Traveling in business class can elevate your flying experience, making long-haul flights much more enjoyable. I recently had the chance to fly with All Nippon Airways (ANA) in business class and wanted to share my insights, flying from Japan to San Francisco.
Here's a comprehensive review of my experience with ANA Business Class, covering the lounge in NRT, service on board, amenities, bedding, food, and overall value.
Starting off in the Narita Lounge
The ANA Lounge at Narita Airport (NRT) is a gem, offering travelers a serene escape before their flights.
A Warm Welcome
You will be greeted by a calming atmosphere with plenty of seating options, from cozy corners for solo travelers to larger areas for groups. The lounge staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that every visitor feels welcomed and well taken care of.
Amenities and Comfort
Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, charging stations for devices, and a selection of newspapers and magazines. For those looking to unwind, the lounge offers shower facilities equipped with toiletries, providing a refreshing way to rejuvenate before a long flight.
Incredible Dining options
One of the highlights of the ANA Lounge is its dining options. The lounge features a buffet with a variety of Japanese and international dishes, including sushi, soba noodles, and seasonal salads. Additionally, there’s a well-stocked bar offering a selection of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. Whether you’re in the mood for a light snack or a full meal, the lounge’s culinary offerings are sure to satisfy.
Relaxation Zones
For travelers seeking relaxation, the lounge includes quiet areas where you can lounge on comfortable chairs or even catch up on some sleep. The ambiance is designed to help you unwind, making it a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport.
Service on Board All Nippon Airways
From the moment I boarded my ANA flight, I was greeted by incredibly friendly flight attendants. Their attentiveness was commendable, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. However, I did encounter a small hiccup: I had not set my "Do Not Disturb" (DND) sign and didn’t get woken up for additional meals. Perhaps they were being a bit too polite? Despite this, the overall service was excellent.
Pajamas
On ANA flights lasting over seven hours, passengers are provided with pajamas, which I found to be quite comfy. While the website notes that you’re not supposed to keep them, we discreetly took ours home as they were just too cozy to leave behind (sorry!).
Conversely, United Polaris only provides pajamas on flights longer than twelve hours, and many business class cabins do not provide pajamas at all.
Amenities
One surprising aspect of ANA’s business class was the absence of a traditional amenity kit. Instead, all toiletries and products were available in the bathroom, which felt somewhat cheap and less luxurious than I expected. The eye mask provided was also of lower quality.
Bedding
Bedding can significantly impact comfort during long flights. ANA provided a mattress pad that was comfortable, but the comforter was not as warm or fluffy as I would have liked. I did appreciate that the cabin temperature was manageable, so I didn't feel cold.
Seat Comfort
Regarding seat comfort, ANA’s configuration was spacious, but my row was not particularly private since it was next to two other seats. I would have opted for a front seat, but it wasn’t adjacent to the window. However, the overall dimensions of the seat were generous, accommodating larger passengers well.
Food
Food is a crucial aspect of any business class experience. On ANA, the original meal was enjoyable, and I loved the ramen snack that was available for order. However, most of the other food offerings were limited to snacks or packaged items, which was a bit disappointing. At least I got to try the Japanese meal, but I had higher expectations.
Price (All Nippon Airways Business Class)
When it comes to the cost of flying business class, ANA can be a fantastic value when using miles. Typically a round-trip ticket can sometimes be found for $5,000, but through various miles partners, you can use 60,000 miles instead.
I would fly again
Overall, flying ANA Business Class was a pleasant experience, with attentive service and comfortable seating. While there were some downsides—like the lack of a traditional amenity kit and mixed food quality—the positives outweighed the negatives.
If you're considering your next business class journey, ANA offers a compelling choice, especially for those looking to get the most value for their money. Whether you prioritize service, comfort, or amenities, ANA is definitely worth considering for your travels!
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