Review: ANA First Class Airbus A380 (NRT-HNL)

For the return portion of our winter trip to Tokyo & Niseko, I flew All Nippon Airways’ Airbus A380 first class on the 6hr25min flight from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Honolulu (HNL). This was without a doubt the flight of the trip that I was most looking forward to. The ANA A380 was the last remaining super jumbo that I haven’t flown, so I was happy to finally check that off my list.

ANA takes a unique approach to its A380s, as the airline has three of these, referred to as the “Flying Honu.” They exclusively fly between Narita and Honolulu (rather inefficiently), and each plane has a unique livery. The backstory of these planes is fascinating, and I can’t help but wonder how much longer they’ll stick around.

I have nothing but good things to say about the experience, as it was phenomenal. I love flying the A380, and the first class cabin on this jet is comfy, with friendly service, great food, and impressive amenities.

Actually, I do have one complaint. These flights are just way too short to enjoy the full experience, especially given that the eastbound flights operate as redeyes. So if you really want to maximize the ANA A380 experience, fly in the other direction, where it’s a daytime flight, and also a little bit longer.

How I booked my ANA first class ticket

I booked my ANA first class ticket using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. Specifically, I booked the following for 57,500 points (which I acquired with a 30% transfer bonus), and $199.41 in taxes & fees:

3/11 NH182 Tokyo to Honolulu departing 9:15PM arriving 9:05AM

You really can’t beat the value of redeeming Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points on ANA in premium cabins, assuming you can find availability. Admittedly availability is tough to come by, and it took a lot of monitoring, but the space opened up for me a few weeks before departure.

ANA first class lounge & boarding

In the previous installment, I reviewed the ANA Suite Lounge Narita, which is what first class passengers have access to. It’s not the most exciting first class lounge, but it does the trick. From the lounge, I had a great view of JA382A, the six-year-old A380 that would be flying me part way across the Pacific.

My flight was departing from gate 54, just a short walk from the lounge. I don’t know how full economy and business class were, but you could’ve fit all the people in the gate area onto a regional jet, so that’s quite a contrast to your typical A380 departure gate. Never mind that ANA operates two A380s to Honolulu less than an hour apart.

Boarding was scheduled for 8:30PM, 45 minutes before departure, and that’s exactly when it started. First class passengers were invited to board first. As y’all know, I always try to be first onboard to get good pictures, though go figure that I got pulled aside randomly (or just because I was first?) by the security agents for extra screening, so the other first class passengers walked right past me. Grrr!

ANA A380 first class cabin & seats

At the forward upper deck door, I was greeted by one of the friendly flight attendants, and escorted to my seat. ANA’s A380 first class cabin is at the front of the upper deck, and consists of eight seats, spread across two rows, in a 1-2-1 configuration. If you’ve flown ANA’s 777 first class, then this product should look familiar, as it’s quite similar (though not identical).

I assigned myself seat 2K, the window seat on the right side in the second row. It was a pretty light load in first class, with only four of the eight seats taken. The other three passengers were all in the first row, so I had the second row to myself.

Those traveling with a companion may prefer the “D” and “G” center seats, so that the flight can be enjoyed together. There’s a partition that can be fully raised or lowered, based on whether or not you’re traveling with the person seated across from you.

However, those traveling alone, or those who just prefer a window view, may want to select one of the “A” or “K” seats.

ANA’s A380 first class seat is spacious, so it’s easy to spread out and get comfortable.

Along the side of the seat, you’ll find a panel with all the seat controls, plus an entertainment controller, which can also be held in your hand. There’s also a “wheel” you can turn, which will either put your seat into the upright position, or recline it into a flat bed.

Underneath this area are the charging ports, which include an AC power outlet and two USB-A outlets. There are no USB-C outlets, unfortunately.

The seat also boasts a huge amount of storage. To the side of the seat are two compartments that are deep but narrow, where items can be placed during the flight.

