Anyone who has booked a long-haul flight to Japan knows the agonizing choice between ANA and JAL. Both are legendary, but ANA carries a distinct reputation — it has held a Skytrax 5-Star rating every year since 2013, making it one of the most consistent premium airlines in the world. This guide breaks down what that rating actually covers, who owns ANA, how its economy class compares, and the practical steps you need to manage a booking.

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Skytrax rating: 5-Star (since 2013) · Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan · Destinations: ~50 domestic, ~32 international · Fleet size: over 200 aircraft (2024) · Parent company: ANA Holdings Inc. · Alliance: Star Alliance (since 1999)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • ANA is Japan’s largest airline by fleet and revenue (Skytrax Ratings)
  • Skytrax 5-Star awarded annually since 2013 (ANA official site)
  • Member of Star Alliance since 1999 (ANA)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact seat pitch varies by aircraft type and route; not all planes offer 33 inches (Travel Codex review)
  • Drink and meal policies for specific flights can change without notice (Sanspotter review)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • ANA continues to expand its “The Room” Business Class on more routes (ANA)
  • Fleet modernisation with A350-1000 deliveries ongoing (ANA HD press release)
Eight key facts about ANA that shape its reputation — one pattern: every metric reinforces a picture of scale, consistency, and premium status.
Attribute Value
Full name All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
Headquarters Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Founded December 27, 1952
Skytrax rating 5-Star
Alliance Star Alliance
Destinations 50 domestic, 32 international
Fleet size over 200 aircraft (2024)
Parent company ANA Holdings Inc.

Is ANA a good airline?

What do Skytrax ratings say?

  • ANA has been awarded the Skytrax 5-Star rating for 13 consecutive years, as stated on ANA’s official website (the airline’s own corporate portal).
  • The 5-Star certification covers seat quality, amenities, catering, inflight entertainment, cleanliness, cabin staff, and ground staff — according to Skytrax Ratings (the independent airline-rating body).
  • In 2025, ANA ranked 5th in the Skytrax World Airline Awards, while JAL ranked 9th (Nippon.com, a Japanese news and data source).

How do passenger reviews compare?

  • TripAdvisor aggregate scores typically sit around 4 out of 5 (user-generated content, lower tier).
  • The Points Guy called ANA’s 777-300 economy cabin “very solid” with minimal vibration while cruising (The Points Guy, a frequent-flyer review site).
Bottom line: ANA is what its Skytrax record says — a systematically strong airline that scores high on consistency. For long-haul fliers: you can trust the seat, service, and reliability. For bargain seekers: the premium experience comes at a price that may be overkill on short domestic hops.

Which country owns ANA airlines?

Is ANA a Japanese airline?

  • Yes. ANA is headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, and is the country’s largest airline by fleet size and revenue (Skytrax Ratings).
  • It is a full member of Star Alliance (Star Alliance official site).

Who are the big 3 Japanese airlines?

  • The three largest scheduled carriers in Japan are ANA (All Nippon Airways), JAL (Japan Airlines), and Skymark Airlines.
  • ANA is the largest by revenue; JAL is the second-largest; Skymark is a low-cost domestic carrier.
Why this matters

For a passenger choosing between ANA and JAL, the ownership and national context matter less than the service philosophy: ANA leans on omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) in a more understated way than its rival — the same cultural roots that drive its consistent Skytrax scores.

Is ANA a high-end airline?

What makes ANA a 5-Star airline?

  • Skytrax 5-Star criteria include seat quality, amenities, catering, inflight entertainment, cleanliness, cabin staff, and ground staff (Skytrax Ratings).
  • ANA’s official site calls the rating “the highest in the world” (ANA official site).

What are ANA’s cabin classes?

  • First Class, Business Class (including “The Room” suite), Premium Economy, and Economy.
  • “The Room” business class seat is widely considered one of the best in the sky, with a door and large screen (ANA).
The catch

High-end credentials are undeniable in premium cabins, but economy passengers do not get the same exclusivity — still, the baseline service and meal quality are a clear step above many US and European carriers.

Is ANA economy comfortable?

Seat pitch and width in ANA economy

What meal and drink service is included?

  • Free alcoholic beverages are served on international flights, including beer, wine, and spirits (ANA travel information).
  • Long-haul economy passengers receive an amenity kit (socks, toothbrush, eyeshades) on most routes.
Bottom line: ANA economy is comfortable by global standards — notably better than most US carriers — but don’t expect lie-flat space. For budget-conscious travelers: pick an ANA 787 or 777 for the best seat pitch. For tall flyers: consider Premium Economy if legroom is non-negotiable.

How do I manage my ANA booking and check in?

How to find your ANA booking

  • Visit ANA’s official website (ana.co.jp) and use the “Manage Booking” section with your booking reference and last name.

Online check-in steps

  • Check-in opens 24 hours before departure for most flights.
  • You can check in on the ANA website or mobile app, download a boarding pass, and select or change seats.

ANA contact information

  • Customer service phone numbers vary by region; the main line for US customers is 1-800-235-9262.
  • For international inquiries, see the “Contact Us” page on ANA’s site.
Editor’s note

The manage-booking flow is straightforward, but note that ANA’s website can be slow at peak times — a known pain point for frequent fliers.

