On my way back from Japan, I flew first class via the number two airline in the world - ANA (All Nippon Airways). Based in Japan, ANA is one of Japan’s two premier airlines, the other being JAL. I will be flying JAL’s premium economy product, back to Japan next year-so more on that later. But this post is dedicated to ANA’s best suite in the sky.
The Plane
The plane I flew in was a 777-200 LR. The plane itself was a last-minute swap from a 777-300 ER, but it was fine. I heard no creaking, the equipment still looked nice and new, it must have just been renovated. The plan was spacious, and I had a great view of take off and landing in my usual window seat.
The Seat
The seat was very comfortable! Unlike their business class, my bottom was comfortable, and although I needed to get up frequently to go to the restroom.
They just kept those drinks coming’
I definitely enjoyed this seat a lot more. I used it in bed mode after eating and even caught a few hours of sleep! The space in the seat was spectacular as well. I had plenty of nooks and crannies to have my laptop, tablet, and phone(s) and ample power and ports to keep them all charged.
The Food
The food was a standout! I had mostly Japanese food on the way to Japan, and on the way out I went for more western food. I had burgers, steak, rice bowls, cake. Delicacies upon delicacies. The champaign also hit just the right tone as well. I really have nothing bad to say about my Buffett in the sky.
Service
Do I really have to talk about ANA’s soft product?
Soft product refers to the service on the plane
While the seat is referenced as the hard product
The flight attendants were intensely attentive! Every 20–30 minutes I had someone ask me if I wanted to order something else, wanted a refill of my drink, or to get to know me more as a customer. I had a great time talking to them all about my trip and I felt they paid special attention to me, probably because they did, as there were only 3 other people in first class. If you get the chance to fly ANA first, I recommend it. Well worth the 120K virgin red points.
Overall Score
ANA’s first class is one of the best 1st class products you can fly. The food is amazing, the service is fantastic, and the experience from check in to check out is very impressive. This is my second time flying in ANA’s first class, and if they continue to offer experiences like this, it most certainly won’t be my last. ANA is one of my favorite airlines, right after Singapore Airlines internationally. If you ever need to go to Asia, FLY ANA.
5/5
