ANA Airlines Business Class is a tale of two world-class products. One is the industry-leading “The Room,” and the other is a fantastic staggered seat.
Your experience is defined by a single, critical question. Are you flying on the Boeing 777 or the 787?
This review tours both seats, the extraordinary food, and the legendary Japanese service. You will learn exactly which aircraft to seek out for your trip.
ana airlines business class
All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class is one of the finest premium cabins in global aviation. It is a masterclass in Japanese engineering and hospitality.
The product is not a single, unified seat. It exists in two main versions across the fleet, and the experience is wildly different.
The gold standard is “The Room” on the Boeing 777-300ER. This is a fully enclosed suite with a closing door.
A business traveler on a transpacific route should prioritize an ANA flight with “The Room.” It is a quiet, productive, and supremely comfortable way to cross the ocean.
The alternative is “The Business Staggered” on the Boeing 787. It is an excellent seat, but it is not the enclosed suite that “The Room” provides.
- Two Key Products: “The Room” (777) and “The Business Staggered” (787).
- Core Differentiator: The privacy of an enclosed suite.
- The X-Factor: Japanese omotenashi hospitality ties it all together.
nippon airlines business class
“Nippon Airlines” is a common mispronunciation and search term for ANA. All Nippon Airways is the official English name for Japan’s largest airline.
The business class on this airline is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The service, food, and design are a point of national pride.
The cabin experience is defined by omotenashi, a deeply ingrained sense of anticipatory hospitality. The crew anticipates your needs before you even realize them.
A first-time traveler to Japan will find the ANA experience an extraordinary cultural introduction. The Japan journey begins the moment you step onto the plane.
The airline is a member of the Star Alliance. You can book this business class product using miles from United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan.
- Official Name: All Nippon Airways (ANA).
- Alliance: Star Alliance.
- Service Ethos: Omotenashi, or wholehearted Japanese hospitality.
Key Takeaway: ANA is not just an airline. It is an expression of Japanese culture, and its business class is one of the most refined premium experiences in the world.
business class ana airlines
ANA business class is consistently ranked among the top five in the world. The airline’s relentless pursuit of quality is evident in every detail.
The product is split between two main aircraft types. The 777 features the new “The Room” suite, while the 787 has the “The Business Staggered” seat.
Both seats offer a lie-flat bed and direct aisle access. The difference comes down to the level of privacy and the size of the personal space.
A premium leisure traveler on a bucket-list trip to Tokyo should seek out “The Room.” It is a genuine bucket-list aviation experience in itself.
The honest limitation is product confusion. A traveler who books a 787 expecting a private suite will be disappointed by the perfectly good, but less private, staggered seat.
- World Ranking: Consistently in the global top 5.
- Key to Happiness: Know which aircraft you are booking.
- Universal Features: Lie-flat bed, direct aisle access, and top-tier dining.
ana business class review
The final ANA business class review is a story of two five-star experiences. One is a 10/10, and the other is a 9/10.
“The Room” on the 777 is a genre-defining piece of aviation hard product. It is arguably the best business class seat currently flying.
The overall experience is elevated by the soft product. The food, the amenities, and the service are flawless and beautifully presented.
A solo traveler will find the window seat in “The Room” to be a private sanctuary. The closing door creates a true sense of being in a small, personal hotel room.
The honest criticism is that the older staggered seat can feel dated by comparison. It is still a world-class product, but it lives in the shadow of its newer sibling.
- “The Room” Verdict: A perfect 10/10. The best business class seat in the sky.
- “The Staggered” Verdict: A solid 9/10. A fantastic seat that is not a private suite.
- Overall: The combined hard and soft product is nearly unbeatable.
ana the room business class
ANA “The Room” business class is the airline’s flagship seat. It is a fully enclosed, private suite found on the Boeing 777-300ER.
The suite is shockingly wide, with a massive 24-inch IFE screen. The doors close completely, creating a sense of total seclusion.
The layout is a 1-2-1 configuration. The center pairs are designed for couples, while the window seats are perfect thrones for a solo traveler.
A couple must book the center seats in “The Room.” These specific pairs create an intimate, shared dining experience unlike any other business class product.
The honest limitation is availability. “The Room” is only on select 777-300ER aircraft, and those routes are fiercely competitive for award bookings.
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER.
- Configuration: 1-2-1.
- Signature Features: Closing privacy door, massive 24-inch 4K IFE screen.
