Planning a family trip? Flying with kids often brings worries: “Will they be quiet?” “How will I keep them entertained?”
We faced the same concerns when we flew JAL (Japan Airlines) from Haneda (Tokyo) to Hiroshima for my daughter’s 4th birthday during winter.
In this post, I’m sharing our full mom-review of that JAL domestic flight on the Boeing 767.
Plus, I’ll reveal the incredibly heartwarming birthday “surprise” the JAL flight attendants gave my daughter. If you’re flying with your little ones, I hope our story helps!
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The Pros and Cons of Flying JAL with Kids
First, let’s get straight to the summary. Here are the honest pros and cons of this JAL flight from a parent’s perspective.
Pros:
- Incredible JAL Hospitality: The warmth and kindness from the flight attendants (CAs) and ground staff toward my daughter were exceptional.
- Stress-Free Pre-boarding: JAL allows families with small children to board first, which is a lifesaver for getting settled without pressure.
- Great Kids’ Services: They offer original JAL toys (my daughter got an A350!) and kid-friendly drinks, which go a long way in keeping them happy.
- The Birthday Surprise: This was the absolute highlight and a testament to their amazing service (more on this soon!).
Cons:
- Aircraft (B767) Amenities: Our specific Boeing 767 was an older model and did not have personal seat-back monitors (though this was solved by their free Wi-Fi).
- Dry Cabin Air: As with most winter flights, the air was very dry. I had to be mindful of keeping my daughter hydrated.
- Restroom Changing Tables: While available, the changing tables are compact. It would be a quick operation for those with infants in diapers.
Flight vs. Shinkansen: Which is Better for Families (Tokyo to Hiroshima)?
When traveling from Tokyo to Hiroshima, every family faces the big question: “Should we fly, or take the Shinkansen (bullet train)?”
We debate this every time. With a 4-year-old, the decision isn’t just about speed or price; it’s about sanity.
Comparing Door-to-Door Travel Time
- Shinkansen (Nozomi): About 4 hours from Tokyo Station to Hiroshima Station.
- Airplane (JAL): The flight time itself is only about 1.5 hours from Haneda to Hiroshima Airport.
The flight looks way faster, right? But not so fast. We have to compare “door-to-door” time.
For the flight, you add: travel to Haneda Airport (approx. 1 hour), check-in/security (at least 1 hour early), and the bus from Hiroshima Airport to the city center (approx. 1 hour). When you add it all up, the total travel time is about 4.5 to 5 hours—almost the same as the Shinkansen. If you live closer to Tokyo Station, the train might even be faster.
Comparing the “Kid Comfort” Factor
So if the time is a wash, why did we choose to fly JAL? It came down to my daughter’s comfort (which, let’s be honest, means the parents’ comfort).
Shinkansen Pros & Cons (Parent View):
- Pros: The scenery is always changing. If a meltdown happens, you can escape to the vestibule (deck area). There are spacious restrooms, changing tables, and multi-purpose rooms. Ekiben (station bento boxes) are a fun part of the journey.
- Cons: Four hours is an eternity for a 4-year-old. Trying to keep her entertained and relatively quiet in one seat for that long is a massive challenge.
Airplane Pros & Cons (Parent View):
Pros: The actual “stuck in your seat” time is short—only 1.5 hours. You get amazing support from flight attendants (toys, drinks). The novelty of “flying” is an attraction in itself for a child.
Cons: Ear pressure on takeoff/landing can be an issue. You’re completely stuck during seatbelt sign-on times. There’s more “hurry up and wait” at the airport.
Our Verdict: Why We Chose JAL (The Plane)
Our decision was: “We’d rather manage a 1.5-hour sprint than endure a 4-hour marathon.”
For my 4-year-old, a 4-hour train ride is an exercise in endurance. A 1.5-hour flight, however, is an event. She plays with a toy, has a juice, watches one show on the tablet, and boom—we’re descending.
Furthermore, this was a special occasion: her 4th birthday. A flight isn’t just transport; it’s an experience. And by choosing JAL, that experience turned into the most amazing birthday gift (which I’ll tell you all about shortly).
If you live reasonably close to Haneda and are worried about your child’s long-distance attention span, I wholeheartedly recommend flying.
Haneda Airport Terminal 1: Access and Check-In
Our journey began on a crisp, cold winter morning at Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1, which is JAL’s domestic hub.
Getting to the Airport
The first challenge of any family trip is just getting to the airport with kids and luggage.
Public Transport (Train/Monorail): The Keikyu Line and Tokyo Monorail are convenient and connect directly to the terminal. However, managing winter coats, suitcases, and a stroller through transfers can be a real workout. You need to leave plenty of extra time.
