ANA premium economy flying experience

Flying long-haul can be a grueling experience, leaving you cramped, tired, and yearning for more space. Economy class often feels restrictive, but business class can be prohibitively expensive. What if there was a sweet spot that offered enhanced comfort and valuable perks without breaking the bank? Enter the ANA premium economy flying experience.

All Nippon Airways (ANA), a highly-rated Japanese airline, has carved out a reputation for exceptional service and a passenger-centric approach. Their premium economy cabin aims to bridge the gap between standard economy and business class, offering a significantly upgraded journey. But what exactly can you expect from this middle ground, and is it truly worth the investment for your next international adventure? Let's delve into the details of the ANA premium economy flying experience.

Beyond Economy: What is ANA Premium Economy?

ANA Premium Economy isn't just an economy seat with a little more legroom; it's a distinct cabin designed for enhanced comfort and service. Positioned between Business and Economy Class, it offers a noticeable upgrade for travelers seeking a more relaxed and enjoyable flight, particularly on long-haul routes. It's often described as a "Business Class Lite" experience by many who've flown it, providing a taste of luxury without the full business class price tag.

Unpacking the Comfort: The ANA Premium Economy Seat

The cornerstone of any premium cabin is the seat itself, and ANA's Premium Economy doesn't disappoint. You'll find a more spacious environment compared to standard economy, allowing you to stretch out and relax.

Generous Space and Thoughtful Design

ANA Premium Economy seats generally boast a generous seat pitch of 38 inches and a width of 19.3 inches, which is notably wider than typical economy seats. This extra space, often 4 to 8 inches more legroom than economy, makes a significant difference, especially on extended flights. Many passengers appreciate the additional elbow room, making it easier to work on a laptop or simply enjoy your personal space.

Beyond the dimensions, the seats are designed with comfort in mind. They feature a substantial recline, a footrest, and often a foot recliner located underneath the seat, providing ample legroom for stretching out. Adjustable headrests and personal reading lights further enhance your comfort. For convenience, tray tables are cleverly stored underneath the armrest and can swivel 90 degrees, allowing for easy aisle access. You'll also find universal power outlets and USB ports, ensuring your devices stay charged throughout your journey.

The Future of Comfort: New Seats from 2026

ANA is continually investing in its passenger experience. Starting in 2026, new Premium Economy seats will be gradually introduced on their Boeing 787-9 planes, which operate many long-haul routes. These new seats promise an even more impressive 40 inches of pitch and an additional two inches of recline, totaling nine inches of recline. Furthermore, they will feature larger 15.6-inch touchscreen entertainment monitors and convenient USB-C charging ports, along with Bluetooth audio connectivity for your headsets. This commitment to innovation underscores ANA's dedication to an elevated flying experience.

Elevated Journeys: In-Flight Service and Amenities

The ANA premium economy flying experience extends beyond just the seat, encompassing a range of services designed to make your journey more pleasant.

Dining and Drinks

While the main meals in Premium Economy are often similar to those served in Economy Class, ANA enhances the dining experience with thoughtful touches. Passengers can often choose between Japanese and Western dishes. A notable perk is the ability to order alcoholic drinks from the Business Class menu between meal services, a benefit not typically available to economy passengers. For those seeking an even more elevated culinary experience, ANA offers "Paid Exclusive Dining" on select international flights departing from Haneda and Narita, allowing you to pre-order a special meal.

Entertainment and Connectivity

Each Premium Economy seat comes with a personal in-flight entertainment system, offering a variety of movies, TV shows, and more. While some older aircraft might have smaller, less modern screens, the new seats rolling out from 2026 will feature large, high-performance 15.6-inch touch-panel personal monitors. Wi-Fi service is also available on most flights for a fee, with free messaging apps like Line, WhatsApp, and iMessage offered on some routes since October 2024.

Thoughtful Amenities

You'll typically find a pillow, blanket, and slippers at your seat upon boarding. Flight attendants also offer individual amenities such as eye masks, earplugs, toothbrushes, and dental kits upon request, reducing waste by providing only what passengers need. While not a full amenity kit in a pouch, this approach still ensures you have essentials for a comfortable flight.

Seamless Start to Finish: Ground Experience Perks

The benefits of the ANA premium economy flying experience begin even before you step onto the aircraft.

Exclusive Lounge Access

One of the most significant advantages of flying ANA Premium Economy is the complimentary lounge access. This is a rare perk for premium economy passengers across airlines. You can access ANA lounges at major airports like Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, Kansai, and Honolulu. In some cases, you might also have access to partner lounges, such as the United Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare. These lounges offer a comfortable space to relax, enjoy snacks and drinks, and access Wi-Fi before your flight, making the airport experience much more enjoyable.

Priority Baggage Handling

Premium Economy passengers benefit from priority baggage handling. Your checked bags will be tagged with a priority tag, meaning they should arrive at baggage claim after First Class bags, saving you time and hassle upon arrival.

While priority check-in and boarding are often associated with higher classes, some sources indicate that ANA Premium Economy passengers may also receive these benefits, though the consistency can vary by airport and specific flight. It's always a good idea to check your specific itinerary for details, but the priority baggage alone is a significant convenience.

Is the ANA Premium Economy Flying Experience Worth It?

The ultimate question for many travelers is whether the ANA premium economy flying experience justifies the additional cost over standard economy.

Many reviews suggest that ANA Premium Economy offers excellent value for money. It provides a substantial upgrade in comfort and amenities compared to economy, often feeling closer to a business class experience on other airlines. The wider seats, increased legroom, and enhanced recline contribute significantly to a more restful journey, especially on long-haul flights. The added perks like lounge access and priority baggage handling further enhance the overall travel experience, reducing stress and adding a touch of luxury.

While the price difference can vary, sometimes it's possible to find a premium economy ticket for a reasonable premium over economy. ANA also offers a bidding upgrade program, allowing economy passengers to bid for Premium Economy seats, potentially snagging a great deal.

Ultimately, if you prioritize comfort, space, and a more refined travel experience on your long-haul flights, the ANA premium economy flying experience is definitely a strong contender and often a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ANA Premium Economy include lounge access?

Yes, ANA Premium Economy passengers on international flights typically have access to ANA lounges at Haneda, Narita, Kansai, and Honolulu airports, and sometimes partner lounges at other locations. This is a significant perk not commonly offered by many other airlines for premium economy.

What is the baggage allowance for ANA Premium Economy?

For international routes, ANA Premium Economy passengers are generally allowed two pieces of checked luggage, with each piece weighing up to 23 kg (50 lbs).

Are meals in ANA Premium Economy different from Economy?

While the main meal options might be similar to Economy Class, ANA Premium Economy offers enhanced services, including the option to order alcoholic beverages from the Business Class menu between meals. You can also opt for a "Paid Exclusive Dining" meal for an upgraded culinary experience on select routes.

Is it possible to upgrade to ANA Premium Economy from Economy?

Yes, ANA offers various ways to upgrade, including using ANA Mileage Club miles or participating in their bidding upgrade program, where you can submit a bid for a Premium Economy seat.

The ANA premium economy flying experience truly offers a compelling middle ground for travelers seeking comfort and convenience without the full cost of business class. From the spacious seats to the valuable lounge access, it provides a significantly enhanced journey. Have you flown ANA Premium Economy? Share your experiences in the comments below!