JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA’s The Room vs JAL’s A350-1000 vs AA’s 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024)

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - JAL A350-1000 Features Wide Suite Style Seats and Extra Large Windows

Japan Airlines' A350-1000, debuting on the JFK to Haneda route in January 2024, introduces a compelling business class experience. The aircraft's 54 business class seats, configured in a 1-2-1 layout, stand out with their wide, suite-style design. Each seat provides direct aisle access and a good level of seclusion thanks to sliding doors. These suites offer more space than many other staggered business class products, making them appealing for those who value a sense of privacy. Passengers will also notice the A350's oversized windows, which work to create a sense of openness and enhance the overall cabin atmosphere. While JAL is promoting this aircraft with notions of luxury and comfort, we'll need to see how the implementation actually meets passenger expectations. It will be interesting to watch how JAL's renowned "omotenashi" hospitality translates to the A350 experience, especially given the combination of traditional Japanese service with a modern aircraft.

JAL's A350-1000, which started flying the JFK to Haneda route in early 2024, boasts a business class cabin designed with a focus on spaciousness and comfort. Each of the 54 business class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has direct access to the aisle. The suites, with their sliding doors, offer a welcome degree of privacy and feel notably more spacious compared to many other staggered business class offerings found on competing aircraft. JAL describes these as 'wide suite-style', emphasizing the focus on providing a private and luxurious experience.

Further contributing to the sense of spaciousness and light are the extra large windows. These significantly increase the amount of natural light in the cabin, which contributes to a sense of openness. It's a clever design choice, and it certainly makes the cabin feel much less cramped. The A350-1000 also incorporates a refined interior aesthetic, in addition to the promised improvements in fuel efficiency, a key factor for any airline concerned about operational costs.

The seats themselves are electronically reclining, a thoughtful feature for long-haul routes, where comfort and proper rest are paramount. JAL, true to its established brand, integrates its emphasis on a service philosophy called 'omotenashi' which in this context translates to excellent passenger care. The traditional service style can be observed in the quality of the food and beverages available in business class, ensuring a curated dining experience even at 35,000 feet.

What else is in this post?

1. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - JAL A350-1000 Features Wide Suite Style Seats and Extra Large Windows
2. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - ANA The Room Creates Private Mini Apartments in the Sky with 767mm Wide Seats
3. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - American Airlines 777-200ER Shows its Age with Dated Reverse Herringbone Layout
4. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Lounge Access at JFK Terminal 1 vs Terminal 7 vs Terminal 8
5. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Food Menu Analysis Japanese vs Western Options Across All Three Airlines
6. JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Award Pricing and Availability JAL vs ANA vs AA on the JFK HND Route

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - ANA The Room Creates Private Mini Apartments in the Sky with 767mm Wide Seats

ANA's The Room business class takes the concept of a comfortable flight to a new level with its remarkably wide seats, measuring 767mm. This creates a sense of having your own little private apartment in the sky, a unique feature at 35,000 feet. The clever 1-2-1 staggered seating layout is designed to ensure every passenger enjoys direct aisle access while also offering a good deal of privacy. The most secluded section of the cabin is located right behind first class and only has two rows of these spacious suites, giving it an especially exclusive feel. Each suite is equipped with a door, providing an extra layer of seclusion compared to the traditional business class experience.

ANA's commitment to comfort isn't limited to the seat design. Amenities like mattress toppers and comfortable duvets are aimed at boosting the quality of rest, a must for long-haul flights. However, passengers hoping for pajamas in the suite should keep that in mind. Overall, ANA's The Room is designed to impress, offering a premium experience that rivals and in some ways surpasses other leading business class cabins. The decision for a passenger choosing between ANA, JAL's A350-1000 or AA on the JFK-Haneda route will ultimately boil down to their priorities and desired level of privacy on a long-haul flight.

ANA's The Room business class, found on their Boeing 777-300ER, aims to redefine the concept of personal space at 35,000 feet. With seats boasting a generous 767mm width, it's a significant departure from the usual 600-650mm found on many other carriers. This approach emphasizes privacy and comfort, effectively creating what feels like mini-apartments in the sky.

The three distinct sections within the business class cabin enhance this feeling of exclusivity. It's a clever strategy that effectively divides the space, preventing the cabin from feeling overly crowded or noisy, a factor that's especially important on a long flight. The Room employs a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access, which is a considerable convenience. Adding to the sense of seclusion, each seat is equipped with a personal door, effectively transforming it into a small, private cocoon within the wider cabin.

