Today we’re leaving Japan. Our first leg of the trip is between Osaka’s ITM and HND with JAL. From there we’re going to be riding with Delta to Atlanta. Interestingly Delta’s sells this route as a single ticket with JAL operating the intra-Japan flights. For me, this is a huge plus as I don’t much like unprotected connections, but do still use them.
Flying in Japan is extremely efficient and even on golden week, organized. Riding on JAL’s wide-body 767 is super fun on such a short route. Even in economy the plane is very comfortable, but then again, this flight is less than 2 hours. I also liked that this flight departed from Itami Osaka Airport, it’s closer to the city than KIX. This is the third domestic Japanese flight we took with JAL this trip, the first was on the Japan Airlines 737-800 in J-Class(Full review), the first was with Japan Airlines on their ATR42, flying backwards(full review). My advice, safe the money and just fly economy on JAL domestic flights.
Bottom Line: Don’t expect over the top service, but JAL’s 767-300 in economy is punctual, pleasant, and efficient. The widebody layout is very welcome and super comfortable.
JAL 767-300 Boarding ITM
The gate area at ITM with our 767-300 waiting in the background.
Boarding started right on time 2:10 for a 2:30 departure. It’s really crazy that here in Japan a completely full 767-300 can be boarded in less than 10 minutes. In the US that would take a full 45 minutes.
JAL boards by group, today we’re in Group 4. The process is very orderly, everyone stays sitting until their group is called, there are two lines where you can scan your boarding pass. Pay attention, this process goes very quickly.
JAL 767-300 Economy Cabin
We boarded with our group and found our seats on the left hand side of the plane.
The 2-3-2 seating arrangement on the 767 great. Especially with two passengers on the 2 seat section near the window.
We put our large bags overhead and our back packs under the seats. One issue with most 767s is the overhead bins are somewhat limited in comparison with a standard narrowbody like a 737 or a larger widebody like the A350. My very legal sized pelican is the only bag that could fit in this bin.
JAL 767-300 Economy Seats
Leg room in the JAL 767 is pretty good in economy. Even with my backpack stored under the seat, I have enough space.
The JAL 767 doesn’t have in seat entertainment on these short haul flights.
There are controls in the arm rest for listening to audio programs, the overhead lights, and flight attendant call button.
Below the seat, there was a power port. It had both USB type A and type C, but there was no AC power.
Within 13 minutes the entire plane was boarded and the door was shut. I’m constantly impressed at how quickly airlines are capable of boarding here in Japan.
JAL 767-300 Push Back and Takeoff
We pushed back from the gate and the lead flight attendant told use that it might be a little bumpy for the last 20-30 minutes of the flight and expect the seatbelt sign to be on during that time. A few raindrops on the windows but nothing major. We actually pushed back a few minutes early.
The safety video was shown as we taxied to the runway.
We took off and climbed pretty quickly through the clouds.
JAL 767-300 Economy In Flight
Outside, once above the clouds, it was nice and smooth for this part of the flight. The JAL 767s don’t have winglets because they are used on such short flights.
The JAL 767 doesn’t have in seat entertainment, but there are screens through the cabin that show a moving map and other information about the flights.
JAL 767-300 Economy Drinks and Snacks
After leveling out the flight attendants came through and offered their beverage service. Nothing fancy but they get through the cabin pretty quickly.
I had some water from the flight attendant. The options are water, tea, or juice.
We had previously stopped at a Lawson’s to get some snacks. This flight is around lunchtime and our next flight isn’t until later.
I’ve been putting various convenience store chicken into the premade sandwiches. I did that this time with a ham and cheese to make a sort of cordon Bleu sandwich. It was pretty tasty.
JAL 767-300 Economy Arrival
Soon afterwards the seatbelt sign came on as it started to get a little rough.
We passed through some clouds as we neared to Tokyo. The pilot told the flight attendants to remain seated.
The flight attendants made an announcement they would not be able to collect trash. To store it in the seat pocket and then thrown out once we landed.
As we approached HND, we got some nice views of the city. Tokyo covers such a huge area, it’s just absolutely fascinating to me.
A nice view of a little bit of central Tokyo on our approach to HND airport.
And finally on the ground at HND, right on time.
Japan Airlines 767-300 Economy Final Thoughts
Riding on widebody planes is fun on short distances. JAL uses a bunch of widbody planes like the 767 on short domestic routes. These are not the same fleet as their long haul planes, they are a dedicated group of aircraft used on these densely traveled routes. In a very Japanese way, all phases of this trip were extremely efficient.
The boarding process started right on time and was completed in less than 15 minutes. Service was fast but simple, just water, tea, or juice. There’s no in seat entertainment on offer, but the flight is very short so that’s ok. The seats here on Japan Airlines are comfortable, but all 767s are. I’d gladly fly with JAL on their domestic routes again, and I’d probably choose the 767 as the most comfortable option in economy.
We took a few domestic Japanese flights with JAL this trip, the first was on the Japan Airlines 737-800 in J-Class(Full review), the first was with Japan Airlines on their ATR42, flying backwards(full review). As I said before, save the money, just fly economy, J-Class isn’t really worth it.
Follow Our Trip to Japan and Taiwan
Hotel Review: Homewood Suites LAX
Review: EVA Air 777-300 Business Class LAX-TPE
Lounge Review: LAX Star Alliance Lounge
Hotel Review: Hotel Resonance Taipei
Flight Review: Starlux Airlines A321neo Economy TPE-HKD
Flight Review: Japan Airlines ATR42-600 HKD-OKD: Let’s Fly Backwards
Hotel Review: Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo
Flight Review: Japan Airlines 737-800. J Class CTS-ITM
Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express Osaka City Centre
Flight Review: Japan Airlines 767-300 Economy. ITM-HND
Lounge Review: Delta Skyclub HND. An Impressive Lounge
Travel Guide: HND Airport Terminal Transfer Bus-Terminal 1 to 3
Flight Review: Delta Air Lines A350-900 Delta One Suites Business Class Review. HND-ATL