Japan has two major airlines, both of which are incredible. Is one airline materially better than the other? Well, my opinion on this is starting to evolve a bit.
In this post:
Both ANA and JAL are fantastic airlines
Japan’s two global airline players are All Nippon Airways (ANA), which is a Star Alliance member, and Japan Airlines (JAL), which is a oneworld member. These are both excellent airlines, for a variety of reasons.
Part of the reason both airlines are so high quality is cultural. Japan simply operates on a different level when it comes to the quality of service, and the pride that’s put into offering a great experience. Even at a convenience store in Japan, you’re going to be treated with respect. The same is true when it comes to reliability, which is an important aspect of airline operations.
So when you look at the global aviation landscape, there’s no denying that the Japanese-ness of both airlines is a major factor.
However, beyond that I think the two airlines are high quality because they have one another to compete with. There’s something to be said for the power of two pretty comparable rivals, and how that encourages airlines to be the best versions of themselves. Okay, maybe that’s not always the case in the US, but it often is in other markets.
Historically when I’ve ranked the two airlines, I’ve given ANA the edge over JAL, and have found the airline to be ever-so-slightly higher quality. However, I’ve often said that it’s basically a coin toss.
Well, my thinking on this has evolved a bit, and I now actually do have a preference as to which airline I prefer. To be clear, I’m not saying anyone should care about my opinion here, and for that matter, I’d love to hear what preference OMAAT readers have.
Here’s why I now prefer JAL to ANA
I don’t want to suggest that JAL is better than ANA in every way, because that’s not the case. However, I do believe that the airline now has the edge. Both airlines are fantastic in terms of service, food, drinks, etc. It’s the fleet and lounges that differentiate the carriers a bit, if you ask me.
When it comes to premium cabins in the international fleet, ANA’s flagship aircraft is the Boeing 777-300ER, which has the carrier’s amazing “The Suite” first class and “The Room” business class. These are really great products.
However, I have to say that I think JAL’s Airbus A350-1000 is a bit swankier. JAL’s new A350 first class has the edge, and I’d say the carrier’s A350 business class is roughly comparable to ANA’s business class. What’s different is that the A350 is a much more enjoyable plane to fly, and that JAL has better tech, due to having more modern cabins.
Now, let me acknowledge the reason for this uneven fleet renewal. JAL is replacing its 777-300ERs with A350-1000s, while ANA plans to replace its 777-300ERs with 777-9s. Those have been delayed by at least six years, from 2020 to at least 2026. That’s obviously challenging, and several years down the road, this could be a very different story.
Even in economy, I’d say there are significant advantages to JAL over ANA, when looking at the international fleet. JAL’s A350-1000s have nine seats per row, while ANA’s 777-300ERs have 10 seats per row. Meanwhile looking at international 787s, JAL has eight seats per row, while ANA has nine seats per row.
I’d also argue that JAL’s domestic fleet is superior to ANA’s domestic fleet. JAL has Airbus A350-900s in a three-cabin layout, with a really beautiful first class, plus a spacious Class J (essentially premium economy). Meanwhile ANA has Boeing 787-8s and Boeing 787-10s, which are in a two-cabin layout, and aren’t quite as snazzy.
In my opinion the overall lounge and elite status situation is better with JAL than ANA. The oneworld alliance has oneworld Sapphire and oneworld Emerald. Top tier members get access to first class lounges, which are excellent. Getting that perk while flying in another cabin is awesome.
Meanwhile there’s not much incremental benefit to having Star Alliance Gold status with ANA, compared to just flying business class. For that matter, I find JAL’s first class and business class lounges to be better than ANA’s comparable lounges, especially at the Tokyo Haneda hub.
Let me acknowledge that there are some advantages to ANA as well — some may prefer the carrier’s 787 business class to JAL’s, and there are some minor elements of the first class soft product that some may prefer on ANA vs. JAL.
However, personally if I could only pick one Japanese airline to fly, I’d be on #TeamJAL, at least as of now. Of course that could change again in the future.
Bottom line
Japan has two excellent global airlines, and I’m delighted every time I get to fly with either of them. They’re both excellent, and historically I’ve thought that ANA had the edge. However, JAL’s international fleet of A350-1000s, and domestic fleet of A350-900s, has really given the airline an advantage, in my opinion.
