On an overnight flight from Perth to Tokyo, imagine my delight to discover I’ve been upgraded to business class with a fully reclining flatbed. The 9 1/2-hour flight just became even more appealing, as you’ll soon discover with this ANA flight review. I was already thrilled to be flying to Japan, but now, I was almost too excited to sleep.

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ANA flight review – Business Class flight No. NH882 Perth to Tokyo

The prospect of a flatbed on a long-haul overnight flight made the moments leading up to departure just a little more exhilarating. After a quick gin and tonic and a selfie with the quokka in the Aspire Lounge, my good fortune became all the more real when turning left instead of right from the airbridge for a sneak peek of the cabin before the other guests boarded our ANA (All Nippons

My seat was everything I could have hoped for; a fully reclining flatbed with a mattress topper, a cosy blanket and a plush pillow promised a good night’s sleep that I desperately needed. The next day, I knew I’d hit the ground running with a connecting flight to Haneda followed by an afternoon and evening of activities in Matsuyama, the capital of the Ehime Prefecture.

But for the time being, I intended on making the most of this luxurious flight, the latest movies and TV shows on the 18-inch touch screen (with provided noise-cancelling headphones) and the gourmet food that ANA and Japan are renowned for.

In Business Class, the 787-9 Dreamliner features staggered seats where every seat has direct access to the aisle, and the middle seats have privacy screens and do not disturb signs. A large side table with a light, and USB and power ports complemented a pull-out table, so there was no shortage of flat surfaces. Storage under the ottoman was roomy but difficult to access when the seat was fully reclined, requiring me to be organised before tucking myself in for the night, not that I had any intention of rummaging around in my bag once snuggled up.

Okay, I’m going to sound like a bit of a princess now. I love a soft mattress, and so do my hips and back. It has to be noted that the seat was on the firm side. Most of the mattresses in Japan are hard, so the firmness of the airline seat wasn’t entirely surprising. In hindsight, I should have asked for an additional mattress topper to soften my journey.

Most hotels in Japan include a set of freshly laundered pyjamas, as do ANA if you request to borrow a set on board. Although you must return the pyjamas, you can keep the amenity kit containing lip balm, body lotion and a tote bag.

One other thing worth noting is the seat configuration of the 1-2-1 layout. I was in seat 8E, in the middle and in front of the toilet, which is convenient for nocturnal ablutions, but it was a trade-off whenever the toilet flushed throughout the night. Speaking of the toilet, it was kept immaculate and odour-free throughout the flight and was well-stocked with toiletries, including an endless supply of towelettes, toothbrushes and toothpaste to keep you fresh. If I ever had the fortune of flying business class again with ANA, I would choose a window seat closer to the front of the plane. But I really am nit-picking here.

The menu offered a choice of Japanese and International meals, when in Rome I chose Japan, with sake of course. However, the Western meal looked delicious, too, with a beef fillet steak and a caramel chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce.

After a white tablecloth was laid out on my table, the meal tray arrived with an assortment of Japanese delicacies. Starting with Zensai (a selection of morsels), which consisted of Simmered Taro with Minced Chicken Sauce, Deep-fried Shrimp with Cornflakes, Cheese wrapped with Smoked Salmon and a Simmered Tokobushi Abalone in a Soy-based Sauce. Yes, you read that right; abalone was on the menu. The next course of Kobachi (tasty tidbits) was my favourite, with Tuna and Green Onion with Mustard Vinegar Miso, where the acidity of the mustard vinegar elevated the flavour of the tuna. The main dish (Shusai) was Salt-grilled Salmon with Steamed rice, Miso Soup and Japanese Pickles, and a Baked Yuzu Confectionery for dessert (Kanmi). Although this meal was substantial, I didn’t feel bloated at all – I simply love the lightness of Japanese cuisine.

After several hours of sleep, we were gently woken by the lights subtly being turned up to announce the arrival of breakfast. I chose the Japanese option again of a Scallop and Daikon Radish with Yuzu Sauce, followed by Simmered Pork and Cabbage in White Miso with Steamed Rice. Yum, yum, yum.

