All Nippon Airways (ANA) is a masterclass in precision, not flamboyance. It is a hotelier’s airline, not a showman’s.
This is an airline that replaces sake bottles when they are exactly half empty. The attention to microscopic detail is the defining feature.
This review dissects every cabin, from The Suite to economy. You will learn if ANA’s meticulous service justifies the premium price.
ana airlines review
ANA is Japan’s largest airline and a permanent fixture on the Skytrax 5-Star list. It is a Star Alliance founding member.
The airline operates two distinct product levels. A new, world-beating hard product is slowly rolling out across the fleet.
The older product is still meticulously maintained and clean. ANA’s true competitive advantage is its service culture, not just its hardware.
This is the airline of washoku cuisine and a profound, obsessive cleanliness. Every surface you touch will feel sanitized.
Business travelers on a transpacific route will find ANA to be a productivity paradise. The silent cabin and unobtrusive service are unmatched.
Budget travelers looking for a cheap flight to Asia should look elsewhere. ANA’s value lies in its premium economy and business class products.
The honest limitation of ANA is its digital presence. The website and app feel a decade behind the cabin service.
Key Takeaway: ANA is a 5-star hotel in the sky. It is defined by its obsessive attention to small details.
ana airlines reviews
Aggregate traveler reviews for ANA consistently praise two things above all else. The first is the cabin cleanliness.
The second is the gracious, anticipatory nature of the flight attendants. They seem to sense a need before you voice it.
Criticism in ANA reviews focuses on the fleet inconsistency. A passenger expecting “The Room” can be disappointed by an older seat.
The second common complaint is about award booking complexity. The ANA Mileage Club website is notoriously difficult to navigate.
First-time international travelers give ANA the highest possible marks for comfort and care. The predictable excellence is a soothing balm.
Frequent flyers write more critical, mixed reviews. They are more likely to be disappointed by the inconsistency of the hard product.
The overwhelming consensus is that ANA delivers a profoundly civilized experience. A bad review of ANA is often a good review of a competitor’s website.
Key Takeaway: Reviews are unanimous on service and cleanliness, but mixed on the consistency of the aircraft seat.
ana business class review
ANA business class is a tale of two distinct experiences on the same airline. You will either get “The Room” or a dated staggered seat.
The staggered seat, found on older Boeing 787-9s, offers direct aisle access. Its tight footwell is a major complaint on long flights.
Regardless of the seat, the soft product is a triumph. The multicourse washoku meal is a truly exceptional restaurant experience at 35,000 feet.
Amenity kits are by Globe-Trotter or Samsonite, filled with Shiseido products. A provided cardigan is a comfortable, practical lounge-wear alternative.
Solo travelers must secure a window seat on the older staggered product for maximum privacy. The center seats are far too exposed.
Couples should hunt for the center pair of “The Room” on the Boeing 777-300ER. The privacy divider allows for a shared dining experience.
The honest truth is that you are booking the service and the food. The seat is a lottery, and that is a problem for an airline this expensive.
Key Takeaway: ANA business class serves the best food in the sky, but you must research your exact aircraft.
ana first class the suite review
ANA’s “The Suite” is one of the most enclosed and private First Class products in the world. It is found exclusively on the Boeing 777-300ER.
The suite features a fully closing door and a massive 43-inch 4K monitor. The cabin feels less like an airplane and more like a boutique hotel.
The seat converts to a double-wide sleeping surface with a plush mattress pad. The pajamas provided are a soft, high-quality keepsake.
The highlight is the dining, anchored by caviar and the renowned Ippudo ramen. A dedicated sake and shochu sommelier manages an award-winning beverage list.
A traveler celebrating a milestone should unequivocally book this cabin. The total privacy of the suite creates a truly unforgettable occasion.
A business traveler might find the experience a bit too isolated. The lack of a social bar or barstool at the door can feel lonely.
The honest limitation is the cabin’s dark, library-like ambiance. It is quiet and private, not a social, bubbly party in the sky.
Key Takeaway: The Suite is the world’s most private flight experience. It is perfect for solitude, not socializing.
ana the room business class
“The Room” is ANA’s game-changing business class seat, a direct challenger to Qatar Airways Qsuite. It offers massive width and privacy.
The doors close completely, creating an expansive, private workspace or sleep chamber. The 24-inch 4K monitor is the widest in the business class industry.
The seat is so wide it almost eliminates the classic “coffin” feeling of other business class suites. Your feet have unrestricted lateral space.
