ANA Boeing 777 Business Class (London – Tokyo)

If you ask any clued-in frequent flyer what their favourite Business Class seat is, the answer is probably ‘Qatar Airways Qsuites’. Yet there’s another seat out there that I’d argue is equally worthy of the crown. And after experiencing both – just months apart – I’m sure I prefer ‘The Room’ Business Class, offered on All Nippon Airways (ANA) Boeing 777s.

When a work opportunity in London and Tokyo came up, I naturally jumped at the opportunity to test out ANA’s flagship Business Class product on the way back.

Check-in, baggage and boarding

ANA departs from Terminal 2 at London Heathrow, named ‘The Queen’s Terminal’. It’s the home of Star Alliance member carriers, of which ANA is one. Business Class check-in is swift, and I’m travelling with hand luggage only, so there are no checked bags to worry about.

A benefit of flying a Star Alliance airline is firstly, Gold Track priority security screening. Secondly, Business Class passengers can usually access any member lounge in the terminal. In Heathrow Terminal 2, I have access to four such lounges, plus the Plaza Premium lounge through my American Express Platinum Card.

Checking in at London Heathrow Terminal 2.

With Gold Track priority screening, I’m through very quickly.

Here’s the entrance to the SilverKris lounge (pre-refurbishment).

(pre-refurbishment).

Dine before your fly in the First Class lounge.

But I must be getting old, as I have no urge to lounge-hop today. Instead, I make the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge my pit-stop for the next few hours. ANA Business Class passengers can relax in the Business Class side of the lounge, while First Class passengers can head to the adjacent First Class wing instead.

ANA’s own ground staff run the boarding gate with the same efficiency as in Japan. The flight is slightly delayed, but when we are eventually ready to board, the staff line up and offer a bow before welcoming the first guests.

ANA Boeing 777 Business Class seating

Seat layout

‘The Room’ – based on the Safran Fusio seat – really does make a striking first impression. Effortlessly wide, each suite could easily seat two passengers in theory. Like Qsuites, ‘The Room’ adopts a 1-2-1 layout with each row alternating between facing forwards and backwards. Choose a backwards-facing window seat to be close to the outside action.

Glance around some more, and you’ll find more thoughtful touches such as numerous reading lights, intuitive (and snazzy) seat controls, a USB and AC power outlet and, of course, the gorgeous 24″ 4K UHD touchscreen.

Unlike the Qsuites, which doesn’t offer any space under the footwell to stretch out, ‘The Room’ delivers on this front. Being able to stretch out my legs further adds to the comfort. It makes a great place to stash a small bag as well.

Looking fancy: a window seat in Business Class.

Sitting in the middle? You can raise or lower the divider.

Seats alternate facing forwards or backwards.

I like having the space below the footwell.

It also doubles up as storage.

USB and headphone ports on the side.

Seat functions

One downside of ‘The Room’ is a lack of other deep/wide storage areas for bulkier items. But I do love the panel next to the screen which has room for your phone, passport and other flatter items. The panel door also houses a flap so you can still fit bulkier plugs under the door. It’s these small details that count.

Need to get more comfortable? The seat controls are simple to use – particularly the top slider, which transforms the seat into a flatbed efficiently. Once it’s time to retreat into your own cocoon, simply press the two buttons facing the aisle. One releases the door while the other sends up a side panel to meet the door.

Together, they create an effective ‘sliding door’ on the suite. You’re not completely shut off – there are gaps in the panels, and anyone walking can peer in, but there’s still plenty of privacy. I don’t feel hemmed in at all.

Cocooned with all the doors and partitions closed.

And an inside view from my private space.

The seat controls are very tactile.

Smaller items can safely be stashed here.

In the middle pair, the divider operates in a similar way. But note that you can’t combine two seats together for a seamless ‘double bed experience’ as in the Qsuites.

Speaking of beds, with the seat fully reclined and the mattress pad in place, the suite transforms into one of the most spacious Business Class beds I’ve ever flown in. There’s no angled footwell to squeeze into – I can lie straight and still have plenty of extra space near my head.

With the bedding on, sleep beckons.

Part of your legs will go into the footwell.

ANA Boeing 777 Business Class food and beverage

ANA publishes its menus online, so you can easily see what’s available before the flight. Even better, you can also pre-order the Japanese or Western option online so you won’t miss out. I’ve rarely had a Japanese meal that let me down, so that’s my pick again for this flight. I promise to try the Western dishes next time I fly…

Before take-off, the crew came around to offer sparkling wine or orange juice, albeit in a plastic cup. But when we’re in the air, that’s when the full service begins. Take a peek at this flight’s menu below.

First meal: after take-off

NH212 is perfectly timed for dinner, so I settle in for a multi-course feast. A glass of Champagne whets my appetite for an amuse-bouche of paprika salad, salami and boccoconi.

Next is my favourite course in ANA Business Class, the Zensai, Kobachi and Nimono. It’s quite a feat when these delicate bites, such as simmered prawn and duck, taste more like restaurant food than typical plane food. The main course of simmered seabream in miso sauce hits the right notes as well.

