Airline Review

ANA (All Nippon Airways) review

Japan's largest airline — precision, hospitality, and reliability

4.7/5
Hub
Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Alliance
Star Alliance
IATA / ICAO
NH / ANA
Fleet
~230 aircraft
Destinations
97 destinations in 18 countries
Founded
1952
Country
Japan
Loyalty program
ANA Mileage Club

Overview

ANA is Japan's largest airline by passenger numbers and fleet size. The carrier is renowned for its punctuality (consistently above 90% on-time performance), meticulous Japanese hospitality, and modern fleet. ANA was the launch customer for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and operates one of the largest 787 fleets globally. The airline has steadily expanded its international network from Tokyo Haneda and Narita, making it a strong choice for connecting to Asian cities.

Cabin classes

Economy class

Economy seats offer 31-34 inch pitch depending on aircraft and route. International economy features personal touchscreen monitors, USB charging, and multi-course Japanese/Western meal choices. Domestic economy is more basic with no personal screens on shorter routes. The seat cushion quality is noticeably better than many competitors.

Business class

ANA's business class product 'The Room' on 777-300ERs is a standout — enclosed suites with a door, 1-2-1 layout, and a massive 43-inch-wide seat that converts to a fully flat bed. On 787s, the staggered layout provides direct aisle access for all passengers. Japanese and Western multi-course dining with sake pairings.

First class

First class (available on select 777-300ER routes) features fully enclosed suites with a 33-inch wide seat, a separate 76-inch bed, and a personal LED light designed by a lighting architect. The dining features kaiseki-style multi-course meals with premium Japanese ingredients. Krug champagne and rare Japanese whisky are available on request.

Baggage policy

Economy: 2 × 23 kg (international). Business: 2 × 32 kg. First: 3 × 32 kg. Domestic economy: 20 kg total. Carry-on: 10 kg.

In-flight entertainment

Personal screens on all international flights with movies, TV, audio, and games. Content leans heavily on Japanese cinema and anime but includes a solid Hollywood selection. Wi-Fi available on most international flights and all domestic jets (free on domestic).

Food & catering

One of the best airline catering programs worldwide. Economy offers a choice between Japanese and Western set meals — the Japanese option (typically a bento-style arrangement) is worth choosing. Business class features a multi-course kaiseki meal with seasonal ingredients. ANA has a partnership with celebrated Japanese chefs for premium cabin menus.

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On-time performance & safety

ANA is consistently one of the most punctual airlines in the world, with an on-time performance rate exceeding 86%. Japanese carriers are legendary for operational precision, and ANA is no exception — even a 5-minute delay is treated as a significant event. The airline holds a 7/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com and has maintained an impeccable safety record. ANA's fleet of over 210 aircraft averages approximately 10 years in age, with ongoing fleet renewal including new Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A321neo aircraft.

Route network & connectivity

ANA operates dual hubs at Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT), with Haneda primarily serving domestic routes and premium international services, while Narita handles most international flights. As a founding member of the Star Alliance, ANA provides connections to hundreds of destinations worldwide through partners like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Air Canada. The airline serves over 50 international destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Key routes include Tokyo–New York, Tokyo–London, Tokyo–Los Angeles, and extensive services throughout Southeast Asia and China. ANA's domestic network is one of the most comprehensive in Asia, connecting nearly every major Japanese city.

Booking tips & how to save

ANA fares from Japan to international destinations are often more affordable than competitors like JAL on the same routes, particularly in premium economy and business class. The cheapest international fares are typically available 10 to 16 weeks before departure. ANA Mileage Club miles are exceptionally valuable — a round-trip economy award from Japan to North America requires only 40,000-55,000 miles depending on season, which is significantly less than most competitor programs. ANA is also one of the easiest airlines to book Star Alliance partner awards through, making it a favorite among frequent flyer enthusiasts. Check for ANA's seasonal sales, which typically offer 15-20% discounts on select international routes during spring and autumn.

Loyalty program — ANA Mileage Club

ANA Mileage Club offers competitive earning rates and excellent redemption value, especially for Star Alliance partner flights. Tiers: Bronze (priority reservation), Platinum (lounge access, priority everything, upgrade points), Diamond (additional perks, SFC eligibility). The Super Flyer Card (SFC) is a lifetime status card available to Platinum members.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Exceptional on-time performance and reliability
  • Outstanding 'The Room' business class product
  • Superb Japanese cuisine in all classes
  • Competitive award redemption rates via mileage program
  • Modern fleet with Boeing 787s as the backbone

Cons

  • International route network is smaller than JAL or major Gulf carriers
  • Economy seat pitch on domestic flights is tight
  • English-language service can be limited on domestic routes
  • First class only available on a handful of routes

Our verdict

Fly ANA (All Nippon Airways) if: Travelers to Japan and within Asia who value punctuality, exceptional service, and high-quality Japanese cuisine onboard.

Consider alternatives if: Budget travelers on short domestic Japanese routes — Peach (ANA's LCC) is much cheaper for point-to-point.

Frequently asked questions

ANA (All Nippon Airways) receives a 4.7/5 rating in our review. It is a premium carrier known for excellent service. based on cabins, baggage, entertainment, food, and loyalty program.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) is based at Tokyo Haneda (HND), Tokyo Narita (NRT). It is a member of Star Alliance.

Economy: 2 × 23 kg (international). Business: 2 × 32 kg. First: 3 × 32 kg. Domestic economy: 20 kg total. Carry-on: 10 kg.

Use our flight comparison tool to compare ANA (All Nippon Airways) prices across booking platforms including Kiwi.com. Booking 6-8 weeks in advance and flying mid-week typically yields the cheapest fares.

ANA uses both Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT) airports. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo (about 30 minutes by train) and handles most domestic flights plus premium international routes. Narita is farther out (60-90 minutes by train) but serves the majority of international flights. Check your specific route carefully, as airport assignment varies.

Yes. ANA's premium economy class offers a wider seat (19 inches), more legroom (38-inch pitch), a larger entertainment screen, enhanced meal service, and a separate cabin with its own dedicated crew. It represents a significant upgrade from economy at typically 50-80% more in fare price.

ANA Mileage Club members earn miles when flying on any Star Alliance carrier (26+ airlines) as well as additional partners. Miles earned vary by fare class and distance. You can also earn miles through credit card partnerships, hotel programs, and retail purchases in Japan.

Insider tip

ANA Mileage Club offers some of the best-value Star Alliance award bookings. Consider crediting Star Alliance flights to ANA for redemptions on partners like Lufthansa or United.

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