All Nippon Airways, commonly known as ANA, is the largest airline in Japan and one of the most prestigious carriers in Asia. Flying with ANA provides an authentic Japanese travel experience with omotenashi hospitality, exquisite service, and excellent amenities across all classes.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip when flying on this 5-star airline.
An Introduction to All Nippon Airways (ANA)
ANA operates around 1,200 flights daily as of 2022, with an extensive network of over 116 destinations. It serves major cities across Japan, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe from its dual-hub strategy based out of Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports.
With a fleet size exceeding 260 aircraft, All Nippon Airlines is the 8th largest airline globally by passengers carried. It is a member of the respected Star Alliance network alongside carriers like Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air Canada.
Founded in 1952, ANA has grown into Japan’s largest and most prestigious airline over the decades. It has won numerous accolades including Airline of the Year and Best Airport Services from Skytrax. ANA sets the benchmark for Japanese hospitality and quality service within the airline industry.
Contacting All Nippon Airways Customer Support
ANA offers customer support through the following channels for any pre-travel queries or assistance:
Phone Support
ANA has a toll-free number for travelers based in the USA and Canada:
- USA Toll-Free: 800-235-9262
- Canada Toll-Free: 866-506-5529
Travelers can also call the airline’s hotline from other countries:
- From Japan: +81-3-6741-1120
- From Europe: +44-20-7712-7270
- From Southeast Asia: +65-6499-7088
Email and Website Contact
Passengers can get in touch with ANA via their email contact form on the official website. The website also has an AI chatbot and FAQ resources.
Social Media Support
ANA can also be reached via social media channels like Facebook and Twitter. The airline is fairly responsive on platforms like Facebook Messenger.
Airport and City Ticketing Offices
Travelers can visit ANA ticketing desks and sales offices at major airports as well as downtown city locations for in-person assistance.
ANA’s Renowned Customer Service
ANA is renowned for its customer service which reflects the Japanese values of politeness, efficiency, and thoughtfulness. Passengers can expect prompt, friendly and patient support from ANA’s team when contacting them through any channel.
The airline’s customer service agents are available 24/7 and offer assistance in both English and Japanese. They can help with:
- Booking inquiries and seat reservations
- Modifying or canceling flight arrangements
- Adding extra services and baggage allowance
- Verifying flight status and schedules
- General pre-travel queries and information
- In-flight service requests and feedback
- Mileage claims and account support
- Hotel and transportation arrangements
ANA strives to resolve all customer issues promptly and satisfactorily. Its reliable customer support is a key reason why passengers love flying with ANA over and over again.
ANA’s Extensive Route Network and Flight Destinations
From its dual hub strategy based in Tokyo, ANA provides domestic connectivity within Japan as well as international reach across the Asia Pacific region and beyond.
Here are some of the key destinations served by ANA:
Japan Domestic Routes
ANA serves all major domestic airports in Japan including Fukuoka, Osaka Kansai/Itami, Nagoya Chubu, Okinawa Naha, Sapporo Shin-Chitose, Hiroshima, and more. This provides extensive coverage of key business and leisure destinations across Japan’s main islands.
Asian Routes
Key cities served by ANA in Asia include Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Jakarta.
Oceania Routes
ANA flies to major airports in Australia and New Zealand including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Auckland and Christchurch.
North American Routes
ANA connects Tokyo to cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Seattle, Vancouver and Honolulu. It offers multiple daily flights to airports on the US West Coast.
European Routes
ANA serves major European hubs including London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels and Helsinki. More destinations will likely be added as ANA receives new long-range aircraft.
This extensive network provides travelers with abundant choices whether flying within Japan or beyond to popular international hotspots. By leveraging partnerships with airlines like United Airlines, ANA can offer expanded reach to secondary cities worldwide as well via its codeshare agreements.
Booking Your Flight on ANA
ANA makes it convenient to search and book flights online across its network through multiple booking channels.
Booking Directly via ANA
The recommended method is to book directly on ANA’s website or mobile app. You can easily check flight schedules, and fare types, make reservations and pay online. Signing up for an ANA Mileage Club account also allows you to store passenger profiles and booking preferences.
Other direct channels include ANA ticket counters and sales offices, as well as calling ANA’s toll-free reservation hotlines.
Online Travel Agencies
You can also book ANA flights through major OTAs like Expedia, Orbitz and KAYAK. However, fare rules may differ from booking directly on ANA’s site.
Travel Agents
Booking via a travel agent is another option. Agents who have access to ANA’s inventory can advise on fare options and provide personalized service. However, additional service fees may apply.
When searching for flights on ANA, be sure to check availability and pricing across both Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports. Haneda is closer to the city center while Narita serves as ANA’s main international hub.
Fare types generally include Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class with different service levels, amenities and flexibility.
