If you’re flying to Japan, chances are your journey will be at least 7 to 12 hours long. And while business class may sound tempting, most travelers will be flying economy. The good news? You don’t need a luxury ticket to have a comfortable flight—you just need to plan smart when you book.
Here’s what to consider before you confirm your flight to Japan.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
1. ✈️ Choose the Right Flight Time and Route
➤ Direct vs. Connecting Flights
Whenever possible, choose a nonstop flight to Japan. It may be a little more expensive, but skipping long layovers or missed connections will save your energy.
If you must connect, try to:
- Keep layovers short (but not too short—90+ minutes is ideal)
- Avoid overnight layovers unless you’re planning a stopover
➤ Departure Time Matters
- Red-eye flights (overnight) are great for adjusting to Japan’s time zone
- If you land in the evening, you can go straight to sleep and start fresh the next day
- Avoid flights that arrive at midnight or 5 a.m., when public transport may be limited
2. 💺 Pick the Right Seat—It Makes a Huge Difference
Even in economy class, seat choice can make or break your flight.
🪑 Aisle vs. Window vs. Middle
- Aisle seats = easy access to the bathroom and more freedom to move or stretch your legs
- Window seats = better for sleeping and fewer disruptions but may be difficult to get out to use stretch or use the restroom. You get to control whether the window is open or closed and you get the best views when landing
- Middle seats = it’s easier to get out of compared to the window seat and social decorum states you have priority over the armrests
📍 Seat Location Tips
- Front of the cabin: quieter, smoother ride, first to board meaning guaranteed overhead space and first to deplane
- Near the wings: least turbulence
- Back of the plane: often last to be served meaning your preferred drink or meal option may be all gone. More likely to have empty seats around you.
Author’s note: I actually prefer the back of plane because I like to be one of the last to get off–it’s less stressful not feeling like I’m holding up everyone behind me. I also have this irrational thought that it’s safer than the front
❗Avoid:
- Seats near restrooms or galleys (noisy, high traffic, can be smelly)
- Bulkhead seats if you want under-seat storage
🧠 Use SeatGuru.com to check seat maps and read reviews of your exact flight layout.
3. ✨ Consider Upgrading Just a Little
You don’t need to spend thousands to upgrade—sometimes $50–$150 extra can change your entire experience.
➤ Extra Legroom Seats
- Usually located at exit rows or the front of economy
- More space to stretch, better for taller travelers
- Can often be selected during booking or check-in
➤ Premium Economy (if available)
- Wider seats, more recline, better meals, priority boarding
- Offered on many long-haul routes by airlines like ANA, JAL, United, etc.
- Usually cheaper than business, but much more comfortable than economy
➤ Exit Row Seats
- Pros: tons of legroom
- Cons: fixed armrests, sometimes colder, and you may have responsibilities during emergencies
4. 🛫 Compare Airlines Thoughtfully
Not all economy seats are created equal.
🔍 What to check when comparing airlines:
- Seat width & pitch (legroom): varies by airline and aircraft
- Entertainment options: built-in screens, movies, games
- USB & power outlets: essential for long flights
- Meal quality: some airlines offer better food and snacks
- Seat layout: 3-3-3 feels more spacious than 3-4-3 on long-haul planes
📌 Pro tip: Japanese airlines (ANA and JAL) are known for excellent service, good food, and clean cabins, even in economy.
5. 🛬 Choose the Airport That Makes Arrival Easier
If you’re flying to Tokyo, aim for Haneda (HND) instead of Narita (NRT) if possible:
- Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo (20–30 mins vs. 60–90 mins from Narita)
- Shorter immigration lines, easier public transport
- Great for travelers who want to land, go straight to the hotel, and rest
If you’re visiting Osaka or Kyoto, fly into Kansai (KIX) to avoid backtracking.
✈️ Summary:
- Haneda = Ideal for Tokyo
- Narita = More long-haul options, but longer transfer
- Kansai = Best for Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe itineraries
6. 🧠 Booking Tips to Maximize Comfort
- Book early to access the best seat options
- Avoid Basic Economy if it doesn’t allow free seat selection
- Use airline seat maps to choose your spot while booking
- If you have frequent flyer status, use it to access priority seat selections
- Set a price alert for Premium Economy deals—you might get lucky!
✅ Conclusion: Comfort Starts With a Smart Booking
Flying to Japan doesn’t have to mean suffering for 12 hours. With a little extra research and planning at the booking stage, you can make your economy flight feel much more manageable.
Here’s a quick recap of how to upgrade your flight comfort—without breaking the bank:
- ✅ Choose direct flights and smart arrival times
- ✅ Pick your seat carefully—avoid the middle at all costs!
- ✅ Consider extra legroom or Premium Economy
- ✅ Check airline amenities, not just price
- ✅ Choose the right airport for your itinerary
Your Japan adventure starts the moment you step on the plane—so make it a smooth one! 🗾✈️
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
