An Unexpected Journey to the Pinnacle of Air Travel: My ANA First Class Upgrade Story
In November 2024, my trip to Lisbon for Web Summit was set in motion. As a digital marketer, this conference promised a feast for the intellect, and I chose ANA to fly me from Haneda to London, en route to Portugal. My initial strategy was to secure a comfortable Business Class seat. I purchased an upgradeable Economy ticket back in June, eagerly anticipating the use of my 20 ANA Upgrade Points to elevate my journey.
However, fate, as it often does, had other plans. As October approached, the coveted upgrade hadn’t materialized. A bit of research revealed that ANA’s frequent flyer status and the timing of the request play crucial roles. A call to ANA confirmed my fears: the Business Class cabin on my outbound flight was almost full, and I was eighth on the waitlist – a near-impossible position. Even the upgradeable Economy fare wasn’t cheap, and the cost-benefit was diminishing. I decided to cancel and rebook directly into Business Class.
Just as I was lamenting the potential waste of my expiring Upgrade Points, a spark of inspiration ignited. “With 20 points, even if a round trip is out, couldn’t I upgrade the Haneda to London leg to First Class?” On a whim, I submitted the request. Miraculously, just three days before departure, the upgrade was approved! My first-ever First Class experience. For me, CityNomix, a dedicated practitioner of Photomo’s “Walk, Shoot, Write” philosophy, it was the most exhilarating prelude to an adventure imaginable.
Entering an Exclusive Realm: Haneda Airport Terminal 2, R Counter & ANA SUITE LOUNGE
The day of departure arrived. I was aware of the exclusive “R Counter” for First Class passengers at Haneda Airport Terminal 2, but this was my first time experiencing it. Similar to Narita’s “Z Counter,” it’s a sanctuary shielded from the general airport hustle, evoking a mix of nervousness and excitement. Inside the spacious, dedicated area, the check-in process was flawlessly executed with incredibly attentive service. My luggage was whisked away with priority tags, and I glided through the “Gold Track” dedicated security and immigration.
My destination: the “ANA SUITE LOUNGE,” ANA’s pinnacle lounge offering, which was a new experience for me on an international flight. Being in Terminal 2, everything felt novel. After a warm welcome, I was directed downstairs to the dining area and shower rooms. Despite it being a morning flight with limited time, a pre-boarding shower was non-negotiable. It’s a ritual that significantly enhances relaxation and refreshment. The shower suites were immaculate, stocked with premium amenities. Afterwards, I headed to the dining section.
Here, I ordered the “buckwheat galette,” a specialty not found in regular lounges. Paired with a glass of champagne, its delicate flavor perfectly set the tone for the journey ahead. I then returned upstairs, found a comfortable seat overlooking the active tarmac, and enjoyed a beer, soaking in the serene atmosphere before boarding. This was the luxurious overture truly fitting for an ANA First Class flight review.
Welcome Aboard “THE Suite”: Champagne and a Sanctuary in the Sky
As boarding time neared, I proceeded to the gate, hearing the coveted “Group 1” announcement for the first time. Stepping aboard, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the cabin crew and offered a welcome glass of champagne as I was escorted to my seat.
My home for the next thirteen hours was ANA’s international First Class product, “THE Suite”, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. While ANA’s Business Class, “THE Room,” offers ample personal space, First Class elevates this to an entirely new level of spaciousness and privacy. With a closing door, it transforms into a complete private compartment, featuring a large 4K monitor and an abundance of well-thought-out storage. The meticulous design, prioritizing both functionality and comfort, was immediately impressive.
Shortly after settling in, the Chief Purser paid a visit for a personal welcome. This interaction was distinctly different from Business Class – more individualized and genuinely warm. Then came the delightful offer: “We have pajamas for you to take home. Would you like to change?” An enthusiastic “Yes, please!” The soft cotton pajamas were incredibly comfortable, promising a supremely relaxing long-haul flight. With all passengers on board, the aircraft ascended gracefully, bound for London.
