All Nippon Airways Business Class: The Comfort Gem of Japan’s Largest Airline

Is All Nippon Airways business class worth it? Absolutely! Skytrax, a respected airline quality rating organization, has awarded this airline a prestigious 5-star certification. This rating reflects the high standard of the airline’s airport and onboard products, along with its exceptional staff service. The product rating covers factors like seating, amenities, food and beverage quality, in-flight entertainment, and cleanliness. The service rating evaluates the professionalism and assistance provided by cabin crew and ground staff.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is Japan’s largest airline, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Surpassing its primary competitor, Japan Airlines, ANA operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights. Domestically, it serves every region from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. Internationally, ANA connects Japan with destinations in China, Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Canada, the US, Mexico, Australia, and Western Europe.

Narita International Airport serves as ANA’s primary international hub, where it collaborates with its Star Alliance partners in the South Wing of Terminal 1. Meanwhile, Haneda Airport is emerging as a significant international hub, benefiting from its proximity to downtown Tokyo and recent expansion projects. While ANA’s international network primarily caters to business travelers, the airline’s only remaining leisure routes are those connecting Haneda and Narita to Honolulu. However, the airline aims to expand its leisure offerings in the future. 

What is All Nippon Airways business class like? Introduced in 2009, the “Inspiration of Japan” cabin features fully lie-flat business class seats. Since 2010 ANA has offered women-only lavatories on international flights. The airline’s first Boeing 787s are equipped with bidets in both economy and business class lavatories. What does All Nippon Airways business class offer? Let’s explore in detail why you should fly All Nippon Airways business class. 

All Nippon Airways Airport Experience

Before flying All Nippon Airways business class, try out their airport experience. The airline is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey for its business class passengers, from check-in to the boarding gate. At some airports, this includes priority check-in services. Simply follow the business class signs for guidance. If you’ve completed online check-in, you can skip the check-in counter altogether.

• Priority Baggage: Business class passengers who need to check their bags can head directly to the baggage drop counter. There, their luggage will receive a priority tag and be processed to arrive at baggage claim promptly after first-class bags.
• Fast Track Security: Certain airports provide fast track check-in services for business class travelers. Fast track check-in allows travelers to bypass standard lines at the airport. This expedited process typically includes a dedicated priority check-in counter, streamlined security screening, and sometimes an exclusive immigration or customs lane.
• Priority Boarding: Business and first class passengers are given priority boarding following travelers who require special assistance. This service enables travelers to have ample time to settle in, organize their cabin baggage, and get comfortable before the plane fills up.
• Disembarking: Business class passengers have the privilege of disembarking the aircraft first. If you’ve checked luggage, head to baggage claim where your prioritized bags will arrive quickly. Additionally, at Narita Airport, you can unwind in the ANA Arrival Lounge before catching a domestic flight or departing the airport.

All Nippon Airways Business Class Baggage Allowance

Business class passengers are allowed to check two bags, each with a maximum weight of 70 pounds (32 kg). Pre-paid extra baggage is available as a convenient option, letting you pay ahead on the ANA website for any luggage exceeding the free baggage allowance.  Prices range from $100 to $200 based on weight limits and travel destinations. You can secure this service online once your flight is booked. However, this service is unavailable for itineraries involving US or Canadian destinations! 

There are also baggage-related rules that apply to all passengers, regardless of flight class: 

• Some ANA Mileage Club members receive extra free checked bags, relaxed weight limits, and can use miles to check additional luggage. 
• For those traveling with an infant under 2 who doesn’t have their own seat, one extra checked bag is allowed in addition to the standard allowance. The size and weight of this extra bag should meet regular baggage requirements to avoid excess fees.
• Self-service kiosks are available at certain airports. Passengers who have checked in and hold a boarding pass can head directly to these kiosks to check their luggage.

All Nippon Airways Lounges

ANA manages lounges at four airports: Narita (Tokyo), Haneda (Tokyo), Kansai (Osaka), and Honolulu (Hawaii). These lounges offer a diverse selection of meals and beverages, providing ample, comfortable spaces for travelers to relax and enjoy their time before boarding. 

Also, a vast array of airport lounges worldwide caters to passengers traveling on ANA-operated flights or those operated by Star Alliance partners. Some major travel hub airports with these lounges include Hong Kong, Seoul, Jakarta, Bangkok, Manila, Singapore, Mumbai, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Paris, London, and Vienna. Let’s take a closer look at the ANA-managed lounges mentioned earlier.

