ANA or Japan Airlines: Which Airline Is Better?

Heading to Asia for your next trip? When it comes to booking, you’ll likely find yourself choosing between All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, the two prides of the Japanese skies.

While both airlines embody that Japanese hospitality defined by precision and discretion, they do not belong to the same alliance, do not depart from the same terminals, and do not offer the same cabins.

To help you see things more clearly, here is what really sets them apart, verified in July 2026, so you can make an informed choice.

ANA vs Japan Airlines: Key Differences

Although the two Japanese airline giants may seem very similar at first glance, they each have their own strengths and characteristics.

• All Nippon Airways (ANA), also known by its code NH, is Japan’s largest airline. It is a member of Star Alliance, alongside airlines such as Lufthansa, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines, and has held a five-star Skytrax rating since 2013.
• Japan Airlines (JAL), the country’s former flag carrier, operates a slightly smaller fleet and network. It is part of the oneworld alliance, together with airlines such as British Airways, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, and also holds a five-star Skytrax rating.

The main difference between the two airlines? Their alliance membership. If you already collect miles with United Airlines or Lufthansa, ANA may be the better choice. If you are loyal to British Airways or the Avios ecosystem, JAL could be more suitable.

📊 ANA vs Japan Airlines Comparison

ANA vs Japan Airlines: Routes & Connectivity from the UK

Good news for UK travellers: both airlines offer direct flights between London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda, making it easy to reach central Tokyo without the longer transfer from Narita Airport. Haneda is located much closer to central Tokyo, usually around 30 minutes away by public transport.

Here are some key details:

• ANA (All Nippon Airways) operates a daily direct service between London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda. The route is operated by a Boeing 787-9, with a flight time of approximately 14 hours 15 minutes from London to Tokyo and around 14 hours 25 minutes on the return journey.
• Japan Airlines (JAL) offers two daily direct flights between London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda. The flights take around 14 hours to 14 hours 15 minutes from London to Tokyo, and approximately 14 hours 45 minutes on the return journey. Selected services are operated by the Airbus A350-1000, featuring its latest cabin products.

Both airlines therefore offer a similar long-haul journey between the UK and Japan, with only a small difference in flight time. The main differences are found elsewhere, especially in flight frequency, aircraft, cabin experience and loyalty benefits.

London Airport Terminals: What to Know Before Booking

In London, the two airlines do not operate from the same airport terminal!

ANA flights depart from and arrive at London Heathrow Terminal 2B, while Japan Airlines operates from London Heathrow Terminal 3.

The two terminals are relatively close and connected by pedestrian walkways. The transfer is much easier than at larger airports, but it is still worth checking your terminal before arriving, especially if you are connecting from another flight.

At Tokyo Haneda Airport, the situation is slightly more complex. The airport has three passenger terminals:

• Terminal 1 mainly handles domestic flights operated by Japan Airlines.
• Terminal 2 is mainly used for ANA domestic flights, but since 31 March 2024, it also handles some ANA international services.
• Terminal 3 remains the main international terminal, used by Japan Airlines for all international flights, as well as many international ANA flights and foreign airlines.

In summary:

• With Japan Airlines, the rule is simple: international flights depart from and arrive at Terminal 3 at Haneda.
• With ANA, your international flight may use Terminal 2 or Terminal 3, depending on the route. The final terminal information is usually confirmed closer to departure.

Economy Class Comparison: ANA or Japan Airlines?

This is the cabin most travellers choose, and both airlines offer one of the best economy class experiences in the industry, often ranking above many European carriers.

• Japan Airlines: JAL has built a strong reputation in economy class thanks to its Sky Wider seats, which offer more legroom than many standard economy cabins on selected aircraft. This can make a real difference on a flight of around 14 hours between London and Tokyo.
• ANA: ANA also provides a high-quality economy experience, with modern cabins and a very organised, reliable service style. Its attention to detail and Japanese hospitality are some of its biggest strengths.

For both airlines, the Japanese-style meals served onboard are often a highlight, even in economy class.

Premium Economy Comparison: ANA or Japan Airlines?

Both airlines offer a dedicated Premium Economy cabin on their long-haul flights, which is still not available with many Asian carriers.

