Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
I am not certain but think ANA restricts availability of Premium Economy seats to their members.
No, you can definitely get in without being an ANA elite member -- you just have to pay for it. It's pretty expensive, too (at least twice the cost of a regular economy ticket).
Originally Posted by
abmj-jr
I know little about JL except their Y is reputed to be among the stingiest in terms of legroom.
Unless you can for certain buy into Premium Economy, I'd suggest considering UA with a cash buy-up to Economy Plus. Less-then-stellar service but definitely more legroom than most in Y.
I agree with the UA recommendation. If you plan to sleep on the plane anyway, that's your best bet for good legroom. Beyond their economy plus, though, I think a Y seat is a Y seat; you're going to be miserable for legroom on just about any carrier. At least JAL and ANA will keep you fed, drunk and entertained better than the US homegrown carriers will.