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I had the nice fortune to “bookend” my newest journey to Japan (which additionally took me to Thailand) with what are presently the 2 finest methods to succeed in the nation in first-class: ANA’s new-ish “The Suite” on its 777-300ER, and JAL’s fabulous new A350 first-class.
Now, should you’ve learn each of the à la carte opinions I’ve lately revealed, then you definately in all probability recognized which of those experiences I most well-liked. Nonetheless, I feel this submit is value studying, even when you understand the conclusion I’ll attain prematurely.
Evaluating JAL first-class vs ANA first-class, you see, isn’t a matter of fine or unhealthy, however somewhat good and higher. You may’t go improper with both of those choices, even when considered one of them will in all probability be extra “proper” for you.
Why I’m Solely Reviewing the “New” First Class on JAL and ANA
Mathematically talking, whether or not you are taking JAL first-class or ANA first-class, you might be more likely to sit down within the “outdated” seats on every provider’s 777-300ER plane, somewhat than new suites on the A350-1000 and refurbished 777-300ER planes, respectively, not less than as of now. That is the important thing, nonetheless, as these dated seats are being phased out over time, and can quickly not fly on intercontinental routes in any respect.
Look, if somebody provided me a free flight in both of those carriers’ mid-2010s first-class cabins, I wouldn’t say no. However the actuality is that since I finance my very own opinions, and need to both earn or buy the miles required to ebook them, I can’t waste assets reviewing a product that’s successfully out of date, from the perspective of somebody creating content material meant to final nicely into the 2030s.
ANA’s “The Suite” First Class
Methods to Evaluate JAL First Class with ANA First Class
Floor service and lounge
On one hand, ANA (at an outstation—Chicago/ORD—no much less) allowed first-class passengers to sit down in a cordoned off space of the gate. Then again, they denied me entry to the ANA Suite Lounge in Tokyo, since my onward flight was on Thai Airways. JAL’s expertise was rather more satisfying, since I used to be capable of go to the JAL First Class Lounge, together with the Tsurutei Sushi Bar and the unique JAL Salon.
Seat
As of August 2025, I’d say that JAL has the slight edge on seat when evaluating JAL vs ANA first-class. Whereas each merchandise are ultra-wide pods with full privateness doorways, I recognize the a lot increased floor-to-ceiling partitions on JAL, to not point out the truth that the seats are configured 1-1-1, versus 1-2-1. In contrast, ANA provides 3-4 home windows whereas JAL has 2-3 home windows; ANA has a button that permits you to open or shut all home windows directly.
Food and drinks
Except you’re a Japanese meals aficionado, I’d say that the washoku (Japanese) meal service on each these flights is fairly comparable. Past this, I most well-liked some issues on ANA, such because the proactive caviar service, and the completely delectable salad ready recent for me. On JAL, in the meantime, I appreciated with the ability to eat each a Western and Japanese entree, in addition to the very particular kokuto, an Okinawan black sugar liqueur.
In-flight service
I’d be exhausting pressed to call both a loser when evaluating service in ANA vs JAL first-class. On the identical time, whereas Shibuya-san and the remainder of the crew on the ANA flight have been attentive and heat, the professionalism and a focus to element onboard JAL have been on one other degree. They have been extra polished each by way of look and particular service gestures, and tended to anticipate my wants higher.
Award availability
As of 2025, it’s a bit cheaper to ebook JAL awards (by way of American) in comparison with ANA ones (by way of United, Avianca or Air Canada). Each have very restricted availability, although I’d say that ANA’s is a little more quite a few and likewise longer-lasting. Whereas I by no means noticed a JAL first-class seat keep unbooked for longer than a couple of minutes, I actually waited a complete day to ebook my ANA flight whereas I procrastinated and hesitated. No drawback!
JAL’s A350 First Class
Will ANA’s 777-9 Change the Recreation Once more?
My assumption, as of late 2025, is that ANA’s 777-9 plane will introduce a brand new first-class product. Again in 2019, when “The Suite” was first rolled out and it appeared that the 777-9s could be coming on-line within the early 2020s, I assumed that The Suite (and “The Room” enterprise class) have been merely a preview of what was to come back on the newer planes. Now, with entry into service possible delayed till 2027 or later, I’m not satisfied.
Actually, if ANA desires to win the ANA first-class or JAL first-class debate, it must be deep into the event of an unique suite (ideally, in 1-1-1 configuration) that’s not less than as giant and personal as JAL’s. The concept that The Suite (which was developed virtually a decade in the past) could be the usual first-class product on planes that may fly till not less than 2040 appears insane to me. However I suppose time will inform!
Different FAQ About JAL First Class and ANA First Class
Do JAL and ANA each provide first-class?
JAL and ANA each provide first-class on sure plane. JAL provides first-class on all 777-300ER planes and all Airbus A350-1000 planes, whereas ANA provides first-class on its 777-300ER fleet. Be aware that “outdated” seats are put in on all of JAL’s 777s (and about half of ANA’s); neither provider provides first-class on its giant fleet of 787 Dreamliners.
How does ANA first-class evaluate to JAL first-class?
ANA’s latest first-class product, dubbed “The Suite,” contains a smaller seat than JAL’s new A350-1000 first-class, on a a lot older aircraft (the 777-300ER). On the identical time, each carriers provide first-class passengers individualized service with restaurant-quality meals, tremendous champagne and wines and free (although not at all times quick) WiFi.
Is ANA or JAL first-class dearer?
Whether or not you fly ANA or JAL, a firstclass ticket between the US and Japan is liable to price upwards of $10,000 one-way, or $20,000 round-trip. Due to this, should you plan to pay money (and aren’t blindingly rich), it’s essential maximize your probabilities of having one of the best expertise: Select the airline you assume will go well with you finest, but additionally essentially the most up-to-date product—on ANA, fly “The Suite” on the refurbished 777-300ER; on JAL, fly the A350-1000.
The Backside Line
In the case of JAL first-class vs ANA first-class, I’d say that JAL (not less than on its A350) in all probability has the sting as of 2025. Whereas this would possibly change when ANA’s 777-9 plane lastly fly, JAL has each a greater exhausting product with its huge suite, in addition to superior meals and extra attentive service. On the identical time, ANA’s “The Suite” is nothing to shake a stick at if in case you have the chance to fly it. Clearly, should you can swing it, sampling each of those luxurious in-flight experiences is one of the best plan of action. Want personalised assist placing your Japan journey collectively? Whether or not with discovering award seats or assembling an on-the-ground itinerary, take into account hiring me to help!
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