Of course the beautiful thing is that we don’t actually have to decide between the two airlines, and it’s an absolute pleasure to fly them both. But still, JAL has really grown on me in recent times.
I’m curious if I’m alone on this, or where others stand — do you prefer ANA or JAL, and why?
I agree with you, I think JAL & ANA are like flipping coins, but I also think that you are right that JL is better than ANA is more ways the ANA is better than JAL, the JL First Lounge is better than the suite lounge, the seats in the a351 is better than the ana b77w, & overall jal feels more premium than ana, rather ana being more cultural and relaxed overall.
Based on my 5 transpacific economy roundtrips in the past 3 years (including 3 during the COVID restrictions, when only foreign residents and spouses of J. citizens could go), I have to disagree strongly. For friendly service and on-time performance, ANA is superior. The slightly better food and seats on JAL cannot compensate for its rude and incompetent check-in staff in LAX. ANA flight attendants are also younger, prettier, and kinder. Flying economy, I know...
Based on my 5 transpacific economy roundtrips in the past 3 years (including 3 during the COVID restrictions, when only foreign residents and spouses of J. citizens could go), I have to disagree strongly. For friendly service and on-time performance, ANA is superior. The slightly better food and seats on JAL cannot compensate for its rude and incompetent check-in staff in LAX. ANA flight attendants are also younger, prettier, and kinder. Flying economy, I know nothing about lounges and business or first class, and those are also way overpriced for most customers.
In economy class, JAL wins hands down, no contest. 9 abreast on 777s and 8 abreast on 787s on JAL, whereas ANA squeezes an extra seat across.
ANA falls down only in it's overcrowded lounge at Haneida.
I prefer JAL. The seats are more comfortable.
I've flown ANA (domestic Japan) and JAL (LAX-Tokyo Haneda) and had good experiences with both. However, I must mention how impressed I've been with JAL budget subsidiary ZipAir. I've recently flown ZipAir SFO-Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Narita-SJC in lie-flat seats for about $1,500 each way. Yes, you've got to pay for everything– including a bottle of water. But the crew on both flights was friendly and professional, and the flight attendants constantly tidy up the...
I've flown ANA (domestic Japan) and JAL (LAX-Tokyo Haneda) and had good experiences with both. However, I must mention how impressed I've been with JAL budget subsidiary ZipAir. I've recently flown ZipAir SFO-Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Narita-SJC in lie-flat seats for about $1,500 each way. Yes, you've got to pay for everything– including a bottle of water. But the crew on both flights was friendly and professional, and the flight attendants constantly tidy up the restrooms. Great experience with ZipAir.
I’d add that for the HND-JFK flights, ANA leaves from Haneda’s terminal 2 which is very bare in terms of shopping and dining options; JAL leaves from terminal 3 which has a number of great restaurants (Katsusen, Rokurinsha, etc) and good shopping.
Seatwise, I find “The Room” more comfortable.
And I’m not really into the JAL in-seat speakers - had to press the flap of the seat really hard into my ear to be able to hear everything…
They're both light years better than any US-based airline
I'd fly JAL or ANA over Delta/United/American anytime so it's a matter of which airline has an available award seat!
I flew NH from NRT-SEA on their 788. The seat was old and tired and the technology was generations behind, the monitor was small and even with the shade closed the resolution was poor and reflective. Needless to say, these seriously outdated planes need a complete overhaul, in my opinion. Food and service remained excellent, as expected. ANA's biz lounges in both HND and NRT consistently suffer from severe overcrowding, the fact that they are...
I flew NH from NRT-SEA on their 788. The seat was old and tired and the technology was generations behind, the monitor was small and even with the shade closed the resolution was poor and reflective. Needless to say, these seriously outdated planes need a complete overhaul, in my opinion. Food and service remained excellent, as expected. ANA's biz lounges in both HND and NRT consistently suffer from severe overcrowding, the fact that they are also Priority Pass lounges add to the dilemma. JAL's biz lounges are slightly better in terms of overcrowding since they're not Priority Pass and I find that they have a better food selection to order from. They also don't pack their seats like sardines as ANA does, JAL has one of the most generous seat width and pitch in economy class out there. I'll be flying in their 777 Sky Suite again this December and am looking forward to the experience. BTW, I have solved the storage issue for the window seats by purchasing a hanging mesh bag from Amazon to hang over the partition glass which will keep my iPhone, iPad and other items in place.
Their international B787 biz classes need an improvement though.