ANA offers three distinct lounge experiences: the ANA Suite Lounge (available in Haneda, Narita, and Honolulu) for departing first class passengers, the ANA Lounge (available in Haneda, Narita, Kansai, and Honolulu) for departing business class passengers, and the ANA Arrival Lounge (available in Narita and Haneda). The Arrival Lounge provides a convenient space for arriving international business and first Class travelers to unwind. The information below focuses on services available for business class travelers:

• The ANA Lounges help you unwind before your departure. These expansive and comfortable lounges offer various seating options. Indulge in a range of food items from the buffet and noodle bar, and enjoy a selection of alcoholic beverages like sake and shochu. Free Wi-Fi is available, along with an extensive collection of complimentary magazines and newspapers, accessible through the ANA app on your smartphone or computer. To enhance your experience, the lounges are also equipped with shower rooms for a refreshing and comfortable stay.
• The Arrival Lounges also provide a comprehensive array of amenities, including toilets, multipurpose restrooms, showers, a phone call area, photocopier and fax machine, baggage lockers, a lactation room, diaper changing table, smoking area, food and beverage service, newspapers, magazines, and Wi-Fi access.

All Nippon Airways Business Class Cabins & Seats

All Nippon Airways business class seats include the Boeing 787-10, Boeing 787-9, Boeing 787-8, Boeing 777-300ER, Boeing 767-300ER, Airbus A380-800, and Airbus A320neo. ANA business class seats provide exceptional comfort and functionality. Depending on the aircraft, features may include fully flat beds, privacy doors, spacious LCD monitors, storage closets, and a host of other amenities.

ANA Business Class Seat Options:

• The Room: Found on select B777-300ER aircraft, these spacious seats each feature a door and direct aisle access. Alternating between forward- and rear-facing rows, they offer unparalleled privacy and comfort in business class.
• ANA Business Staggered: ANA pioneered the staggered seat arrangement among Japanese airlines, allowing every passenger to have direct aisle access regardless of seat location. These innovative seats are available on the B787-9, B787-8, B777-300ER, A380, and B787-10 aircraft.
• ANA Business Cradle: To ensure a comfortable flight, this seat features a generous pitch and a footrest adjustable to four different heights. It also includes a 12.1-inch touch-screen LCD monitor, a spacious table, a universal power outlet, and more. These seats are available on the B787-8 and B767-300ER.
• Other Business Class Seats: Featured on the A320-200neo, ANA’s short-haul regional business class seats provide ample legroom for a relaxing journey. These sophisticated electronic reclining seats typically offer a vertically adjustable headrest, a large main table and stowable side table, universal PC power and USB ports, and an electronic seat control panel.

Service

ANA business class flights deliver an exceptional experience due to the innovative seat features and top-tier onboard service. As a participant in TSA PreCheck, ANA enables eligible travelers to access expedited security lines, making it possible to get through security in just minutes. This US government program, managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), simplifies airport screening for pre-approved passengers.

ANA offers its business class travelers an extensive selection of in-flight duty-free shopping options known as ANA Sky Shop. To preview the onboard selection or shop directly from your device during the flight, you can explore the ANA Sky Shop digital catalog on the airline’s website.

ANA’s attentive flight attendants respond promptly to call buttons and ensure passengers’ needs, like a water bottle or coffee refill, are met swiftly. Lavatories are consistently stocked with dental kits and mouthwash for the entire journey. Meal service is both quick and efficient, yet remains warm and personalized. Overall, the exceptional service is perfectly aligned with ANA’s high-class seats. The following services are also available:

• Keep My Fare is a handy service that allows customers to retain their reservation and fare details for up to 72 hours before ticket issuance, giving them extra time to finalize their decision. Simply select your flight and fare, then apply for the service from the payment screen.
• In-Flight Medical Support: For passengers needing medical assistance, ANA offers a comprehensive support system, ensuring peace of mind with 24-hour global access to medical professionals.
• ANA’s In-Flight Wi-Fi lets you stay connected on your smartphone, tablet, or other devices, allowing you to access the internet. For connection instructions, passengers can access the ANA Wi-Fi Service details through the in-flight entertainment system or ask the cabin crew for assistance if needed.

Amenities

To ensure a relaxing in-flight experience, ANA provides business class passengers with a thoughtful selection of useful amenities. Upon boarding, you’ll usually find a pair of soft slippers, a small pillow and a larger one, a seat pad for bed mode, and a lightweight blanket.

• There’s also a basic set of headphones and a Globetrotter amenity kit that may be designed as a charming mini suitcase. Inside, you’ll typically find cleansing foam, face lotion, cream, a sleep mask, and ear plugs.
• ANA’s new comforter is crafted from Maruhachi Mawata down, while the innovative pillow features a dual-layer design: one layer is filled with feather down for an airy, fluffy feel, while the other is made from soft, springy polyurethane foam for a unique texture. 
• The bed pad is a customized version of Nishikawa Sangyo’s Air Cyclone®, tailored to fit ANA’s business class staggered seats. It has three special layers and optimal resilience for easy turning and excellent breathability, promoting restful sleep. The reverse side is slip-resistant, so it can double as a seat cushion. The bed pad is available only on flights featuring ANA Business Staggered seats and is not provided on routes to or from Vietnam.

