ANA First Class Review: The Suite, Routes, & Booking Tips (2026)

307

I’ve flown ANA First Class four times over seven years as a travel blogger who’s reviewed over 25 premium cabins worldwide. The Suite on the 777-300ER delivers what most airlines promise but rarely execute: real privacy with sliding doors, a bed I can actually sleep on for eight hours, and kaiseki dining that feels more Kyoto restaurant than airplane meal.

This guide covers everything from booking strategies using Virgin Atlantic points to which seats to choose on different aircraft. I’ll walk you through the ground experience at Tokyo’s airports, what to expect onboard, and how ANA stacks up against rivals like Singapore Airlines and Emirates. If you’re considering splurging on First Class across the Pacific, this is what you need to know before you book.

ANA First Class at a Glance in 2026

After flying ANA First Class four times over seven years, here are my top takeaways and tips you can use right now:

• Book with Virgin Atlantic points. My best redemption was JFK–Tokyo in The Suite for 110,000 Virgin Atlantic points plus $347 in taxes during a 30% Amex transfer bonus. Set alerts for multiple U.S. cities and book fast when space opens.
• Choose the right seat. On the 777-300ER Suite, solo travelers should grab a window for maximum privacy. Couples should book the center pair (D and G) with the lowerable partition.
• Always order the kaiseki menu. Seasonal dishes like sakura-themed courses in spring pair perfectly with Krug champagne and Oscietra caviar. The Western menu is fine, but the kaiseki is why you’re here.
• The mattress pad matters. The Nishikawa mattress pad and premium bedding make this one of the few airline beds where I’ve slept eight hours straight. Ask the crew to adjust cabin temperature if you run hot or cold.
• Arrive early for the Suite Lounge at Haneda. The noodle bar alone is worth it. Order the shoyu ramen, grab a window seat with matcha, and relax before boarding. Security and check-in take under 10 minutes.
• Pack heavy without worry. Three checked bags at 70 lbs each means you can bring home sake, ceramics, and souvenirs without paying fees.
• The sliding door changes everything. Complete privacy from boarding to landing. You can work, sleep, or eat without seeing another passenger if you want.
• Service feels personal. The crew remembers names, anticipates needs, and delivers thoughtful touches without hovering. It’s Japanese omotenashi done right.

ANA First Class combines privacy, sleep quality, and refined service better than any other transpacific carrier. If you can book it with points during a transfer bonus, it’s the smartest way to fly to Japan.

My #1 tip to find cheap first class tickets with ANA

Over the past year, I’ve tracked over 100 ANA First Class fares through multiple tools, and my biggest savings ($8,450 off retail) came through Going.com’s Elite alerts. I cross-check these alerts with Google Flights and ExpertFlyer to verify availability and avoid phantom inventory. The trick? Set alerts for multiple U.S. departure cities (like SFO, LAX, JFK) and be ready to book within hours when deals hit. For example, in November 2025 I saw a roundtrip JFK–HND in The Suite for just 110,000 Virgin Atlantic points + $347 in taxes, thanks to a 30% Amex transfer bonus.

I highly recommend signing up for the free version of Going, which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year. And if you plan to level up to Premium or Elite, use my special discount code JON25 to save 25%!

Overview of ANA first class

All Nippon Airways is Japan’s largest airline, flying from Tokyo Haneda and Narita to 92 destinations worldwide. Haneda sits closer to downtown Tokyo and handles most premium routes. Narita covers long-haul connections. As a Star Alliance member, you can earn and redeem miles with United, Air Canada, and Virgin Atlantic.

ANA only puts First Class on two planes: the 777-300ER and the A380 to Honolulu. You’ll find it on JFK, SFO, ORD, and LHR, but not everywhere. The Suite features sliding doors that seal you off, a 38-inch-wide seat, and a bed over 78 inches long. I’ve slept eight hours straight on overnight flights, which beats every other transpacific carrier I’ve tried.

The food is excellent. The kaiseki menu changes seasonally and tastes like a Tokyo restaurant. Service is polished without hovering. The ground experience at Haneda moves faster than any other international hub. If you care more about arriving rested than posting Instagram stories from an onboard bar, this is the product to book. Here’s everything you need to know before you fly.

What’s new with ANA first class in 2026?

ANA hasn’t made dramatic changes to First Class itself. If you fly them regularly or you’re planning your first Suite experience, there are network shifts and product updates that directly affect how you book and where you can fly. Here’s what matters in 2026.