By Car: We opted to drive this time. We used the P1/P2 parking garages, which connect directly to Terminal 1. My biggest tip for families is to reserve parking in advance. It eliminates the stress of finding a spot and often gets you closer to the terminal elevators—a huge win when it’s cold and you have a small child.
Limousine Bus: This is another excellent, stress-free option for families, as it drops you off right at the departures curb.
Fares and Check-In
For airfare, we always book in advance using JAL’s “Sakutoku” (advance purchase) fares. Since family travel dates are usually fixed, we can take full advantage of these discounts. (※Fare comparison: If you book early, the flight plus airport access costs are often comparable to, or even cheaper than, the standard Shinkansen fare.)
At Haneda, JAL has dedicated counters for passengers needing special assistance, which often includes families with young children. The staff was incredibly efficient. We checked our large suitcase and decided to keep our stroller with us all the way to the boarding gate—an essential for navigating the massive terminal.
The JAL Boarding Process and Boeing 767 Cabin
Pre-boarding:
After security, we headed to our gate. Soon, the announcement was made for “pre-boarding.” JAL invites families with children (even those over 2) to board the plane first, right after passengers needing special assistance.
I cannot overstate how helpful this is. There’s no line of people behind you. You can walk down the jet bridge at your child’s pace, find your seats, get the coats off, stow the carry-on bags, and get your child settled by the window, all without feeling rushed. It sets a calm tone for the whole flight.
The Boeing 767 Cabin
Our aircraft was the Boeing 767, a workhorse of JAL’s domestic fleet. The seating configuration was 2-3-2. We, of course, had selected two seats by the window so my daughter could watch the takeoff.
The seat pitch (legroom) was standard for a domestic flight, but it felt perfectly spacious for my 4-year-old and me.
As I mentioned, this particular plane did not have personal seat-back monitors. My first thought was, “Oh no, how will I keep her entertained?”
But JAL has this covered. They offer free in-flight Wi-Fi on most domestic routes. You just connect your own smartphone or tablet, and you get access to a portal with free movies, cartoons, and JAL original programming. We had pre-loaded her tablet, but this Wi-Fi service allowed us to stream a different cartoon she suddenly needed to watch. Crisis averted.
In-Flight Services
We had a smooth takeoff, and my daughter was glued to the window watching the city get smaller. Once we reached cruising altitude, the cabin crew began the drink service.
JAL’s In-Flight Service
On a cold winter day, their hot consommé soup is just perfect. My daughter, however, went straight for JAL’s original “Sky Time” (a peach and grape blend) drink. It’s a huge hit with kids, and she happily sipped away.
A moment later, a flight attendant came by our row. “We have a small gift for you,” she said, smiling at my daughter.
She offered a choice of JAL original toys. My daughter’s eyes went wide—she picked a model airplane. And it wasn’t just any plane; it was the Airbus A350, JAL’s modern flagship! (I’ll admit, the aviation geek in me was pretty excited, too). My daughter immediately started “flying” it around her seat.
JAL Went Above and Beyond
My daughter was happily playing with her new A350 model (the standard JAL kids’ toy).
Then, about halfway through the flight, the same flight attendant returned to our row. We hadn’t mentioned a word about the occasion, so I assume they must have seen my daughter’s date of birth from our booking information and realized it was her 4th birthday.
In her hand was another model airplane. But this one was different. It was covered in cute, hand-drawn stickers and illustrations, with the words “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” written clearly on the side.
I was honestly speechless and felt my eyes well up. It was such an unexpected, thoughtful, and incredibly kind gesture.
My daughter was absolutely ecstatic. She held one in each hand—the standard A350 model and this new, one-of-a-kind decorated “Birthday Plane.”
For the rest of the flight to Hiroshima, she was completely absorbed, “flying” her two new treasures, making “whoosh” sounds. Watching her, I just thought, “I am so, so glad we chose JAL.”
Conclusion
We landed safely in a lightly snowing Hiroshima, right on time.
The Boeing 767 we flew wasn’t the newest plane in the sky, and it didn’t have fancy personal screens. But honestly, none of that mattered.
What mattered was the service. The JAL team’s warmth and hospitality—that “kamitaio” (god-like) service—more than made up for any lack of hardware.
That birthday surprise, in particular, turned a routine flight into a core memory for our family.
Flying with children can be stressful. But choosing an airline like JAL, which empowers its staff to provide such wonderful care, can transform that stress into comfort and even a little bit of magic.
JAL is, without a doubt, a fantastic choice for family travel.
Will we fly with them again? Absolutely. In a heartbeat.
