I got to OHare roughly an hour before departure. I had spent the previous night at the Hyatt Regency OHare and figured there was no reason to show up early.
Continue reading: Review: ANA First Class Chicago to Tokyo Narita
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Is there no worthwhile lounge for *F passengers?
I hate proprietary iPod cables...I think this is going away.
And how did I miss that coffee menu? And that snack menu?
@ David -- Just the Global First Lounge, which certainly isn't anything worth showing up at the airport early for.
On my flight, the flight attendant let me take 3 pairs with me! ANA is simply awesome.
Outstanding flight report. I know this was a first class report, but how would you rate ANA Biz class vs other Asian airlines, specifically Thai, Korean, Cathay Pacific, Singapore?
Thanks!
My first business class experience was on the "old" ANA business class (not fully flat) and that was enough to convince me I was hooked. I've now had a chance to fly biz (fully flat) and first class on other airlines (internationally) and I would say they are one of my favorite airlines as far as the total product. I look forward to trying their new first class.
Awesome report Lucky! I'm not too familiar with the whole caviar spoon but from your experience, was ANA the only airline to serve the caviar with the appropriate non-metallic caviar spoon?
Can you compare to JL F? I have read other reviews claiming their food and service is comparable if not better to ANA. Not to mention their new F looks pretty good. They also release more award space to partners where as I have not seen more than 1 F seat at a time for ANA.
Would you say this level of service is an "ANA thing" or typical of all/most Japanese airlines (e.g., JAL)? I haven't flown any of them, so I have no idea.
Thanks for the great trip report.
Any recommendations on which routes to check for this product or how consistently they open up F ~1 week out? FWIW, I didn't see F award space on ORD-NRT for the next few days.
Of course if you had been taking photos on a US carrier upon embarking you'd be writing this from jail now, because you obviously would have broken several "FAA rules";-)We're such stooges in N America!
ANA is a great airline. No metal for caviar! Nice report.
@ dsf -- Hah, they're just one of those airlines that doesn't have Diet Coke. Makes me sad as well!
@ WanderingEntrepreneur -- Well I've flown ANA business class but only the old hard product. But if I had to guess, I'd say Cathay and Singapore would have the edge due to the hard product, and they'd be better than Thai and Korean Air. It's a really solid product. Though I do think it's first class where ANA shines.
@ Joey -- It's the first time I remember being served caviar with a caviar spoon, so I think so.
@ Peetyrd -- I've flown Japan Airlines' old first class product once and their new first class product once, and I don't find them to be quite to the level of ANA. I think ANA's meal service is a bit better, hard products are somewhat comparable, but based on my limited flights with them I just didn't find the service to be anywhere near as spectacular and attentive as I did on ANA.
For that matter, on both my JAL flights I kind of felt like I was being treated as a second class citizen, while I've never felt that way on ANA. But that could just be due to my limited experiences with both carriers.
@ Juno -- Well part of it is true of the Japanese service culture in general, whether you're at McDonalds or anywhere else. It's over the top and mostly insincere, but not necessarily in a bad way.
But based on my limited experience I have found ANA crews to be substantially better than JAL crews, though many love JAL as well.
@ Tim J -- The only route where space seems to be released with any consistency close to departure is JFK-NRT, since it's twice daily service, LAX, IAD, SFO, and ORD seem to just randomly get availability a few days a month.
Soon ORD-NRT is going to be twice daily, which is exciting, since I'm sure it'll translate into more award space.
I remember from business classes that culturally the Japanese have an _extreme_ preference to the "best" item in a marketplace. Given that ANA is generally perceived as the better airline, JAL probably has to over-compensate to even remain competitive.
Once again Ben - a great trip report. Will choose ANA over SQ, CX, JL or LH in first anytime - just monotonously perfect.
BTW, any good caviar snob knows caviar spoons are not supposed to be metal to avoid imparting a metal taste 🙂
Nice post. I'm on the same route in late November in Business. Unfortunately I'm on the late day flight in the old config 777-300er that has the lay at an angle seats,
@de; he used Taca-Avianca miles; he mentioned it in the introduction.
@rob; ideally the spoon should be made of ivory (that is real snob); bamboo spoon is nice, does not impart the metallic taste and is sustainable.
@lucky;
You mention appetizer with avocado and crabmeat but the picture is tomato and shrimp. Actually the shrimp looks like something UA would serve.
I'm flying SIN-HKG(CX J)-SFO(CX F) next month - your trip report now has me considering SIN-NRT(NH J)-SFO(NH F). Flights are available on the date I'm heading back to the US.
But I've really been looking forward to CX F (744); only done it once before HND-HKG plus I would get 2+hrs in the Cathay Wing in HKG.
Decisions decisions - what would you do Ben?
Nice report! It's certainly a super pleasure to read it!!!
Lucky, do you happen to know if ANA business class award seats will be open a lot more towards the departure date? I am referring to in particular the intra-Asia flights such as from Guangzhou to Tokyo etc.
