You’ve probably seen the photos. A massive, sliding door that closes fully, a seat that looks more like a high-end Tokyo studio apartment than an airplane chair, and a screen so big it feels like a private cinema. When All Nippon Airways 777-300ER Business Class debuted its new "The Room" product, the frequent flyer world basically lost its mind. And for good reason. It wasn't just a small step up from their old staggered seats; it was a total overhaul of what people expected from long-haul travel.
But here’s the thing. Not every ANA 777-300ER has this seat.
It’s actually a bit of a gamble if you don’t know what you’re looking for. You could end up in the legendary "The Room" or you could find yourself in the "Business Staggered" seat, which, while totally fine, feels about a decade older. Honestly, the difference between the two is night and day. If you’re dropping 75,000 to 100,000 miles or several thousand dollars, you really want to make sure you're getting the wide one.
Finding the Right All Nippon Airways 777-300ER Business Class Cabin
The fleet is split. ANA has been retrofitting these planes for a while, but they still operate a mix. The easy way to tell? Look at the seat map when you book. "The Room" is laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, but the seats alternate between forward-facing and rear-facing. If you see some seats facing the back of the plane, congrats—you’ve found the holy grail of business class.
I've talked to travelers who were devastated to walk onto a "Legacy" 777. The older product is cramped. The footwell is tiny. It feels like a cubicle from a 2005 office park. "The Room," on the other hand, is almost double the width. It’s actually wider than many first-class seats on other airlines. It’s roughly 38 inches wide at the seat cushion. That is massive. Most competitors hover around 20 to 22 inches. You can literally sit cross-legged in this thing and still have space for your laptop.
The Design Philosophy: Privacy vs. Space
Japanese design is usually about efficiency. But here, it’s about sheer, unadulterated privacy. The doors are the main event. They don't just "kind of" close; they create a solid wall between you and the aisle. When you’re cruising at 35,000 feet over the Pacific, being able to shut out the rest of the world is a game-changer for sleep.
The Seat Experience
It’s firm. Very firm. Japanese airlines tend to prefer a stiffer cushion, which is great for your back but might feel "hard" if you’re used to the plush, sinking feeling of a United Polaris or Air France seat.
- The Monitor: We're talking 24 inches of 4K resolution. It’s crisp.
- Storage: There’s a side console, a small cabinet with a mirror, and plenty of nooks for your phone and passport.
- The Bed: When it goes flat, it’s wide. You won’t bang your knees on the side of the seat when you roll over. This is usually the biggest complaint in business class, and ANA fixed it by making the footwell enormous.
However, the "The Room" has a quirk. Because the seats alternate, half the passengers are flying backward. Does it feel weird? Not really. You only notice it during takeoff and landing. Once you’re at cruising altitude, the sensation of movement is basically non-existent. Some people actually prefer the rear-facing seats because they offer a slightly better angle for viewing the engine and the wing through the windows.
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What’s On the Menu?
Food is where ANA usually destroys the competition. You get two choices: International or Japanese. If you choose the International meal, you're getting a high-end steak or seafood dish. It’s good. But honestly? If you don’t order the Japanese "Washoku" meal, you’re doing it wrong.
We are talking about multiple courses of intricate, seasonal kaiseki-style food. It’s served on beautiful ceramics, not plastic trays. You’ll get things like grilled sablefish with saikyo miso, simmered vegetables in dashi, and high-quality sushi. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it doesn't leave you feeling like a bloated mess when you land in Tokyo.
The snack menu is also a legend in its own right. The Ippudo Ramen is the "go-to" for mid-flight hunger. It’s a plant-based version usually, but it tastes shockingly close to the real thing you’d get in a Fukuoka alleyway. Just be warned: the smell of ramen broth wafting through the cabin at 3:00 AM is incredibly persuasive. One person orders it, and suddenly the whole cabin wants a bowl.
Service Culture and The "ANA Way"
The flight attendants on All Nippon Airways 777-300ER Business Class are famously polite. It’s that Omotenashi philosophy—anticipating needs before you even realize you have them. They’ll notice if your water is low or if you’re struggling with your duvet.
It’s not overbearing, though. They stay out of your way until you need them. One thing to note: English proficiency varies. While every crew member speaks English, the nuances might get lost if you’re asking for something very specific or complicated. Just be patient and clear.
The pajamas are another win. Unlike most airlines that only give PJs in First Class, ANA often provides a cardigan and "relaxing wear" in Business Class on long-haul routes. It’s a small touch, but changing out of your street clothes into something soft makes a 12-hour flight feel significantly shorter.