This product is currently exclusive to the Boeing 777-300ER fleet. Verify your aircraft on the seat map before you pay a premium.
Large and tall travelers must book an ANA flight with “The Room.” It is the single most comfortable business class seat in existence for bigger bodies.
Couples should book the center seats in The Room. The adjustable divider creates a double-bed-like experience that is unmatched.
The honest limitation is the seat’s firmness. The cushion is harder than a plush Western traveler might expect.
Key Takeaway: The Room is the widest, most spacious business class suite. It is the holy grail for tall flyers.
ana premium economy review
ANA Premium Economy is one of the most underrated cabins in global aviation. It features a unique fixed-back shell seat design.
This means the passenger in front of you physically cannot recline into your space. Your legroom and laptop screen are always protected.
The seat pitch is a generous 38 inches, identical to domestic U.S. first class. The leg rest and footrest are sturdy and genuinely useful.
Premium Economy passengers get lounge access at select airports. The amenity kit and enhanced meal service are a meaningful step up from economy.
Tall travelers and business travelers on a sensible corporate policy will find this cabin a brilliant sweet spot. It is a cost-effective productivity suite.
Families should book this cabin for the comfort without the astronomical cost of business class. The shell seat is great for preventing seat-kicking disputes.
The honest limitation is the recline itself. The seat slides forward, making the overall recline angle quite modest for sleeping.
Key Takeaway: ANA’s premium economy is the world’s best economy seat. It is a slouch, not a lie-flat.
ana economy class review
ANA economy class on the Boeing 787-9 offers a standard 3-3-3 layout with 34 inches of seat pitch. This is two inches more than most U.S. competitors.
The seat width is around 17 to 18 inches. The cushioning is firmer, a classic Japanese design preference.
The personal IFE screen is a responsive, high-definition 9-inch touchscreen. The movie selection includes a vast library of Japanese and international films.
The meal service in economy is a two-course affair with a full drink service. The quality is a cut above the typical “chicken or pasta” of a U.S. carrier.
First-time travelers to Japan should start their trip with an ANA flight. The economy service acts as a soft cultural landing.
Budget travelers will find ANA a superior experience to a U.S. carrier on the same route. The extra legroom and better food are a tangible value.
The honest limitation is the cabin temperature. ANA often keeps their cabins very warm, which can be uncomfortable for some.
Key Takeaway: ANA economy is a premium economy-lite on legroom. It beats Delta and United by a clear margin.
is ana economy good
Yes, ANA economy class is very good by global standards. It is a meaningful step above American, United, and Delta’s economy products.
The 34 inches of seat pitch is the key statistical differentiator. This extra legroom is a game-changer on a 12-hour flight.
The Japanese approach to cabin cleanliness is visible even in the economy class lavatories. They are tended to constantly by the crew.
A solo traveler on a budget will find ANA economy to be a safe, clean, and comfortable way to cross the Pacific. The service is dignified and polite.
A large or tall traveler might still find the 17-inch seat width too tight. The extra pitch helps, but a long flight is still a physical challenge.
The food and the service are what elevate the experience. You are served a meal by a flight attendant who genuinely wants you to enjoy it.
Key Takeaway: ANA economy is the best economy cabin on the transpacific route for pure comfort.
ana airlines food review
ANA’s in-flight food is a cornerstone of its 5-star reputation. The dining program is anchored by the washoku tradition.
The Japanese meal is a beautifully arranged multi-course tray. It features a dashi soup, simmered vegetables, a perfectly cooked piece of fish, and steamed rice.
The sake and shochu selection is curated by real sommeliers. The Ippudo “Air” ramen in first class is the single most famous dish in the sky.
Even the economy class soba noodles or curry rice are restaurant-quality. ANA does not view economy food as an afterthought.
Food-focused travelers should absolutely choose ANA over JAL for the dining. The creativity and presentation of the ANA menu is a slight step above.
Western palates should pre-order the international meal option. The traditional Japanese breakfast of grilled fish might be too adventurous for a tired arrival.
The honest truth is that the food on ANA is a genuine, cultural event. It is not a meal. It is an introduction to Japan.
Key Takeaway: ANA serves the most refined, culturally authentic food of any airline in the world.
ana airlines service
ANA service is defined by the Japanese concept of omotenashi, or selfless hospitality. It is a philosophy, not a script.
The flight attendants do not look for problems to solve. They anticipate and solve them before the thought fully forms in your head.
A half-empty teacup is silently whisked away. A new, perfectly hot cup appears without a single word exchanged.