@ Simon -- That's a toughie. Assuming SIN-NRT is on the ANA 767, I'd definitely stick with Cathay Pacific. SIN-NRT is too long of a flight in regional business class, in my opinion, when you could be doing first class on Cathay Pacific.
ANA is my home airline, and I fly them almost exclusively...
think I might be a tad spoiled now when it comes to customer service in the air 😉
@ Simon -- In that case I'd definitely stick to Cathay Pacific, in your shoes.
I flew ANA J a couple years ago on NH 9 from JFK to NRT. I had hoped for F, but only got J, in the new 77W
Comfortable seats, attentive crew. the food was good (much better than their regional offering).
As to the special cable for the iPhone, the time I flew they lent me one for the flight.
Thanks for the review Ben, I am flying ANA F on 1010 in just over a month 😀
Thank you for taking so many pictures and share with your readers. I am wondering is there any secret to take pictures in cabin? I really like to take some pictures but sometimes just so shy and am afraid it might not be proper behaviors in cabin? Or should I just ask in advanced and make it clear I am going to take pictures?
We've flown ANA twice. Once from ORD-NRT in Business and then IAD-NRT in first. There was only my wife, myself and 1 other passenger in first. I ordered the souchu, since I had never tried it before. They kept refilling it (I guess to finish the bottle they opened or to keep me happy). I really don't remember the rest of that flight.
@ Shannon -- I almost never ask and have never really had any issues. I just avoid using flash and try to avoid taking pictures of other passengers, but as long as I do that I can't imagine a crew will have an issue.
Sometimes crews will comment and say "oh, is it your first time in first/business class?" I'll usually just say yes, and if anything it makes the experience even better since they want to make it as memorable as possible.
@Lucky, do you ever see two ANA F seats LAX-NRT 6-11 months out? I'm burning my AA miles rapidly with my love for CX F, I'm gonna have to start using my United miles soon (or UR points). No surcharges on ANA booked as United awards, right?
@Rami - my preference is mother of pearl.
@ beachfan -- Almost never. Sometimes (rarely) I'll see two seats from New York to Tokyo some months out, but almost never out of Los Angeles.
Thanks Ben (#32 response) - I checked ExpertFlyer and 4/8 F seats are already reserved on NH8 NRT-SFO, yet only 1 reserved (me!) on CX870 HKG-SFO 🙂 Good call.
Ladies and Gentlemen, this sounds like a winner.
Thanks Ben, I made up my mind, and will choose ANA F over J for my next flight to Asia.
Flew this route in first class earlier in the summer and I was blown away. This is the first time I have flown first class and I am now spoiled. Thanks to you and some of the others in the travel blog business this flight was on points and I am looking forward to taking others.
A good review. A few comments:
The sleepwear (that you wore) is yours to take home; however, since you only had a half-load in F, they were able to give you a unused fresh set. The cardigan stays on-board.
I agree that the design of the First Square seats leaves something to be desired -- was it really necessary to block out most of the view? I still prefer the old F at times, but the details of the new suite have grown on me (e.g. larger table, more storage, wider screen, etc.).
Interesting you were served Krug on the ground; I was served some kind of sparkling wine in SFO.
You say the CAs are "intimidated", but I think they're just reserved as a cultural matter. Combined with the fact that English is very much a second language for them, to a non-Japanese speaker they seem very subdued compared to their SQ or CX counterparts. If you talk to them enough, though, they do open up (especially the ones with more experience, and especially in Japanese). The service does tend towards the obsequious, but that's bog standard in Japan.
did you try the leg refreshment sheet? i know when i flew ANA's business, the "refreshing scent card" - a curious little spongy cube attached to a flat business card actually had a strong fragrance. the mouthwash in a soft package felt dangerous for the more uncoordinated among us (ie me) and the refreshing face wipe was pretty cleansing and menthol-ly.
Their snack menu is much more extensive than what most other airlines seem to offer. Especially compared to some of the snack menus you showed us for SQ or Cathay first...
Always thought NH was very possessive about their PJs and insisted on collecting them so nobody would leave with a pair. Appears they've had a major change of heart...must give their F a try next year once I've topped up my MP account...AC/AE raised the cost of F awards beyond realistic levels last year so it's J awards with those miles.
I had the same experience as you had in NH F! Really loved their attention to detail and the way they apologized for every single thing!
Hi Ben, over the next year I can only find 1 F seat at a time on NH 11, but I need 2 F seats. If I book 1 seat, might ANA open up a 2nd seat later on? Thanks.
@ PK -- Yep, there's certainly a chance more space opens up closer to the departure date, though it's far from a guarantee.
First of all, English is not my first language, so I apologize for my writing.. (by now, maybe you can already tell that I am a Japanese? haha)
Second, as a Japanese, it is nice to see someone enjoyed Japanese service. So your report made me happy.
Well, I am writing this because I am afraid that you never figured out what the leg refreshing sheet was and didn't try.. It is something like this.