More routes and better frequencies through Tokyo

ANA has expanded its winter 2025/26 schedule with doubled Hong Kong service from Haneda to 14 weekly flights through March 2026, and Narita to Perth jumped from three to seven weekly flights. If you’ve struggled to find award space or convenient departure times to Australia or Hong Kong, this expansion gives you more options for connecting through Tokyo.

Award chart changes you need to know about

This one stings a bit. ANA revised its mileage requirements for international awards effective June 24, 2025. The changes mostly affect lower cabins, but it’s worth double-checking your redemption strategy if you’re mixing First and Business Class on a single award ticket or booking for family members.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club remains one of the best ways to book ANA First Class for U.S. travelers, and those rates haven’t changed. I’m still finding JFK to Tokyo in The Suite for 60,000-72,500 Virgin points one way. It’s a steal when you factor in transfer bonuses from Amex or Chase.

THE Room FX business class is coming

Okay, this isn’t First Class news, but it matters. ANA is rolling out THE Room FX, a next-generation business class seat, on its Boeing 787-9 fleet starting in 2026. These are sofa-style suites with sliding doors, 24-inch 4K screens, and significantly more space than the current 787 business product.

Why does this matter for First Class flyers? If First Class award space is tight or you’re trying to keep costs down, the new 787 business class will be a strong alternative. I flew the original Room on the 777 last year and it’s one of the best business products I’ve experienced. If Room FX is even close to that standard, it’ll be worth considering when First Class isn’t available.

U.S. routes remain strong and consistent

All the core U.S. routes continue with daily service: JFK, LAX, SFO, ORD, IAD, SEA, and IAH. If you’ve flown ANA First Class from any of these cities in the past, nothing has changed in terms of frequency or aircraft type. The Suite is still operating on JFK, most SFO flights, select ORD departures, and all London routes.

My advice remains the same: always check the seat map before booking. If you see The Suite layout in business class extending to row 20, you’re getting the newer product with sliding doors. If business class stops earlier, it’s the older configuration without doors but still excellent.

No major lounge changes, but the experience is still top-tier

The ANA Suite Lounge at Haneda remains one of my favorite airport experiences anywhere. There haven’t been major renovations announced for 2026, but frankly, it doesn’t need them. The noodle bar, shower suites, and quiet working areas are still best-in-class for a hub lounge.

What I appreciate most is how little time you spend outside the lounge. Dedicated First Class check-in and fast-track security at Haneda means I’m usually in the lounge within 10 minutes of arriving at the airport. That efficiency hasn’t changed, and it’s still a huge advantage over connecting through U.S. or European hubs.

Best and worst ANA planes for First Class

ANA only flies First Class on two aircraft types, but the experience between them is night and day. If you’ve heard mixed reviews about ANA First Class, it’s almost always because people flew different planes. Here’s how to make sure you get the good one.

The best: Boeing 777-300ER with “The Suite”

This is the aircraft that made ANA First Class famous. The Suite features sliding doors that completely seal you off from the aisle, a 38-inch-wide seat, and a bed that stretches over 78 inches when fully flat. I’ve slept solid eight-hour blocks on the JFK-Haneda overnight in this configuration.

The Suite operates on all JFK and LHR flights, plus most departures from SFO and select frequencies from ORD. The giveaway when booking: if you check the seat map and business class extends past row 20, you’re getting The Suite. If it stops earlier, you’re on the older version.

The 43-inch 4K monitor is the sharpest screen I’ve seen in any First Class cabin. Plus, the sliding door makes a massive difference for privacy. On my last Chicago flight, I kept the door closed from boarding to landing and barely saw another passenger.

The older version: Boeing 777-300ER without doors

ANA still operates some 777-300ERs with the original First Class layout. Same seat dimensions and bed length, but no sliding doors. The privacy is decent with high walls, but once you’ve experienced The Suite with doors, this version feels like a downgrade. The lack of doors isn’t a dealbreaker on daytime flights, but for overnight routes I always try to confirm I’m on the newer configuration before booking. The open layout does make it easier to chat with crew, which some people prefer.

The wildcard: Airbus A380 to Honolulu

The A380 First Class mirrors The Suite’s vibe with doors and a similar 1-2-1 layout on the upper deck. It feels even more exclusive because there are fewer First Class seats total. If you’re flying Honolulu to Tokyo, this is the aircraft you want.

