Flying ANA (All Nippon Airways) is not just a journey across continents, it’s an immersion into precision, discipline, and elegance that defines Japanese aviation. Having flown ANA numerous times over the past decade, across domestic short hauls and ultra-long-haul transpacific flights, I can confidently say this is not your average flag carrier. ANA sets a high bar for consistency, cleanliness, and a hospitality standard few airlines match.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll unpack ANA’s cabin experiences, onboard services, safety track record, and how it stands against other elite carriers like Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and its domestic rival, Japan Airlines (JAL).
What Is ANA Airlines Known For?
ANA is Japan’s largest airline by fleet size and revenue. It’s the only Japanese airline to consistently receive a 5-Star Skytrax rating since 2013. Founded in 1952, ANA operates over 100 domestic routes and nearly 90 international routes.
ANA is a core member of the Star Alliance and has strong code-sharing ties with United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines. Its fleet primarily consists of Boeing aircraft, notably the 787 Dreamliner and 777-300ER, both optimized for long-haul comfort and fuel efficiency.
The airline is widely recognized for:
- Immaculate cabin cleanliness
- Exceptional punctuality (ANA averages over 88% on-time performance)
- Traditional Japanese hospitality (Omotenashi)
- Premium services in Business and First Class
ANA has also heavily invested in biometric boarding systems and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives, making it a frontrunner in tech-forward aviation among Asian carriers.
How Comfortable Are ANA’s Cabins Across Travel Classes?
Whether you’re flying short-haul within Japan or crossing oceans to New York or Frankfurt, ANA offers a consistently polished cabin experience. Comfort varies widely across classes, but the attention to detail is uniform.
What to Expect in Economy Class
ANA’s economy class offers a surprising level of comfort, particularly on international long-haul routes. Seat pitch averages 34 inches, one of the most generous among global full-service airlines. Seat width is approximately 17.3 inches, depending on aircraft type.
Key features include:
- Individual 13.3” HD screens with a wide range of content
- Adjustable headrests
- USB power and universal plugs (on newer aircraft)
- Japanese meal service with options like chicken katsu and miso salmon
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages, including sake and plum wine
ANA also earns points for the quiet ambiance onboard its Dreamliners. Compared to JAL, ANA’s entertainment system feels more robust, though JAL offers slightly wider economy seats on select aircraft.
Is ANA Premium Economy Worth It?
Yes, for most passengers. ANA’s Premium Economy seats offer a 38-inch pitch and a 19.3-inch width, comparable to domestic First Class seats in the U.S. Each seat includes:
- A large 15.6” touchscreen
- Noise-cancelling headphones
- Leg and footrests
- Priority boarding, check-in, and baggage
- Lounge access at select airports (e.g. Tokyo Haneda and Narita)
Compared to competitors like British Airways or Lufthansa, ANA’s Premium Economy product stands out for its superior seat quality and dining.
How Does ANA Business Class Compare Globally?
ANA’s “The Room” business class, available on Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, is one of the best in the world. These suites offer:
- Fully enclosed sliding doors for privacy
- A 24-inch 4K screen (among the largest in the industry)
- Lie-flat bed with mattress topper
- Gourmet Japanese Kaiseki or Western multi-course menus
- On-demand snack bar including udon noodles and rice balls
I’ve flown “The Room” multiple times, and it rivals Qatar Airways Qsuite and Singapore Airlines’ A380 business class in privacy and service. One downside: older ANA aircraft still use staggered business class seats, so aircraft choice matters significantly.
What’s Unique About ANA First Class?
ANA’s First Class product, branded “The Suite”, is a standout in luxury aviation. Offered on select 777-300ER routes, it features:
- Fully enclosed private suites with 43-inch 4K monitors
- Sliding privacy doors and a personal wardrobe
- Multi-course meals curated by top Japanese chefs
- Premium wine and sake list, including Krug Champagne
- Shiseido amenity kits and 100% organic cotton loungewear
I recommend flying ANA First on routes like Tokyo to New York or London, where the full ground and in-flight service experience is activated.
How Is the Booking and Check-in Experience?
Is ANA’s Website and App User-Friendly?
ANA’s booking platform is efficient but slightly dated in UI design. Key advantages include:
- Real-time seat maps
- Multiple fare options including “Value” and “Flex”
- Integration with Mileage Club for upgrades
The mobile app (rated 4.7/5 on iOS and 4.3/5 on Google Play) offers mobile boarding passes, upgrade notifications, and real-time flight updates.
What Services Are Offered at the Airport?
ANA offers streamlined check-in through both kiosks and counters. For premium passengers, ANA provides:
- Dedicated First and Business Class counters
- Priority baggage tags and fast-track security
- Access to ANA Lounges (Business) and ANA Suite Lounges (First)
Baggage allowances are generous: Economy passengers get 2x23kg checked bags, while Business and First Class receive 2x32kg.