Managing Your ANA Booking
The convenience of booking directly with ANA is that you can easily manage your flight arrangements via the “My Trips” section online or on the app.
Here are some examples of booking changes you can make:
- Change your flight dates/times if needed
- Correct any passenger information like names, title, gender etc.
- Upgrade to a higher cabin class (subject to availability)
- Add optional extras like additional checked baggage
- Select/change your seat assignments
- Order special meals and assistance
- Cancel your flight for a full refund or travel credit as per the fare rules
Be aware that change fees, fare/tax differences or cancellation penalties may apply depending on the fare terms and conditions. Reconfirm all policies before making amendments to avoid surprises.
You can also use ANA’s website and app to retrieve your booking, download or reprint boarding passes, check in online, and closer to departure.
Key ANA Airline Policies to Know
When booking and flying with ANA, be familiar with their key rules and policies regarding baggage allowance, flight changes, cancellations, refunds, etc.
ANA Booking and Ticketing Policy Highlights
- Tickets are non-transferable to other passengers. Name changes are generally not permitted except for immediate family members.
- Contact ANA to add an accompanying passenger’s name to a booking. Fees may apply.
- Fare rules determine if a booking can be changed or canceled and the penalties involved. Refunds are issued to the original form of payment.
- Infant tickets forfeit value after flight departure and are non-refundable.
ANA Baggage Allowance and Fees
Checked baggage allowance is based on route and fare class purchased. Carry-on bags have size/weight restrictions. Excess and oversized bags are subject to fees at airport.
ANA Fare Rules and Cancellation Policy
Fare class purchased determines the ticket conditions for flight changes and cancellations. Penalties apply for voluntary cancellations and no-shows per the fare rules. Refund eligibility also depends on fare type.
ANA Refund Policy
Refunds are provided for permitted cancellations and no-shows based on the fare rules. Refunds can take 1-2 billing cycles to process after cancellation.
By familiarizing yourself with ANA’s policies, you can avoid unwelcome surprises that may arise from booking changes, baggage issues, or trip cancellations later on.
Amenities and Services to Enhance Your ANA Flight Experience
ANA goes above and beyond to make your flight comfortable and enjoyable through its thoughtful amenities and extras across all cabins.
Cabin Amenities
- Generous 32-34 inches seat pitch for more legroom even in economy class
- Pillows, blankets and headphones provided
- Amenity kits with skincare essentials
- Complimentary food and beverages including Japanese washoku cuisine
- Extensive in-flight entertainment selection with movies, TV, games, etc.
Airport Lounge Access
Eligible passengers traveling in premium cabins can relax pre-flight in ANA lounges located at Tokyo Haneda/Narita and other airports worldwide. Lounges feature seating, dining, business facilities and more.
Other Extras
- Special meals – choose from a wide range of dietary, religious, cultural, and children’s meals when booking
- Inflight WiFi – available on most long-haul jets for a fee
- Chauffeur transfer service – offered to First and Business Class passengers in certain airports
- Baggage services – Examples: Extra checked bags, golf bag carriage, oversized sports equipment carriage etc. for a fee
- Wheelchair, oxygen tanks and other special assistance
By personalizing your flight with add-ons like preferred meals, extra legroom seats, and airport lounge access, you can maximize your comfort and enjoyment when flying with ANA.
Checking In For Your ANA Flight
ANA offers convenient web and mobile check-in starting 24-72 hours prior to your scheduled departure time depending on the airport.
Check in online on ANA’s website or mobile app to select your seats and print/download boarding passes electronically. You can also check in and obtain your boarding pass at airport self-service kiosks and ANA counters.
Be sure to arrive at the airport well ahead of departure time for security and boarding formalities:
- For domestic ANA flights within Japan, arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure
- For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure time
If checking bags, allocate additional time for baggage drop-off and processing before security.
For Smooth Airport Transit:
- Check terminal maps in advance as ANA operates across multiple terminals at airports like Haneda and Narita
- Verify visa/entry requirements for your destination
- Take advantage of priority boarding and security access where eligible based on your cabin class
This ensures you have ample time for all airport departure procedures.
Why Passengers Love Flying with ANA
ANA is consistently ranked among the world’s top airlines and awarded prestigious 5-star certifications from rating agencies like Skytrax. It’s easy to understand why passengers love flying with ANA when you experience their service.
Here are some standout reasons for ANA’s popularity:
Legendary Service
The hallmark of ANA is the warm, thoughtful service provided by its airport staff and inflight cabin crew. Clad in elegant kimonos, ANA’s friendly attendants deliver seamless service with precision and sincerity. Their flawless English skills also facilitate smooth communication.
Premium Cabin Comfort
ANA’s well-designed seats provide ample legroom and reclining space even in economy. Premium cabins feature lie-flat suites, elegant dining and turndown service. Thoughtful touches like slippers, skincare amenities and lounge access enhance the experience.
