JAL vs ANA 2019 edition
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 36
JAL vs ANA 2019 edition
Hi there,
Saw a lot of posts about JAL vs ANA but they are quite dated.
I'm flying Haneda / JFK soon, in J. Was wondering if any notable difference given they fly at the exact same time. Apparently ANA will have a new cabin but only in a few months for this route.
Also as I just moved to Japan, wondering which FF program is best. I'm already *G but I don't feel I get great service when flying ANA other than lounge access when flying Y. Wondering if I should switch to Ana's program to get better service or start building OW status (I never fly OW otherwise).
Saw a lot of posts about JAL vs ANA but they are quite dated.
I'm flying Haneda / JFK soon, in J. Was wondering if any notable difference given they fly at the exact same time. Apparently ANA will have a new cabin but only in a few months for this route.
Also as I just moved to Japan, wondering which FF program is best. I'm already *G but I don't feel I get great service when flying ANA other than lounge access when flying Y. Wondering if I should switch to Ana's program to get better service or start building OW status (I never fly OW otherwise).
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,083
Neither ANA not JAL offer much in terms of perks for their own top frequent fliers when in Y. You may get a greeting before take off, and you are in the pecking order for op-ups but that is about it.
ANA used to offer PY upgrades at check in, but that has been monetised away. They are running a campaign right now as the last part of the free upgrades, but rather soon it will be history.
There are so many Diamond members (both ANA and JAL) that doing anything really special for them is not really possible.
In terms of switching to one of the programs, I would say they are only good if you can make Diamond. The Super Flyers Card, or JAL Global Club are neat ways of keeping status. Ut part of the reason why status holders in Y get nothing more than lounge access.
ANA used to offer PY upgrades at check in, but that has been monetised away. They are running a campaign right now as the last part of the free upgrades, but rather soon it will be history.
There are so many Diamond members (both ANA and JAL) that doing anything really special for them is not really possible.
In terms of switching to one of the programs, I would say they are only good if you can make Diamond. The Super Flyers Card, or JAL Global Club are neat ways of keeping status. Ut part of the reason why status holders in Y get nothing more than lounge access.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 36
Neither ANA not JAL offer much in terms of perks for their own top frequent fliers when in Y. You may get a greeting before take off, and you are in the pecking order for op-ups but that is about it.
ANA used to offer PY upgrades at check in, but that has been monetised away. They are running a campaign right now as the last part of the free upgrades, but rather soon it will be history.
There are so many Diamond members (both ANA and JAL) that doing anything really special for them is not really possible.
In terms of switching to one of the programs, I would say they are only good if you can make Diamond. The Super Flyers Card, or JAL Global Club are neat ways of keeping status. Ut part of the reason why status holders in Y get nothing more than lounge access.
ANA used to offer PY upgrades at check in, but that has been monetised away. They are running a campaign right now as the last part of the free upgrades, but rather soon it will be history.
There are so many Diamond members (both ANA and JAL) that doing anything really special for them is not really possible.
In terms of switching to one of the programs, I would say they are only good if you can make Diamond. The Super Flyers Card, or JAL Global Club are neat ways of keeping status. Ut part of the reason why status holders in Y get nothing more than lounge access.
Any views on JAL vs ANA on the NRT/JFK route in J specifically?
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,083
Thanks, I guess I'll go with JAL's FF then assuming everything is equal, and accrue ANA on my current BR diamond. Doesn't make much sense to try to accrue another *A diamond then unless they do a status match, which I doubt.
Any views on JAL vs ANA on the NRT/JFK route in J specifically?
Any views on JAL vs ANA on the NRT/JFK route in J specifically?
But it is s small things really, they are both top notch service airlines.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
So many ANA/JAL Diamond members that you fade into the crowd if you have any status less than DIAMOND.
JAL has the better lounges, but ANA has the better business class seats.
JAL has the better lounges, but ANA has the better business class seats.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,083
#7
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Depends a lot on what routes you fly and in what class you fly. In general the hard product and service are very good on both. I prefer JL seats in both J and F over NH, but that may change with the new NH seats.
You also need to check which airlines fly the routes you are most likely to travel and whether the flights are out of HND or NRT. HND can save you a lot of time.
Also if you're going to be flying a lot in Asia in J, check the aircraft being flown on those routes. Seats range from very good (lie flat on JL) to the total torture barcaloungers on NH.
Finally you probably want to credit your miles to a US carrier - UA for NH and AS or AA for JL. UA made significant changes to their program (good if you fly a lot of expensive tickets.... terrible if not.)
Overall, both airlines are great.
If you provide more info, FTers can probably provide more specific advice.
You also need to check which airlines fly the routes you are most likely to travel and whether the flights are out of HND or NRT. HND can save you a lot of time.
Also if you're going to be flying a lot in Asia in J, check the aircraft being flown on those routes. Seats range from very good (lie flat on JL) to the total torture barcaloungers on NH.
Finally you probably want to credit your miles to a US carrier - UA for NH and AS or AA for JL. UA made significant changes to their program (good if you fly a lot of expensive tickets.... terrible if not.)
Overall, both airlines are great.
If you provide more info, FTers can probably provide more specific advice.
#8
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: YVR/HND/NRT/HKG
Programs: ANA Diamond
Posts: 228
Thanks, I guess I'll go with JAL's FF then assuming everything is equal, and accrue ANA on my current BR diamond. Doesn't make much sense to try to accrue another *A diamond then unless they do a status match, which I doubt.
Any views on JAL vs ANA on the NRT/JFK route in J specifically?
Any views on JAL vs ANA on the NRT/JFK route in J specifically?
#9
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York City
Programs: JGC
Posts: 445
I've only seen the ANA staggered J seat (not The Room) but I think JAL's Sky Suite I beats it.
The ANA business class lounge I tried in NRT was very dark, no windows, cramped and felt depressing. JAL Sakura Lounge was much airier and had better light. Maybe there is another lounge which is better. ANA uses the new BA Club lounge at JFK, which I found much better than the sad situation over at the LH J lounge.
ANA is also installing 10-abreast Y seating on its 777s, whereas JAL is keeping 9 (for now).
I think if you can get J and you fly The Room routes, ANA gets the edge. But overall I prefer JAL.
The ANA business class lounge I tried in NRT was very dark, no windows, cramped and felt depressing. JAL Sakura Lounge was much airier and had better light. Maybe there is another lounge which is better. ANA uses the new BA Club lounge at JFK, which I found much better than the sad situation over at the LH J lounge.
ANA is also installing 10-abreast Y seating on its 777s, whereas JAL is keeping 9 (for now).
I think if you can get J and you fly The Room routes, ANA gets the edge. But overall I prefer JAL.