I'd happily fly either in J. I took JL5 out of JFK to Japan in 2022, and NH112 back to ORD. Both 777s, but ANA had their new business class. Catering on both was comparable (excellent), though the ANA seat was roomier and had more storage.
Because of the Star Alliance, so far I have flown long-haul just ANA, JAL only domestic. Like them both. However, the ANA business lounge at Haneda is really a disappointment. Food is sub-standard (I mean, a convenience store has better onigiri), it is overly crowded...
Based on this review and comments I might also try JAL in the near future. Avios account could use a refill.
It is true that the new fleets give JAL an edge over ANA. I love the new lower altitude cabin pressure. I will try JAL if I have a chance. THAI ROP makes me stick with ANA.
JAL always looked better to me in terms of overall standards, but I hate their current branding - for me what represents Japan to most people worlwide was the minimalist branding they had from 2002-2011. I get theres some historic root to the current one, but that previous previous branding just had a lovely minimalist slickness to it, even the tail. It felt so cohesive and calm.
Really! I must agree that the 2002–2011 livery was so minimalistically sophisticated, on par with Western brands. The current JAL refuses to conform to Western typography standards, and uses a lot of Times New Roman/Arial in its menus and website, etc. It’s a wildly stark contrast to Cathay Pacific, and almost all other Oneworld mmbers for that matter, for which branding remains a big part of their identity — but in Northeast Asia, JAL is...
Really! I must agree that the 2002–2011 livery was so minimalistically sophisticated, on par with Western brands. The current JAL refuses to conform to Western typography standards, and uses a lot of Times New Roman/Arial in its menus and website, etc. It’s a wildly stark contrast to Cathay Pacific, and almost all other Oneworld mmbers for that matter, for which branding remains a big part of their identity — but in Northeast Asia, JAL is the norm and CX the exception!
I got about halfway through and walked away from this piece. I fly frequently, but my company does not splash out for first class...premium economy at best, so many of these reviews are of a product most travelers can't/won't purchase as business and FC options have outpaced inflation. In the future I would recommend you review all classes of service before deciding which is a better airline.
JAL also makes it easier to earn and maintain status. Their mileage program is way better overall.
Having travelled both, i prefer JAL. The apex seats are better than ANAs dated seats, the food is more varied and better, the level of English used is better and i find JAL can be slightly less robotic
I live in Honolulu so fly to Japan often, and on both ANA and JAL. JAL has the edge in my opinion because of their superior Lounges in Japan. JAL’s is definitely better in that regard, and if you are flying Premium Economy, their product is also superior.
I can’t understand the allure of ANA. I’ve flown both on J many times. ANA is chela out of Australia to the US and with my VA status it’s worth it. But the food is awful , the service is lacklustre and the over crowded lounges are basic. And all that blue plastic trim on board looks cheap. JAL on the other hand is way better on all those metrics. Admittedly I get to use...
I can’t understand the allure of ANA. I’ve flown both on J many times. ANA is chela out of Australia to the US and with my VA status it’s worth it. But the food is awful , the service is lacklustre and the over crowded lounges are basic. And all that blue plastic trim on board looks cheap. JAL on the other hand is way better on all those metrics. Admittedly I get to use the Flounges due to my status, so that’s maybe not a fair comparison but the rest is a no brainer.
I have flown business class in both from SFO to India via Haneda. 5+ times in JAL and once in ANA. I like JAL, the lounge at Haneda is miles ahead of ANA lounge and also the food in JAL lounge has a lot of Vegan/Vegetarian options. There is a locker room and also they have massage chairs.
Both do not have recliners which I think is required for a long layover. I am...
I have flown business class in both from SFO to India via Haneda. 5+ times in JAL and once in ANA. I like JAL, the lounge at Haneda is miles ahead of ANA lounge and also the food in JAL lounge has a lot of Vegan/Vegetarian options. There is a locker room and also they have massage chairs.
Both do not have recliners which I think is required for a long layover. I am a vegan and I found JAL's food and booze to be tad better. The inflight service and entertainments are similar.
We have flown JAL numerous times from Honolulu to Vietnam with a stopover in Narita, Business. Check-in, flights all good, lounge in Narita okay. Recently we flew Honolulu Osaka, Business, same great service flights but the lounge in Osaka really sucked. We also flew a code-share to Vietnam with a code share portion on Hawaiian, Honolulu to Narita where, typically, Hawaian cxlʻed flight over to Narita, JAL was able to get us on there flight....