Delicious Dining
From bento boxes in the economy to multicourse kaiseki feasts in first class, ANA’s special washoku cuisine will delight your tastebuds throughout the journey. The airline also offers an extensive beverage menu from sake to wine.
Cutting-edge IFE and Technology
ANA’s inflight entertainment system provides hours of engagement with HD touchscreens, popular movies, hit TV shows, games, audio programs and more. You can also stay connected with inflight WiFi available on most long-haul aircraft.
Outstanding Punctuality and Reliability
ANA frequently achieves over 90% on-time performance thanks to its operational excellence. Disruptions are extremely rare allowing peace of mind when connecting across ANA’s network.
Seamless Airport Experience
ANA’s focus on quality ground services ensures a smooth airport experience. From check-in to lounge access to boarding, well-designed processes and friendly staff minimize hassle.
With such superlative levels of hospitality and service across the entire journey, it’s easy to understand why ANA wins over passengers time and again. The airline epitomizes the very best of Japanese omotenashi.
Booking Tips and Finding Deals on ANA Flights
Here are some tips for getting the best value when booking your flights on ANA:
- Book early for peak seasons like New Year, Golden Week and Obon holidays when fares are higher
- Flexible travel dates help find cheaper fares to your destination
- Off-peak seasons like winter and summer can have fare sales
- Non-direct routing via a connection can cost less than direct flights in some cases
- Premium Economy offers an affordable way to upgrade from regular Economy with better amenities
- Purchase ancillary add-ons like extra baggage and meals upfront rather than at airport
- Sign up for email promotions and flash sales which often discount fares up to 50%
Also consider:
- Booking ANA vacation packages bundling flights, hotels, and sometimes rail passes
- Using ANA miles to redeem for free flights and upgrades to premium cabins
- Companion fares where a friend can accompany you at discounted rates
- Consolidator fares offered by third-party vendors
With some research, flexibility and planning, you can find some excellent deals on ANA flights to make your travels more affordable.
Helpful Tips for the Best ANA Experience
Follow these tips and insights to have the ideal inflight experience when flying with ANA:
- Select seats like bulkhead rows and exit rows for extra legroom if permitted by your fare
- Bring an empty water bottle – ANA’s purified water taps allow refilling inflight
- Utilize inflight WiFi where available to stay connected, but bring a book as backup
- Request special meal types like low-salt, diabetic, halal etc. for more appropriate dining
- Book lounge access, extra bags, and other addons in advance for lower pricing
- Pack comfortable attire like sweatpants to relax inflight, along with eye masks and earplugs
- Arrive early at airport to enjoy ANA’s renowned lounge facilities
- Carry some Japanese Yen – it comes in handy for any expenses onboard
By planning ahead using these tips, you can optimize your journey when flying ANA for the ultimate Japanese inflight experience.
Conclusion: Why ANA is a Top Choice for Travelers to Japan
For visitors headed to the Land of the Rising Sun, ANA is undoubtedly one of the top choices thanks to its extensive domestic network, international connectivity, and quintessentially Japanese onboard hospitality.
With direct flights connecting major global gateways to Tokyo, spacious cabins, special washoku dining, and impeccable inflight service, ANA provides the ideal way to commence your Japan travels from the moment you board.
Whether traveling for business meetings in Nagoya, a family vacation in Okinawa, or onward connections across Asia, ANA offers convenient routes, competitive fares, and amenities to suit diverse passenger needs. The airline encapsulates all that is great about flying in Japan.
So next time you plan a trip to Japan or beyond, consider flying with ANA to appreciate their world-renowned service. The experience will make your travels all the more memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions About ANA
What cabin classes does ANA offer?
ANA has four main cabin classes – First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy. Select routes also offer ANA COMFORT economy with extra legroom.
Does ANA have inflight WiFi connectivity?
Most ANA long-haul international aircraft are equipped with WiFi connectivity for a fee. Domestic flights and older aircraft may not offer WiFi.
Can I request vegetarian meals on ANA?
Yes, ANA offers special Indian vegetarian/vegan meals (AVML/VGML) that can be requested for flights departing Japan. Other dietary needs can also be accommodated.
What airports operate as ANA’s main hubs?
ANA’s two major hubs are Tokyo Haneda International Airport and Tokyo Narita International Airport. The airline operates an extensive flight network from both airports.
What lounges can ANA passengers access?
Eligible ANA passengers can use ANA Lounges located at Tokyo Haneda and Narita. Additionally, Star Alliance Gold members have access to partner lounges worldwide.
I hope this comprehensive guide covers everything you wanted to know about flying with All Nippon Airways! Let me know if you need any other details for your upcoming ANA trip.
