ANA Business Class Review: 14+ Hours in 'The Room' (NYC - Japan)
For long-haul flights, comfort and a touch of luxury are paramount. ANA's Business Class, specifically their 'The Room' cabin on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, promises just that. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience this premium offering on a 14-hour flight from New York to Japan. This review will delve into the details of my journey, covering everything from the lounge to the seat, food, entertainment, and service. Let's see if 'The Room' truly lives up to its name.
The Lounge Experience
The journey began at the ANA lounge in New York's JFK airport. The lounge itself was spacious and well-appointed, offering a variety of amenities including:
- Comfortable seating areas with power outlets and Wi-Fi
- A buffet offering a selection of hot and cold food, snacks, and beverages
- Dedicated shower suites for freshening up
- A quiet area for relaxation
The lounge provided a peaceful and relaxing environment to unwind before the long flight. It's worth noting that access to the ANA lounge is included for Business Class passengers, making it a valuable perk.
The Room: Seat and Amenities
Boarding the 787-9 Dreamliner, I was immediately impressed by the spacious and modern 'The Room' cabin. Each seat is a fully lie-flat seat with a generous amount of legroom and personal space. The seat itself was incredibly comfortable, with a plush cushion and adjustable headrest. Other notable features included:
- A large, high-definition touchscreen monitor with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games
- A personal reading light and adjustable air vents for temperature control
- A dedicated storage compartment for personal items
- A power outlet and USB port for charging electronic devices
The 'The Room' cabin is designed for privacy, with each seat separated by a high partition. This creates a feeling of exclusivity and allows for a truly restful experience.
Dining and Beverage Service
ANA's Business Class offers a multi-course dining experience with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The meals were beautifully presented and flavorful, with a wide selection of options to choose from. The service was attentive and personalized, with the flight attendants ensuring that all passengers were well-attended to. Throughout the flight, a variety of beverages were available, including premium wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
Entertainment and Amenities
The entertainment system on board was excellent, with a vast library of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The touchscreen monitor was responsive and easy to navigate. Additionally, there were noise-canceling headphones available for a more immersive entertainment experience. The cabin also offered amenities such as a comfortable blanket and pillow, as well as a personal amenity kit with essentials for a refreshing journey.
Overall Experience
Overall, my experience in ANA's Business Class 'The Room' was exceptional. The combination of a comfortable seat, attentive service, delicious food, and excellent entertainment made for a truly enjoyable and relaxing journey. While the flight was long, it felt like a breeze thanks to the premium amenities and thoughtful service. If you're looking for a comfortable and luxurious way to travel long-haul, ANA's Business Class is a highly recommended option.
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable seats with ample legroom
- Excellent entertainment system with a wide variety of options
- Delicious and beautifully presented meals
- Attentive and personalized service
- Comfortable and relaxing lounge access
Cons:
- Limited storage space in the seat compartment
- The cabin can feel a bit cramped at times due to the high partitions
In conclusion, ANA's Business Class 'The Room' is a premium travel experience that offers a high level of comfort, luxury, and service. While there are a few minor drawbacks, the overall experience is highly positive and worth considering for your next long-haul flight.