They usually has rosemary oil, peppermint oil, and other stuff in them. You put it on your calf or back of your foot. Soon after you put them, you will feel coolness and feel like that waste products in your body is being absorbed into the sheet.
I hope you tried the leg sheet. I live in Chicago and sometimes buy them in Japanese grocery store paying a lot more money than I would pay in Japan (since they are imported... )
Do you go to Japan often? If you find this chocolate, please try. They might have them at the airport. Blue box is original and the best. My American coworkers always ask me to bring them back.
If not, any "Nama" chocolate would be good. They will melt in your mouth...
http://www.royce.com/contents/english_product/
Well, I just realized they have stores in NY. However that blue box costs $18!!!!! It was about $6 years ago in Japan.. I got excited thinking that I can get them here too, but I don't think I will buy... Too expensive...
If you go to Japan, please buy some for me....
Hey Lucky. Planning on doing this exact flight (and then going to Australia) to get rid of my remaining UA miles.
Had a couple questions:
1) In general does ANA do equipment swaps? I'm holding the same flight on the 777-300ER, which I believe is the only one that has the new F, and want to make sure I get the best product.
2) It seems like they only release 1 seat far out, is that true? And if so, any chance we may able to get another one close in? I'm flying NYC-ORD-NRT, so JFK-NRT would work also.
Thanks for your help!!
@ Lucky - if seats are available in both rows (1 & 2), which one should I pick or it doesn't matter?
@ Ivan Y -- It doesn't really matter, though my personal preference is for row two so you have a better overview of the cabin.
@ Lucky - thank you! Due to work had to forgo my HKG & SIN trip (CA F & CX F) and scramble around trying to rebook awards - ended up changing to NH F & JL F ORDNRT in Sept/Oct for 5-6 nights in Japan.
One more question - if you were taking your mom to Tokyo, what hotel would you choose? My mom may be able to come along 🙂 Westin or Grand Hyatt would be available with possible suites* but there are so many other high-end hotels, it's hard to pick.
* -- For my dates, GH doesn't show Grand Suite King available but has Grand Exec King / Twin options. Do you know if Diamond cert can be used on those?
Hi Lucky,
What are the best seats for ANA LAX-Tokyo in first class on the 777-300er?
thx,
Dan
@ Dan -- If traveling alone, any window seat is just about equally good, in my opinion.
Lucky, Did ANA have anything particular for ground services? Meet & Greet expedited passport control?
Hi Ben,
Thanks for taking the time to write your experiences in First Class with your excellent photos. It is a great read! Our son has me booked from Chicago to Haneda and I am excited about experiencing the trip. I believe there is an ANA lounge that unfortunately I will not be able to use when I fly to the States as I will be flying economy. I thought there might be something similar when flying out of Chicago, but only a global lounge was mentioned that you did not use. I was thinking of going early to the airport if there was a place I could sit in comfort, but I will have all the comfort I need on the flight. Really appreciate your account of your trip! Arigato!! John
@ John -- You can indeed use the United Global First Lounge, which is near the departure gate. It's nice, though I wouldn't arrive especially early just to experience it. Enjoy the trip!
Thanks Ben and that is exactly what I was hoping you would say as I never really asked you in question form. At least I know there is one and near the departure gate. I am sure I will take a peek in as it is the first time to fly in such luxury! Appreciate the quick reply.
Cheeers,
John
Hi Ben,
Reading both your reviews or ANA and JAL first class, they both seem to have amazing products. I need to get from the US to Tokyo in the distant future. Taking out miles and price which airline would you recommend I fly in first class? Which airline do you think has a better first class?
I am not sure which is better Ted as I have never flown JAL First Class, but I just flew back from Chicago to Narita First Class thanks to the generosity and love from my son. It was a First Class experience as noted in this blog and one I will never forget from check in to picking up my luggage at Narita! Thanks Ben for taking the time to write up your blog about your First Class experience with ANA. You included about 75 photos. I took 127. I could not stop clicking my digital camera shutter.
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
I'm flying from my home in Shanghai to Chicago this month, I normally fly SQ first/suites over to Europe and, as I previously lived in HK, used to take the SQ flight from HKG to SFO when heading east. The thought of flying United, AA or one of the Chinese carriers filled me with dread. I'm glad I read this review....ANA first it is. I'll put up with the short hop in business to Tokyo and I'll definitely be taking the Japanese menu not the western option.
Perhaps many Americans feels ANA is great based on terrible service that you are used to flying America based airlines... What ANA first class provides is considered average in Asia. There are many more Asian based airline that are much better - SQ, OZ, CX, etc etc...
What's most important is airline staff's attitude where Asia based airline is so much better than America based airline (ok there is exception for Chinese airline....)
Why do you not choose the Japanese meal option? That's where Japanese carriers really shine...
I am surprised more people aren’t bothered with this suite’s design and the inability to easily lookout the window. One of my favorite things about flying is sitting in a comfortable seat while watching the clouds the world pass below.
Is there any explanation for why ANA did away with two of three windows in each suite? And has anyone seen more complaints about it?
Thanks.