The alternating rows, where some face forward and others face rearward, is an intriguing design decision aimed at maximizing space and privacy. While it's not revolutionary, this kind of arrangement is becoming increasingly prevalent in the quest for optimal comfort within a limited space.

ANA's approach to comfort extends beyond the seat itself. They include extras like mattress toppers and thick duvets, though curiously, they omit pajamas, a feature some competitors offer.

One interesting observation is that the business class cabin immediately behind first class arguably offers the most secluded experience, featuring just two rows of these suites. This area could be particularly appealing to passengers who value complete peace and quiet during their journey. The vast majority of The Room seats are in the main cabin, extending from row 7 to row 16.

In the broader landscape of premium travel, ANA's The Room holds a distinct position. It's commonly considered one of the most spacious and private business class products available. This focus on the passenger's experience extends beyond simply the 'hard product' – the physical elements of the seat and cabin – but also seems to be linked to ANA's broader efforts to provide a superior travel experience. ANA's dedication to comfort and service, while not unheard of in Japan's airline industry, does make it a formidable contender in the race for the best business class product.

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - American Airlines 777-200ER Shows its Age with Dated Reverse Herringbone Layout

American Airlines' Boeing 777-200ER, a workhorse in their fleet, reveals its age with a somewhat outdated reverse herringbone business class. While the 37 business class seats offer full lie-flat beds, the design itself doesn't compare to the newer standards found on competing airlines. The fixed entertainment screens lack the flexibility and maneuverability you find on newer planes, while the tray table design can be inconvenient, especially for taller travelers. The food is decent and the crew is friendly, but the dining experience just doesn't rise to the refined heights of ANA's The Room or JAL's A350-1000 business class offerings. In a world where passengers increasingly crave modern and refined travel experiences, particularly on long-haul routes, the 777-200ER seems to fall behind the latest trends.

American Airlines' Boeing 777-200ER, while a workhorse for long-haul flights, reveals its age with the reverse herringbone business class layout. While this design was once a modern marvel, it now appears somewhat outdated compared to newer aircraft designs. The layout, with its staggered rows, prioritizes aisle access but can create a less private feel compared to the suites or wider seats found on competing airlines.

The seat width, while sufficient for many passengers, is narrower than newer business class offerings, which is a point that might affect passenger perception. How many passengers prioritize a slight gain in personal space on a long-haul flight? It's a question airlines likely study closely. Interestingly, the original reverse herringbone design potentially limits seat capacity, making newer, wider seats a more attractive option for maximizing airline revenue on busy routes.

Older aircraft designs often lead to a slightly different in-flight experience. Cabin pressure, while controlled, can impact passengers seated towards the rear of the business class section. The age of the plane might also impact the noise level. Though advancements in noise reduction have happened over the past 3 decades, it's still fair to wonder if the cabin ambiance is as refined as modern designs.

The 777-200ER's in-flight entertainment system doesn't appear to have the same fluidity as found on newer aircraft types. While most passengers will likely find it satisfactory, the difference in features can make a big difference for the frequent traveler. Additionally, the overall passenger experience on the 777-200ER, while consistently friendly, does not elevate to the high level of luxury associated with newer aircraft or competitor airlines.

Looking at the industry, many airlines are moving away from traditional herringbone patterns towards more secluded designs. ANA's The Room and JAL's A350-1000 stand out as examples of how the industry is shaping the future of business class. Whether passengers will perceive these changes to be a worthwhile upgrade remains to be seen. For American Airlines to maintain its competitiveness, it might need to consider a more contemporary design for its international routes. Perhaps the introduction of luxury brand collaborations with more modern designs and soft products could be a way forward. The competitive landscape of long-haul travel is demanding, and the 777-200ER's business class will need to continue adapting.

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Lounge Access at JFK Terminal 1 vs Terminal 7 vs Terminal 8

JFK offers a range of lounge experiences across its terminals, each catering to slightly different traveler preferences. Terminal 1 stands out with its Air France and Lufthansa lounges, popular among international business class passengers. These lounges generally provide a solid set of amenities. Terminal 8 has seen a transformation since becoming British Airways' main hub, with newly added lounges including options like Bobby Van's Steakhouse. This might appeal more to travelers seeking a more robust dining experience alongside their lounge time. Meanwhile, Terminal 7 provides the Alaska and Aer Lingus lounges. While these might be practical, they generally lack the finer touches of the more premium offerings in other terminals. For those heading to Haneda, selecting the right terminal lounge based on their preferences can significantly enhance the pre-flight experience. The balance between convenience and luxury really depends on what you're looking for.