The Routes: Where to Fly the 777-300ER
As of now, ANA prioritizes its most lucrative routes for the new 777-300ER interiors. Think London (LHR) to Tokyo (HND), New York (JFK) to Tokyo, and San Francisco (SFO) to Tokyo. They’ve also been rotating them through Chicago and Los Angeles.
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Check the flight number. Usually, NH117, NH109, and NH211 are the ones to watch, but schedules change. Always cross-reference with a tool like AeroLOPA or SeatGuru (though AeroLOPA is much more accurate for the new layouts).
If you see a 787-9 or 787-10 on your route, you aren't getting "The Room." Those planes have the older, narrower "Business Staggered" seats. They are great planes—quieter, better humidity—but the seat itself isn't in the same league as the 777’s massive suite.
The "Room" vs. The "Apex Suite" vs. "Qsuite"
How does it stack up against the world’s best?
Qatar Airways' Qsuite is usually cited as the #1 business class in the world. ANA’s "The Room" is its only real rival. Qatar has a more "luxurious" feel—velvet, gold accents, and a massive wine list. ANA feels more "tech-minimalist." It’s cleaner, simpler, and arguably has a better bed because of that extra width.
The Apex Suite (found on some JAL or Oman Air flights) is also great for privacy but feels narrow compared to the ANA 777. Honestly, "The Room" feels less like a seat and more like a piece of furniture. You can move around in it. You can sit on one side of the seat to work and the other side to eat. That kind of lateral space is unheard of in Business Class.
Common Pain Points
Nothing is perfect. The biggest gripe? The bedding.
ANA uses a Nishikawa "Air" mattress pad. It’s thin. For a seat that is already quite firm, a thicker mattress topper would go a long way. If you’re a side sleeper, you might find your hips hitting the hard surface beneath. My pro tip: ask for an extra blanket and lay it underneath the mattress pad. It adds just enough squish to make it comfortable.
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Also, the cabin temperature. Japanese carriers love to keep their cabins warm. Like, really warm. If you’re someone who needs a cool breeze to sleep, you might find yourself sweating under the duvet. There are no individual air nozzles on the 777-300ER. You’re at the mercy of the crew’s thermostat. Dress in light layers.
Booking with Points and Miles
This is the "sweet spot" of the points world.
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: This used to be the legendary deal (only 45k-60k miles one way), but they’ve devalued it recently. It’s still a decent value, but not the "robbery" it once was.
- Air Canada Aeroplan: A great way to book without high surcharges. Usually around 75k-85k miles.
- United MileagePlus: Easy to use, but they charge a premium. Expect to pay 100k+ miles.
- ANA Mileage Club: The cheapest way, but you have to book a round trip. You can't book one-way awards through ANA’s own program.
Availability is tight. Like, "search a year in advance" tight. ANA usually releases seats at the end of the schedule (355 days out) or very last minute (within 14 days of departure). If you see a seat on "The Room," grab it. Don't "think about it" for an hour. It’ll be gone.
The Final Verdict
The All Nippon Airways 777-300ER Business Class is a bit of a masterpiece. It bridges the gap between Business and First Class in a way that very few airlines have managed. Even with the firm padding and the warm cabin, the sheer amount of personal real estate you get is staggering.
It’s a specialized experience. It’s for the person who wants to shut the door, eat world-class sushi, and pretend the other 200 people on the plane don't exist. If you can snag a seat on a retrofitted 777, do it. Just make sure you double-check that seat map before you hit "purchase."
How to Guarantee "The Room" on Your Next Trip
- Check the Seat Map: Look for the 1-2-1 layout with alternating forward/rear-facing seats. If the seats are all facing forward in a staggered pattern, it’s the old product.
- Monitor Flight Numbers: In 2026, the retrofits are nearly complete, but the 777-300ER (773) is the specific aircraft code you want. Avoid the 787 if your goal is the suite.
- Pack for Warmth: Wear light, breathable clothing (like Merino wool) to counter the high cabin temperatures typical of ANA.
- Pre-order Your Meal: You can often view and select your Japanese or International meal online before the flight to ensure your first choice isn't sold out.
- Use AeroLOPA: Use this site to find your exact seat. Some "Room" seats have better window alignment than others. Avoid seats near the galleys (Rows 5 and 15) if you want total silence.
- Time Your Booking: Set alerts on seats.aero or ExpertFlyer. ANA business class space is some of the most competitive in the industry, and "The Room" is the prize everyone is chasing.
The real value isn't just the seat—it’s the fact that you arrive in Tokyo feeling like a human being rather than a crumpled piece of paper. That, honestly, is worth every mile.