For a long time, I convinced myself that business class was “enough.” This was both in terms of Japanese airlines, and all other airlines.
Actually, it had more to do with other airlines. Specifically, after getting upgraded from business to first class on Qatar Airways many years ago, I remember feeling that while the experience had been fantastic, it wasn’t one that necessarily justified the significant premium it commanded.
When an opportunity came up recently for me to fly in ANA’s new-ish “The Suite” first class, however, I decided to re-visit the issue with an open mind. What follows is my honest comparison of ANA first class vs business class.
Did ANA’s “The Room” Accidentally Kill “The Suite”?
When deciding between first class or business class on ANA, you first need to consider which aircraft you’ll be flying on. As of 2025, only ANA’s 777-300ER aircraft feature first class (though the 777-9s, when they finally arrive, will also have first-class cabins). Of the 777-300ERs, about 75% have been refurbished with new interiors that began rolling out in 2019, including “The Room” business class and “The Suite” first class.
Now, as you’ll know if you read my reviews of these products, both are excellent, featuring huge seats that transform into lie-flat beds, large entertainment monitors and fully-closing privacy doors, to say nothing about the service and food. The only problem? “The Room” is almost as wide as “The Suite,” to the extent that some bloggers have argued that the former cancels out the latter. Not me though, at least not entirely.
Ways to Compare ANA’s First Class and Business Class
Seat
On the refurbished 777-300ER aircraft, both ANA’s “The Room” business class and “The Suite” first class boast private suites with doors, which are among the widest in the industry and convert to lie-flat beds. The key areas where first class beats business are in the length of the bed, as well as the size of the entertainment screen. Also, first class seats have 3-4 windows, compared to 2-3 in business class.
Food and drink
The good news? Whether you fly ANA first class vs biz, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality meals onboard, especially if you choose the washoku, or Japanese option. The better news? First class takes this to another level, with both a higher quality and quantity of food options, as well as ultra-luxurious accoutrements like Krug champagne and a caviar course.
Service
I’ve always been impressed by how frankly “first-class” service in ANA business felt, so I was surprised when the service in actual first class didn’t feel that much better by comparison. I mean, don’t get me wrong, my flight attendant (and I basically had one all to myself) in ANA first class was phenomenal. But the service simply didn’t feel as elevated as I expected.
Lounges
Likewise, I arrived at Haneda Airport thinking I’d be able to access the first-class ANA Suite Lounge—not so. It turns out that even if you arrive in first class, you can only use the lounge during transit if you’re departing in ANA business or first, operated by ANA itself. Since I was headed to Bangkok on a Thai Airways plane, this meant I was limited to the “normal” ANA lounge, which was fine but…well, normal.
Pricing and award availability
ANA first and business class are expensive, with flights in both cabins regularly priced above $10,000 one-way when traveling directly to Japan. If you can find award availability, pricing can range from excellent (as little as 75,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles for business class) to exorbitant, with United charging a whopping 220,000 MileagePlus miles for ANA first class. In other words, you need either patience or a lot of money/miles!
ANA’s Near-Future Business Class Evolution
In mid-2025, ANA announced that its next round of 787 deliveries would be fitted with a new, no-recline business class product called “The Room FX,” which would also be retrofitted onto about half of their existing 787-9 aircraft. While these planes still won’t feature first class cabins, this new business class will represent a significant upgrade over the current staggered product, which is over a decade old at this point.
Indeed, where the distinction between ANA first class or ANA business class comes in is the carrier’s long-awaited 777-9 fleet. Originally intended to enter service in 2020, these planes will now enter the ANA fleet in mid-2026 at the earlier. While nothing is confirmed, many have speculated that these jets will introduce evolved versions of “The Room” and “The Suite,” or possibly entire new first and business class seats. Stay tuned!
Other FAQ About First and Business Class on ANA
What is the difference between first class and business class on ANA?
ANA’s first and business class cabins both features seats that transform into lie-flat beds, large entertainment screens and privacy features, as well as world-class dining and industry-leading service. The key difference is in the details—ANA’s first class “The Suite” is much larger than “The Room” business class; passengers enjoy enhanced cuisine, including more exclusive champagne and caviar service, and truly personalized service.
Which ANA seats are better, first class or business class?
On ANA’s refurbished 777-300ER aircraft, both “The Room” business class and “The Suite” first class feature ultra-wide seats that convert into lie-flat beds and feature privacy doors. “The Suite” is much longer, and has higher doors and walls for privacy, but to be honest it’s not better in a way that justifies the much higher price.
Does ANA still have first class?
ANA does still have first class, albeit on a much more limited number of jets than it once did. Specifically, you can fly in first class on ANA’s 777-300ER fleets, and will soon be able to do so on the 777-9, which is slated to enter service starting in mid-2026. None of ANA’s 787 Dreamliners feature first class.
The Bottom Line
I hope you’ve enjoyed my discussion of ANA first class vs business class. Ironically, the main problem with ANA’s first class is that its fantastic business class is almost as good. This is especially true on its refurbished 777-300ER aircraft, where “The Room” is almost as wide as a first class to seat, to say nothing of how incredible the service and food (especially the washoku, or Japanese meal) are. Likewise, it’s obviously much cheaper to fly in business, whether you’re paying cash or miles. Need personalized help putting your trip to Japan together? Commission a custom Japan itinerary today!
