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PREMIUM ECONOMY REVIEW: Flying with All Nippon Airways

We flight test ANA (All Nippon Airways) Premium Economy service from Tokyo Haneda to Sydney on their Dreamliner 787/9. How did it fare? Read on. Flying out of Tokyo Haneda airport instead […]

We flight test ANA (All Nippon Airways) Premium Economy service from Tokyo Haneda to Sydney on their Dreamliner 787/9. How did it fare? Read on.

Flying out of Tokyo Haneda airport instead of Narita is a game changing, stress free experience that was previously a 90 minute slog just to get to the airport.

So one minute I’m catching the efficient metro train from Tokyo’s CBD, and the next I’m zipping through Haneda Airport and checking in via the Business and Premium priority lane. Priority check in is a welcome feature that’s included with an ANA Premium Economy ticket.

Once you’re through customs, ANA Premium travellers get to relax in the impressive and very spacious ANA Lounge, which is a nice bonus too.

 

The Seat & Entertainment

Premium Economy Seat

Image of B777: seat may differ depending on route.

There are 21 seats in the Premium Economy cabin, which is set up in a 2-3-2 configuration.

The seat really is super comfy with plenty of legroom. ANA’s Premium Economy seat actually has the largest seat pitch of any premium airline product at an ache busting 38 inches – which is 17 per cent larger than the seats in economy.

It’s also suitably wide and has an added lumbar that pops out and supports your thighs as well as a footrest to create a ‘lazyboy’ type seat feel.

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The secret lumbar!

Secret tip: Ask for a seat in row 15 as all have even longer legroom given they are bulkhead seats.

The seat also features a power point, a USB connection and an iPod connector as well as an 11” LCD screen and entertainment system. Though the range of English movies and TV isn’t huge, there are enough latest releases to keep you entertained.

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Image of B777: seat may differ depending on route.

You can also watch sports and news channels live, which is a great addition. Wi-Fi packages start at $16.95USD for 3 hours and for 1 flight maximum 24 hours, $21.95USD.

 

Service & Food

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The ANA crew

ANA was awarded 5 stars by the SKYTRAX World Airline Rating for the 5th consecutive year in 2017, and is the first Japanese carrier to achieve this.

The meal service in premium economy is the same as economy, and means a choice of a Japanese or a Western dish for dinner on this sector.

I choose the “Old fashioned salmon bento style”, which includes a flavoursome smoked salmon and potato salad starter followed with poached salmon, rice and fresh fruit for dessert.

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Premium economy passengers also get a (Business Class) wine selection and can order soup or ramen noodles throughout the flight.

This flight was a night sector and I slept for around 5-6 hours very comfortably in the Premium seat. The Dreamliner really is a fantastic aircraft with a quieter cabin, larger windows, and a more humid environment that I truly believe ensures you feel much better when you arrive at the other end than many other aircraft.

 

The Verdict

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Attentive, polite service, a wonderful aircraft and fit out in the ANA 787 Dreamliner and a very comfy seat make ANA’s Premium Economy ticket a fantastic value option to or from Japan.

Flight: NH879, Tokyo Haneda – Sydney
Class: Premium Economy, Seat 15F
Aircraft: Dreamliner 787
Timing: 8.5 hours, departing 2210, arriving Sydney time next day 0830

Click here for more information.

 

READ: GEISHAS: 6 facts about the traditional Japanese female entertainers

READ: EATING IN JAPAN: 8 tips for dining the right way from 2 pros, including a MasterChef winner

 

Have you flown with ANA before? Share your thoughts below.