JFK's Terminal 1, 7, and 8 each present a unique set of lounge experiences, influencing the overall pre-flight journey. While Terminal 1 is home to lounges associated with Air France and Lufthansa, frequented by business travelers, its access can be costly if you're not flying with a partner airline or holding a certain status. The capacity can become a problem, as peak hours bring a mix of travelers from various carriers, occasionally leading to crowded conditions. The dining experiences in the ANA Lounge at Terminal 1 are usually highlighted for their quality Japanese cuisine, aligning with ANA's reputation for service.

Terminal 7's lounges, primarily used by Alaska Airlines and Aer Lingus, offer varying levels of amenities. The food can be acceptable, but lacks the variety found in other lounges and might not reflect the regional tastes as much as ANA's offering. One positive note about Terminal 7 is that many of the lounges have a better view of the airfield compared to terminals 1 and 8.

Terminal 8 houses a range of lounges, but most notably the American Airlines Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge. American Airlines dominates this terminal, but there's a growing range of partner airlines and shared lounge access in the recent past, and a considerable range of dining offerings is a plus. A significant advantage of Terminal 8 is the enhanced space and amenities. The shower facilities are consistently rated higher than those at Terminal 1, and business travelers appreciate the better working areas. The Flagship First area is another clear differentiator for passengers seeking a highly refined pre-flight experience, with a luxurious dining concept that's unavailable at the other terminals.

Access is often tied to flight status or specific mileage thresholds. In some cases, particularly for American Airlines flights, mileage status or specific partner card programs allow free lounge access, while at Terminal 1, it's predominantly paid access. Access policies and partnerships vary significantly between the three terminals, impacting travelers who prioritize the cost of accessing amenities, the variety of cuisines, or a more spacious experience. Overall, while each terminal offers access to a range of lounges, the passenger experience can be substantially different depending on the available amenities, partnerships, and individual priorities. You might favor a certain terminal based on your anticipated needs and preferences.

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Food Menu Analysis Japanese vs Western Options Across All Three Airlines

The culinary experiences aboard ANA, JAL, and American Airlines flights from JFK to Haneda showcase a range of options, with a particular emphasis on Japanese and Western dishes. JAL's approach to in-flight dining stands out, with passengers frequently praising the quality and presentation of the meals. Their innovative meal preparations, paired with features like pre-selecting meals or ordering a la carte, contribute to a refined and personalized dining experience. ANA, while also offering a solid selection of Japanese dishes, doesn't consistently achieve the same level of culinary acclaim as JAL. American Airlines, on the other hand, provides decent meal options but they don't reach the level of sophistication seen on ANA and JAL, highlighting how legacy carriers might need to elevate their food offerings in a market that increasingly favors luxury and innovation. In the end, when it comes to this route, passengers focused on exceptional food quality are likely to find JAL's approach especially appealing.

Examining the food menus across ANA, JAL, and AA on the JFK to Haneda route reveals a fascinating contrast between Japanese and Western culinary approaches in the business class experience.

Both ANA and JAL prioritize Japanese cuisine, often presenting a more compelling dining experience for passengers who appreciate traditional flavors and culinary techniques. Japanese cuisine often features the distinctive taste of umami, which can have a more profound impact on appetite and satisfaction than the focus on sweetness and saltiness typical in Western options. Techniques like sous-vide for meat preparation are frequently seen in the Japanese-focused menus on these airlines, while Western meals on the same routes might prioritize speed and convenience over more intricate preparations.

JAL has received praise for its approach, and allows customers to pre-select their meals. The quality and presentation of the food frequently influence passengers' decisions when booking business class tickets, particularly when considering the quality of the Japanese offerings. It's not uncommon for passengers to describe the JAL dining experience as one of the highlights of their flight, with feedback ranging from the artful presentation of meals in bento-style boxes to the specific ingredients used. This is in contrast to the Western options, which are sometimes described as a more standardized and less inspiring culinary choice.

AA's approach to meal service on the same route stands out for being the least appealing, particularly when compared to its Japanese competitors. The Boeing 777-200ER it uses on this route doesn't offer a dining experience that compares with the newer and more thoughtfully designed cabins of ANA or JAL. This leads to a notable difference in passenger feedback regarding the quality of the business class experience.