We have flown JAL numerous times from Honolulu to Vietnam with a stopover in Narita, Business. Check-in, flights all good, lounge in Narita okay. Recently we flew Honolulu Osaka, Business, same great service flights but the lounge in Osaka really sucked. We also flew a code-share to Vietnam with a code share portion on Hawaiian, Honolulu to Narita where, typically, Hawaian cxlʻed flight over to Narita, JAL was able to get us on there flight. And returning Hawaiian would not except the boarding pass issued by JAL in Hanoi. JAL was there again for us. Plus Hawaiianʻs Busines is 2-2-2, necessitating the window passenger to climb over the aisle passenger to use the lavatory. WOW! Mahalo for the article as we have often thought to fly ANA but JAL has always served us well.
Depends on the plane, class etc. They are both great but I'll take JAL 787 in economy over ANA, eight across feels much less cramped. I've only flown JAL PE so can't compare. Up front I think JAL has the edge. Both great airlines
I feel like you were a bit off comparing ANA’s and JAL’s domestic fleets. Class J on JAL seems to be a mix between US domestic economy plus and premium economy. Bigger seat, more room, but mostly same service. ANA, on the other hand only has business for their premium offering, which I believe is closer to first class on JAL than it is to Class J. Bigger seat and improved service.
Both ANA and JAL offer good service overall though, regardless of the hard product. And most domestic flights aren't that long anyway.
JAL over ANA always. I've had one horrible experience with ANA and will not fly them again, unless there is a good award ticket. ANA has meh food and service compared to JAL. JAL has been 10/10 every time.
It's a royal pain to find an award seat on ANA. Plus, a a months back ANA devalued their awards but also said they would reduce tax to even things out. Well they definitely raised the award from 85k to 110k to Tokyo from the US. But the tax didn't change one bit.
I mostly agree with Lucky, but ANA has the better boarding music!!!!!
ANA used to be the innovative airline and JAL would follow second. This was evident when ANA was the first airline in Japan to introduce 1) full-flat international first class seat, 2) personal television in all classes, 3) full-flat business class seat, 4) premium economy cabin, 5) joining major airline alliance, and the list goes on.
JAL on the other hand still stuck to the image of an inefficient government-backed airline (it's not, but it...
ANA used to be the innovative airline and JAL would follow second. This was evident when ANA was the first airline in Japan to introduce 1) full-flat international first class seat, 2) personal television in all classes, 3) full-flat business class seat, 4) premium economy cabin, 5) joining major airline alliance, and the list goes on.
JAL on the other hand still stuck to the image of an inefficient government-backed airline (it's not, but it used to be), and the service flow in premium cabins was slow. Only in recent years I have noticed the changes especially how attentive and friendly crew became.
Now in many ways JAL is superior. Let's just talk about their business class services (economy is another league so no use comparing).
One major drawback on ANA is the lack of proper inflight meals on late-night departure flights even on long hauls. HND-SFO/LAX route for example, there is no meal service after take-off, only snacks (hot ones included) from anytime dining menu, and the Western breakfast option is simply sad with only one hot main dish available that goes along with a small side fruit plate/dessert and breads, period.
Compare that with JAL. They still serve a full course elaborate meal even on late night departure/early morning arrival flight, take an example of JL3 JFK-HND or JL41 HND-LHR.
ANA Lounges have also seen almost no improvement in their offering in the last decade, in fact the quality of items from Noodle Bar deteriorated with cutbacks on protein source. The buffet items are mostly carbs and deep fried stuffs, but sometimes they do offer fresh sushi during certain departure banks which is a nice touch. JAL Sakura lounges aren't anything too impressive compared to likes of QR or CX but they are still slightly better than ANA's.
The only superior ANA business class product is intra-Asia mid-haul flights (Japan-SE Asia/India). They still provide a mattress and extensive snack menu, which is something JAL doesn't offer.
I’m for the hungry late-night flights if Dining H is available everywhere. It can’t be more annoying when you finally board the flight at around 1am, seeking some rest finally, then some random weeb wanting to have “full Japanese cuisine experience” kept the cabin light on.
Well, you’re an American, you don’t understand or eat “real” food anyway. What difference does it make?
Go back to bed
Are you okay?
