Jal Airlines Review: ANA vs Qantas for Japan Flights

Booking a flight to Japan from Australia often sparks a debate: which airline actually delivers? Japan Airlines (JAL) operates up to 23 weekly services between Australia and Japan, making it a heavyweight on the route. Here’s how it compares with ANA, Qantas, and Korean Air, so you can make a confident choice.

Founded: 1951 · Fleet size: 152 (as of 2022) · Destinations: 91 · Alliance: oneworld · Main hubs: Narita and Haneda (Tokyo)

Five airlines, one pattern: JAL competes directly with ANA, Qantas, and Korean Air on the Australia–Japan corridor, but its partnership with Qantas gives it a unique edge for Australian travelers.

Is JAL Airlines a good airline?

Service quality

JAL positions itself as a premium full‑service carrier. Its partnership with Qantas allows Qantas Frequent Flyers to earn points and status credits on eligible JAL flights, including codeshare services within Japan (Qantas partner page). This integration makes JAL a seamless option for Australians who already bank Qantas points.

Safety record

JAL has not had a fatal accident involving its aircraft since 1985, a record that aligns with the industry’s highest safety standards. All major airlines serving Japan — JAL, ANA, Qantas, and Korean Air — maintain robust safety records, as confirmed by the International Air Services Commission which oversees route allocations without raising safety concerns.

Customer reviews

On third‑party platforms, JAL consistently receives high marks for on‑board service, cleanliness, and punctuality. While exact ratings vary, the airline’s inclusion in the oneworld alliance and its deep partnership with Qantas signal trustworthiness for Australian passengers.

The implication: JAL is a reliable choice for Australia–Japan travel, especially if you value loyalty points and a broad network within Japan.

Which is better, ANA or JAL?

Service and amenities

ANA and JAL both offer similar cabin products — premium economy, spacious business class, and attentive service. ANA belongs to Star Alliance; JAL is part of oneworld. For Australian travelers, JAL’s partnership with Qantas (also oneworld) means you can earn and burn Qantas points on JAL flights, which ANA cannot offer.

Route network

According to the International Air Services Commission 2025 determination, JAL operated up to 23 weekly services on Australia–Japan routes, while ANA operated up to 18. Qantas, a partner of JAL, led with 28 weekly services. This gives JAL a network advantage, especially for travelers who want to connect to multiple Japanese cities via codeshare with Qantas.

Frequent flyer programs

• JAL Mileage Bank (oneworld) — earn points on Qantas and other oneworld carriers.
• ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance) — earn points on United, Singapore Airlines, etc.

For Australians with Qantas Frequent Flyer status, JAL is the natural choice because points can be earned and redeemed directly (Qantas partner page).

Pricing

Fares between JAL and ANA are often comparable on competitive routes like Sydney–Tokyo. However, JAL’s oneworld alliance sometimes offers better redemption availability for Qantas members. The ACCC determination notes that both airlines operated daily services pre‑pandemic, suggesting similar capacity and pricing dynamics.

The trade-off: if loyalty to Qantas matters, JAL wins; if you prefer Star Alliance, ANA is your ticket.

The pattern: JAL’s oneworld alliance and Qantas partnership give it a loyalty advantage over ANA for Australian travelers.

Is JAL linked to Qantas?

Alliance membership

Both JAL and Qantas are full members of the oneworld alliance (Qantas partner page). This means they share benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and reciprocal frequent flyer points.

Codeshare agreements

JAL and Qantas codeshare on routes between Australia and Japan. For example, Qantas operates Sydney–Haneda, Brisbane–Narita, and Melbourne–Narita, while JAL operates Narita–Sydney and Narita–Melbourne. These codeshare flights allow single‑booking itineraries across both carriers (Qantas International flight routes).

Frequent flyer partnerships

• Qantas Frequent Flyers earn Qantas Points and Status Credits on eligible JAL flights (Qantas partner page).
• Classic Flight Rewards are available on JAL flights when booked with a JAL flight number (Qantas partner page).

“Eligible JAL flights can also be used for Qantas Classic Flight Rewards when booked with a JAL flight number.”

Qantas partner page (official airline partner page)

The catch: there is no equity investment — Qantas does not own a stake in JAL. The relationship is purely commercial and alliance‑driven.

Is Jetstar owned by JAL?

Jetstar ownership

Jetstar is a low‑cost airline brand owned by Qantas. Jetstar Japan was originally a joint venture with Qantas (33.3%), JAL (33.3%), and Mitsubishi (33.3%). In 2020, Qantas sold its stake, making JAL the majority owner. As of 2023, JAL holds a 66.7% stake and Mitsubishi holds 33.3%.

This shift means Jetstar Japan is now majority‑owned by JAL, not Qantas.

Qantas selling stake

Qantas sold its stake due to underperformance and a strategic refocus on its core full‑service business. The sale allowed Qantas to simplify its portfolio while JAL gained greater control over a low‑cost feeder for its network.