The cabin is cleaned continuously throughout the flight. The lavatories are reset by the crew after almost every single passenger use.
Solo female travelers will feel an extraordinary level of safety and care. The quiet professionalism of the crew is deeply reassuring.
A traveler who prefers chatty, gregarious service might find ANA’s style too formal. The service is exceptionally polite but not casual.
The limitation of ANA’s service is the language barrier. The English proficiency of the crew can vary significantly.
Key Takeaway: ANA service is quiet, anticipatory, and profoundly respectful. It is the gold standard of care.
ana vs jal
ANA and Japan Airlines (JAL) are the two titans of Japanese aviation. They are both 5-star airlines with flawless operational records.
ANA’s hard product is bolder. The Room and The Suite are more innovative, tech-forward, and private than JAL’s latest business class.
JAL’s soft product is more luxurious. The food is a tie, but JAL’s Salon Champagne and cashmere-blend amenities feel slightly more premium.
JAL’s A350 business class offers a plush, wide seat with a headphone jack designed for personal headphones. The small design details feel more passenger-centric.
An AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member will have a much easier time booking JAL. ANA award space to partners is notoriously scarce.
A design-conscious traveler should choose ANA for The Room. It is a more architecturally impressive hard product than JAL’s suite.
The brutal truth is that you choose the one you can book with miles. Award availability is the ultimate tiebreaker between these two.
Key Takeaway: ANA has a better hard product. JAL has a slightly better soft product. Book whichever has award space.
ana vs singapore airlines
ANA and Singapore Airlines are the world’s two most-awarded carriers. They are the Mount Everest and K2 of aviation luxury.
Singapore Airlines is a master of glitz and visible luxury. The Book the Cook lobster thermidor, the Givenchy pajamas, the social bar.
ANA is a master of quiet, minimalist perfection. The zen-like suite, the focused service, the personal tea ceremony.
Singapore Airlines’ Suites Class is a more romantic, celebratory experience. ANA’s The Suite is a more productive, private, and controlled environment.
A couple on a honeymoon will prefer the flamboyance of Singapore Airlines’ Suites. The double bed and champagne bar are built for romance.
A solo CEO preparing for a meeting will prefer the total solitude of ANA’s The Suite. It is an airborne office with zero distractions.
The food on ANA is better for Japanese cuisine. The food on Singapore Airlines is better for a global, Western-leaning palate.
Key Takeaway: Singapore is for celebration. ANA is for quiet, focused perfection. They are the same tier but a different mood.
ana mileage club review
ANA Mileage Club (AMC) is a frustrating but valuable frequent flyer program. It is, without question, the worst part of the ANA experience.
The good news is that ANA awards are accessible via partner programs. Transferring points from American Express to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is the golden ticket.
The Mileage Club website is notoriously difficult to navigate for an English speaker. A VPN and patience are required tools for a successful booking.
AMC miles expire three years after they are earned. This is a hard, non-negotiable policy that has caught many travelers off guard.
Points-and-miles collectors should avoid transferring points directly to AMC. Use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club or Air Canada Aeroplan as a booking tool instead.
A traveler who flies ANA frequently will want to credit those miles to United MileagePlus. You will receive better elite recognition and a more usable currency.
The honest truth is that you love ANA in spite of its loyalty program. You outsource your mileage management to its partners.
Key Takeaway: Never transfer Amex points directly to ANA. Use Virgin Atlantic to book the exact same seat.
best way to book ana business class
The absolute best way to book ANA business class is with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. This is the most famous sweet spot in the points world.
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer instantly to Virgin Atlantic. The award chart charges far fewer miles than ANA’s own program.
The second-best option is booking a close-in, last-minute award through Air Canada Aeroplan. ANA releases unsold premium seats to partners a few weeks out.
Avianca LifeMiles often runs sales on miles purchases. It is an excellent backup option for a last-minute purchase if you lack transferable points.
Points-and-miles experts must search for “NH” award space on United.com before transferring any points. The saver-level space is what Virgin and Aeroplan can see.
Families should know that ANA rarely releases more than two business class award seats per flight. Booking a family of four in The Room is a near-impossible dream.
The single most important strategy is to book the moment the schedule opens. ANA awards are devoured by collectors instantly.
Key Takeaway: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is the secret to an affordable ANA business class ticket with points.
ana airlines baggage fees
ANA’s international baggage policy is generous and straightforward for the standard traveler. Economy passengers are typically allowed two free checked bags.
Each checked bag can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Premium cabin allowances are even higher.
