ANA vs Japan Airlines Business Class — Which Japanese Airline is Better?
Japan's two major carriers are both extraordinary — exceptional service, outstanding catering and remarkably considerate attention to detail. Here is how they compare on the routes most relevant to UK-based travellers.
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ANA
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Japan Airlines
Specification Comparison
Category
ANA
Japan Airlines
Seat product
The Room (777) / ANA Business (787)
Flagship Suite (777) / Sky Suite (787)
Seat width
27 inches (The Room)
25 inches (Flagship Suite)
Privacy / door
Semi-enclosed with screen
Fully enclosed with door (Flagship Suite)
Bed length
78 inches
78 inches
Catering
Japanese and Western — excellent
Japanese and Western — excellent
Loyalty programme
ANA Mileage Club
JAL Mileage Bank
Best points redemption (UK)
Virgin Flying Club — 55,000 OW
Iberia Plus — 34,000 OW
Expert Verdict
ANA The Room (Boeing 777) is one of the finest business class seats in the world — on par with Singapore Suites in terms of privacy. JAL's Flagship Suite (Apex Suite) is equally excellent. The choice often comes down to which departure time suits you better, or which loyalty programme you are building.
Explore Each Airline
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for UK travellers — ANA or JAL business class?
ANA offers the best-value redemption via Virgin Flying Club (55,000 points one-way LHR–HND). JAL via Iberia Plus (approximately 34,000 Avios one-way) is currently the best-value business class redemption available to UK-based Avios collectors. Both products are among the world's finest.
How do I book ANA The Room with Virgin Points?
Transfer Amex Membership Rewards or earn Virgin Atlantic Reward card points into Flying Club, then book ANA award space via the Flying Club website or phone. The key is calling for ANA award availability, as it is not always displayed online. Space is typically available 355 days before departure.
What is the JAL Flagship Suite?
The JAL Flagship Suite is the airline's newest business class product on select 777 aircraft — a fully enclosed suite with a sliding door, 25-inch wide seat and 78-inch flat bed. It is considered one of the most private business class experiences in aviation.
How much does ANA business class cost from London?
Cash business class fares from London to Tokyo with ANA typically range from £3,500 to £5,500 return. ANA rarely discounts business class heavily, making award redemptions particularly valuable.
Can I book JAL with British Airways Avios?
Yes — JAL is a oneworld partner and can be booked with British Airways Avios. The Iberia Plus programme (also Avios-based) typically offers JAL at lower rates than BA does — worth comparing both before booking.
Which Japanese airline has better food?
Both ANA and JAL are extraordinary — Japanese airlines are consistently rated the world's best for inflight catering. ANA offers a refined Japanese multi-course meal and excellent Western options. JAL's "restaurant in the sky" concept offers similar quality. The difference is marginal.
What lounge do ANA and JAL use at Heathrow?
ANA uses the ANA Lounge at Heathrow T2 (Star Alliance). JAL uses the JAL Lounge at Heathrow T3 (oneworld). Both are solid airline lounges but not outstanding — the more notable lounge experience is at the Tokyo end (ANA SUITE LOUNGE and JAL FIRST CLASS LOUNGE at HND are world-class).
Does ANA or JAL fly non-stop from London?
Both ANA and JAL operate non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT). The non-stop service takes approximately 11–12 hours and is a significant convenience advantage over connecting flights.