My wife and I just tried JAL's new domestic first class on December 31st, and I thought I'd share some thoughts here.

Overall I give the new service ^^^. This is a first class that is actually worth paying for (a real rarity in this industry). Probably the best domestic first class product in the world, with the possible exception of premium transcon services in the US.

First class passengers departing from Haneda airport are given access to the Diamond Premier Lounge, which until now was only available to top-tier JAL elites and Oneworld Emerald members. As many of you probably know, the Diamond Premier Lounge has its own security checkpoint inside the lounge. The lounge itself is wonderful. Extremely quiet and uncrowded. The atmosphere is much more exclusive than the Sakura Lounges. The only shortcoming is the lack of food offerings, but Japanese airlines for some reason never offer real food in their domestic lounges.

Now, on to the flight. The first class seats are very... how shall I put it... classy. Very well-designed and attractive. The layout is 2-2-2 on the 777, and seat pitch is 50 inches. There is a small partition between the two seats in each pair for added privacy, but it is not so large that it prevents you from seeing or talking to your seatmate if you want to talk. The armrest console is extremely wide, and due to the partition each passenger has exclusive access to his/her own very wide armrest. The tray tables are enormous. The seats recline quite far (for a domestic first class seat) and have comfy footrests.

Other amenities: noise canceling headphones, slippers, and menus. Yes, menus on a 1-hour flight. On every flight (regardless of time of day) There is a selection of several different kinds of food, including a small bento meal, selection of cheeses, cake, and a light sandwich. Of course everything is served on nice china and carried to each seat individually. My wife had champagne and cheese, and I had champagne and the cake, followed by coffee. The quality of the food is excellent.

The flight attendants were extremely attentive, friendly, and professional. The head flight attendant greeted each passenger individually by name and introduced herself.

All in all a great flying experience. And the cost is only 8,000 Yen more each way than a coach ticket. Interestingly, JAL does not offer any mileage awards or upgrade instruments for first class. Every passenger in first class has paid for it. (The only exception is if you're on an award ticket and want to stand by for first class on the day of travel by paying the 8,000 Yen surcharge to fly first class on a space-available basis. But even then you have to pay the surcharge.) And a quick check of several random dates shows that first class is selling very well, as it seems to be going out full on most flights.

JAL really has a winner in this new product. Should give all those smug JAL-bashers in the ANA forum a real run for their money...