Comparing JAL and ANA’s Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND)

Post Published June 18, 2024

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Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Seat Selection Policies Overview





Comparing JAL and ANA’s Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND)

Navigating the seat selection policies of major Japanese airlines can be a nuanced process.

Both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer a range of options for passengers, with varying fees and availability depending on the ticket type and class of travel.

While JAL provides complimentary seat selection for non-discounted economy tickets, ANA charges for standard seat selection on discounted economy fares.

Passengers should consult their airline's website and plan ahead to secure their preferred seating, as seat availability and pricing can differ across carriers and flight itineraries.

JAL allows seat selection up to 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, providing passengers with a last-minute option to secure their preferred seats.

ANA offers a reservation fee for aisle or window seats, as well as seats located conveniently towards the front of the aircraft, allowing passengers to customize their in-flight experience.

JAL's seat selection is available for individual fares, JMB domestic award tickets, and individual inclusive tour fares, offering a wide range of eligibility for this service.

Some fares for groups traveling together on JAL may not be eligible for seat selection, which could impact the ability of the group to sit together.

Both JAL and ANA limit the number of seats that can be pre-selected, ensuring an equitable allocation of seats for all passengers.

Consulting SeatGuru is recommended for passengers to find the best seats on the aircraft for their specific needs, as the interactive seat maps provided by the airlines may not always reflect the most up-to-date information.

What else is in this post?

  1. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Seat Selection Policies Overview
  2. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - JAL's Seat Reservation Options
  3. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - ANA's Seat Reservation Offerings
  4. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Premium Seat Upgrades and Bidding
  5. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Lounge Experiences at Haneda Airport
  6. Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Elite Status Benefits for Frequent Flyers

Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - JAL's Seat Reservation Options





Japan Airlines offers a range of seat selection options for passengers traveling in all classes, including complimentary standard seat selection and the ability to choose extra-legroom seats for an additional fee.

The airline allows seat selection up to 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, providing a convenient last-minute option for passengers.

While JAL's seat selection policies are generally straightforward, some exceptions may apply, such as for group bookings, so travelers should review the airline's guidelines carefully when booking their flights.

JAL allows seat selection up to 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time, providing passengers with a last-minute option to secure their preferred seats - this is significantly later than many other airlines.

While ANA charges for standard seat selection on discounted economy fares, JAL offers complimentary seat selection for non-discounted economy tickets, giving passengers more flexibility.

JAL's seat selection service is available not only for individual fares but also for JMB domestic award tickets and individual inclusive tour fares, offering a wider range of eligibility compared to many other airlines.

Some group fares on JAL may not be eligible for seat selection, which could impact the ability of passengers traveling together to sit next to each other, an important consideration for families and friends.

Both JAL and ANA limit the number of pre-selected seats, ensuring an equitable allocation of seats for all passengers and preventing a small number of passengers from monopolizing the preferred seating.

While JAL and ANA both offer seat selection options, the specific processes and eligibility criteria can vary depending on the fare type and routing, highlighting the importance of reviewing each airline's policies.

Consulting SeatGuru is recommended for passengers to find the best seats on the aircraft for their specific needs, as the interactive seat maps provided by the airlines may not always reflect the most up-to-date information.


Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - ANA's Seat Reservation Offerings





ANA's seat reservation policy is more restrictive compared to JAL, as it charges a fee for standard seat selection in economy class.

However, ANA does offer advance seat assignments for international flights, allowing passengers to reserve aisle, window, extra legroom, or front-of-the-aircraft seats.

Additionally, ANA's business class features lie-flat beds with a 1-2-1 configuration, which is considered a step up from JAL's APEX Suite seats in terms of privacy.

ANA allows passengers to reserve seats up to 48 hours prior to departure on their website, providing more flexibility compared to many other airlines.

ANA's economy class seat selection comes with an additional fee, unlike Japan Airlines (JAL) which offers complimentary standard seat selection for non-discounted economy fares.

ANA's paid "Advance Seat Reservation" option is applicable to specific seat types, but the reserved seat number is subject to change due to potential aircraft changes.

Online check-in for ANA flights is available 24 hours prior to departure, however, seat assignments are limited during this time.

ANA offers lie-flat business class seats on most of their international flights, with a 1-2-1 configuration providing enhanced privacy and comfort compared to a typical 2-2-2 layout.

In contrast to ANA's business class seating, Japan Airlines' APEX Suite seats are considered more private and customized for an elevated flying experience.

While ANA charges for standard seat selection in economy, their in-flight food and beverage offerings, including Japanese spirits, are on par with the high-quality dining experience provided by Japan Airlines.


Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Premium Seat Upgrades and Bidding





Both JAL and ANA offer premium seat upgrades through bidding systems, allowing passengers to submit offers for upgrading to business or first class.