At this point, I realised we only had an hour left onboard. Usually, I’d be eager to get offboard, but this was not the case. I didn’t want the flight to end. I still had to work my way through And Just Like That. Or I could have diligently caught up on some work as Wi-Fi was offered, and although I didn’t try it out, a colleague mentioned that the download speed was 16.9 Mbps and 5.12 Mbps for uploads.

Before I knew it, I was propelled into Tokyo’s International Airport, excited to start the day of exploration ahead.

ANA flight review – Economy class flight NH881 Tokyo to Perth

After a whirlwind of a trip in Japan in the Ehime and Hiroshima Prefectures and a fleeting few hours in Tokyo, I was ready to relax for 9 ½ hours on the return flight to Perth. From Narita Airport in Tokyo, the check-in process was seamless with the face express check-in and self-bag drop-off machines. Yet, another example of Japanese efficiency.

As check-in had gone so smoothly, I had plenty of free time to browse the shops and sample some of the best ramen (you’d never have guessed it was vegan from the flavour) I’ve ever had with a double espresso for breakfast.

When I had preselected my aisle seat, I noticed I had the entire row to myself. After receiving an upgrade on the way over, surely, I wouldn’t be so lucky on the journey home. But luck was on my side, and even before take-off, I was snuggled up by the window with two seats to stretch out on. Bliss.

The legroom was impressive, and had I not travelled over on Business Class, I suspect I would still have been very comfortable with the 34-inch seat pitch, footrest and adjustable headrest. Once again, the seat was firm but nothing that a cushion couldn’t fix, especially as I had three to choose from with the entire row to myself.

Mood lighting and the black-out window set the mood for a chilled flight as we floated home alongside fluffy clouds.

After a week of Japanese food, I thought I’d try the Western meal on the return home instead of the Japanese meal of Chicken & Eggs over Steamed Rice. The Hashed Beef Stew in Red Wine was rich and delicious and served with Steamed Chicken and Pumpkin Salad with Ponzu Gelèe, a Vegetable Namul (Kobachi), a mixed salad, cheese and crackers and vanilla Hàagen-Dazs Ice Cream. Dinner was light and included a panini, fruit salad and yoghurt.

Although I was very happy with my meal, there is the option to upgrade to Paid Exclusive Dining in advance. The meals vary, and had I done this for $25, I would have chosen the beef steak with all the trimmings. Something to look forward to next time I fly with ANA.

I spent the flight eating, dozing, reading and binging on all those movies on the 9-inch touch-screen monitor I’ve been meaning to watch, such as Fly Me To The Moon and Ezra (I highly recommend both), and of course, I resumed And Just Like That.

Once again, the flight ended way too fast, and my transition through Perth Airport was so smooth that I was home within the hour.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this ANA flight review. Overall, both flights took me back to a time when flying felt special. The warm staff was always ready with a smile and provided wonderful service. The cutlery was real, the inflight entertainment was exceptional, and the food was plentiful and tasty. The roomy seats enhanced the experience, and everything was included on this full-service airline. Budget airlines certainly have their place in the market for short jaunts, but for a long-haul flight, I’d never scrimp on the flight as there isn’t a price you can put on arriving refreshed.

For me, ANA is a return to the glory days of travel, where the flight is part of the journey.

 

ANA flights between Perth and Tokyo

ANA resumed their non-stop flights from Perth to Tokyo on 29^th October 2024. Flying three times a week on Monday, Thursday and Saturday between Perth and Narita, the route is set to add approximately 17,000 passengers over a five-month period to March 2025. Not only does this open up the destination of Japan to Western Australian travellers, but it also makes WA more appealing to travellers from Japan and boosts the tourism and hospitality sector.

As a Star Alliance member, flights with ANA can be booked using Velocity Points, but if you’re flying on a paid ticket, you can earn Velocity Points and Status Credits.

ANA flies domestically and internationally to Asia, Perth, Sydney, the US and Europe.

Fun fact: Did you know that Okinawa Island in Japan is a blue zone, deemed as having one of the longest-living populations in the world? Participating in activities such as travel that bring you joy can improve your health and well-being, ultimately leading to longevity. You can read more about it in Is Travel the Key to Longevity?