JL business vs. AA first
 

For my DONE5, I can fly ORD-NRT in either JL (D) or AA (A w/ upgrade). Although I'm willing to use the miles to upgrade that leg, I'd only do so if First Class on AA is substantially better than Business Class on JL. Can anyone compare? Thanks. (If I'm not upgrading the leg, I presume that D on JL is superior to D on AA.)

(Although this seems like a OneWorld question, a mod should feel free to move it if it belongs in the AA forum.)

arent AA/JL F flatbed and J lieflat?

i presume CX via HKG wouldnt work. that might have flatbed in J.

The JL 009/010 flights between NRT and ORD have the shell seats in J, which are flat but not horizontal. The AA J seats are also flat but not horizontal in J, and IMO are far inferior to the JL seats. Both AA and JL have horizontal seats in F. The importance of flat vs horizontal could be a significant factor in your decision.

Otherwise, I think AA F is generally a little better than JL J, but for me it's not enough to pay for with $ or miles. If AA miles are important, you get more flying AA than JL.

JL J (D) is far, far better than AA J (D).

Thanks very much for the responses. Given that we're going to be flying for around 24 hours (from either GRU or EZE up to ORD or DFW, and then on to NRT), I may splurge for the upgrade on AA for the second half (the trip from South America is only two-class service).