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Review of ANA Business Class

Ramsey Qubein Ramsey Qubein May 10, 2024
Review of ANA Business Class

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Business Class is synonymous with meticulous Japanese hospitality and refined design, making it a top choice among discerning international travelers. The carrier’s signature “The Room” suites, found on select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, feature expansive seating with sliding privacy doors—setting a new standard for personal space in business class. Even ANA’s earlier business class seats provide substantial privacy, thanks to high partitions that create an exclusive inflight environment on long-haul routes.

Flying ANA immerses you in authentic Japanese culture before landing in Japan or as you connect globally. Onboard, expect expertly crafted kaiseki meals, premium sake, and traditional delicacies, all presented with precision and artistry.

As a proud Star Alliance member, ANA offers seamless mileage earning and redemption across a global network, including partners like Air Canada, Lufthansa, Swiss, United, and Thai Airways. Elite Star Alliance Gold passengers enjoy enhanced privileges, while ANA’s own Mileage Club loyalty program provides tailored benefits for frequent flyers.

Airport experience

ANA’s dual hubs at Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports are paragons of efficiency and organization, reflecting the broader Japanese commitment to seamless travel. The airline’s extensive domestic and international network is supported by streamlined connections and courteous, multilingual ground staff.

Travelers departing from Tokyo benefit from priority check-in counters, expedited security lanes, and swift access to ANA’s sophisticated lounges. These premium facilities are mirrored at key international gateways, ensuring a consistent luxury experience worldwide.

ANA’s flagship lounges in Tokyo are renowned for their made-to-order noodle bars—where you can sample freshly prepared ramen and regional specialties—as well as their signature beef curry. Buffet selections rotate daily, offering sushi, salads, hot and cold dishes, sandwiches, and an array of desserts. Beverage stations feature a curated selection of wines, Japanese whiskies, and self-serve beer dispensers that pour the perfect pint. Amenities include showers, rest zones, high-speed Wi-Fi, and secluded work pods.

For arriving business class guests at Narita, a dedicated Arrivals Lounge provides a tranquil space to refresh before onward journeys. Additional ANA-operated lounges can be found at Honolulu and Osaka Kansai, while partner and contract lounges support premium passengers worldwide.

Priority boarding is standard for Business Class and Star Alliance Gold travelers. During our recent journeys, ANA’s boarding process stood out for its clarity and courtesy, with staff orchestrating an orderly flow and bowing to guests—a hallmark of Japanese service culture.

Cabin & Seat

ANA’s long-haul fleet—spanning the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, 777 series, and Airbus A380—features state-of-the-art lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout, ensuring direct aisle access for every guest. Center seats are designed with either dual side tables or a central divider, allowing couples to sit together or solo travelers to maximize privacy. We recommend reviewing the seat map before your flight to secure your preferred arrangement, as ANA does not charge for advance seat selection.

Window seats alternate between having a side table by the window or aisle, offering enhanced seclusion for those seeking a barrier from foot traffic. Couples can lower a privacy screen between center seats for a more intimate, suite-like setting.

The latest evolution—"The Room"—introduces a wider, leather-clad seat with alternating forward and rear-facing configurations, allowing for ample personal space. These suites feature sliding doors and electronic window shades, elevating both privacy and convenience. However, as of 2025, “The Room” is still exclusive to select 777-300ER routes, which are clearly indicated on ANA’s website during booking.

Smaller mini-cabins, separated by galleys, provide an even quieter, more exclusive atmosphere—ideal for travelers valuing tranquility. ANA’s business cabins are among the largest in the industry, with generous seat counts even on the Boeing 767s (used mainly for regional services) and select Boeing 737s (with recliner-style seats for medium-haul routes).

Each seat includes a spacious side table, dedicated storage for essentials, universal power and USB ports, a substantial dining table, and intuitive electronic seat controls for multiple positions—from relaxed lounging to fully flat rest.

The Businessclass flight search tool provides images, videos, and detailed seat maps for ANA and other leading airlines, helping travelers select the best seat for their journey.

Cuisine

ANA’s culinary program is a highlight of the business class experience, seamlessly blending Japanese formality with global flavors. Guests can select from authentic Japanese kaiseki or sophisticated Western menus, each curated by ANA’s team of celebrated chefs. While mixing courses between menus isn’t permitted, a broad snack selection is available as a flexible alternative throughout the flight. Unique to ANA, many menu items display their calorie content—a welcome detail for health-conscious travelers.

Each meal begins with a crisp linen tablecloth, followed by an amuse bouche and a beautifully presented starter and soup. Bread selections are accompanied by butter, olive oil, and artisanal seasonings. Even with Western courses, you may request steamed rice, Japanese pickles, and miso soup, infusing Japanese flair into every meal. The kaiseki set is the true standout, with artfully plated morsels such as simmered seasonal vegetables, seafood delicacies, and refined tofu—each dish a testament to ANA’s culinary artistry.

Main courses are plated to order in the galley, avoiding the typical trolley service for a more bespoke, restaurant-style presentation. Choices typically include premium beef, fresh seafood, or a refined pasta. Desserts range from decadent cakes to fresh fruit, cheese, or traditional Japanese sweets.

While service is unhurried and tailored to the flow of the cabin, the overall quality and attention to detail are exceptional. Mid-flight, a selection of light bites and snacks—including ANA’s signature ramen, curry rice, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and ice cream—is available on demand.

