Originally Posted by LapLap

I do the same as you but my departing airport is London.

In order to be able to continue travelling to Japan for long visits every year we fly Economy.

As someone who has flown Economy between the U.K. and Japan with (barring Cathay Pacific) all the airlines you’ve listed (and quite a few more) I’d actively select Air China as one of the better, certainly not crappier, choices. Then again, for context, BA is my home airline. Just so you know, worst was Alitalia.

I’ll confirm that BA PE should remain absent from your list.

About 12 years ago, through a mis hap (my own fault), a home to destination itinerary that should have taken 16 hours took 28 hours. I was travelling alone with a 4 year old. It completely changed my preferences and priorities for travelling Eastbound between England and Japan. The surprise was that the extended journey virtually eliminated jet lag - a major problem when you arrive with an internal clock that is violently different from your child’s and different again from the in-law you are staying with. The discomfort of the journey was entirely offset by the benefits of being (almost) immediately time adjusted.

Since I’ve come to prefer longer routes my ideal would be to fly with China Air and have as long a layover as possible in Taipei. EVA Air would be great for the same reason, but EVA’s route network makes it less likely.

For a long route with air cabin comfort as the main goal, JAL now flies to Dubai. I’m sure there are interesting PE opportunities if you are prepared to transfer there.