- Best For: Solo travelers seeking total privacy, or couples seeking a shared pod.
ana business class 777
The ANA Boeing 777-300ER is the aircraft that houses the legendary “The Room.” This is the specific plane you want to find on your route.
The 777 is ANA’s workhorse for the busiest long-haul routes. You will find it on key transpacific flights from the U.S. West Coast and Europe to Tokyo.
The entire business class cabin on this aircraft is “The Room.” There is no risk of getting an older seat if your ticket says 777-300ER.
A business traveler flying from New York to Tokyo should target the 777. The ability to close the door, work, dine, and sleep in total privacy is a productivity game-changer.
The 777 also features a small Premium Economy and Economy cabin. The business class suite is the undisputed star of the show.
- Routes: Key transpacific and European long-haul routes from Tokyo.
- Business Cabin: Entirely “The Room” suites.
- Verdict: The aircraft you must seek out for the definitive ANA experience.
ana business class 787
The ANA Boeing 787 Dreamliner is the other half of the business class story. It features “The Business Staggered” seat, not “The Room.”
This is an excellent lie-flat seat in a 1-2-1 configuration. Every passenger has direct aisle access, and the seat is comfortable and private.
The staggered layout means the seats are angled slightly. The window seats alternate between being closer to the window or closer to the aisle.
A solo traveler on the 787 must select the “true” window seat. Look at the seat map for the seat that is positioned directly next to the window, not the aisle.
The 787 is more widely deployed than the 777. You are statistically more likely to fly on this aircraft, and it is still a world-class experience.
- Seat Type: “The Business Staggered.”
- Configuration: 1-2-1.
- Privacy: Excellent, but no closing door like “The Room.”
- Key Tip: A solo traveler must pick the “true” window seat for maximum privacy.
Key Takeaway: The 787’s “The Business Staggered” is a fantastic seat that is simply outshone by its world-beating sibling, “The Room.”
ana business class seats
ANA business class seats are a study in two different design philosophies. One is an enclosed suite, and the other is a staggered, open pod.
The seat dimensions on both are generous. “The Room” is exceptionally wide, while the staggered seat feels more like a traditional, high-end business class pod.
Both seats convert into a fully lie-flat bed. The bedding is plush, and a mattress pad is provided on request for a perfect sleeping surface.
A traveler over six feet tall will fit comfortably in either seat. The footwells are well-designed and avoid the claustrophobic pinch of some competitors.
The universal truth is that every seat has direct aisle access. ANA has completely eliminated the hated 2-2-2 configuration from its long-haul fleet.
- “The Room” (777): An ultra-wide, fully enclosed suite with a privacy door.
- “The Business Staggered” (787): A staggered, semi-open pod with excellent privacy.
- Both Seats: Lie-flat, direct aisle access, and excellent footwell space.
ana business class food
ANA business class food is a culinary journey through Japan. The airline takes its dining program with the utmost seriousness.
The menu is a collaboration with renowned Japanese chefs. You can choose between a full Western course or an authentic Japanese washoku kaiseki meal.
The washoku menu is the star. It features a beautifully presented multi-course meal with seasonal ingredients, miso soup, and perfectly steamed rice.
A food-conscious traveler should pre-order the Japanese meal. The attention to detail, from the sake selection to the ceramic dishware, is extraordinary.
The international menu is also excellent, featuring collaborations with global chefs. You can order a perfectly cooked steak or a delicate piece of fish.
- Star of the Show: The multi-course Japanese washoku kaiseki meal.
- Pre-Order: Essential for securing the Japanese option.
- Beverages: A world-class sake, shochu, and champagne list.
ana business class amenities
ANA business class amenities are a showcase of Japanese craftsmanship. The amenity kit is a highlight of the experience.
The kits are designed by Globe-Trotter, a luxury luggage brand. They are reusable, beautifully made, and filled with high-end skincare products.
The skincare is by The Ginza, a prestige Japanese cosmetics line. The kit contains a face mist, a moisturizing mask, and other pampering essentials.
A leisure traveler will want to collect these kits. They are a genuine souvenir from the flight and a useful travel accessory for future trips.
The provided loungewear is comfortable and stylish. You will change out of your travel clothes and into the soft, breathable fabric shortly after takeoff.
- Amenity Kit: Globe-Trotter hard-case with The Ginza skincare.
