Review: ANA First Class 777 Tokyo To Chicago

How does a flight where you were served “one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever eaten” and limited IFE options end up “excellent”? 7 hours of sleep?

I get the impulse to do a short report, but there is missing context.

Wow. That was short 🙂 However I still loved the spongebob reference

Hey Ben, didn’t get an answer from you on the ORD-NRT post so asking again:

Would you recommend row 1 or row 2? Is row 1 loud or bright? We’re flying that route next May (ORD-NRT and HND-JFK on the way back) and are currently in the 2nd row middle, though I am really hoping to get the new cabin by then.

@ Uri -- Sorry about that. I'd recommend row two. It's quieter and more private.

@ eponymous coward -- Because what I didn't mention is all of the stuff that was very good and is consistent, like the exceptional service, great drink selection, good bedding, and more. As I concluded, this isn't one of my favorite first class products in the world, but it's still very good, and is an unbeatable use of miles.

SponeBob and sleepers?

And always wondered - you say you are a germpahobe but you have hit drinks on flights and the water is coming from the tanks which are just gross.

Any update on the new first class product to/from JFK? Flying Nov/Dec; hoping to snag the new seats!

What was the flight attendant's reaction when they served you the wrong dish and when you sent it back? Curious how they tried to rectify that error.

Also, well done on the flurry of trip reports in the past few days!

@ RSB31 -- Nothing has been announced beyond the initial London flight.

I just flew NRT-HNL on the ANA A380 in F and they served the same exact caviar with abalone dish. I did wonder whether they'd serve the caviar with the usual garnishes but they didn't (which was fine with me.)
I saw photos of the new first class seat on the 777 and they look very similar to the ones ANA uses on its A380. Anyways, great trip report as always. Not sure if you have flown the Flying Honu yet but I loved the experience!

If it's not your favorite, what is?

@ rrgg -- See here:
https://onemileatatime.com/best-first-class/

🙂

@ Joey -- Still need to try it out! Happy you enjoyed your flight.

@ Justin -- It was a miscommunication. I had ordered the frittata from the menu, not realizing that's only available on the Haneda to Chicago flight, and not the Narita to Chicago flight. However, she acknowledged I had ordered that, but then brought me the dish that I received. She apologized profusely and offered to get me something else, and at that point I just wanted a cheese plate.

I've been awaiting the trip report which included your visit to Beirut and Dubai, but it seems like this got skipped over. This was the Air France 787 from DTW-CDG, Middle East Airlines A330 CDG-BEY, and the Etihad apartments AUH-JFK. You had initial impressions posts, but I couldn't find the full reviews.

What was disgusting about the breakfast dish, runny eggs?

I'm a fan of your reports but of all the Japanese delicacies on the menu you ordered a tofu steak and Ford had a curry snack for main course? What's wrong with you two? LOL

@ MikeyInOregon -- Frankly after 10 days of almost eating exclusively Japanese food, we were excited to have something else again.

Typo alert: "Sleepers" on your feet?

How was your transfer from T5? Did you schlep over on the bus?

@Uri if you're like me and drink like a fish in ANA first you'll want to take seat 2D so that you don't need to cut through the galley to reach the lavatories.

I don't think it's fair to call how ANA (and JAL, for that matter) serve caviar "unusual."

My guess is much of this audience only consumes caviar when it's mileage subsidized. 🙂

I appreciate the inventiveness in how the Japanese carriers do real caviar dishes as opposed to just throwing out some toasts, hard-boiled egg, and creme fraiche.

There's a whole world of caviar dishes that don't have "the traditional garnishes" (as LH would call it). Thomas Keller and Grant Achatz have some pretty mind-blowing inventions, as do several other top tier chefs.

As well, the typical intent is to spoon some of the caviar pearls on top of the "unrelated appetizer."

Did anyone notice Hibiki 21 and Hibiki 17 on the menu? Just one look at their retail prices would make the Krug appear like distilled water. They’re absolute delights.

Hibiki 21 only on New York, London and Frankfurt routes? That’s new. And disappointing.

This review seems shorter and rushed? Am I the only one?

@Marcus - dude, wake the fuck up. The only thing that is rushed is your reading of the first paragraph which clearly provided the context for the condensed format.

Why not try to appreciate some Japanese movies or TV shows?

How come you never seem to enjoy the Japanese meal option when on JAL or ANA?

Curious of the hatred of chicken thighs. Seems to be a running theme among at least another travel blog too. It's got far more flavour than the breast (which more often than not relies on seasoning) and doesn't dry out as easily. Things like karaage are also best done with thigh meat too!

Also, any plans for a trip to review the new ANA 77W J and F products?

Ben: i posted this reply/question on your introduction post a little late so it may have slipped through the cracks, so reposting here. About to plan a booking there as I have a little over 100K+ Singapore Kris Flyer miles about to expire and need to book 3 tix, probably Business not First since one of the passengers is a young child. Will transfer over my Chase Ultimate Rewards to fulfill the remaining miles needed. Was curious what would be the best option:

A) Get all 3 tix on Singapore using Kris Miles?
B) Book 1 on ANA using Kris Miles (as a Star Alliance Partner) and 2 on ANA via Virgin Atlantic like you did?
C) Book 1 on Singapore using Kris Miles and 2 on Singapore via United Mileage Plus (probably doesn’t make sense as far as cost and availability)?
D) Something else that I’m missing?

Departure city is San Francisco. Thanks for the feedback.

Spongebob is life!