@Jason JAL only serves a full meal 8-9hrs after take off for late night departures. Until then anytime snacks or hot light meal set is available.
I have had too many flights in J class on the NH 787-8 from HND. That is a terrible product. Lousy seat. No pre departure drink service. No meal after takeoff. And the lounge food is not very good and many restaurants in HND (in the terminal from where Jakarta flights depart) close early.
I haven’t flown JAL in a few years. I have flown ANA extensively the past years. ANA is just ok. Quite quirky in fact. I can’t imagine JAL isn’t better.
JAL for me. Better food in business. Better premium economy and economy seats. Generally better award availability as well.
JAL also has a far better corporate culture in the way they treat their staff compared to ANA
I've had the opportunity to fly First in both from SFO to HND and back.
Althought they both are excellent products and about the only difference I remembered was that the amenity kit that ANA provides is better than JAL's, I still prefer JAL's onboard experience.
You didn't mention their websites. The JAL website is superior to ANA (IMHO), especially in securing award tickets. Given how good the airline service is, it always surprises me how kludgy the ANA site is.
And Ben, thanks for teaching us how to pronounce 'ANA'!
#KOREANAIR
The biggest problem of both Japanese airlines is that their lounges are too basic, no matter first or business. No less than every lounge needs to have, but don’t expect a single bit more. At home, JAL’s Sakura Lounge even cannot compete with Cathay’s.
In the air, I constantly believe JAL is better than ANA. On catering, JAL collaborates with Ishikawa Group on Japanese and two top-tier French restaurants in Tokyo on western choices....
The biggest problem of both Japanese airlines is that their lounges are too basic, no matter first or business. No less than every lounge needs to have, but don’t expect a single bit more. At home, JAL’s Sakura Lounge even cannot compete with Cathay’s.
In the air, I constantly believe JAL is better than ANA. On catering, JAL collaborates with Ishikawa Group on Japanese and two top-tier French restaurants in Tokyo on western choices. For anyone visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend them to visit one of their flagship restaurants if you can find a seat. JAL also has better sake choices such as Juyondai, Aramasa, and Jikon. For champagne, there’s the respected Salon.
On the other hand, ANA’s catering partner is Okuda, still good but not as premium as JAL’s (that being said, still WAY better than its blue neighbor who serves the same mixed rice for all three classes, and its most premium partner across the pacific ;-)). ANA’s sake partner Noguchi Naohiko is not bad, but just not as “cult sake” than JAL’s choices.
That being said, I’m not saying ANA is completely worse than JAL. ANA’s The Ginza amenities are better than JAL’s CPB / Shiseido. ANA is a more international company while JAL is traditional and sometimes stubborn. Suite Lounge is way quieter than its competitor due to Diamond o & First entrance requirement. If you like whisky, then ANA is definitely better. ANA also wins on smell management, and music - even I personally prefer JAL’s Ashita no Tsubasa.
Comprehensively, it’s true that JAL is better. But ANA does better than JAL on many things.
Curious what exactly you mean by “smell management?”
@Stephen A ANA has its own scent and use it in the air.
Do you mean they scent the air in the lounges or on the plane? (Or both?)
I agree with you re: lounge situation of JAL and ANA - I think they are both too generous to grant entrance to lounges.
Both JAL and ANA allow PE passengers to enter their lounges and they grant OW sapphire/ SA Gold to those who acquired JAL Global Club/ ANA Super Flyers credit card and any family member eligible for additional cards as long as they keep paying annual fee (I am also benefitted...
I agree with you re: lounge situation of JAL and ANA - I think they are both too generous to grant entrance to lounges.
Both JAL and ANA allow PE passengers to enter their lounges and they grant OW sapphire/ SA Gold to those who acquired JAL Global Club/ ANA Super Flyers credit card and any family member eligible for additional cards as long as they keep paying annual fee (I am also benefitted from their credit card and my spouse enjoy OW sapphire/ SA gold so I cannot really complain ;)).
In short, unless they drastically reduce loungeworthy passengers, it would be too costly for them to up the level of lounge service.
Sure am glad there is a quality sky team partner in Asia :( They could be half as great and still destroy KE
I agree with Lucky that the onboard experience on JAL's A350 and 773 are better overall than on ANA's 773 (both new and old config). I've noticed as well that JAL's international catering tends to be more friendly to non-Japanese tastebuds while ANA's catering is super Japanese focused to a fault. Case in point, you get natto when ordering the Japanese pre-arrival meal on ANA F while not on JAL. I'm Japanese so I enjoy...