A Culinary Masterpiece at 35,000 Feet: The ANA First Class In-Flight Meal (Western Course)
After a rather lengthy prelude, we arrive at the heart of this article: the detailed experience of the ANA First Class in-flight meal. I opted for the Western full-course menu. It’s often said that our sense of taste is diminished at altitude, but even if that were true, the exquisite seasoning of every dish either defied this or was perfectly calibrated for it. The meticulously selected ingredients, the stunning presentation, and the palpable passion of the chefs in each creation – it was, without exaggeration, “gastronomy in the sky,” rivaling meals I’ve had at esteemed fine-dining restaurants on the ground.
Amuse-Bouche: An Overture to Stimulate the Senses
The culinary journey commenced with an amuse-bouche, served alongside a glass of champagne, elegantly heralding the feast to come.
- ANA Original Nut Chili Pie Stick
- Pork Rillettes Wrapped in Brussels Sprout
- Simmered Octopus in Hojicha Tea, Seaweed Jelly with Sautéed Mushroom in Porcini Sauce
The savory crunch of the nut chili pie stick, the rich umami of the pork rillettes encased in a delicate Brussels sprout leaf – each was a delight. However, the star was undoubtedly the “Simmered Octopus in Hojicha Tea, Seaweed Jelly with Sautéed Mushroom in Porcini Sauce”. The octopus, tenderized and infused with the subtle smokiness of hojicha, paired with the smooth texture of the seaweed jelly and the earthy, aromatic blend of mushrooms and porcini, created an unforgettable harmony of flavors. It set a very high bar for the courses to follow.
Appetizer: A First Encounter with Ocean’s Jewel and Artful Salmon
Next, the appetizer: “Salmon ‘Malivoire’ Style with Oar Condiments and Red Quinoa Salad with Caviar”. The vibrant orange of the impeccably marinated salmon was a visual treat, and its taste, with a delicate sweetness from the quality fat, did not disappoint. This dish also marked my first proper tasting of caviar. I had a preconceived notion of caviar being overwhelmingly salty, but this was a revelation. The tiny pearls burst with a concentrated umami of the sea, complemented by a perfectly balanced salinity. The accompanying red quinoa salad added a refreshing, textural contrast. This was a true taste of First Class indulgence.
Freshness and Comfort: Garden Salad and Corn Soup
Before the main course, a refreshing “Garden Salad” was served. I chose the healthy non-oil daikon (Japanese radish) dressing from the two options (the other being Thousand Island). The crispness of the fresh vegetables and the light, zesty daikon dressing cleansed the palate, preparing it for the richness to come.
This was followed by a heartwarming “Corn Soup”. Though simple, this creamy soup was a testament to how perfectly an ingredient’s natural sweetness can be showcased. It had a comforting, almost nostalgic flavor, serving as an ideal interlude before the main act.
The Pièce de Résistance: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Wagyu Fillet with Autumnal Accompaniments
Then came the moment I had been eagerly anticipating: the main course, “Grilled Wagyu Fillet Steak with Chestnut Pancake and Madeira Sauce”. The Wagyu fillet, cooked to a perfect medium-rare, was so tender the knife seemed to sink into it. The taste was sublime; it truly melted in the mouth, releasing waves of premium Wagyu umami. Luxuriously perched atop was a pan-seared slice of foie gras, its rich decadence complementing the delicate flavor of the beef. The subtle sweetness of the chestnut pancake, an autumnal touch, and the profound, aromatic Madeira sauce tied all the elements together in a symphony of flavors. This dish alone underscored the exceptional quality of the ANA First Class in-flight meal and was an emotional highlight of this ANA First Class flight review.
A Sweet Surrender: The Joy of Choice and a Blissful Dessert Course
“For dessert, you may choose as many as you like,” the cabin attendant said with a smile – a delightful First Class perk. I happily indulged, selecting an “Assortment of Ice Cream” and a “Chestnut” dessert. The selection of ice creams was rich and flavorful, each distinct. The chestnut dessert, with its gentle sweetness and smooth texture, was a perfect nod to the season. Even the petit fours served with coffee were crafted with evident care. It was a truly perfect finale to an extraordinary meal.
