You’ve probably seen the photos. A massive 4K screen, a door that actually closes, and a seat so wide you could almost fit two people in it. When All Nippon Airways (ANA) launched "The Room" on their Boeing 777-300ER, it basically broke the internet for aviation geeks.
It’s huge. Honestly, the first time you sit in ANA Boeing 777-300ER business class, specifically the refreshed interior designed by Kengo Kuma and Acumen, you feel like you’ve accidentally been upgraded to first class.
But here’s the thing. Not every 777 in the fleet has this specific seat. If you book the wrong tail number, you end up in the old "Business Staggered" product, which is fine, but it’s not The Room.
The Reality of the "The Room" Seat
Let’s talk about the width. Most business class seats are narrow. They’re built for efficiency. But the ANA Boeing 777-300ER business class "Room" is roughly twice the width of a standard seat. It’s almost 38 inches wide at the seat cushion. That is insane. You can sit cross-legged. You can shift around without hitting your knees on the side console.
Design-wise, it’s very Japanese—clean lines, dark wood finishes, and three different lighting modes.
The door is the big selling point. It’s a sliding partition that meets a second swinging door. Once you’ve shut it, you are in a literal cubicle. You don't see anyone. The flight attendants barely peek over. It’s the closest thing to a private jet experience you’ll get for a few thousand dollars (or 75,000 to 90,000 Virgin Atlantic miles, if you know how to play the game).
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One weird quirk? Half the seats face backward. It’s a dense "honeymoon" style layout where seats are staggered. Some people hate flying backward, but honestly, on a plane this size, you barely feel the takeoff. It’s worth it for the window views.
Finding the Right Route
Don't just book any flight to Tokyo and expect the new cabin. ANA only has a limited number of these retrofitted planes. Usually, you’ll find the ANA Boeing 777-300ER business class with the new interior on flagship routes like London Heathrow (LHR) to Tokyo Haneda (HND), or New York (JFK) to Tokyo.
Check the seat map.
If you see a 1-2-1 configuration where the seats look like giant blocks and the seat map shows "The Room" branding, you’re golden. If it’s the older 2-4-2 or the older staggered 1-2-1, you’re looking at the legacy product. Still good service, but the seat is from a different decade.
Food and Service Nuances
Japanese hospitality, or Omotenashi, is real.
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The meal service is usually the highlight. You get a choice between the International menu (usually a steak or seafood) and the Japanese menu. Choose the Japanese menu. Every single time. You’ll get a multi-course "Kaiseki" meal with small dishes like kobachi (small bowls), zensai (appetizers), and usually a high-quality piece of grilled fish with miso.
The "Book the Cook" style service isn't as robust as Singapore Airlines, but you can pre-order your meal on the ANA website up to 24 hours before departure. This is a pro move because they do run out of the Japanese meal options on busy flights.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Bed
The seat is wide, yes. But when you flatten it into a bed, it’s quite firm.
Western travelers often complain that Japanese beds are too hard. ANA provides a Nishikawa "Air" mattress pad, but even then, it’s not exactly a plush cloud. It’s supportive. If you like a soft bed, you might struggle a bit here.
The footwell is also huge. Unlike the "coffin" style footwells on United or American, the ANA Boeing 777-300ER business class gives you plenty of space to roll over. You won't feel trapped.
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The 4K Monitor is Overkill (In a Good Way)
The screen is 24 inches. It’s 4K.
It is basically a small television. Because the seat is so wide, you’re sitting far enough back that the screen size actually makes sense. The movie selection is usually a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and a deep dive into Japanese cinema.
Connectivity-wise, you’ve got HDMI ports, USB ports, and universal power outlets. You can actually plug your laptop into the 24-inch screen and use it as a monitor. It’s the ultimate remote work setup at 35,000 feet.
Is it worth the price?
If you're paying cash, these tickets can easily top $6,000 round-trip.
For that price, you're paying for the space and the consistency of the service. ANA's flight attendants are world-class. They are attentive without being intrusive. They'll remember how you take your tea. They'll have your slippers ready.
However, if you're a "miles and points" person, this is the Holy Grail. Since ANA is part of the Star Alliance, you can use United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, or Avianca LifeMiles. But the real "hack" has always been using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to book ANA. It remains one of the best value redemptions in the entire travel industry.
Some Practical Next Steps
- Check the Tail Number: Before you book, use a tool like ExpertFlyer or check the ANA seat map. Look for rows 5 through 20 in Business Class. If the seat map shows the "staggered" layout where the footwell of the person behind you is next to your seat, that's the new "Room."
- The Best Seat: Aim for a window seat (A or K) in an even-numbered row if you want to be closer to the window. Odd-numbered window seats are closer to the aisle and feel a bit more exposed, even with the door.
- Order the Sake: ANA curates a specific sake list that changes seasonally. Ask the crew for a recommendation based on your meal. They often have rare bottles that you can't easily find outside of Japan.
- Sign up for ANA Mileage Club: Even if you aren't flying them often, their "Bid My Price" system sometimes allows you to bid for an upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Class using cash if seats are available.
The ANA Boeing 777-300ER business class isn't just a way to get from point A to point B. It is a genuine shift in how airlines think about personal space. While other airlines are trying to cram more seats in, ANA went the other way and gave passengers a literal room. It’s an experience that actually makes you sad when the "fasten seatbelt" sign turns on for landing.