Thanks to this being on the upper deck of the A380, there are also storage bins along the fuselage, which are quite a bit larger than the other storage options.

Each seat also has a wardrobe, should you have clothes to hang up.

The seat then features a large ottoman, which becomes part of the bed when reclined. This can also act as a buddy seat, should you want to hang out with a travel companion, face-to-face. There’s also space underneath the ottoman to store things during the flight.

The tray table is typically stored on top of the ottoman, but if you want to use it, you just pull it forward and flip it over. This is much easier to use than some of the other very heavy first class tray tables out there, which you have to lift up.

ANA’s A380 first class has automatic window shades and blinds, so you can raise or lower them with the push of a button.

While the seat as such has plenty of storage, the overhead bins in first class are quite small, and might struggle to fit generously packed carry-ons. 😉 Fortunately there’s plenty of closet space around the cabin, so that bags can be placed in there, as needed.

Lastly, the overhead console has reading lights, but no individual air nozzles.

All-in-all, I’d say ANA’s A380 first class cabin is lovely, especially when you consider that it just operates the short route between Narita and Honolulu. It’s not as over-the-top as Japan Airlines’ new A350 first class, but then again, that wouldn’t even be a good option for these routes, which are heavily leisure oriented (where the 1-1-1 configuration isn’t ideal).

ANA first class amenities

There’s no shortage of amenities in ANA first class. Upon arriving at my seat, I found a basic pillow and blanket, which make up only a small portion of the bedding that’s offered with turndown service.

There was also a pair of pajamas waiting at my seat. While they felt pretty high quality, they’re definitely a bit on the warm side, especially with the cabin not having air nozzles.

Separately, there was a cardigan at my seat, which is something you’ll only find on Japanese carriers. While you can take home the pajamas, the cardigan can’t be taken home (at least I believe that’s the policy).

Then there were a pair of slippers, plus a shoe bag.

A moment after settling in, both of the friendly first class flight attendants came by to introduce themselves. One offered me a pre-departure drink, with the choice of champagne or orange juice. I selected the former.

I was then presented with some high quality Sony noise canceling headphones, to use during the flight.

Next, I was given an amenity kit from Ettinger, with skincare products from SENSAI. Skincare products included cream, lotion, and a lip treatment, and then there was a cute ANA and Ettinger branded card holder, which was cute.

As you can see, the kit as such didn’t have the typical basic amenities you’d find in an amenity kit, as those were brought around in a basket during boarding.

I picked up… ummm… whatever the below thing is. Honestly, I’m so obsessed with Japan Airlines’ steaming eye masks that I can’t help but pick whatever looks most intriguing in these airline baskets. However, I never did quite figure out how to use these.

I was also presented with the menu and drink list for the flight, presented in a beautiful leather binder. There was also a card promoting the opportunity to buy Hibiki 100th anniversary whisky at a discounted price.

Next, I was presented with a sticker about the ANA Flying Honu A380. I just love how ANA tries to make the experience of flying on these jets special, and really gives the flights a Hawaii vibe. Even the boarding music is Hawaii themed, rather than ANA’s typical music (which is also lovely).

Huge kudos to ANA for the number of goodies that passengers are offered, especially for such a short flight.

ANA A380 first class entertainment & Wi-Fi

Each ANA A380 first class seat has a huge 32″ high definition display. I found the interface and screen quality to be excellent, though the entertainment selection wasn’t particularly extensive. This is so common on Japanese carriers — they have great hardware for entertainment, but then skimp on the selection.

Nonetheless, there were a decent number of movies, TV shows, live TV, audio, and games, to choose from. If you’re picky, I’d recommend bringing your own entertainment, as this isn’t to the level of top entertainment systems, like Emirates ICE.

The entertainment system also has a map feature and tail camera, which is what I enjoyed for most of the flight. ANA doesn’t offer bluetooth audio in first class, so you have to use the headphones that you’re given.