To reiterate, this entire ANA First Class in-flight meal experience undoubtedly ranks among the top three dining experiences I’ve ever had, on land or in the air. It was a memorable feast.
A Serendipitous Sip: The ANA First Class Exclusive Hibiki 100th Anniversary Whisky
While basking in the afterglow of the magnificent meal and fine wine, a cabin attendant engaged me in a friendly conversation. “Are you traveling for leisure or business?” I mentioned my attendance at Web Summit in Lisbon, which led to a pleasant chat. Such personal interactions with the crew are one of the distinct pleasures of flying First Class.
When our conversation turned to spirits, she shared some exciting news: “If you’re interested, we currently have Suntory’s Japanese Whisky ‘Hibiki’ 100th Anniversary edition available for purchase, exclusively in ANA First Class.” She elaborated that there was a time when this whisky was so sought after that people would fly First Class just to acquire it, and it commanded a significant premium on the open market. Recognizing this as a rare opportunity and a wonderful memento of an incredible journey, I decided to purchase a bottle, despite the added weight to my luggage. This was certainly a noteworthy highlight in my ANA First Class flight review.
Bedroom in the Sky: The Ultimate “Omotenashi”
Content from the exquisite meal and fine wine, a pleasant drowsiness began to set in. Another cabin attendant approached my suite discreetly. “Sir, as the window seats in First Class are all occupied, but the center seats are currently vacant, would you like us to prepare one as a bed for you?” I was speechless! This was the epitome of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality), the kind of service I’d only seen in travel vlogs. They transformed an unoccupied center seat into a fully flat bed, completely separate from my own seat. Thanks to this incredibly thoughtful gesture and the supremely comfortable bed, I slept soundly for a good portion of the 13-hour flight, arriving in London feeling remarkably refreshed. An unparalleled luxury.
The Never-Ending Feast: Conquering the A La Carte Menu (Almost!)
Despite the amazing sleep, my inner gourmand (and perhaps a touch of “gotta-get-my-money’s-worth” mentality, haha) couldn’t resist exploring the a la carte menu. After waking, I started with “simmered scallops” and an Ichiban Shibori beer as a light snack. Later, feeling a bit peckish, I ordered the “special curry rice” – an absolutely delicious, restaurant-quality curry. This was followed by another “assortment of ice cream.” As morning approached before landing, I enjoyed some light “udon noodles” and “pilaf.” The culinary journey concluded with a beautiful “assorted fruit platter” and hot tea. The extensive a la carte menu, available anytime, is a fantastic feature of Japanese airlines. The cabin crew’s attentiveness and willingness to cater to every request with a smile were truly commendable. Thank you for everything; I will definitely fly with you again.
Touchdown in London and On to the Next Adventure
After approximately 13 hours of flying (rerouted to avoid Russian airspace), we landed smoothly at Heathrow Airport. I then took the Elizabeth Line, a service in which Tokyo Metro recently became involved, to Tottenham Court Road station. My accommodation for the night was The Resident Soho, a hotel I’ve previously featured in a Photomo review. Located in the heart of London, it was the perfect base for my next “Walk, Shoot, Write” chapter.
Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Sky-High Experience with ANA Upgrade Points
I hope you’ve enjoyed this ANA First Class flight review. The exceptional quality of the ANA First Class in-flight meal was a clear highlight, but the entire experience, made possible by utilizing Upgrade Points, was a profound discovery and immense pleasure. If you are an ANA Mileage Club member with Upgrade Points and are wondering how best to use them, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a First Class upgrade, even if just for one leg of your journey. It will undoubtedly be a special experience, deeply etched in your travel memories, and perhaps, an inspiration for your next adventure.
Photomo, with CityNomix at the helm, will continue to share authentic cultural discoveries and captivating cityscapes from a local’s perspective. Stay tuned for our next article!
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