You’re standing in Narita or Haneda, nursing a lukewarm matcha latte, looking at the departures board. You see it. The Dreamliner. Specifically, the ANA 787 8 business class configuration. For a lot of us, All Nippon Airways represents the gold standard of Japanese hospitality, but here’s the thing: not all 787-8s are created equal.
If you book without checking the seat map, you might end up in a "Cradle" seat on a regional route when you were expecting a full-flat bed. It happens. Honestly, it’s one of the most common gripes among Star Alliance loyalists who didn't do their homework.
ANA was the launch customer for the Boeing 787. They’ve been flying these birds longer than anyone else. Because of that, the fleet is a bit of a mosaic. You have the long-haul versions with the staggered 1-2-1 layout, and then you have the domestic/regional versions that feel more like a very nice premium economy. Knowing which one you're getting is basically the difference between arriving in London or San Jose feeling like a human being or feeling like a folded piece of origami.
The Reality of the Staggered Seat Layout
Most people looking for ANA 787 8 business class are hunting for the "Business Staggered" product. This is the 1-2-1 configuration where every single passenger has direct access to the aisle. No climbing over a sleeping stranger’s legs. No "excuse me" at 3:00 AM.
The seat itself is a bit of a paradox. It’s functional. It’s private. It’s also... kinda clinical? It’s not the flashy "The Room" suite you find on their newer 777-300ERs, but it’s a workhorse. You get a massive side table. This is actually my favorite part. You can have your laptop out, your drink, and a book all at once without doing the "tray table dance."
One thing people get wrong: they think the window seats are all the same. They aren’t. Because of the staggered nature, some seats (the "A" and "K" seats) have the chair right next to the window with the console protecting you from the aisle. Others (the "C" and "H" seats) have the console by the window, leaving you exposed to the foot traffic. If you want that cocoon feeling, always aim for the true window seats.
Why the Food is the Real Reason You Book This
Let’s be real. We aren't just here for the 180-degree lie-flat bed. We're here for the Washoku.
ANA’s catering is legendary, and on the ANA 787 8 business class flights, it usually starts with a "Zensai" course. We're talking seasonal delicacies like poached duck, skewered prawns, or those tiny, intricate vegetable jellies. It’s art. You’ll sit there with your heavy metal cutlery—or more likely, the high-quality bamboo chopsticks—and wonder how they do this in a pressurized tube at 35,000 feet.
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Usually, there's a choice between a Japanese menu and an International menu. Pro tip: always go Japanese. The International menu (steak, pasta, etc.) is fine, but the Japanese menu is where the "The Connoisseurs" program shines. This is a collaboration with world-class chefs like Kunio Tokuoka from Kyoto's famed Arashiyama Hanami.
The sake list isn't just an afterthought either. They usually rotate selections from different prefectures. It’s common to see a Junmai Daiginjo that would cost you a hundred bucks at a high-end liquor store in New York or London.
The "Cradle" Seat Trap
I mentioned this earlier, but it deserves its own section because it can ruin a trip. Some ANA 787 8 business class configurations—mostly used for shorter hops within Asia like Tokyo to Seoul or certain routes to Honolulu—feature the "Cradle" seat.
It doesn't go flat.
It reclines significantly, and a leg rest comes up, creating a shape like... well, a cradle. For a three-hour flight, it’s brilliant. It’s spacious and comfortable. But if you were expecting to sleep through a red-eye, you’re going to be disappointed. Always check the aircraft code and the seat map on the ANA website or a tool like SeatGuru (though SeatGuru is getting a bit dated, so use it with a grain of salt). Look for the 1-2-1 layout vs. the 2-2-2 layout.
Amenities and that "Japanese Touch"
You get a cardigan.
It sounds like a small thing, but ANA provides these navy blue cardigans to use during the flight. It’s so much better than a bulky hoodie. It’s a touch of class that feels very "Old World" travel.
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The amenity kits have changed over the years—they’ve partnered with brands like L’Occitane and more recently, Globe-Trotter. The content is fairly standard: eye masks, earplugs, and some high-end Japanese skincare like Shiseido or Globe-Trotter branded lotions. But the real MVP is the "Aroma Card." It’s a little card infused with ANA’s signature scent (basically sandalwood and hinoki). It sounds gimmicky until you’re ten hours into a flight and the cabin air starts feeling stale; then, that scent of a Japanese forest is a godsend.