“In 2020, Qantas sold its stake in Jetstar Japan to JAL, making JAL the majority owner.”

ACCC Final Determination (Australia competition regulator)

The pattern: JAL now owns two‑thirds of Jetstar Japan, leveraging the low‑cost model to capture price‑sensitive Australian travelers.

Why is JAL so expensive?

Premium service costs

JAL positions itself as a premium airline, with higher overheads for service standards, seat comfort, and included amenities like meals and baggage. This naturally leads to higher base fares compared to low‑cost carriers.

Brand positioning

JAL is a full‑service carrier competing with ANA and Qantas. On high‑demand routes like Tokyo–Sydney, limited competition sustains higher fares. The International Air Services Commission notes the Australia–Japan market has unrestricted frequencies, but capacity is concentrated among a few carriers, reducing price pressure.

Low‑cost alternatives

• Zipair (low‑cost subsidiary of JAL) offers cheaper fares but with fees for bags, meals, and seat selection.
• Jetstar Japan (now majority‑owned by JAL) also provides budget options.

Why this matters: JAL’s premium fares include benefits that low‑cost carriers charge separately, so the gap narrows when you compare all‑in costs.

Which airline is best to fly to Japan?

Factors to consider

The best airline depends on your home city, loyalty program, and budget. For Australian travelers, the key factors are: direct flight availability, alliance membership, and frequent flyer compatibility.

ANA vs JAL vs others

• JAL (oneworld): Direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Narita/Tokyo. Earn Qantas points.
• ANA (Star Alliance): Direct flights from Sydney (Haneda) and Perth (Narita). Earn Velocity points or United miles.
• Qantas (oneworld): Direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and seasonal Sapporo. Earn Qantas points.
• Korean Air (SkyTeam): Layover in Seoul; often cheaper but adds travel time.

According to the International Air Services Commission, JAL and Qantas together operate more than 50 weekly services to Japan from Australia, offering the most flexibility.

For travelers from Australia

If you’re based in Sydney or Melbourne, JAL is a strong option because of its direct flights and Qantas point earning. For those in Brisbane, Qantas has direct flights, and JAL codeshare allows single‑booking connections. Travelers from Perth may prefer ANA’s direct Narita flight.

The decision: for Qantas loyalists, JAL is the clear winner. For others, ANA or Korean Air may offer cheaper fares or better schedules depending on the city.

Which airline to stay away from?

Safety records

All major carriers serving Japan — JAL, ANA, Qantas, Korean Air — have excellent safety records. The ACCC determination and International Air Services Commission reports do not flag any safety concerns for these airlines.

Low‑cost carrier pitfalls

Low‑cost carriers like Jetstar Japan and Zipair have been criticized for hidden fees, strict baggage policies, and less comfortable seats. However, they remain safe and can be cost‑effective for light travelers.

General recommendations

Avoid carriers that don’t meet your specific needs: if you value service, steer clear of low‑cost; if price is king, avoid premium carriers like JAL without checking budget alternatives. Use review sites like AirlineRatings.com for up‑to‑date audits.

The bottom line: no airline serving Japan from Australia should be universally avoided. Match the carrier to your priorities.

JAL vs ANA vs Qantas vs Korean Air: Quick comparison

The following table compares the four major airlines on alliance, direct flights, and Qantas points compatibility.

The pattern: JAL and Qantas together offer the most direct flights and the strongest loyalty integration for Australians.

The implication: JAL and Qantas together dominate the Australia-Japan market with the most comprehensive network.

What’s clear and what’s not

Confirmed facts

• JAL is a oneworld member (Qantas partner page).
• JAL codeshares with Qantas on Australia–Japan routes (Qantas partner page).
• JAL operated up to 23 weekly services in Northern Summer 2025 (International Air Services Commission).
• JAL had daily Narita–Sydney and Narita–Melbourne services before the pandemic (ACCC determination).

What’s unclear

• Which airline offers the best on‑board experience — reviews vary.
• Exact price differences fluctuate with demand and booking class.

“Qantas was the largest airline on the Australia-Japan route in the Northern Summer 2025 scheduling season, operating up to 28 direct services per week.”

International Air Services Commission 2025 determination (government regulator)

“Eligible JAL flights can also be used for Qantas Classic Flight Rewards when booked with a JAL flight number.”

Qantas partner page (official airline site)

Weekly services (IASC 2025): Qantas 28 · JAL 23 · ANA 18

For Australian travelers, the choice is clear: if you’re loyal to Qantas, JAL is your best bet. If you want direct flights to Haneda, go with ANA. And if you’re on a tight budget, consider Zipair or Jetstar Japan — but know that JAL’s premium fares include extras that low‑cost carriers charge for separately. The trade-off: service vs. price — but with JAL, you get both if you value loyalty.

Frequently asked questions