ANA’s A380s also offer Wi-Fi from Panasonic. Wi-Fi ordinarily costs $6.95 for 30 minutes, $16.95 for three hours, or $21.95 for an entire flight, all with no data caps.

However, as a first class passenger, you receive complimentary Wi-Fi. You receive a code prior to your flight, which you can then enter, along with your email address, to connect. I found Wi-Fi speeds to be quite good.

ANA A380 departure from Tokyo Narita

The boarding process was really quick, and at 9PM the cabin doors were closed, and five minutes after that we started our pushback. At that point the safety video was screened.

At 9:15PM we began our taxi, and just 10 minutes later, at 9:25PM, we were cleared for takeoff from runway 16R. I found it interesting that the cabin lights remained fully on for takeoff. Was this an oversight on the part of the crew (rare in Japan, given the importance of following procedures), or are regulations somehow different in Japan, and I just haven’t noticed until now?

We had a very smooth climb out, and the seatbelt sign was turned off 10 minutes after takeoff.

ANA A380 first class dinner service

Given the short duration of the flight, plus it being overnight, service was quick to get started after takeoff. ANA has a dine on demand concept in first class, though everyone had dinner right after takeoff. What’s interesting is that since this route is leisure oriented, everyone seems to take full advantage of the service. It’s quite a contrast to a New York to London flight, where most people just go straight to sleep.

You can find the ANA first class dinner menu below, with both a Japanese and international option.

You can find the ANA first class drink list below.

I opted for the Japanese meal. Service was quick to get started after takeoff, and I was served my first drink and amuse bouche just 20 minutes after takeoff.

The amuse bouche consisted of an earl grey nut stick, chicken and burdock root with pesto rosso mayonnaise, salmon confit, and zucchini scapece. To drink, I had a glass of Krug champagne, which was lovely, and is ANA’s standard first class offering.

Next up was the starter. This included octopus with bamboo shoot, and udo with kinome leaf miso. Then there was a selection of morsels, including masu salmon sushi, marinated cabbage with fermented bonito sauce, pickled mugwort wheat gluten in vinegar sauce, grilled chicken with broad bean, green pea paste and miso, Japanese omelet with fish paste and sansho pepper, and grilled potato with egg yolk.

Once that was cleared, I was served the warm delicacy, consisting of steamed black rockfish with grated yam.

That was followed by geoduck clam and mozuku seaweed with cherry blossom flavored vinegar.

For the main course, I was served grilled masu salmon with butterbur miso, with steamed rice, miso soup, and Japanese pickles.

Then came the dessert, brown sugar adzuki bean agar, and I accompanied that with some whisky.

The meal was excellent, as I consistently find to be the case on ANA. The food was as interesting as it was colorful. It always amazes me how well airlines can serve some complex Japanese dishes on airplanes.

The service was also perfectly paced, and definitely on the efficient side, and the entire meal wrapped up within 90 minutes of takeoff. I never felt rushed, but my tray was always cleared within a minute of when I finished a particular course.

ANA A380 first class lavatories

After the meal, I checked out the first class lavatories, while the crew prepared my bed. ANA’s A380s have two first class lavatories, located at the front of the upper deck, with one being on each side of the staircase.

The lavatories are extremely spacious, as is often the case in this part of the A380, given the extra space that airlines have to play with. No, it’s not as large as the Emirates A380 shower suite, but it still offers quite a bit of extra space.

Each lavatory contained a sink, a bidet-style toilet, and a bench of sorts that you could sit on. As you’d expect on a Japanese carrier, the lavatories were spotless throughout the flight.

The lavatories also contained some basic amenities, like toothbrushes and toothpaste, plus mouthwash.

The only other thing worth noting is that up near the lavatories there’s theoretically a little bar display area. However, nothing was placed there during the flight. That’s fair enough, since I can’t imagine anyone would’ve even taken anything on the short overnight flight. Maybe items are placed there on daytime flights, in the other direction.

