I am off to Tokyo, Japan, on my longest flight ever from Mexico City to Tokyo (Narita), Japan. The flight was planned at 14 hours and 15 minutes on ANA, also known as All Nippon Airlines. The ANA Business Class flight departs very early in the morning from Mexico City for arrival about midday in Japan the next day. Our flight is north through northern Mexico and Southern USA, and north of San Francisco. Then it heads over the Pacific Ocean for a 13-hour 15-minute actual flight time.
The Grand Lounge in Mexico City is co-shared by other airlines and provides buffet items as well as the ability to order from the menu. It is very early in the morning, and I did not really eat anything but some fruit and orange juice, so I cannot comment on the quality. The decor is space-themed, including a large crew capsule and spacesuit in the middle of the lounge. Not really sure why?
After about and hour in the lounge, I go down to the gate for boarding. Not seeing all that many people, I ask the crew, and it seems like there are only 120 passengers on board. Business class is less than half full, so service is top-notch. The Boeing 787-800 configuration is typical as other business classes, 1-2-1. The window seats alternate between the seat directly by the window and the seat directly by the aisle. There is a small table next to the seat with a blue LED trim around the edge, which can be turned off. The seat is comfortable, although not the most comfortable that I have experienced in business class. The armrests on both sides can be dropped, affording you more width, especially during sleep times.
The display is on the smaller side, but still adequate, and the selections for movies and shows are limited in English and include few new releases. I have experienced this on most of the Asian airlines; they feature lots of Asian films instead.
The amenity kit is complete, is from Ettinger and has the basic, usual items. Headphones are on the cheap side, considering what other airlines are providing nowadays. Slippers, a blanket, and a good-quality pillow are also provided.
The food service begins an hour after takeoff, and the choice of Asian or Western cuisine styles is offered. The complete meal is served at once on a tray, also not the norm in most business classes anymore. I decided to try the Asian choice, and it was interesting but tasted good.
The bathroom was quite large with a window, and it was more comfortable than I had seen in previous Business Class Airlines.
After the sleep rest time, and about 2 hours before landing, we were served the next meal. I chose the Western option this time, and it was a nice filet mignon with asparagus and a shrimp appetizer. But once again on a single service tray.
Overall, the ANA Business Class flight was long, but comfortable, and if you are looking for an adequate Business Class at a better price, ANA is the way to go to Asia!
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