Flying ANA Business Class: An In-Depth Guide to “The Room” Experience

ANA Business Class: When it comes to luxury travel, ANA’s “The Room” business class is regarded as one of the best in the sky.
Introduced by Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) in July 2019, this groundbreaking business class suite continues to set the standard for excellence. Whether you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo or elsewhere, this guide will walk you through what to expect from booking to boarding and everything in between.

The Room Business Class: What You Need to Know

Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, famous for his work on Tokyo’s National Stadium, ANA’s “The Room” reflects the elegance and subtlety of Japanese design. The spacious suites are inspired by traditional Japanese living spaces, featuring wood paneling reminiscent of Japan’s lush forests. Each suite offers a high degree of privacy with sliding panels and an innovative layout that ensures your comfort on long-haul flights.

Key Features of ANA’s “The Room”

1. Seat Layout and Privacy: The Room is arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 layout, alternating between forward- and backward-facing seats. The seats on the sides of the plane (A, C, H, K) are perfect for solo travelers, while the middle seats (D, E, F, G) are ideal for couples or friends traveling together. Privacy screens can be raised between middle seats if you’re traveling solo. Each suite has a set of closing panels that slide shut, giving you a personal oasis at 30,000 feet.
2. Spaciousness: The Room lives up to its name by offering an incredibly wide seat – 38 inches, to be precise. This is significantly wider than most business-class seats, giving you ample room to spread out, even when reclined. In fact, the seat width rivals that of many first-class products on other airlines, making it one of the most spacious business-class seats available.
3. Lie-Flat Bed: The seat converts into a 71-inch lie-flat bed, long enough for most passengers. Taller passengers may need to curl up slightly, but the generous space still provides a comfortable sleeping experience. The cabin crew provides a mattress pad, a large pillow, and a cozy blanket to enhance your rest.
4. Entertainment and Amenities: The Room features a 24-inch high-definition screen with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The entertainment system can be controlled via a touchscreen or remote, allowing for ease of use whether you’re seated upright or lying down. Additionally, ANA provides comfortable slippers, an amenity kit from Globetrotter featuring toiletries, face mist, and lip balm from Japanese brand Shiro, and premium headphones.
5. Dining Experience: ANA’s food and beverage service in business class is exceptional, offering both Western and Japanese menus. Meals are crafted with fresh ingredients, and you can enjoy everything from sushi and soba noodles to steak and Western-style breakfasts. ANA is also known for its extensive drink selection, which includes premium sake, wines, and spirits.

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Booking ANA Business Class

Award Availability and Points Redemption

Booking a seat in ANA’s “The Room” can be challenging due to its high demand, but with some persistence, you can secure this luxury experience using points. ANA is part of the Star Alliance, so you can book flights using points from several airline loyalty programs, including:

• United MileagePlus
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• ANA Mileage Club

For example, a one-way business-class ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) might cost around 88,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on the loyalty program and availability. Taxes and fees are typically low, around $18 to $80, making it an excellent value for miles.

Tips for Finding Award Seats

• Check Often: ANA releases award seats sporadically, so it’s important to check frequently, especially in the months leading up to your trip.
• Use Flexible Dates: Be flexible with your travel dates to increase your chances of finding available seats.
• Book Far in Advance: Popular routes like LAX to Tokyo often fill up quickly, so try booking six to 12 months in advance.
• Use Seat Maps to Confirm “The Room”: Not all ANA 777-300ERs have the updated business-class product, so be sure to check the seat map for rows 5 through 20, which are configured in a 1-2-1 layout. If you see this layout, you’re likely booked in The Room.

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The Airport Experience

Flying business class with ANA means a premium experience from the moment you arrive at the airport.

Check-In and Boarding

When flying business class, you’ll have access to dedicated check-in counters at most airports, which helps expedite the process. If you’re departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), for example, ANA offers dedicated lines for business class passengers, as well as those with premium economy tickets and Star Alliance Gold members.