I agree with Lucky that the onboard experience on JAL's A350 and 773 are better overall than on ANA's 773 (both new and old config). I've noticed as well that JAL's international catering tends to be more friendly to non-Japanese tastebuds while ANA's catering is super Japanese focused to a fault. Case in point, you get natto when ordering the Japanese pre-arrival meal on ANA F while not on JAL. I'm Japanese so I enjoy natto, but my American wife definitely prefers the meals on JAL.
Departing Haneda, the JAL F lounge is way better than the ANA F lounge. But departing out of the US, I generally find the United Polaris Lounge for ANA flights to be better than AA's lounges for JAL flights. The exception would be departing JFK, the British Airways lounge that ANA uses is sad.
Pre-pandemic, there were more award seats available on ANA, but post-pandemic the award seats on ANA have been much harder to come by. To that end, I prefer JAL as well.
JAL's biggest weakness I think at this point is consistency. Different seating configs between the A350/773/787, differing drink menus based on whether you're inbound to Japan or outbound from Japan, and even their in flight duty free shopping choices are different based on whether you're inbound or outbound! Much less variability in ANA F.
I'd also give JAL the edge, simply because they have more routes with First class available. Other than a couple US destinations, ANA doesn't really offer First.
I'm a lowly economy flyer so I personally prefer JAL because their economy class is the best I've encountered. However, based on what I've seen, it varies a lot as to how good they are in premium classes depending on the aircraft you get.
Economy Class: JAL by a landslide
Premium Economy: ANA (JAL has a lot of legroom, but I prefer ANA's seats, service, and business class more)
Business Class: Tie (This...
I'm a lowly economy flyer so I personally prefer JAL because their economy class is the best I've encountered. However, based on what I've seen, it varies a lot as to how good they are in premium classes depending on the aircraft you get.
Economy Class: JAL by a landslide
Premium Economy: ANA (JAL has a lot of legroom, but I prefer ANA's seats, service, and business class more)
Business Class: Tie (This is where it gets tricky because ANA has an average business class seat across most planes, but their 13 B777s have what I would call the world's best business class suite. JAL on the other hand has an amazing business class seat across most planes, but their newest seat doesn't seem to be as good.)
First Class: JAL (I'll give JAL the edge because of the A350s coming to replace the 777s being better than ANA's new 777s, but this is a very small edge when you consider the fact that all 777s will eventually have the new cabins).
Hey there, Ben! Longtime user, new username. IYKYK!
I knew the winner would be JAL even before that A350-1000 picture loaded. Things are definitely going in its favour nowadays, and the 777X delays aren’t putting things in ANA’s favour. Service-wise, too, JAL has the beating of ANA nowadays, but I can’t forget ANA’s ‘This is Japan Elevated’ campaign from a few years back. That was a masterclass, and ANA has very well lived up to...
Hey there, Ben! Longtime user, new username. IYKYK!
I knew the winner would be JAL even before that A350-1000 picture loaded. Things are definitely going in its favour nowadays, and the 777X delays aren’t putting things in ANA’s favour. Service-wise, too, JAL has the beating of ANA nowadays, but I can’t forget ANA’s ‘This is Japan Elevated’ campaign from a few years back. That was a masterclass, and ANA has very well lived up to that.
I suggest you change #TeamJAL to #TeamOneworld (just kidding). Seriously, if JAL beats ANA, Qatar beats Emirates, Cathay’s new Aria Suite beats SQ and Starlux (when it joins) beats EVA, that will give all Emeralds the ultimate bragging rights!
I mean, we all knew based on Lucky's recent ravings of JAL in all his recent posts about them.
This is clearly VT-CIE
While I think JAL is definitely better nowadays, I'd still say I like ANA more.
This reminds me of something, that apparently Japanese people still are traumatised by the JAL 123 crash, and many prefer ANA to JAL because ANA's safer.
call bs on this. no one is making travel plans based on a crash that happened 39 years ago with an airplane that isn't even flying passengers anymore there and hasnt for a long time
@NOLAviator - I'm telling you that they do, not me. JAL is now one of the safest airlinr out there, but a plane crash where 520 people died is certainly not something forgettable, and especially comparable where their main competitor never had an fatal accident since 1970s.
