I flew to Tokyo in ANA's business class, and took economy back to Perth... here's my verdict on the world's most underrated airline.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) rebooted its single-hop service between Perth and Tokyo Narita in October, jetting off three times a week on a roomy, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. I took a 9.55pm Perth departure – in fancy-pants business, arriving at 830am – and returned on a daytime economy flight.
How does each option stack up on this SKYTRAX 5-Star rated carrier?
A business ticket includes ANA Aspire Lounge access (there’s one in Perth and Sydney). After a speedy check in – with two bag luggage-allowance, at 32kg each – I wander through booths backed by marble swirls and charcoal armchairs. A bar serves whatever you ask for, and a small buffet caters to Eastern and Western tastes.
I check in online for the return journey (11.10am Narita departure, 8.15pm Perth arrival). The airport’s facial recognition technology means a quick scan allows me to move easily through numerous gates. Tax-free shops offer Godzilla t-shirts, Pokemon toys and a Japanese whiskey at good prices. At the cattle class gate, we’re invited to board in batches marked on the ticket, shortening queues. The Face Express queue, which I gleefully use, is even shorter.
There’s a thrill in turning left as flight staff chirp joyful welcomes in Japanese. We board first, sashaying into the cavernous 787-9. Having just travelled in a Jetstar tube back from Bali, the ceiling height almost seems excessive – you could literally swing a cat and the private overhead compartment could fit three or four cabin bags. The amenities pack includes Aveda lip balm, but no eye mask. There are, however, slippers, headphones, a pillow, single doona and a mattress topper. I’m offered bubbles or juice and later, I notice some passengers in ANA pyjamas – you must ask for those and they’re only loaned (like at Japanese hotels).
In economy, space is only slightly tighter. I glide down the roomy gangway and slide my bags into a huge overhead baggage stow. On my seat, there’s a pillow and a blanket in Japan’s iconic indigo blue. Picture: Fleur Bainger
I’m in business seat 5H, which has what looks like a boxy office printer wedged next to me. It’s actually a bench with a USB port and international power point and click and pull table under it, separating me from the window. The bottom forms a foot cavity for the passenger behind – only every second traveller can press their nose up to the glass (and have greater privacy). Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout.
Electric buttons adjust the flat-lay seat; measuring 1.67cm, I have oodles of leg room. I’d sleep like a baby, were it not for the cabin temperature - too toasty to use the doona.
Over in economy, my upright positioned seat has so much leg room I can fit my entire hand, fingers pointed, between my knees and the next seat. There is a footrest, foldable arm rests and flexible seat belts that don’t dig into you. The ambient temperature is cool enough to wear a light cardigan, and the seat layout is 3-3-3. My smart-tech window delights. It has a graduating button that controls the lightness or darkness of the glass - no need for a noisy shutter.
My wide flat screen TV is twice the size of my MacBook Air laptop. Business passengers get a free Wifi card, while economy travellers face an extra fee. Best value? Shell out US$21.95 for the entire flight. Economy scores the same movie menu – think Challengers, Inside Out 2 and Fall Guy – but with an A5 size screen.
Japanese toilets are legendary and these don’t disappoint. Business class has three bidet buttons, and there are toothbrushes, face wipes and other amenities travellers forget. There’s a hand-wave sensor for flushing. In economy, bathrooms are similarly spotless and odour-free, but there are no free amenities, sigh. Picture: Fleur Bainger
Never have I enjoyed an aeroplane meal as much as this one. The highlight of the Japanese dinner in business (there’s an alternative European menu) is the sliced rare tuna with mustard miso, tempura vegetables and taro with minced chicken. Should I get midnight munchies, light dishes such as deep-fried chicken, or beef pastrami croissant are available any time.
In economy, you can pay about $25 to upgrade your meal to something resembling business class food (the cut off is 24hrs before wheels-up), but I’m curious to try the stock standard. Of two choices, the staff-recommended Japanese main of scrambled egg over chicken and rice is tasty, filling, and teamed with two salads, crackers and cream cheese. Vanilla ice cream serves as dessert. Definitely above-average. Picture: Fleur Bainger
The ability to lie flat overnight makes business a no-brainer if you’ve got the coin. If I’m travelling in daylight hours and on my own dime, ANA’s economy is an excellent option –particularly for its space and food.
ANA flies direct from Perth to Narita (Tokyo) three times a week from $1273 return economy, and from $4609 return business, each including one free domestic side trip. Flights operate seasonally through to late March 2025.
The writer was a guest of ANA and Visit Japan.
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