FRANKFURT — Japan’s tourism industry has boomed post-COVID. The country welcomed over 42 million international travelers in 2025, an all-time high. To meet this demand, both Japan Airlines (JL) and All Nippon Airways (NH) have recently announced their respective fleet growth plans and continue to carry travelers from all corners of the world to the country’s largest cities. Even more recently, ANA announced further consolidation of its fleet with additional Embraer E190-E2s expected.
Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways, was the launch customer of the Boeing 787 back in 2011. ANA operates the world’s largest Dreamliner fleet and flies all three variants on domestic and international flights. The airline’s international network comprises several hubs in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Of these, Frankfurt (FRA) is one of the most important for connecting passengers: thanks to its Star Alliance membership, NH can take advantage of code-sharing agreements with several airlines in the Lufthansa Group.
ANA flies its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to Germany’s busiest airport twice a day, with a third flight operated by Lufthansa’s Boeing 747-8i. Back in February, when selecting the flight back home from our trip in Japan, we opted for ANA over the Queen of the Skies. At the time, the value for money was simply unbelievable at 400 EUR one-way, from Tokyo to Frankfurt, flying the Polar Route on board one of the best airlines in the world.
Fast forward to today, as I headed back home from the Red Pokemon Jet in Tokyo, it was straightforward to fly ANA again, same aircraft, the Boeing 787-9, same destination, Frankfurt, just on the 9:40 pm departure instead of the 9:40 am one.
At the Airport
After spending the day between Ueno and Akihabara, I headed back to my hotel at Tokyo Haneda’s Terminal 3 to pick up my luggage and board the free shuttle bus to Terminal 2, where ANA operates most of its flights. Flying out of Tokyo Haneda, or Narita (NRT), for that matter, always provides some of the best travel experiences anyone can have on earth.
It is not only the spotless public transport, array of reasonably priced retail shops and restaurants, and the iconic panoramic terraces: flying out of HND remains at the antithesis to most hubs in Europe and North America.
15,000 steps later, I was ready to make the most of my time at my favourite airport on earth. I arrived at T2 more than five hours before departures, customary at congested airports but completely optional here. I enjoyed my stroll around the shopping area, spending some quality time at the ANA Festa shop before heading to the panoramic terrace.
Instead of filming or stressing myself over photography, I sat down peacefully and unbothered, enjoying the views of the widebodies taking off with the SkyTree view just behind. A moment made even better by the developing golden hour, and one that keeps the passion for aviation very much alive.
I then headed to the international side of Terminal 2, where the check-in, security and passport control experiences took mere minutes. I was airside in no time, making my way to the ANA lounge. The lounge cost around 75 USD to access if you are travelling with NH - money I was more than happy to pay given I’d spend more than three hours inside.
I visited NH’s international lounge at NRT airport a couple of years ago, and enjoyed an excessive breakfast consisting of the airline’s signature curry and noodles. On this occasion, I was very much looking forward to making my dinner.
The Haneda lounge has hundreds and hundreds of seats - I have never seen such a large open space before with so many seating options. The lounge features a main dining area, fourteen shower rooms, a business center, children’s area and several drink stations. As I arrived significantly earlier than ANA’s night rush hour, I could take a seat in one of the largest booths I have ever seen, charge my devices, and work on some editing.
I immediately went for the first bowl of ramen noodles, which can be ordered via your personal device; NH will send you a text message once that is ready to pick up. I then continued my dining with an oversized signature curry, which took me forever to finish. After 6:00 pm, the centerpiece bar opens, with dozens of signature and classic cocktails and mocktails available. I tried one of the signature mocktails to stay - ironically, after so much food - relatively light ahead of the 14-hour journey back to Europe.
I then realized I forgot to book my shower slot, and that I would not be able to refresh before the flight as all slots were fully booked. The staff saw me studying the reservation interface at the entrance of the lounge and immediately checked if everything was fine. I informed them about the situation and in no time they made sure I could book a slot ahead of time - a much appreciated touch that shows ANA’s attentive hospitality, a consistent element throughout the years.