Additionally, limited-stock business class amenities, such as knitwear and foot rollers, are available for complimentary rental.

Entertainment

When flying ANA business class, you’ll enjoy in-flight entertainment in style with large LCD or 4K monitors that create a home-like experience. The welcome screen offers a variety of languages, from which passengers can choose their preferred one. After that, they can browse a wide range of options, including movies, music, games, e-books, and Live TV. The video content spans from recent Hollywood hits and popular Japanese box office films to a variety of TV dramas, shows, original music programs, and more.

ANA also offers a complimentary in-flight internet service for business class passengers on international flights. You can use the web, email, and social media on any wireless LAN-compatible device. For flights without in-seat power, business class passengers can rent an external laptop battery to stay connected throughout their journey. Every ANA business class seat now features built-in power outlets and USB ports for convenient charging.

Food

One of the standout features of ANA Business Class is its exceptional catering:

• “The Connoisseurs” by ANA is a unique culinary program where the airline collaborates with renowned chefs, beverage specialists, and culinary experts from around the world to create a superior dining experience for their passengers. These culinary experts include Toru Okuda of Ginza Okuda and Ryuta Iizuka of Ryuzu. There are also prominent sommeliers like Olivier Poussier, who earned the title of the world’s best sommelier in 2000. This top-tier talent helps to design exclusive menus that elevate in-flight meals, featuring gourmet dishes and exceptional beverages. The meticulously prepared cuisine reflects both global influences and traditional Japanese elements. If you require a special meal, whether for children or specific dietary needs, the service caters to those as well.
• Pre-Order Meal Service: Business class passengers can pre-select their preferred meal. For certain routes departing from Tokyo, they can choose collaboration menus featured on other routes, including Japanese and Western cuisines. This service is not available for short-haul flights lacking multiple meal options or for codeshare flights operated by partner airlines or with non-ANA flight numbers. Passengers can pre-order meals on the ANA website when booking their flight, with a deadline of at least 24 hours before departure.

Beverages

Upon boarding, you’ll be offered a glass of Champagne and water. Savor the Champagne or a glass of sake alongside your meal, as each option is carefully curated by ANA staff and external advisors. The finest red and white wines from world-class wineries have been handpicked to complement the ANA menu, selected from a competition of 2,000 wine brands across 15 countries. 

For coffee enthusiasts, ANA serves a special cup sourced from Rainforest Alliance-certified producers, supporting this international nonprofit organization that promotes a better future for people and nature. Enjoy this sweet-flavored coffee with its rich aroma of oak cask and roasted nuts.

Price

How much does an ANA business class ticket cost? The price can vary significantly due to several factors:

• Route and Destination: High-demand routes or destinations tend to have higher fares. The flight distance and duration also play a role in determining the cost.
• Time of Booking: Booking well in advance or during promotional periods, such as those promoted by AranGrant, can lower prices. Booking close to the departure date or during peak travel seasons may lead to higher costs.
• Flexibility: Flexible travel dates and tickets allowing changes or cancellations often come at a premium compared to non-flexible fares.
• Seasonality: Traveling during peak seasons, holidays, or special events increases demand and often results in higher fares.
• Market Conditions: Economic factors, fuel price fluctuations, and airline competition can also impact ticket prices.
• Aircraft Type: The aircraft type, cabin configuration, and amenities provided also influence ticket prices.

All Nippon Airways Upgrade to Business Class

You can use your ANA award miles for an All Nippon Airways business class upgrade. Upgrading from Economy or Premium Economy to Business will cost 25,000-50,000 miles, depending on your origin and destination. To upgrade your seat, you must do so at the time of booking when making your payment. 

Upgrades can also be purchased using Star Alliance frequent flier points/miles. If paying with cash, choose your desired upgrade class and proceed with payment. Although getting a free upgrade with ANA is challenging, it’s possible with luck and planning. Joining ANA’s Mileage Club, their loyalty program, can improve your chances. As a member, you’ll have access to exclusive promotions and offers, potentially including complimentary upgrades, particularly if you hold elite status.

Overall Impression

From beginning to end, the friendliness and unwavering helpfulness of ANA staff are truly remarkable. These flight attendants aren’t just trained for safety but also excel in world-class hospitality. While no business-class seat is flawless, ANA’s “The Room” comes close. The combination of such superb seats, paired with unparalleled service and enticing menus, creates an exceptional All Nippon Airways business class experience you’ll remember fondly.