ANA A380 first class bed

After returning from the lavatory, I found my bed had been prepared by the crew, as requested. ANA’s A380 first class seat turns into quite a spacious bed, measuring 81″ long and 31″ wide, and there are doors that can be closed for additional privacy.

I will say, I didn’t find the padding to be great, and I do wish ANA at least had the option of a more substantial mattress pad.

I fell asleep with a little under 4hr50min remaining to Honolulu, around 2,800 miles out…

…and I woke up with a little over 1hr50min remaining to Honolulu, around 900 miles out.

Three hours of sleep isn’t exactly a lot, but that’s as much as you can get while partaking in both of the services. Interestingly, all passengers had a pre-landing meal, which again demonstrates how different the leisure vs. business crowd acts. As the crew started the service, the “sunrise” mood lighting setting was turned on.

ANA A380 first class pre-landing meal

Before going to sleep, I had asked the crew to have a cappuccino upon waking up, so that was delivered a minute after the lights were turned on, and tasted great.

You can find the ANA first class pre-arrival menu below.

I decided to order the vegan curry, which was satisfying (not that I was hungry, having just eaten a few hours earlier, but I make these sacrifices for you guys). 😉

I was asked if I wanted dessert or something else, and I decided to order the yuzu blanche with ice cream from the main menu, which was delicious.

ANA first class service

The two flight attendant working first class on this sector were excellent. They were kind, attentive, and warm. Typically on a short overnight flight like this, there wouldn’t be that much service interaction, but given the leisure focus, the vibe is definitely a little different.

Funny story — the crew noticed I was taking a lot of pictures, and were clearly curious why (not in a judgmental or rude way, but just out of curiosity). In these situations, and in order to fly under the radar, I always get super geeky and passionate in explaining my interest.

So I briefly explained to the crew how this was the last A380 airline in the world that I hadn’t flown on that particular plane, so I specifically routed my trip via Hawaii to fly this. Shortly before landing, the crew presented me with the below adorable plate. How cute and sweet is that?!

ANA A380 arrival in Honolulu

Before I knew it, we were already starting our descent to Honolulu. At around 8:15AM local time, we began our descent from 41,000 feet. I turned on the tail camera, to be able to watch our approach to the airport.

The seatbelt sign was turned on at 8:30AM, and we had some gorgeous views on the approach (sadly it’s always tough to take pictures out of the A380 upper deck windows).

We touched down in Honolulu at 8:50AM, on runway 8L. From there, we had a very short taxi to the area of our arrival gate, and a great view of the other ANA A380 that landed right before us.

Due to the gate we were parking at, the engines first had to be turned off, and then we were towed to our final parking position, which took a few extra minutes.

We ended up pulling into our gate at around 9AM. Totally minor, but ANA needs to update its announcements for landing in the US. The crew announced that cell phones can’t be used in the customs and immigration facility, and that hasn’t been the rule for many years.

Once we arrived, I bid farewell to the lovely crew, and walked to immigration (which was quite the marathon). I then headed back airside, and a few hours later, got on my Hawaiian 787 flight to Los Angeles. In the terminal I had an awesome view of the other ANA A380 Flying Honu. How cool is this livery?!?

Bottom line

I’m so grateful I finally had the chance to fly ANA’s A380 first class, given for how long it has been on my list. ANA is probably the most unusual A380 operator, given that the airline exclusively flies the planes to Hawaii, and the experience is even sort of themed.

This was a great flight, with a comfortable cabin, friendly service, phenomenal food and drinks, and extensive amenities. I’d say the only minor downsides are ANA’s limited entertainment selection, plus the bed is a bit firmer than I prefer, but those are minor points in the scheme of things.

Well, I guess there’s my actual major complaint, which is how short these flights are. It’s really hard to maximize an international first class flight that’s just over six hours long!

What’s your take on ANA’s A380 first class?