- Loungewear: Comfortable, provided on long-haul flights.
- Bedding: Plush pillow, duvet, and a mattress pad on request.
Key Takeaway: The amenities on ANA are not just an afterthought. They are a curated selection of luxury Japanese goods that elevate the entire flight.
ana business class baggage
ANA business class baggage allowance is exceptionally generous. You are permitted two checked bags on most long-haul routes.
The standard weight limit is 32 kilograms per bag. This is one of the most generous allowances of any global airline.
You also receive priority baggage handling. Your bags are tagged with a “Priority” label and should be among the first to arrive at the carousel.
A traveler on a long shopping trip to Japan will cherish this allowance. You can return with two large, heavy suitcases with no added fees.
A business traveler with heavy equipment cases will also benefit. The generous weight limit covers nearly any professional gear.
- Checked Bags: Typically two bags, up to 32 kg each.
- Priority Handling: Your bags are tagged for priority delivery.
- Value: A significant financial and practical advantage.
ana vs jal business class
The ANA vs JAL business class debate is a battle of Japan’s two titans. Both are world-class, but they have distinct strengths.
ANA’s “The Room” is a stronger hard product than JAL’s otherwise excellent Apex Suite. The fully closing door gives ANA a slight privacy advantage.
JAL is often praised for having a slightly more refined and consistent soft product. The food and service on JAL are widely considered the absolute best.
A business traveler chasing the best seat should choose ANA “The Room.” A leisure traveler focused on the culinary experience might prefer JAL.
The honest verdict is that you cannot make a wrong choice. Both airlines deliver a top-five global business class experience that will delight you.
- ANA: Best hard product with “The Room.” Excellent modern Japanese service.
- JAL: Slightly better soft product and culinary reputation. Apex Suite is excellent but lacks a door.
- Verdict: A win-win for the passenger. Choose based on schedule and award availability.
how to book ana business class
Booking ANA business class with points is the most popular strategy. The cash fares are high, but the award availability is a sweet spot.
You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards to ANA Mileage Club. This is the primary path to a direct ANA award booking.
The value is exceptional. A round-trip business class award ticket between the U.S. and Japan costs fewer miles than many competitors.
A points-and-miles enthusiast should target this redemption. It is widely considered one of the best-value uses of transferable points in the entire world.
The challenge is finding availability. ANA releases award seats on a predictable schedule, and they are snapped up quickly.
- Best Strategy: Transfer Amex points to ANA Mileage Club.
- Partners: Can also be booked with United MileagePlus or Air Canada Aeroplan miles.
- Sweet Spot: The U.S. to Japan award chart is famously generous.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANA Airlines Business Class
What is ANA “The Room” business class like?
ANA “The Room” is a fully enclosed business class suite with a closing door.
It features a massive 24-inch entertainment screen and a very wide seat.
It is widely considered one of the best business class seats in the world.
Does ANA have lie-flat seats in business class?
Yes, all ANA long-haul business class seats convert into a fully lie-flat bed.
Both “The Room” and “The Business Staggered” offer a completely horizontal sleeping surface.
A comfortable mattress pad is provided on request.
What is the difference between ANA business class on the 777 and 787?
The 777 features “The Room,” a fully enclosed private suite.
The 787 features “The Business Staggered,” a semi-open pod.
“The Room” has a closing door and a larger personal screen.
Is ANA business class better than JAL?
ANA has a better hard product with “The Room” and its closing door.
JAL is often rated slightly higher for its food and beverage program.
Both airlines are world-class, and you will have a fantastic experience on either.
How do I book ANA business class with points?
The best way is to transfer American Express points to ANA Mileage Club.
You can also book ANA business class using miles from United Airlines or Air Canada.
Award availability can be limited and should be booked far in advance.
What lounges do ANA business class passengers use?
ANA business class passengers have access to the ANA Business Lounges.
At Tokyo Narita and Haneda airports, these are excellent facilities with noodle bars and shower suites.
First Class passengers and top-tier elites can access the superior ANA Suite Lounges.
ANA Airlines Business Class is a bucket-list experience, defined by the extraordinary “The Room” suite and a culture of flawless Japanese hospitality. The service is the true luxury.
Your mission is to find the Boeing 777-300ER with “The Room” on your route. Once you do, book it far in advance using your transferable credit card points.
Aircraft assignments can change. Always verify your specific flight’s seat map on the ANA website before you book.