It is an option worth considering for a London–Tokyo flight, where the price difference compared with economy class is often reasonable for a noticeable improvement in comfort.

With both ANA and JAL, passengers can expect:

• Wider seats with more personal space
• More generous recline
• Improved meals compared with economy class
• Higher baggage allowance

Business Class Comparison: ANA or Japan Airlines?

This is where the two airlines differ the most, with both offering some of the most impressive business class products in Asia.

ANA

• ANA’s THE Room is regularly ranked among the world’s best business class products, mainly because of its exceptional space and comfort. The seat includes a privacy door and feels more like a private mini-suite than a traditional business class seat.
• It is currently available on selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. From August 2026, ANA will begin introducing THE Room FX on Boeing 787 aircraft, expanding this premium experience to more routes.

Japan Airlines

• Japan Airlines competes with its latest business class product on the Airbus A350-1000. The cabin features private suites with doors, focusing on privacy, modern design and a more exclusive feel.
• However, it is important to check your aircraft before booking. JAL’s A350-1000 aircraft mainly operate from Tokyo Haneda, while flights using other aircraft such as the 777 or 787 may have an older business class cabin.
• The same applies to ANA, as THE Room is not available across its entire fleet yet.

Airport Lounges & Onboard Experience Comparison

Both airlines continue to offer a true First Class experience, which is becoming increasingly rare among international carriers.

• ANA offers THE Suite, an impressive First Class cabin available on selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. It also operates First Class on its A380 “FLYING HONU”, the aircraft with its distinctive sea turtle design, used mainly on routes between Tokyo and Honolulu.
• Japan Airlines also maintains a First Class cabin on selected 777 aircraft, with a more traditional but highly refined approach.

When it comes to airport lounges, both airlines provide a premium experience at Tokyo Haneda and Narita airports:

• ANA operates its ANA Lounge and ANA Suite Lounge, offering modern facilities, spacious seating and access for eligible Star Alliance passengers.
• Japan Airlines offers its Sakura Lounge and First Class Lounge, known for their calm atmosphere, quality dining and benefits for eligible Oneworld travellers.

Both airlines provide Japanese-style dining, shower facilities and the quiet, comfortable atmosphere often associated with Japanese airports.

Some frequent travellers prefer JAL’s lounges at Haneda for their refined atmosphere and food options, while others favour ANA’s lounges for their modern design and facilities. Ultimately, the difference comes down to personal preference.

Loyalty Programmes & Miles: ANA Mileage Club vs JAL Mileage Bank

If there is one factor that should guide your choice, it is this: your loyalty programme determines where you can earn and use your miles.

• ANA – ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance) allows you to earn and redeem miles with airlines such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada and Thai Airways. If you already collect Star Alliance miles, ANA is a natural choice for flights to and within Japan.
• Japan Airlines – JAL Mileage Bank (Oneworld) connects you with British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, American Airlines and Japan Airlines itself. The Oneworld network is particularly useful for UK travellers, especially those already using British Airways Executive Club or other Oneworld programmes.

Japan Domestic Passes for International Visitors

Here is a useful tip that many international travellers do not know about, and it can save a significant amount of money.

If you plan to visit several Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo or Okinawa, avoid buying domestic flights at the last minute at standard prices. Japan Airlines offers the Japan Explorer Pass, designed for overseas visitors, with fixed-price fares on selected domestic routes.

ANA also offers a similar domestic flight pass for international travellers.

These passes:

• Can be booked online before or during your trip, usually with proof of an international flight ticket
• Are often much cheaper than buying domestic flights separately
• Can be a great alternative to the JR Pass for longer distances, especially to destinations such as Hokkaido or Okinawa, where train journeys can take a very long time

For travellers planning a multi-city Japan itinerary, these offers can make flying within Japan both easier and more affordable.

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Passenger Reviews: What Travellers Say About ANA and Japan Airlines

Reviews on Tripadvisor show that both All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) are highly rated by travellers. Both airlines are known for their excellent Japanese hospitality, reliable service and comfortable onboard experience.

The better choice mainly depends on your travel preferences and loyalty programme: ANA is a strong option for Star Alliance members, while Japan Airlines is often preferred by travellers using the Oneworld network, including British Airways Avios users.

Here is a simple summary of passenger feedback:

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