What are ANA airlines ticket prices and flight status?

Typical ANA fare classes

  • ANA offers fare families: ANA Value (non-refundable, no changes), ANA Flexible (refundable with fee), and ANA Premium for business/first.
  • Economy round-trip from Los Angeles to Tokyo typically ranges from $800 to $1,400 depending on season.

How to check flight status today

  • Use the “Flight Status” tool on ANA’s website or third-party apps like FlightRadar24.

ANA airline code (NH)

  • IATA code: NH; ICAO code: ANA; IATA accounting code: 205.
  • These codes appear on boarding passes and flight-tracking services.
Six specifications that give a quick technical profile of ANA — one pattern: the airline’s infrastructure supports high-frequency operations across Japan and the Pacific.
Specification Detail
Primary hubs Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND), Osaka Kansai (KIX)
Fleet composition (2024) Over 200 aircraft: Boeing 787, 777, 767, 737, Airbus A380 (Honu), A350, A320
Average fleet age ~14 years
Cabin configurations Varies by aircraft; typical international long-haul has F/J/W/Y
On-time performance (2024) ~85% (Cirium data)
Frequent flyer program ANA Mileage Club

Upsides

  • Consistent Skytrax 5-Star quality across all cabins
  • Excellent on-time performance and baggage handling
  • Generous meal and drink service in economy on international flights
  • “The Room” business class is among the best suites available

Downsides

  • Economy seat pitch can be tight on older aircraft (31 inches)
  • Premium Economy is not available on all routes
  • Website and mobile app can be slow for booking management
  • Prices are often higher than competitors for the same route

Timeline of ANA’s key milestones

  • : Founded as Japan Helicopter and Aeroplane Transport Co. (ANA corporate history)
  • : Renamed All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
  • : Joined Star Alliance
  • : First Skytrax 5-Star rating (Skytrax Ratings)
  • : Became a wholly owned subsidiary of ANA Holdings

The pattern is clear: ANA has built its reputation over more than seven decades, and the Skytrax rating has been the crown jewel since 2013.

Clarity: What is confirmed and what is unclear

Confirmed facts

  • ANA is owned by Japan and headquartered in Tokyo.
  • ANA holds Skytrax 5-Star rating for 13 consecutive years.
  • ANA is the largest airline in Japan by fleet and revenue.

What’s unclear

  • Exact seat pitch varies by aircraft type and route (e.g., 787-8 vs 777-300).
  • Drink and meal service policies for specific flights may change.

What passengers say about ANA

“ANA Economy Class on Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda was pleasant with great seats and friendly service.”

— Travel Codex review (Travel Codex)

“The 777-300 economy cabin felt very solid and had very little vibration while cruising.”

— The Points Guy review (The Points Guy)

“Our commitment to omotenashi — the spirit of selfless hospitality — is at the core of every ANA flight.”

— ANA official statement (ANA)

Summary

ANA has earned its Skytrax 5-Star rating through consistent investment in service, cabins, and operational reliability — a rare achievement for an airline that operates a large economy fleet alongside luxury premiums. For a traveler flying from the US to Japan, the choice between ANA and JAL often comes down to route and personal preference, but the data shows ANA leads on rating longevity (13 consecutive years) and fleet size. For budget-conscious flyers: ANA’s economy is a solid pick, especially on long-haul routes where free alcohol and amenity kits make the difference. For premium seekers: “The Room” business class is among the best available. One concrete implication for the US market: if you value consistent service and a Japanese hospitality experience over the lowest fare, ANA is the safer bet; if absolute lowest price is the priority, a connecting carrier may undercut it.

Additional sources

nextleveloftravel.com, anahd.co.jp, skytraxratings.com

Travelers comparing Japan’s leading airlines can find an in-depth head-to-head review of All Nippon Airways vs Japan Airlines.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ANA and JAL?

ANA is Japan’s largest airline by revenue and fleet, while JAL operates a more traditional hub-and-spoke network. ANA is part of Star Alliance; JAL is part of oneworld. Service styles differ subtly — both offer high quality, but ANA has held the Skytrax 5-Star rating since 2013, while JAL’s longest 5-Star streak did not start until 2016.

Does ANA have a first class cabin?

Yes, ANA offers First Class on select long-haul routes, including Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 flights. First Class suites are private and include fine dining and premium amenities.

What is the baggage allowance for ANA?

Economy passengers on international flights typically receive two checked bags up to 23 kg each. Business and First Class allow two bags up to 32 kg each. Carry-on limit is one piece (10 kg) plus a personal item.

Can I select seats on ANA for free?

Seat selection is free for all passengers during online check-in (24 hours before departure). For paid advance seat selection (e.g., extra-legroom seats or preferred rows), a fee may apply.

Does ANA serve free alcohol in economy?

Yes, free beer, wine, and spirits are served on all international flights. Domestic flights may charge for alcohol.

How do I cancel an ANA booking?

Cancellations can be made through the “Manage Booking” section on ANA’s website. Fees depend on the fare type (Value vs Flexible). Refundable fares get a full refund minus a processing fee.

What are the check-in times for ANA flights?

International check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 60 minutes before. Online check-in opens 24 hours ahead.

Is ANA part of Star Alliance?

Yes, ANA joined Star Alliance in 1999 and is a full member.