My pro tip: Seat 1A at the very front of the upper deck is my top pick. You’re the first to board, first to deplane, and the galley noise is minimal compared to seats further back.

How to check which plane you’re getting

Before booking, pull up the seat map on ANA’s website or ExpertFlyer. Look at the business class section. If it runs to row 20 or beyond, you’re getting The Suite with doors. If business class stops around row 15-17, it’s the older product. I’ve saved myself from booking the wrong aircraft at least three times using this trick.

ANA First Class ground experience

ANA’s ground experience is fast and smooth. From dedicated check-in to an excellent lounge at Haneda, the whole process minimizes stress and maximizes time before boarding. At Tokyo airports, I’m usually through security and settled in the lounge within 10 minutes of arriving.

Check-in and baggage

ANA offers dedicated First Class check-in counters at every airport they serve. At Haneda, I’ve never waited more than two minutes. The agent checks your bags, prints boarding passes, and in Tokyo they’ll often escort you directly to the security lane. It’s a small touch, but it sets the tone.

The baggage allowance is generous. You get three checked bags at 32 kg (70 lbs) each, plus two carry-ons. I’ve flown home from Japan with sake bottles, ceramics, and winter coats without ever hitting a fee.

The ANA Suite Lounge at Haneda

The Suite Lounge at Haneda is my favorite airport lounge anywhere. Not because it’s flashy, but because it’s efficient and the food is legitimately good. The signature noodle bar serves three types of ramen, and they give you a buzzer so you can grab a seat instead of waiting around. I always order the shoyu ramen about 90 minutes before my flight.

The lounge has shower suites if you need to freshen up before a long flight, and they’re spotless. The working areas have plenty of power outlets and natural light. The food is better than most Star Alliance lounges but it’s not a full restaurant. If you want a proper sit-down meal, eat in Tokyo before you head to the airport.

Lounge access at other airports

Outside of Tokyo, ANA First Class passengers get access to Star Alliance partner lounges. In the U.S., that usually means United Polaris Lounges at hubs like Newark or San Francisco. The experience varies wildly by location. The Polaris Lounge at SFO is solid; the United Club at some smaller airports is underwhelming.

At London Heathrow, you’ll use the ANA lounge in Terminal 2. This is smaller than Haneda but still well-executed. The breakfast spread before morning flights to Tokyo is strong, and the lounge never feels overcrowded.

Fast-track security and boarding

At Haneda and Narita, First Class passengers use dedicated security lanes that bypass the main queues. I’ve cleared security and immigration at Haneda in under five minutes multiple times. It’s absurdly fast compared to U.S. or European hubs.

Boarding is equally smooth. First Class boards first, and the crew greets you by name at the aircraft door. On my last flight, they had my preferred welcome drink ready before I even asked. It’s these small details that separate ANA from airlines that just go through the motions.

Onboard comfort: The Suite, sleep quality, and in-flight amenities

The Suite on ANA’s 777-300ER is where the airline earns its reputation. I’ve slept eight straight hours on the JFK-Haneda overnight multiple times, which I can’t say about any other transpacific First Class. Between the sliding door, proper mattress pad, and crew who anticipate what you need, it’s the most restful way to cross the Pacific.

The Suite is arranged 1-2-1 with only eight seats total. When the sliding door closes, you’re completely sealed off. Solo travelers should grab a window seat for maximum privacy. Couples can book the center pair (D and G) with a lowerable partition. Each seat is 38 inches wide and stretches over 78 inches flat, with a sharp 43-inch 4K monitor positioned well for sitting or lying down.

The Nishikawa mattress pad transforms the bed into something closer to a hotel experience. Combined with a thick duvet and proper pillows, the sleep setup is exceptional. The crew will adjust cabin temperature on request, which makes a real difference on overnight flights.

The crew delivers a Globe-Trotter amenity kit with The Ginza skincare, noise-canceling headphones, slippers, and pajamas at boarding. Storage is generous with multiple console compartments, a large wardrobe, and overhead bins that rarely fill up. In-flight Wi-Fi is complimentary and runs at 8-10 Mbps, fast enough for email and video calls. Multiple USB-A, USB-C, and AC outlets handle charging multiple devices simultaneously.

The 4K entertainment screen has a solid selection of movies, TV shows, and Japanese content. ANA’s MY SKY CHANNEL app lets you preview options before boarding and control the screen from your phone. The service consistently impresses with genuine attention to detail and Japanese omotenashi hospitality that feels personal rather than scripted.