The bidding process and terms vary between the airlines, but generally the lowest bids are accepted until all upgrade spots are filled.

Passengers should review the specific policies and procedures for each airline's upgrade bidding program, as options like Plusgrade are utilized by some carriers but not others.

The bidding for premium seat upgrades on JAL flights can be done up to 48 hours before departure, giving passengers a last-minute opportunity to secure a better seat.

JAL offers two distinct premium economy seat options - the JAL Sky Premium Seat and the JAL Sky Shell Seat, each providing varying levels of personal space and comfort.

ANA's premium economy seats come with additional amenities such as slippers, pillows, blankets, eye masks, dental kits, and earplugs, enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers.

While ANA offers premium seat upgrades through a bidding system, the airline does not allow premium economy passengers to access its airport lounges, despite the upgraded seating.

Plusgrade, a third-party provider, operates the bidding programs for most major airlines, including JAL and ANA, streamlining the upgrade process across the industry.

Airlines like Air France/KLM, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, and United Airlines do not offer individual bidding for premium seat upgrades, opting for other upgrade mechanisms.

The bidding process for premium seat upgrades on both JAL and ANA flights is based on seat availability and the price offered by the customer, with the lowest successful bids being accepted.


Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Lounge Experiences at Haneda Airport





Comparing JAL and ANA’s Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND)

Haneda Airport in Tokyo offers premium lounge experiences for both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) passengers.

JAL's Sakura Lounge features varied seating options with views of iconic landmarks, while ANA's upcoming lounge is set to provide a high-quality atmosphere for its first-class flyers.

Both airlines' lounges are known for their extensive dining and amenity options, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing start or end to one's journey.

The JAL Sakura Lounge features a unique "Red Suite" area, providing a more private and intimate seating option for first-class passengers.

The JAL First Class Lounge offers an a la carte menu with high-quality Japanese and international cuisine, allowing passengers to fully indulge in a fine dining experience before their flight.

The ANA Lounge at Haneda Airport is one of the largest airport lounges in the world, spanning over 2,500 square meters and offering ample space for passengers to relax and unwind.

Both the JAL and ANA lounges offer shower facilities, allowing passengers to refresh themselves before their flight and arrive at their destination feeling rejuvenated.

The JAL First Class Lounge features a dedicated shoe shine service, allowing passengers to arrive at their destination with a polished and professional appearance.

The ANA Lounge's elegant design, with its use of natural materials and warm lighting, creates a calming and luxurious atmosphere for passengers to enjoy.

The JAL Sakura Lounge and the ANA Lounge both offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected and productive during their time in the airport.


Comparing JAL and ANA's Seat Selection Policies from Haneda (HND) - Elite Status Benefits for Frequent Flyers





Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) both offer generous elite status benefits to their frequent flyers, including priority boarding, the ability to select preferred seats, and the option to book business or first-class seats using accumulated miles or points.

The specific criteria and policies for achieving elite status vary between the two airlines, with JAL's JAL Life Status program and ANA's ANA Mileage Club program having different requirements and perks for their top-tier members.

JAL allows Diamond and Platinum tier members to choose their seats online or at the airport during online check-in for flights originating from Haneda (HND), providing them with the highest level of seat selection flexibility.

ANA offers similar seat selection privileges to its Gold and Platinum members flying from HND, allowing them to pick their seats online or at the airport before general boarding commences.

Both JAL and ANA elite members are guaranteed a seat selection in all cabin classes, except for JAL-operated flights where seats are assigned at check-in.

JAL's seat selection service is available not only for individual fares but also for JMB domestic award tickets and individual inclusive tour fares, offering a wider range of eligibility compared to many other airlines.

ANA's business class features lie-flat beds with a 1-2-1 configuration, which is considered a step up from JAL's APEX Suite seats in terms of privacy and personal space.

The bidding for premium seat upgrades on JAL flights can be done up to 48 hours before departure, giving passengers a last-minute opportunity to secure a better seat.

ANA's premium economy seats come with additional amenities such as slippers, pillows, blankets, eye masks, dental kits, and earplugs, enhancing the in-flight experience for passengers.

The JAL Sakura Lounge at Haneda Airport features a unique "Red Suite" area, providing a more private and intimate seating option for first-class passengers.

The JAL First Class Lounge offers an a la carte menu with high-quality Japanese and international cuisine, allowing passengers to fully indulge in a fine dining experience before their flight.

The ANA Lounge at Haneda Airport is one of the largest airport lounges in the world, spanning over 2,500 square meters and offering ample space for passengers to relax and unwind.

Both the JAL and ANA lounges at Haneda Airport offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, enabling passengers to stay connected and productive during their time in the airport.

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