Flying from SJC to NRT on All Nippon Airways Business Class.
All Nippon Airways flies out of two San Francisco Bay Area airports, from SFO and from SJC. San Jose is a much better option for flying to Tokyo and Asia. Here is a review of the All Nippon Airways Business Class, SJC to NRT:
ANA from San Jose, California to Narita, Tokyo, Japan
Just like flying into San Jose airport has its advantages, namely a shorter and faster immigration process, flying out of SJC is equally advantageous for having fewer travelers than SFO and shorter security lines.
Typically the aircraft in and out of SJC is slight more spacious and newer than the SFO seats, but occasionally, the aircraft may change and you will get the same type of planes as SFO. In either case, both are Boeing 787s with a 1-2-1 seating configuration.
With ANA’s Staggered Business Class seats, the best seats are the odd-numbered rows by the window. Even-numbered rows by the window are actually right next to the aisle which leaves you with less privacy compared to the odd-numbered window seats.
Once you arrive at your seat, you will see your pillow, blanket, mattress pad, and amenity kit placed on your seat. For take-off, meal service, and landing, you can store these neatly in the footrest compartment.
There is an ample side table to place for your welcome drink, amenities, and personal belongings during the flight. Your tray table swings out from underneath the side table where it says, “Pull”.
Amenities
The current amenity kit gives for flights from SJC to NRT. ANA has collaborated with the luggage company Globe Trotter to give this premium leather pouch/clutch. The contents are the same as the incoming flight with a toothbrush/toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, and creams.
Meal Service
Meal service begins with drinks and a plate of amuse bouche that is the same for all Business Class passengers whether they choose the Japanese or International menu. The plate is always a trio of cold bites to pair with your first drink.
Appetizer Course for the International/Western meal served with the airline’s signature corn soup. The standout on this plate was the lobster salad with an impressive amount of real lobster chunks.
The vegetarian entree (photo taken from @foodicles Instagram stories). A light course option if you really do not want to have the meat or seafood option in either the Western or Japanese menus.
Lemon cheesecake to finish. There is also an option of a Japanese flavored dessert as well as a cheese plate and fruit plate. If you are really hungry, the flight attendant will happily serve you all the options.
Ippudo Ramen for Breakfast
Ramen to breakfast! And it’s Ippudo Ramen branded, too! Going to SJC and going to NRT offers two different flavors of ramen. This ramen is the butter corn miso ramen (with the butter served on the side should you wish to add it on). You can order an alcoholic drink with this ramen, like a cold beer, or in this case, opt for a cold green tea.
