Hi Everyone,
Just recently completed a trip from LAX - NRT and onwards in F. This wraps up my 3rd flight in ANA F in 2022 (all transit), departing from LAX, so I thought i’d do a little quick review and share thoughts on Square vs. Suite (which seems to be a hot topic, not too unlike the comparison between SQ’s First Class on the 77w and the Suites on the A380 - although I do understand that the seats are vastly different on the latter). Happy flying everyone, and
be safe!
EDIT - Realized the Japanese meal pics are from my intra-asia NRT-SIN. Those are not representative of the F/J on LAX-NRT
The Square- Service - no matter which seat (Suite vs. Square) is something that I very much enjoy. It’s different than that of SQ (much more formal), but it’s not a bad thing. They mange to blend the line between ultra formal and injecting a bit of brevity into their conversations. As I sat down, I was greeted by the Purser and the different FAs that would be working the F cabin. From what I can tell, like most F class crews, they are able to discern the traveling types of individuals in their cabin and adjust accordingly. On this flight, there was an ANA Diamond member, who seemed to also be part of their million mile club (I don’t have status on ANA as I typically credit it to UA) and they were much more formal with that individual than they were with me. I didn’t take this as a slight, as I noted to them that I was on my way through Japan as part of a leisure trip, and that I was relatively “easy going. Don’t get me wrong, service was extremely polite and up to Japan standards and above, just with a little taken off the edges.
- The Seat - yes, if you’re traveling alone, it’s fantastic. Window, aisle, it doesn’t really matter, since the square really tends to block out a lot of the windows. It’s spacious and has held up very well over the years, and I, like most everyone else were pretty shocked when they rolled out the new F/J cabins out of the blue. I think the J cabin refresh was a HUGE step up, and I’ll get into that later when I talk about the suite. I’ve attached some second rate pictures below to give people a visual to compare the suite against below. It’s nice, tray table is massive, you can see the set up and the amenities that are provided already before reaching your seat. Never was a fan of the Globe Trotter kits, but whatever, no big deal, usually leave it on the aircraft anyways, as they come around with a basket of additional amenities anyways. One thing I will note over the suite - see the bare metal that’s by the footrest? Bit of an eyesore and “industrial” - this is done away in the new Suite.
- The Food - I don’t fly for food, but since it’s a large part of what makes up the experience, I can touch on it here. Unlike SQ, ANA actually lays out the silverware. Small touches, much appreciated. The FA also draped the napkin over my lap, which is something that i’ve never seen before, even in La Premiere on AF, and was appreciated. I have zero clue why on this particular flight I decided to go with the western meal, but that was the wrong choice. I always go for the Washoku (Japanese) meal set, but I must have wanted to roll the dice and see what the western meal was like. I got the beef, and I wouldn’t get it again. I actually really enjoyed the salad, fresh, dressing was great, and just overall great. The cheese plate was fantastic as well (can’t say the same for SQ, but it’s getting better) although I didn’t get a picture of that one, as I don’t usually snap pictures.
The Suite- Service - amazing as usual on this route again LAX - NRT. Can’t complain - see above if you want to read about the service, as I don’t need to go into it again.
- The Seat - Ok, this is where things get interesting. This Suite is actually a great change and step up from the Square. Was there anything wrong with the square? Most common complaints were -
- “Can’t see out the windows” - that’s fixed
- ”Can’t see my partner in the center seats” - that’s fixed
- ”The metal footrest protrusion is unsightly and hurts if kicked” - that’s fixed
- I don’t mind the darker colors, I think it makes the cabin look a bit more “modern” but also a bit more moody. The wood accents are dark, compared to the Square. See pictures below
The Food - - Like I mentioned above, I usually always do the Japanese set, but since I did western on the first one and did beef, I thought might as well try the fish. Look, i’ll cut the crap, just go for the Japanese meal next time. Do note the difference in plating, small discrepancy, don’t know they did it
The Big Question -
Is F Suite worth it when you compare it to the new Business Class “The Room”? Toss up. I think everyone will need to make that decision for themselves. Service is always fantastic in both F/J, and the seats are very similar. In fact, the J seat is actually a bit wider. I’ve attached pictures below, along with the meal. (japanese this time). So you can see the differences.