How Does ANA Handle In-Flight Services?
How Is the In-Flight Dining on ANA?
ANA excels in in-flight catering, particularly on long-haul flights departing Japan. Features include:
- Japanese Kaiseki meals with options like grilled black cod, wagyu, and seasonal pickles
- Western meals designed by Michelin-star chefs
- Sake and Japanese craft beer selections
Special meals are available for all dietary needs and must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure.
How Reliable Is ANA’s Wi-Fi and Entertainment?
ANA’s in-flight Wi-Fi is available on most international aircraft, but speeds vary. Wi-Fi plans:
| Plan | Duration | Price (USD) |
| 30-Min Plan | 30 minutes | $6 |
| 3-Hour Plan | 3 hours | $16 |
| Full Flight | Entire flight | $22 |
The entertainment system includes:
- 350+ movie titles (50% Japanese, 50% international)
- ANA original short films and documentaries
- Noise-cancelling headphones in Premium cabins
How Safe and Punctual Is ANA Airlines?
What Is ANA’s Safety Record?
ANA has a spotless safety record in recent decades. The airline is IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified and maintains one of the youngest long-haul fleets (average 8.8 years). It partners with Boeing for maintenance and aircraft performance analytics.
ANA hasn’t had a fatal accident in over 45 years, placing it among the top 10 safest airlines globally per AirlineRatings.com.
How Punctual Are ANA Flights?
ANA has been ranked in the Top 5 for global on-time performance by OAG:
- 88.1% on-time arrival rate (2023 average)
- Higher punctuality than JAL (86.3%), Singapore Airlines (85.7%), and Korean Air (83.5%)
Its operational efficiency is a major reason I continue to choose ANA for tight connections in Tokyo.
What Do Passengers Think of ANA Airlines?
What Are the Most Common Passenger Compliments?
ANA frequently receives praise for:
- Polite and proactive cabin crew
- Spotless aircraft interiors
- Tasty and healthy in-flight meals
- Smooth boarding and disembarkation
Skytrax and TripAdvisor reviews consistently highlight ANA’s “cleanliness,” “efficiency,” and “sense of calm.”
What Are the Most Frequent Complaints?
Main criticisms include:
- Limited Wi-Fi connectivity on older aircraft
- Unclear fare conditions for upgrades and cancellations
- Inconsistencies between new and old Business Class products
These are valid concerns but are often outweighed by the airline’s strengths in other areas.
How Does ANA Score on Skytrax and Other Ratings?
ANA is rated 5 Stars by Skytrax and ranked #3 globally in 2023. It also holds:
- #1 Best Airline Staff in Asia (Skytrax)
- 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor for International Flights
- 7/7 Safety Score by AirlineRatings.com
How Does ANA Compare to Other Flag Carriers?
| Feature | ANA | Japan Airlines | Singapore Airlines | Korean Air |
| Business Class Seat | “The Room” | “Sky Suite” | “Book the Cook” | Apex Suite |
| Economy Seat Pitch | 34” (select routes) | 33” | 32” | 33” |
| First Class Privacy | Full Suite | Semi-private | Full Suite | Enclosed pod |
| Skytrax Rating | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
| In-flight Meals | Kaiseki & Western | Bento & Western | International Fusion | Korean-Japanese mix |
ANA competes neck-to-neck with Singapore Airlines on quality but wins on punctuality and Japanese-specific service design.
Is ANA Worth Flying With for Long-Haul Travel?
Absolutely. For long-haul routes, especially to and from Japan, ANA offers:
- Industry-leading Business and First Class seats
- Quiet and modern cabins on the 787 and 777-300ER
- Authentic Japanese service culture
- Strong Star Alliance mileage benefits
ANA regularly undercuts Emirates and Lufthansa in pricing on transpacific and trans-Eurasian routes while delivering better punctuality.
What Are the Best Routes and Aircraft to Fly ANA?
For the best ANA experience, I recommend booking:
- Tokyo (HND/NRT) – New York (JFK) on Boeing 777-300ER (The Suite/The Room)
- Tokyo – London Heathrow for lounge experience and soft product
- Tokyo – Frankfurt for Business Class with quiet 787-9 layout
Domestically, flights between Tokyo and Osaka run like clockwork and are ideal for frequent flyers seeking efficient connections.
Final Verdict: Who Should Fly with ANA?
ANA suits:
- Business travelers needing punctuality and quiet cabins
- Premium flyers valuing privacy and luxury
- Japan-bound tourists wanting cultural immersion from gate to gate
If comfort, service, and operational reliability are your priorities, ANA is a clear choice over many European and Middle Eastern competitors.