Differences in cultural food practices are readily apparent when you examine the menus closely. The Japanese emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and smaller portions presents a different culinary style than the typically larger and often more predictable Western fare. Beverage pairings, especially the use of Japanese sake and plum wine with meals, often elevate the Japanese dining experience, demonstrating attention to detail that is less prevalent on Western menus where wine remains a staple.

The contrast between breakfast choices can also be eye-opening. While Western-focused menus often present typical options like scrambled eggs and bacon, the Japanese airlines present variations like grilled fish with rice and miso soup. These differences can significantly influence a passenger's first impression of the inflight meal service.

Food safety protocols also impact the offerings. Japan's extremely strict food safety regulations, particularly concerning seafood handling, may lead to higher quality and freshness levels in Japanese cuisine presented at 35,000 feet.

In the end, the food menus across these three airlines show that cultural influences shape the culinary experience profoundly, and that passengers flying on these airlines can anticipate markedly different approaches to food and beverage. When looking for a flight between JFK and Haneda, you might want to consider that JAL often emerges as a favorite for the quality of its food, especially if you appreciate Japanese culinary heritage.

JFK to Haneda A Detailed Comparison of ANA's The Room vs JAL's A350-1000 vs AA's 777-200ER Business Class (Winter 2024) - Award Pricing and Availability JAL vs ANA vs AA on the JFK HND Route

When considering the use of miles and points for flights between JFK and Haneda, both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer distinct options, but their pricing varies. JAL's business class awards tend to be more accessible, typically requiring around 60,000 American Airlines miles and roughly $560 in taxes. This makes it attractive for those trying to keep their out-of-pocket costs down. ANA's award pricing, however, has a wider range, stretching from 55,000 to 120,000 miles based on the specific travel dates. For those flying from North America to Asia, expect around 95,000 miles. Finding available award seats seems to be a bit easier with JAL, particularly when using programs partnered with American Airlines. This is a key factor for anyone needing to book a trip within a specific timeframe. Ultimately, choosing between the two airlines for an award booking will depend on an individual's priorities – whether that's a more spacious seat or a lower mileage cost. Both carriers provide attractive business class cabins on this well-traveled route.

Examining the JFK-HND route, we find that both Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) offer compelling business class experiences using frequent flyer miles, while American Airlines (AA) presents a less attractive proposition for those looking for award travel.

JAL and ANA generally have a better selection of award seats available in business class, especially during peak travel times. This makes it easier to book a flight using your miles on these airlines, which might be more important to some than the particular amenities or hard product.

While the mileage costs vary, it's not unusual to see one-way business class tickets available for as low as 75,000 miles on either JAL or ANA, compared to AA, where the same flight could require 100,000 miles or more. JAL’s award pricing tends to be more dynamic than ANA's, where the mile cost can fluctuate based on the demand. ANA uses fixed award charts, which means the cost is more predictable, but can also sometimes feel less flexible compared to JAL.

ANA's program stands out because it lets you have a free stopover in Tokyo for people who are flying on to other places in Asia. That can be very helpful if you're looking to explore different parts of the region when you redeem your miles. JAL, on the other hand, has stricter rules about stopovers.

Even though both airlines have high-quality cabins, many travelers report greater satisfaction with ANA's "The Room" business class because of its incredibly wide seats. That extra width really changes the experience, and seems to be a big factor when people are considering which airline to use for their award flights.


Booking award tickets on AA often requires going through more steps than on the other two airlines because of its complicated network of partner airlines. Plus, they have a habit of adding extra charges for fuel on top of the mile price, especially on routes to Japan.

If you have status with ANA, you can usually get upgrades and better availability for award tickets than with AA. And, AA often adds fees.


Recently, AA has seen a drop in business class award tickets redeemed on certain international routes. That's got people thinking that they're maybe falling behind ANA and JAL, who continue to be a popular choice.

There's also a big difference in the food served on the different airlines. JAL and ANA are known for serving high-quality Japanese food. This is a stark contrast to AA's inflight meals, which have received a lot of criticism. Travelers who prioritize food on their trip might make their decision on who they fly with based on those differences.

Finally, the AAdvantage program at AA has gone through some recent changes. The biggest consequence is that it's become more challenging to figure out how many miles you need for a certain award flight. That's made some frequent flyers want to switch to using ANA and JAL's Mileage Club programs, where it's easier to understand how you can redeem your miles. The clarity of the ANA and JAL programs is increasingly appealing on this well-traveled route.