Upon check-in, you’ll be able to use TSA PreCheck (if applicable), speeding up security screening. Once through security, you can access the Star Alliance Lounge, where you’ll find plenty of seating, showers, and food options, including a noodle bar that offers customizable soups. If you’re departing from Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports, ANA’s lounges are equally impressive, offering similar amenities.

Boarding for ANA business class is swift and orderly, with passengers invited to board early, allowing you ample time to settle in.

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Cabin and Seat Overview

Cabin Layout

ANA’s 777-300ERs with The Room have three separate business class sections:

1. Mini-Cabin (Rows 5-6): This cabin offers the most privacy, with only two rows of business class suites directly behind first class.
2. Main Business Cabin (Rows 7-16): Located in the middle of the aircraft, this section contains the majority of business class seats.
3. Rear Business Cabin (Rows 17-20): Slightly smaller and located further back, this cabin can be a good option for passengers seeking a quieter space.

Seat Configuration

The alternating forward- and backward-facing seats provide a variety of options depending on your preferences. Solo travelers might prefer the window seats (A and K), which face backward and offer the most privacy. Couples and friends traveling together might choose middle seats (E and F), which can be adjusted with privacy screens.

The seats are upholstered in light gray fabric with Japanese ash woodgrain panels, creating a sophisticated and calming atmosphere. The tray table is large enough for a laptop and dining, and can be adjusted forward and backward for comfort during meals.

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Onboard Service and Dining

Exemplary Japanese Hospitality

ANA is renowned for its exceptional onboard service. From the moment you board, you’ll be treated with respect and professionalism by the cabin crew. The service is attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring your needs are met throughout the flight without being overwhelming.

Cuisine and Beverages

ANA’s inflight dining is a culinary delight. You can choose between a Japanese or Western menu, both offering a multi-course dining experience. The Japanese menu may include delicacies like sushi, kaiseki (a traditional multi-course Japanese meal), and miso soup, while the Western menu features dishes such as roasted lamb, pasta, or a traditional English breakfast.

The beverage selection is equally impressive, offering an array of wines, champagnes, and premium sakes. ANA also serves specialty teas and expertly crafted cocktails.

Impressive menu:

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Sleeping in “The Room”

Thanks to the wide seat and lie-flat configuration, The Room offers a restful sleeping experience, even on long-haul flights. ANA provides a mattress pad, large pillows, and a lightweight blanket to enhance your comfort. The suite’s high walls and closing doors create a cocoon-like environment, ensuring privacy and quiet while you rest.

While the bed length might be slightly short for very tall passengers, most travelers will find it comfortable enough for several hours of uninterrupted sleep. If you’re particularly tall, you may need to curl up slightly, but the overall spaciousness should compensate for this minor inconvenience.

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Final Thoughts: Why ANA’s “The Room” Business Class Is Worth It

All Nippon Airways’ “The Room” is truly a game-changer in business class travel. From the spacious and innovative seat design to the impeccable service and culinary offerings, ANA ensures an exceptional experience from takeoff to landing. The combination of Japanese hospitality and thoughtful amenities make it a top choice for discerning travelers.

Pros:

• Unmatched privacy and spaciousness
• Superior service and dining
• Wide, comfortable lie-flat seats
• Large entertainment screens with a diverse selection

Cons:

• Shorter bed length may be uncomfortable for tall passengers
• Limited availability of award seats due to high demand

If you’re planning a long-haul trip, flying ANA’s The Room is an excellent choice. Whether you’re using points or splurging on a paid ticket, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more luxurious business-class experience in the sky.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can I book ANA business class using points?
A: ANA is a part of the Star Alliance network, so you can book flights using points from several programs, including United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, ANA Mileage Club, and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Checking availability regularly and booking in advance is key to securing these sought-after seats.

Q: Is ANA’s The Room available on all flights?
A: No, The Room is available on select Boeing 777-300ER routes. It’s important to check seat maps and route information before booking to ensure you’re flying on an aircraft that features this

For more information and to book your flight, visit ANA Airlines.

See also our curated Business Class deals, also with some top deals for ANA Business Class!