your shoes before you step inside, Japanese style, along with your jacket.
“The seat itself features pressure-dispersing cushions that make you forget you’re in an airplane seat at all, and the cabin crew will fetch a nice squishy memory foam-style mattress when it’s time to sleep.”
Skytrax’s best economy class airline seats 2025
- Japan Airlines
- Cathay Pacific Airways
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- ANA All Nippon Airways
- Emirates
- STARLUX Airlines
- China Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
In other airline news, British Airways launches £2 flights to two European destinations – with a catch.
Plus, British Airways launches European holiday sale with 25% off flights and £200 off breaks – here are the best deals.