To round out dinner, I’m offered a range of desserts. But everything I’ve eaten so far feels relatively light and healthy, so the bowl of fresh fruits goes nicely with a cup of tea.

A bit rough around the edges, but still stoked to try ‘The Room’.

Amuse-bouche, common to both the Japanese and Western menu.

Tantalising small bites to kick off the Japanese menu.

Simmered sea bream in miso as one of the main dishes.

Mains are served with fluffy rice and miso soup.

Cut fruits as a light dessert.

Mid-flight snacks and the pre-landing meal

The remaining 12 hours run off an ‘order anytime’ menu, which is perfect for travellers in different time zones. Midway through the flight, I sample the rice bowl with deep-fried pork – the perfect hit of flavours without being too large of a serving. And before landing, I couldn’t resist another go at the Japanese menu with the grilled salmon in miso.

The rice bowl with fried pork hits the spot.

Pre-landing meal of grilled salmon in miso.

Beverages

Another reason to fly with ANA is the varied list of inflight beverages with a heavy Japanese twist. Champagne Duval-Leroy is always a pleasant way to start a flight. I follow it up with tasting both the sakes on offer, as well as a glass of Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu towards the end of the flight.

Duval-Leroy Champagne (NV)

One of the two sakes I enjoyed on this flight.

And a shot of Suntory Single Malt Whisky to finish.

ANA Boeing 777 Business Class amenities

Pyjamas and amenity kit

If you’d rather not sleep in your day clothes and didn’t bring a change of clothes either, ask the crew for a loaner set of loungewear. The PJ feels cottony and you’ll feel a lot more relaxed during the flight.

But you’ll need to be proactive and ask as these aren’t offered automatically. The loungewear is collected at the end of the flight, presumably to wash and reuse. ANA also provide Globe-Trotter amenity kits with L’Occitane products.

You can borrow loungewear onboard, but it’s collected at the end.

Plenty of bedding to get comfortable with.

A stylish amenity kit from Globe-Trotter.

Inflight entertainment and Wi-Fi

Even without my glasses on, ANA’s 24″ 4K UHD screens look razor-sharp. I’m a big stickler for audiovisual quality, so this entertainment system is an absolute delight. The onboard external cameras are so clear that I can practically read the paperwork on the pushback tug!

As I’m sleeping most of the flight, I mainly stick to a selection of TV shows in the ‘4K’ category, including some stunning nature documentaries. ANA Sky Channel also offers a selection of new-release movies, TV seasons and more. I particularly love the Sky Live TV broadcasting live sports (even the AFL was on) and the extensive audio catalogue.

Check out the ANA Sky Channel page for more info on what you can watch onboard. Sony noise-cancelling headphones are provided and are of decent quality and comfort.

The 4K Ultra HD screen in all its glory.

The best external cameras I’ve seen on a plane.

Seletion of movies on my flight.

There’s even a ‘4K’ category to show off the screen.

Selection of TV seasons and episodes.

There’s even live sports!

Wi-Fi speeds are decent for inflight internet.

My power plug fitted under the panel with ease.

While ANA doesn’t offer free Wi-Fi in Business Class, you can buy a plan for access. Packages range from 30 minutes (US$6.95) to the full flight. I opted for the full flight pass for US$21.95; a fairly reasonable price.

Speeds were consistent at around 4-6 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. That’s fast enough to stay in touch with friends and family or to get some work done.

How to book this flight with points

ANA is a Star Alliance member so you can use the points or miles from any other Star Alliance partner to book this flight. Virgin Australia is also a partner of ANA, and yes, you can now use Velocity Points on ANA. Here’s how you can book this flight, keeping in mind that departures from the UK are subject to a high tax called APD.

• Avianca LifeMiles: 75,000 miles + ~US$321
  • A US$25 booking fee also applies per booking.
• Air Canada Aeroplan: 80,000 points + taxes
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 125,000 miles + ~£457
• Virgin Australia Velocity: 92,000 points + ~AU$473
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 47,500 points + taxes

Unfortunately, ANA tends not to release many Business reward seats in advance. Instead, you’ll find good availability starting from two weeks prior to departure.

Velocity Points are the easiest to use for a typical, Australian-based reader, but if you can transfer points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and call up to book, the number of points needed is significantly lower.

ANA Business Class reward seats between London and Tokyo only cost 92,000 Velocity Points + fees and taxes, one-way. Boost your Velocity Points balance with this sign-up offer.

Summing up

These days, the sign I’ve had a great Business Class flight is if I get a decent chunk of sleep and walk off feeling refreshed. On this count, ANA meets the mark. ‘The Room’ is a revolutionary seat for a solo traveller and I love the considered touches from the UHD screen to the ultra-wide seat. Where Qsuites is better at is the social functions, such as the double bed in the middle and the ‘quad’ formed from four middle seats.

Personally, I feel the higher-tech suites onboard ANA’s Boeing 777s are a better fit for me than the Qsuites. When you add ANA’s excellent standard of food and beverage and service, it sweetens the deal.

Now, if only ANA would release more reward seats in advance…

Also read: ANA Boeing 787 Business Class (Tokyo – Sydney) →

All photography by Brandon Loo, who flew at Point Hacks’ expense.