Prior to landing, a second meal is served, tailored to the time of arrival. Special dietary requests—vegetarian, kosher, or children’s meals—can be pre-ordered. Though ANA does not offer dine-on-demand, crew are accommodating if you wish to delay your meal service.

Beverages

One area where ANA diverges from industry norms is the absence of pre-departure beverages in business class—a missed opportunity to impress from the outset. Instead, flight attendants introduce themselves prior to takeoff, with Champagne (such as Castelnau Cuvée Brut Réserve), juice, or water served only after departure. This sequence feels less celebratory compared to competitors who pour Champagne during boarding.

Once airborne, a full beverage menu is available, accompanied by a light amuse bouche and a warm towel. While the drinks list is extensive—featuring premium wines, two types of sake, shochu, and Japanese plum wine—service can be leisurely due to the large cabin size. Beverage refills are not always proactively offered, but a quick press of the call button brings prompt, attentive service.

The wine selection typically includes two reds, two whites, port, and a rotating premium label. Spirits feature renowned brands like Chivas Regal, Suntory Hibiki, and Bombay Sapphire, alongside a thoughtful cocktail and mocktail list. Both Japanese and international beers are available, including non-alcoholic options and a range of soft drinks.

Specialty drinks include a signature Brazilian coffee blend and a diverse tea selection, with ANA’s original citrus-honey drink providing a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

The Businessclass flight search offers up-to-date information on Champagne and wine served in ANA Business and First Class. We welcome updates from readers if you spot changes to our listings.

Service

ANA’s cabin crew deliver a service style that is both warm and understated, prioritizing passenger comfort and quietude. During our flights, we found the staff genuinely eager to assist, though their presence between meal services is intentionally discreet to preserve the tranquil atmosphere for rest.

Most crew members speak Japanese and conversational English, and are quick to respond to requests—especially when the call button is pressed. The size of the business class cabin can mean longer waits for meal delivery, sometimes up to three hours for the full service. Nonetheless, the professionalism and attention to detail remain consistent throughout the journey.

Entertainment

ANA’s business class seats are equipped with ultra-high definition 24-inch (61 cm) touchscreens, offering a broad range of Hollywood blockbusters, global cinema, and music channels. The entertainment library features content in multiple languages, with a strong emphasis on Japanese, Korean, and Chinese selections—though international sitcoms are less prevalent.

Noise-cancelling headphones are provided at each seat, and a responsive remote control allows easy navigation while reclined. The advanced 3D moving map system displays real-time flight progress and highlights points of interest en route. Many aircraft are fitted with external cameras, delivering captivating views from takeoff to landing.

Wi-Fi connectivity is available fleetwide, now with improved speeds and reliability as of 2025. Pricing is based on connection time, making it simple for business travelers to stay productive in the air.

The Businessclass flight search details ANA’s current inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi offerings for specific routes and aircraft.

Amenities & Facilities

Business class guests receive elegant amenity kits designed by Globe-Trotter, featuring premium skincare from Japanese brand SHIRO. Additional amenities, such as aromatherapy patches, face masks, and earplugs, are available either in the lavatories or presented in baskets by the crew.

Comfort items include plush slippers, a cozy cardigan (collected before landing), two pillows, and a high-quality duvet. A fitted mattress cover is provided for extra hygiene, though it adds minimal extra cushioning. Shoe bags and shoehorns are thoughtful touches for long-haul comfort, and sweets are distributed before arrival as a parting gesture.

Lavatories are well stocked with mouthwash and facial lotion, and ANA’s long-haul aircraft feature Japanese-style bidet toilets. Families traveling with infants can request bassinets for select seats on intercontinental routes.

ANA’s signature aroma, inspired by traditional Japanese woods and herbs, is subtly diffused in lounges and cabins. Warm towels and hand lotions are infused with this exclusive scent, and aroma cards are distributed to international business class guests for a multisensory welcome.

Short & Medium Haul

For international medium-haul routes, ANA deploys both widebody and narrowbody aircraft. Business Class seats vary between full-flat, cradle, or recliner designs, and a hot meal paired with a comprehensive bar service is standard.

On domestic flights within Japan, ANA’s Business Class is branded as Premium Class. Both widebody and narrowbody jets are used, typically with cradle or recliner seats. The onboard offering includes cold snacks and a selection of beverages—ranging from soft drinks and Japanese beer to wine, cava, coffee, and tea—tailored to the flight length and time of day.

Sustainability

ANA continues to advance its sustainability agenda by investing in next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft and enhancing operational efficiency both on the ground and in flight. The airline is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, with initiatives including optimized engine cleaning, continuous descent operations, and minimized reliance on auxiliary power units pre-flight.

The airline’s Airbus A380s, dedicated to the Hawaii market, sport vibrant sea turtle liveries to raise awareness for native wildlife and underscore ANA’s environmental commitment.

The Businessclass flight search displays CO2 emissions per flight, with higher scores awarded to eco-friendly aircraft and operators.

What We Love

  • Exceptional Japanese cuisine and an extensive range of sake, wines, and shochu served onboard
  • Stylish lounges featuring innovative self-serve beer machines
  • "The Room"—ANA’s latest business class suite—offers one of the most spacious lie-flat beds and full privacy doors in commercial aviation