Our senior editorial team compares the refined first class offerings of ANA and Japan Airlines, evaluating design, culinary artistry, and service.
In the rarefied atmosphere of international first class, few carriers command as much respect as All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL). To fly with either is to experience omotenashi—the Japanese art of selfless hospitality. However, our team has observed that while both airlines adhere to this cultural bedrock, their interpretations offer distinct sensory experiences. One favors architectural modernity and privacy; the other leans into a timeless, understated elegance that mirrors the quiet luxury of a Tokyo grand dame hotel.
ANA recently redefined its first class proposition with 'The Suite' on its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. It is a masterclass in geometric precision. The cabin features dark, matte textures and 43-inch 4K monitors, the largest in the sky. The high walls and sliding doors create a true 'room' effect, effectively isolating the passenger from the cabin's rhythm. We find the ergonomics sophisticated, though some may find the aesthetic slightly clinical in its pursuit of perfection.
Japan Airlines' first class, often referred to as 'JAL Suite', presents a more classical approach. The wood-grain finishes and warm leather upholstery evoke the feel of a private library. While it lacks the full-height closing doors of ANA’s newest product, the layout provides an immense sense of space and peripheral privacy. For the traveler who finds enclosed suites claustrophobic, the JAL cabin offers a more breathable, airy environment. If privacy is the ultimate luxury, ANA wins; if traditional comfort is the priority, JAL remains the benchmark.
Dining at 35,000 feet with these carriers is an exercise in seasonal mindfulness. Both offer a choice between a Western menu and an elaborate Japanese multi-course washoku service.
ANA’s collaboration with 'The Connoisseurs'—a group of world-renowned chefs—results in menus that are technically complex. We have noted that their kaiseki service is often more avant-garde, utilizing modern plating and bold flavor profiles. Their selection of sake is curated with a focus on contemporary breweries, offering a tour of modern Japanese viticulture.
JAL, conversely, often partners with Michelin-starred luminaries such as Chef Shinobu Namae of L'Effervescence. The JAL washoku service is, in editorial assessment, slightly more traditional and focused on the purity of ingredients. The rice is often steamed fresh on board, a detail that reflects their commitment to texture. Furthermore, JAL’s exclusive Salon champagne—when available—remains one of the most prestigious pours in the sky, setting a high bar for wine connoisseurs.
Rest on a long-haul flight is a tactile experience. ANA provides Nishikawa bedding, including a dual-layered mattress pad that allows passengers to choose between firm and soft support. It is an impressive piece of engineering for the sleep-conscious traveler.
JAL utilizes Airweave mattresses and pillows, which are specifically designed to distribute body weight evenly. We find the Airweave system remarkably breathable, preventing the overheating that can sometimes occur in heavily upholstered suites. In terms of sleep quality, both airlines lead the industry, but JAL’s pajamas, typically made of high-quality organic cotton with a minimalist aesthetic, feel slightly more refined for lounging.
At Tokyo Haneda and Narita, the distinction remains subtle. The ANA Suite Lounges are characterized by their sleek, functional design and the famous 'Noodle Bar'. They serve as efficient hubs for the modern professional. JAL’s First Class Lounges, particularly at Haneda, feel more like a private club. The 'Red Suite' at Haneda Narita, with its collection of vintage travel memorabilia and shoe-shine service by John Lobb, provides a layer of historical gravitas that ANA’s lounges do not quite reach.
Choosing between ANA and Japan Airlines first class is a matter of aesthetic preference and the value one places on technological privacy versus traditional elegance. ANA’s 'The Suite' is currently the superior hardware product for those seeking total seclusion. However, JAL’s consistent, warm, and highly personalized service, combined with their exceptional culinary partnerships, often wins the hearts of those who prefer a more classic, high-touch luxury experience.
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