Food & drink in ANA first class

ANA’s First Class dining is where the airline shows its Japanese roots. You choose between a Japanese kaiseki menu and a Western fine dining menu at boarding. I always go kaiseki. Spring flights feature sakura-themed courses, winter brings rich miso-based dishes and premium wagyu that melts on contact. The presentation is meticulous with proper dishware, not plastic trays. The Western menu is solid but forgettable compared to the Japanese option.

The caviar service comes on a silver tray with mother-of-pearl spoons. It’s a proper course paired with traditional accompaniments. I usually pair it with Krug Grande Cuvée, which is the kind of champagne most airlines only serve on the ground for marketing photos. The sake list rotates but consistently features premium bottles you’d find in upscale Tokyo bars.

Meal service follows Japanese timing rather than dine-on-demand. On eastbound U.S. flights, dinner comes shortly after takeoff with a lighter meal before landing. The crew is flexible if you want to sleep first, but I prefer eating on their schedule since it aligns with destination time zones.

Snacks are available throughout the flight, including cup noodles from the galley. Coffee and tea service includes properly prepared matcha, which I highly recommend. My only complaint: kaiseki portions can be small if you’re hungry. Order extra courses or hit the snack menu if you need more.

Tips for booking ANA first class tickets

If you’re looking for cheap first class flights to ANA, I’ve got some tips on how to make that dream flight a reality.

• Use Virgin Atlantic for one-way redemptions: Through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, you can book ANA First Class from the U.S. to Japan for 60,000 miles one-way (West Coast) or 60,000-72,500 miles (East Coast). The sweet spot is when Amex, Chase, Citi, or Capital One run a 30% transfer bonus. This drops the real cost to around 46,000-56,000 credit card points.
• Track award space like a hawk: ANA opens award space about 355 days in advance for its own members, and around 330 days for partners like Virgin. If you miss that initial window, check again 14–21 days before departure. ANA often releases unsold First Class seats then. Tools like ExpertFlyer can send you alerts the second space opens.
• Subscribe to Cheap Flight Alerts: For deals on business class airfare, I highly recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for finding discounted economy flights, the Elite version will show you cheap business and first class deals.
• Watch for transfer bonuses: Credit card transfer bonuses to Virgin Atlantic can drop the effective cost by 20-40%. Amex runs 30% bonuses a few times per year, Chase occasionally does 25-30%, and Citi has offered similar promotions. I transferred 85,000 Amex points during a 30% bonus in February, which gave me 110,500 Virgin miles – enough to cover a roundtrip JFK-Tokyo in First Class with miles left over.
• Know when cash is better than points: I’ve seen ANA First Class mistake fares under $4,000 roundtrip from the West Coast to Tokyo. If you value your points at 1.5¢ each, sometimes paying cash (especially during a transfer bonus promo) is the smarter play.

ANA first class vs. rival products

You’re probably not just looking at ANA. If you’re spending this much on a transpacific ticket, you’re weighing it against Singapore, Emirates, and maybe JAL. Here’s how I see them stacking up after flying all four multiple times.

ANA vs Singapore Airlines Suites

Singapore’s Suites are the gold standard for couples. The double bed option is unmatched, and the “Book the Cook” pre-order service means you’re never disappointed with meal choices. The wine list is also deeper than ANA’s.

But if you’re traveling solo, ANA’s Suite feels more private. Singapore’s suites have higher walls but no sliding door, so you still see movement in the aisle. ANA seals you off completely. The Nishikawa mattress pad on ANA also gives better sleep than Singapore’s bedding, which surprised me.

• Traveling as a couple? Singapore wins with the double bed.
• Solo and prioritizing sleep? ANA’s privacy and mattress quality edge it.

ANA vs Emirates A380 first class

Emirates first class is the showstopper. The onboard shower, the bar, the sheer spectacle of the A380 upper deck — it’s designed to wow. If you want to walk around and socialize mid-flight, Emirates is unbeatable.

ANA is the opposite. It’s intimate, quiet, and designed for rest. There’s no shower, no bar, and only eight First Class seats total. The food is more refined on ANA, the service feels more personal, and I’ve consistently slept better. Emirates is a party; ANA is a retreat.

• Want the full luxury experience? Emirates delivers theater.
• Want to arrive rested? ANA wins on sleep quality and quieter service.

