Review: JAL’s Brand New First Class Amenity Kit

This past April 1st I experienced Japan Airlines First Class on their 777-300ER for the approximately 11-hour flight from Tokyo (NRT) to Chicago (ORD).

It was a great flight and I have previously posted my full review, but wanted dive into a bit more detail in regards to the amenity kit and pajamas, considering Japan Airlines just made a change in the offering!

On March 28th, Japan Airlines began providing new amenity kits for its International First Class passengers.

The new amenity kits were constructed in collaboration with PORSCHE DESIGN, a “German premium lifestyle brand.” Two different colors of amenity kit cases were introduced and passengers will receive either a red (flights from Japan) or a gray kit (flights to Japan) based on the origin of their flight.

The amenity kits weren’t the only change… JAL also introduced new limited time (3 months) inflight pajamas (they call it “relaxing wear”) which were also designed in collaboration with Porsche Design.

Breaking Down the New Kit!

 

What has changed?

The Container: The new amenity container is not a bag but rather a soft plastic shell container – in either red or gray, depending on the direction of your travel. The container has pockets lining the interior, stuffed to the brim with goodies!

The previous version of the JAL First amenity kit featured a Spanish luxury branded Loewe bag. People seemed to really like this bag based on the functionality with all the pockets inside and a top flap that could transform it into a hanging toiletry bag.

The container is probably the biggest change. I think of it as a visual upgrade, but a functional downgrade.

Contents within:

The previous version of the kit featured Loewe branded lip moisturizer. The new kit features Porsche Design travel facial mist, hand and body cream, and lip balm.

I know Porsche makes some pretty slick cars, but I am relatively unfamiliar with their line of lip balm, but it seemed to get the job done!

The Relaxing Wear/Pajamas:

I am not a pajama guy, but I always try them on just for kicks when flying First Class! The new PJs are Porsche Design inspired and fit awkwardly.

It seems these may only stick around for a short 3 months, so if you are a big fan of the oldies they will probably make a return here pretty soon.

What hasn’t changed?

The Basics: Dental kit (toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash), fold-out brush/comb, package of tissues, ear plugs, eye mask, moisture mask. Gotta have ’em, and this new kit does!

Gender Specific Products:

In addition to the Porsche Design kit and contents, JAL still provides gender-specific Shiseido products.

For men – Shiseido cleansing face wash, hydrating toner and total revitalizer face cream.

For women – Clé de Peau Beauté face lotion and revitalizing mask (I think? Honestly, I have no idea what this stuff is and all of the text was in Japanese… but it looks fancy af, right!?)

 

Final Thought

JAL has a new amenity kit. I like it. I think it has all the things you need in an amenity kit and more. However, I think the previous kit that included a luxury branded Loewe bag was better. It was versatile with the hanging option and was something that I would have used both in the air and on the ground.

The Porsche Design container looks neat, but I have a feeling it will find a nice place to rest in my cabinet… and then never see the light of day again! Or at least until I run out of lip balm!

What are your thougts on the amenity kit change? Upgrade or downgrade?

For more on my full trip, be sure to check out some or all of the below!

• Cathay First Class JFK-NRT Review
• JW Marriott Hong Kong – Highs and Lows
• Cathay Business Class HKG-NRT Review
• Andaz Tokyo Toronoman Hills – Highs and Lows
• Conrad Tokyo – Highs and Lows
• Ritz Carlton Kyoto – Highs and Lows
• World OF Hyatt Confuses Explorist Club Upgrade Policy
• JAL First Class NRT-ORD Review
• JAL’s Brand New First Class Amenity Kit
• oneworld First Class Battle Royal – Cathay vs. JAL

 

Happy Travels!

DW