The trauma from the JAL crash was definitely real, and the notion that JAL was less safe than ANA was propagated by JAL's near miss mid-air collision of their 747 and DC10 back in 2001. So yes, for the longest time there was the thought that JAL was less safe than ANA. Even that near-miss was 23 years ago though. Both airlines are seen as very safe these days, and no longer factor into how the Japanese choose airlines.
"The two carriers competing in the same market" is really important..
KE and OZ used to be great, but since the merger process started, KE's service quality has deteriorated significantly. They're not gonna have a competitor in Korea, and they need more money to close the merger, so they're cutting cost from everything.
Both JAL and ANA wouldn't be what they are now if they had no competition.
Not anymore nowadays, given how many of convini workers are Gen Zs and foreigners. A lot of Japanese people complain about the way they work.
Another thing to notice is, Japanese people are nicer to white people than to other Asians or other races. It also applies to the airlines.. The FAs of both JAL and ANA are more attentive to white or Japanese people. Non-Japanese Asians normally don't get the same level of service from them.
@S-LEE
Imagine any other country had that kind of thing, and the OMAAT audience would have straight classified that as racism. But because it's JAPAN, they don't.
OMAAT audience's double standards never fail to amaze me!
As someone who is neither white nor Japanese, I usually get treated well in Japan and on their airlines.
@Aaron, I agree with you. I have flown a few JAL business class segments this year. I don't even have status with them, I usually credit to Air France or Alaska. I only received top notch service level from them. I do notice they are more attentive to people who speak Japanese. I am non-white American.
I have status with Sky Team and the Pursers, whether it is China Airlines or KE, will introduce themselves...
@Aaron, I agree with you. I have flown a few JAL business class segments this year. I don't even have status with them, I usually credit to Air France or Alaska. I only received top notch service level from them. I do notice they are more attentive to people who speak Japanese. I am non-white American.
I have status with Sky Team and the Pursers, whether it is China Airlines or KE, will introduce themselves on most flights whether I was flying Business or Premium Economy, and also provide extra attention during the flight.
As a non-JP Asian, I truly beg to differ. I fly JL almost monthly and NH at least several times per year. It's quite a strange myth that Asians love to throw against any of the Asian airlines.
@S_LEE Based on your past comments against Japanese airlines it won’t be a surprise if their crew treated you differently ;-)
Can't say that I've had the same experience onboard as you, S_LEE. In fact, on a recent flight with JAL the purser was willing to bend a couple service policies. Maybe the problem isn't with the airlines...
Is there a case for Delta being better than ANA and JAL?
They both need new business class seats on their 787s. And you still need to try out ANAs A380!
Especially ANA’s 787-8 which is a super dated international product sent on longer regional routes (eg CGK - an almost 8 hour flight from Tokyo) or, from time to time, Australia. It’s a CRADLE SEAT, which blows my mind.
The 787-9 is dated too, but at least a lie-flat.
JAL is much better in this respect in comparison.
I have done the NH CGK-HND route on the 787-800 too many times this year in business. The seats are terrible. I don’t really mind the 2-2-2 config. But the lack of proper recline is inexcusable.
I would prefer ANAs cradle seat over CXs regional recliner any day. And doesn't JAL still have the Shell Flat Neo on the 788s?
ANA is actually more consistent as they have only one lie flat staggered product whereas JAL has multiple products across its long-haul fleet.
If they really wanted to, JAL could use their A350 seats on their 787s. As for ANA, they just need a door, upgraded tech and finishes as The Room takes a lot of space.
9 out of the 19 international 787-8s in JAL's fleet have the Shell Flat Neo seats while 13 out of 22 "international" 787-8s in ANA's fleet have the cradle seats. I don't think they're too bad considering their longest flight is CGK-NRT, but JAL flies the APEX Suites 787s twice daily on CGK-NRT.
Team ANA, based on nearly 30 years of flying both. JAL is just so stodgy. Both need to up their lounge game.
Which one is better? The one that has award availability on the days, times and routes when I am able to fly.
ANA is better because it's Star Alliance. End of argument.
We have United/SA version of Tim Dunn here.
I can't tell if you're serious, ORD. Please tell us you're not.
JAL is better because it has the better seats, better service and better status benefits.
Especially if you're flying out of ORD, Flagship Lounge vs whatever crap *A (minus Polaris, but you need to be flying J out of there to access, so status makes no difference) has there is no contest.