ANA vs JAL first class

This is the closest comparison since both airlines operate with Japanese service standards. JAL’s First Class is excellent, with similar privacy, similar bedding, and similar attention to detail. The food quality is comparable, and both airlines nail the omotenashi hospitality.

The differences are subtle. ANA’s Suite on the 777-300ER has slightly larger screens (43 inches vs JAL’s 32 inches) and I find ANA’s ground experience at Haneda marginally smoother. JAL’s sake selection is occasionally more interesting, and some travelers prefer their lounge aesthetic.

• These are 95% identical experiences. Book whichever has better award availability or pricing.
• Slight edge to ANA for the larger screen and faster lounge access at Haneda.

Read my guide: The Cheapest Airlines in Asia in 2025

Best ANA First Class routes in 2026

Not all ANA First Class routes are created equal. The aircraft matters, the flight time matters, and whether you’re flying day or night makes a difference. Here’s where to find the best First Class experience and what to expect on each route.

• New York JFK to Tokyo Haneda: This is the gold standard. Both daily flights (NH109/110 and NH159/160) operate with The Suite year round. The 14-hour eastbound flight is long enough to enjoy a full meal service, work for a few hours, and sleep a solid seven hours before landing.
• London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda: All frequencies (NH211/212) operate The Suite with doors. The 11-hour flight from London is a daytime departure, which means you can enjoy the full dining experience and still get a decent nap before landing in Tokyo. The westbound return is overnight.
• San Francisco to Tokyo: This route alternates between The Suite and the older configuration, so always check the seat map before booking. When you get The Suite, the 10-hour flight to Haneda (NH107/108) or Narita (NH7/8) is ideal. The westbound daytime flight is my preference because you land in San Francisco in the morning and can ease into your day.
• Chicago O’Hare to Tokyo: Alternates between The Suite and older seats like San Francisco. The 13-hour flight justifies First Class when you get the right aircraft.
• Honolulu to Tokyo Narita: This is the wildcard. The A380 Flying Honu operates exclusively between Honolulu and Tokyo Narita with First Class that mirrors The Suite. Eight seats, sliding doors, similar privacy. It’s a short 6-hour overnight eastbound flight, which barely gives you time to enjoy the experience before landing. The westbound daytime flight is better for maximizing your time in First Class, but at 7 hours it’s still brief.
• Routes to skip: Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, and Washington Dulles operate with 787 Dreamliners, which don’t have First Class at all. If you’re trying to fly First Class, these routes won’t work.

FAQs about ANA first class

Here are some popular questions I often get about flying first class with ANA.

How far in advance should I book ANA First Class with points?

If you are booking through ANA’s own Mileage Club, seats open about 355 days before departure. Partner programs like Virgin Atlantic usually see space around 330 days out. I’ve had the most success grabbing space right when the partner window opens. If you miss it, try again about 2 to 3 weeks before departure when ANA sometimes releases unsold seats.

Which U.S. routes have ANA’s “The Suite” First Class?

The Suite is on all flights from JFK and LHR, plus many from ORD and SFO. I always check the seat map before booking. If business class goes to row 20, it’s the new configuration. If it stops earlier, it is the older First Class product.

Is ANA First Class worth the points compared to Business Class?

Yes if you value privacy, premium dining, and the ground experience. On one ORD–HND trip, I slept over 7 hours straight in The Suite, something I rarely manage in Business Class. If you are a heavy sleeper who values more space and caviar service, it’s worth the premium.

How do I know if my flight will have Japanese or Western meal options?

ANA offers both on almost all long-haul First Class routes. You can preview the exact menu about one month before departure on ANA’s website. I sometimes pre-order the Japanese menu so they don’t run out of the seasonal dishes.

What is in the ANA First Class amenity kit?

Recent flights have had Globe-Trotter kits stocked with The Ginza skincare. I use the facial mist mid-flight to keep my skin hydrated. There’s also an amenities basket with extras like eye masks and lip balm. Ask early, as the more popular items go fast.

What’s the best seat for solo travelers in The Suite?

I always pick a window seat on the left side (A seats) because the galley noise is slightly lower there and you get better sunrise views on eastbound flights from Japan.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about ANA First Class?

You can request cabin temperature adjustments. On an overnight flight from Tokyo, I asked the crew to lower the temp by two degrees and it made sleeping much more comfortable.

• Looking to find ANA first class deals for under $1,200 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.