Back in 2019 I flew ANA’s -at-the-time refurbished Boeing 777-300ER from London Heathrow to Tokyo Haneda in Economy Class. Due to a technical issue, our flight got delayed by 24 hours. ANA promptly arranged hotels, transport, and all amenities for all passengers in what at the time seemed an impressive demonstration of courtesy, efficiency, and professionalism, especially compared to most of my experience with Alitalia. The following day, we took off to Tokyo on board an empty triple seven for what still is one of the best flights I have ever taken in my life, made particularly enjoyable by the crew’s kindness.
Back to today’s timeline, I left the lounge and headed to gate 68, where a line had already formed. This Dreamliner was configured in a 48J21W146M layout, a low-density configuration compared to most Boeing 787-9s out there. ANA’s legroom in economy remains top of the league at 34” - I selected a window seat on the right side of the aisle in the front economy class cabin. ANA features nine rows of Economy Class between the 2-3-2-arranged premium economy and the lavatories and galley at door 3. While these seats are indeed closer to four lavatories, the feeling is that of a much more private cabin, which is also served first when it’s time to dine.
On Board
We boarded a few minutes behind schedule - I reached seat 21K, placed my backpack under the seat in front of me and almost immediately fell asleep. I recall being awake for the take-off run, and then resuming sleep until the light dinner service started. This consisted of some of the juiciest chicken and rice I have ever had, accompanied by two small salads and a yogurt as dessert. On this flight, ANA’s main meal service would be the breakfast before arrival in Frankfurt, a choice that makes sense given the late departure time.
After dinner, I quickly explored the seat and IFE - each seat is equipped with a USB charger, and there are two universal plugs per row. The seat reclines 5”, which combined with the great pitch makes for a very comfortable sleep. The 9” IFE screen is on the smaller side; however, an update is coming soon. The movies and titles selection was more than adequate on such a long flight - as we headed East towards the North Pole I quickly started a movie, before going back to sleep for several hours undisturbed.
It is worth noting that these Dreamliners are due to receive an upgrade in 2026, with NH rolling out THE Room FX in Business Class, a cabin inspired by its current offer on the triple seven and one of the best Boeing 787 cabins on paper. ANA will also retain its current pitch in Economy Class, a rare and welcome choice in an industry that has been shrinking personal space on board for years.
Almost nine hours later I woke up as we crossed between Iceland and Norway. The sun had not risen yet as the cabin was softly woken up for breakfast. I opened the bi-fold table once again and, this time, received the plastified breakfast menu, going for the cheese omelet with chicken sausage. The tray came loaded with fruit, salads, bread and more, for yet another delicious meal on board ANA.
I quickly freshened up at the lavatory before returning to my seat and preparing for landing in the almost complete darkness in Frankfurt as one of the first flights of the day. We touched down smoothly and taxied to the gate, enjoying more lights lining up on FRA’s ILS.
At this point I only had one concern - the baggage reclaim. A year ago after landing from an intercontinental flight in the morning, I spent more than two hours awaiting my suitcases and missing the train as a result. On this occasion, the luggage arrived in no time and I was one of the first to leave the arrival area in Frankfurt.
And hello Frankfurt!
All in all, as I reached home in Amsterdam, I reflected on how relaxed the whole experience was, despite the rather long door-to-door time. My personal hack before a long-haul flight remains to shower and hydrate, and avoid alcoholic drinks. Luckily, I was able to sleep a full night at my seat, even with a fully packed aircraft. At this point, it does not make sense to state if I would fly ANA again - that is straightforward.
Out of the four long-haul experiences I had, the Tokyo-based airline has always delivered and provided unbeatable value for money on every single occasion. Surely, the hard product is due for a refurbishment, but this is hardly a dealbreaker between now and the next five years.
Featured/All images: Simone Chellini/Airways
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