The bedding is another win. You get a Nishikawa "Comfo Loft" mattress pad. It isn't super thick, but it's enough to smooth out the gaps in the seat cushions when you're in bed mode. It makes a massive difference in preventing that "I can feel the bars in my back" sensation.
The In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) and Wi-Fi
This is where the ANA 787 8 business class shows its age a bit. The screens are fine—usually around 17 inches—but they aren't the 4K monsters you see on the new 777s. The interface is a bit clunky. It works, but it feels like using an iPad from five years ago.
The movie selection is a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and a deep dive into Japanese cinema. Honestly, skip the movies and watch the "Sky Eye" documentaries. They’re these hyper-local travelogues about different Japanese prefectures. They’re soothing, beautifully shot, and perfect for getting you in the headspace for landing in Japan.
Wi-Fi is available, but it’s pricey and can be spotty. Gone are the days of the "Full Flight" pass being a bargain. You're usually looking at a tiered system based on data or time. Unless you’re dying to tweet your meal, just enjoy the disconnect.
Hard Product vs. Soft Product: The Trade-off
If you compare the ANA 787 8 business class hard product to something like Qatar’s Qsuite or even United’s Polaris, it might look a bit dated. The "Staggered" seat is narrow. The footwell can feel tight if you’re a side sleeper or have large feet.
But the "soft product"—the service, the food, the cleanliness—is almost unbeatable. The flight attendants (FAs) on ANA are trained to a level of precision that is frankly startling. They anticipate. If they see you've finished your water, a new one appears. If you're struggling with the seat controls, they're there. It’s not the over-the-top, scripted friendliness you sometimes get on US carriers; it’s a quiet, observant professionalism.
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Technical Bits: Why the 787 Matters
For those who care about the "how" and "why," flying the 787-8 matters for your physical well-being. The Dreamliner is built with carbon fiber composites rather than aluminum. This means Boeing can pump more moisture into the air and keep the cabin pressure lower (closer to 6,000 feet instead of 8,000 feet).
In ANA 787 8 business class, you actually notice this. You land feeling less like a dried-out husk. Your eyes aren't as scratchy. The "Dreamliner windows"—the big ones that dim electronically—are also a feature, though some people hate that the crew can centrally dim them, forcing you into darkness when you might want to look at the clouds.
How to Book it Without Emptying Your Bank Account
Directly buying a business class ticket to Japan is a five-figure endeavor most of the time. Don't do that.
The "sweet spot" has long been Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. You can book ANA business class for a fraction of the price. However, availability is the monster under the bed. You usually have to book 355 days in advance or look for "T-14" (within 14 days of departure) last-minute seats.
Another option is Air Canada’s Aeroplan. Their search engine is much better for finding ANA space, and while the rates are higher than Virgin's, they don't pass on those massive fuel surcharges that can kill a deal.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're eyeing a seat in ANA 787 8 business class, here is exactly how you should handle the booking and the flight:
- Check the Configuration First: Go to the ANA website, enter your flight number, and look at the seat map. If it's 1-2-1, you're golden. If it's 2-2-2, decide if you're okay with a "Cradle" seat or if you should look for a different flight time.
- The Seat Selection Strategy: Aim for seats 1A, 3A, 5A (etc.) or the K equivalents. These are the "true" window seats where the console is between you and the aisle. Avoid the bulkhead if you're tall, as the footwells can sometimes be slightly more restricted depending on the specific shell.
- Pre-order Your Meal: You can often view the menu online weeks before your flight. If you have a specific dietary requirement, or if you absolutely want the Japanese meal, make sure it's noted in your reservation. They do run out of the Japanese option sometimes.
- Visit the Lounge: If you're departing from Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), the ANA Business Lounge is excellent. Get the "ANA Original Selection" chicken curry. It's a cult favorite for a reason. There’s even a dedicated noodle bar where you can order fresh ramen or udon.
- Hydrate Early: Even with the 787's better humidity, long-haul flying is brutal. Drink water before you start on the sake.
The 787-8 might be the "baby" of the Dreamliner family, and the seats might not be the newest on the market, but the experience remains one of the most consistent ways to cross the ocean. It’s about the quiet moments—the smell of the hot towel, the perfect temperature of the green tea, and the fact that you can actually get six hours of real sleep before hitting the ground in Tokyo.