A strict personal item and carry-on bag policy is enforced. The total combined weight of your carry-on and personal item must be under 10 kg (22 lbs).
Families must verify the child and infant baggage allowance on the specific fare. Lap infants often receive a reduced checked bag allowance.
Budget travelers with a heavy, overstuffed carry-on must weigh it before boarding. ANA gate agents are known to enforce the weight limit rigorously with a scale.
Verify the current baggage fees for your specific fare class on the ANA official website. Basic economy and promotional fares often have different rules.
Key Takeaway: Two free checked bags is standard, but the 10kg combined carry-on weight limit is strictly enforced.
ana lounge tokyo narita
The ANA Suite Lounge at Tokyo Narita (NRT) is a world-class ground experience. It is a serene, multi-story facility that rivals a luxury hotel lobby.
The highlight is the noodle bar, serving freshly made udon and ramen to order. The barista-made coffee is also exceptional.
The shower suites are large, private, and spotlessly clean. A refreshing shower and a bowl of noodles are the perfect end to a long transpacific flight.
The problem is that First Class and top-tier elite passengers also get access to the United Club. This creates a jarring “lounge labyrinth” choice.
First Class passengers should use the ANA Suite Lounge for dining and the United Club for its natural light. The dark, windowless Suite Lounge can feel oppressive after an hour.
A business class traveler with a long layover should make the Suite Lounge their home base. The shower and noodle bar make time disappear pleasantly.
The honest truth is that the Suite Lounge is best for a short, luxurious stop. It is not a place you want to spend six hours.
Key Takeaway: Use the ANA Suite Lounge for the noodles and a shower. Then go to the United Club for sunlight.
Important Accuracy Notes for Booking ANA
Award space on ANA, especially in The Room and The Suite, is the most volatile and hyper-competitive element in the frequent flyer world. A strategy that works today can fail tomorrow.
Verify the following directly before transferring a single point:
- Current Partner Award Pricing: Check the award charts on the official Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada Aeroplan websites. These prices change without warning.
- Exact Aircraft Configuration: Use the ANA official website seat map for your specific flight date to confirm if The Room or The Suite is on your plane. Never assume.
- Current Baggage Policy: Check the ANA “International Baggage” page for your specific fare class. Promotional fares can have restrictive, unexpected fees.
- Lounge Access Policy: Confirm your specific ticket or Star Alliance status grants access to the ANA Suite Lounge on the official Star Alliance lounge finder.
The single most effective action is to find the saver award space on an ANA partner site, then transfer the points and call to book immediately. Do not hesitate.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANA Airlines
Is ANA a 5-star airline?
Yes, ANA is a certified Skytrax 5-Star airline.
It has held this rating for over a decade.
The rating reflects the airline’s consistent excellence in cabin, seat, food, and service.
What is the difference between “The Room” and “The Suite” on ANA?
“The Room” is the airline’s latest business class product on the Boeing 777-300ER.
“The Suite” is the even more exclusive First Class product on the same aircraft.
The Suite has a larger monitor, a wider bed, and a more private, fully enclosed space.
Does ANA premium economy have a footrest?
Yes, ANA premium economy has a footrest and a leg rest.
The seat is a fixed-back shell that slides forward for recline.
This design protects the passenger behind you from losing their personal space.
How many checked bags do you get on ANA international flights?
ANA typically allows two free checked bags in economy class.
The maximum weight per bag is usually 23 kg (50 lbs).
Always verify the specific rules for your fare class on the ANA official site.
What points transfer to ANA Mileage Club?
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer directly to ANA Mileage Club.
Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer at a less favorable ratio.
However, the smart strategy is to transfer Amex points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book ANA.
Which is better for Tokyo, Haneda or Narita?
Haneda (HND) is vastly superior for a quick transfer into central Tokyo.
The monorail or train ride is half the time and cost of the trek from Narita.
Narita (NRT) is often the only option for long-haul ANA flights from the U.S. Midwest.
The Final Verdict on All Nippon Airways
ANA is the most meticulous airline in the sky. It is the perfect choice for a traveler who values order, cleanliness, and quiet, anticipatory service above all else.
The food is an authentic cultural event, not just a meal. The hard product, in The Room and The Suite, is a modern masterpiece of industrial design.
Your single most important task is to verify the aircraft type and then book the award with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. The perfect ANA experience is a triumph of planning, not luck.
Open a United award search right now and look for the green “Saver” box on an NH flight. That is your signal to move your points and book the best airline in the world.
