All Nippon Airways vs Japan Airlines: Which Is Better

Few airlines manage to feel both luxurious and approachable at the same time, but All Nippon Airways (ANA) comes close. As Japan’s largest carrier, it holds a coveted 5-star Skytrax rating and offers a product range that spans from no-frills domestic economy to lavish first-class suites.

Fleet size: 260+ aircraft · Destinations: Over 110 routes globally · Skytrax rating: 5-star airline · Year founded: 1952 · Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan

The table above confirms ANA’s credentials as a 5-star carrier with a global footprint — but the real choice against JAL depends on your travel style.

Which Is Better: All Nippon Airways or Japan Airlines?

Both ANA and Japan Airlines hold the industry’s highest distinction — a 5-star Skytrax rating — so the decision is rarely about basic quality. The real trade-offs come down to network fit, cabin hardware, and fee structures.

Skytrax ratings comparison

• ANA has maintained a 5-star Skytrax rating since 2013 (NerdWallet travel comparison)
• JAL also holds a 5-star rating from Skytrax, making both carriers among the top airlines globally (NerdWallet travel comparison)

On-time performance

While precise punctuality data fluctuates by month and route, both Japanese carriers consistently rank among the most punctual globally. ANA and JAL both report average on-time arrival rates above 85% for international flights (ANA official website; JAL official website).

Cabin service differences

The biggest gap appears in business class: analysts at Upgraded Points travel rewards authority note that ANA’s ‘The Room’ offers a private cabin with elevated dining, while JAL’s new A350-1000 product has taken the lead as “the author’s new favorite business-class experience.” In economy, One Mile at a Time aviation analysis argues JAL wins “hands down” because it uses 9-abreast seating on 777s and 8-abreast on 787s, whereas ANA squeezes an extra seat across in the same aircraft types.

Route network and alliances

• ANA is a founding member of Star Alliance, giving access to United, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines connections (ANA official website)
• JAL belongs to oneworld, with partners American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific (JAL official website)
• ANA offers a slightly larger worldwide network, while JAL flies to more destinations within the United States (NerdWallet travel comparison)

“Both airlines offer consistently delicious inflight dining, attentive cabin crew service, solid inflight entertainment, and free Wi‑Fi for business-class passengers.”

— Upgraded Points business class comparison

Is ANA a Luxury Airline or a Budget Airline?

ANA is best described as a full-service carrier with a luxury top tier. It does not compete with budget operators like Peach or Jetstar Japan.

Premium cabin offerings

ANA’s First and Business classes are unequivocally luxury-tier. First-class suites on the Boeing 777-300ER feature sliding doors, 23-inch entertainment screens, and multi-course kaiseki meals. Business-class ‘The Room’ offers a fully enclosed suite with a door, direct aisle access, and a lie-flat bed (Upgraded Points business class comparison).

Economy class experience

International economy seats are standard full-service: meals, drinks, and personal entertainment screens are included. However, seat pitch and width are unremarkable compared to other 5-star carriers, and some budget airlines offer similar legroom on short-haul routes (NerdWallet travel comparison).

Lounge access and amenities

First and Business passengers get access to ANA’s Suite Lounges in Tokyo, which offer à la carte dining, shower suites, and quiet rooms. Economy passengers without status do not have lounge access. ANA’s loyalty program, ANA Mileage Club, provides elite benefits for frequent fliers, but credit card transfer partners are limited compared to JAL’s partnership with American Express.

Pricing positioning

ANA is priced like a premium full-service airline. Transpacific round-trip economy fares typically range $800–$1,500, business class $4,000–$8,000, and first class $10,000–$20,000. This places ANA above budget carriers but competitive with other 5-star Asian airlines like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific (NerdWallet travel comparison).

Which Country Made All Nippon Airways?

All Nippon Airways is a Japanese airline through and through, from its founding in 1952 to its current headquarters in the heart of Tokyo’s business district.

Headquarters in Tokyo

ANA’s corporate headquarters are located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Its main operational hubs are Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Tokyo Haneda (HND) airports (ANA official website).

Japanese ownership and regulation

ANA is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is owned primarily by Japanese institutional investors and the public. The airline is regulated by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and complies with Japanese aviation law.

History as a domestic carrier

Originally founded in 1952 as Japan Helicopter & Aeroplane Transport, ANA gradually expanded from domestic routes to become Japan’s largest airline. It joined Star Alliance in 1999 and launched its first transpacific service the same year (ANA official website).

The pattern: ANA is deeply Japanese in ownership, regulation, and operational heritage.

Is All Nippon Airways a Good Flight? Reviews and Ratings

Passenger feedback reflects ANA’s reputation for consistency. Below we look at satisfaction scores, common praise, and recurring complaints.

Passenger satisfaction scores

• Skytrax 5-star rating held since 2013 (NerdWallet travel comparison)
• Average passenger rating of 4.0–4.5 out of 5 on major review platforms like TripAdvisor and Skytrax (ANA official website)

Common praise and complaints

Frequent praise centers on cabin crew professionalism, cleanliness, and on-time performance. Complaints often mention cramped economy seating (especially on older 777s with 10-abreast) and the confusing seat-selection fee structure for discount economy tickets (NerdWallet travel comparison).

“ANA has a strong safety record with no significant regulatory issues. Consumer reports rank ANA above average among international carriers.”

— NerdWallet travel comparison

TripAdvisor and Skytrax metrics

On Skytrax, ANA regularly scores 8.0–8.5 out of 10 overall. Tripadvisor user reviews for ANA Business Class average 4.5/5 stars, with many describing the service as “exceptional” and the seats as “very comfortable” (ANA official website).

Which Airlines Should You Stay Away From? Context for ANA

In the context of Japanese carriers, safety records are uniformly excellent. Neither ANA nor JAL appears on any significant safety watch lists.

Safety records of Japanese carriers

ANA has an accident-free record for the past two decades, with zero hull losses since 2011. It is certified under IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) and has received industry safety awards (ANA official website).

Industry reputation comparisons

Both ANA and JAL consistently rank among the top 10 airlines globally by Skytrax and Travel + Leisure. Neither belongs to the bottom tier of carriers that travelers are advised to avoid for safety or service reasons (NerdWallet travel comparison).

Customer complaint data

US Department of Transportation data shows ANA receives fewer complaints per 100,000 passengers than the industry average. Common complaints involve refund processing times and seat selection confusion, not safety or crew conduct (NerdWallet travel comparison).

ANA vs JAL: Head-to-Head Comparison

Seven key dimensions, one clear takeaway: both airlines deliver premium experiences, but their strengths sit in different places.

The implication: neither airline dominates — your alliance loyalty and fee tolerance will decide the winner.

Pros and Cons of Flying ANA

“The difference between ANA and JAL is less pronounced when comparing both carriers’ 787 Dreamliner fleets. On the same plane type, the seat width, entertainment, and service are nearly identical.”

— Japan Starts Here travel blog

Summary: Which Japanese Carrier Should You Choose?

After weighing network, cabin hardware, fees, and passenger reviews, one pattern emerges: for frequent fliers who value seat space and straightforward pricing, JAL is the better choice in economy. But for travelers who prioritize a truly private business-class suite and wider global connections through Star Alliance, ANA wins. The deciding factor may come down to your loyalty program — if you have American Express points, ANA offers exceptional transfer value (NerdWallet travel comparison). For a first-time traveler to Japan booking economy, the recommendation is clear: choose ANA if your itinerary includes connecting flights to Southeast Asia or Australia; choose JAL if you want free standard seat selection and a wider seat in economy on the same route.

Frequently asked questions