ANA unveils 3 brand-new lounges at Tokyo's Haneda Airport
Though now's not the time to travel, All Nippon Airways (ANA) — the largest airline in Japan — is unveiling three brand-new lounges as it moves most of its international operations to Terminal 2 at Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) on Sunday, March 29.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, there was a lot of talk about Haneda airport. That's because the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded 12 new daytime slots to American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian and United for new service to the closer-in Tokyo airport. Since then these U.S. airlines have started to pare down their operations at Tokyo's larger, but far more inconvenient Narita airport, in favor of new flights to HND.
Related: Why Smart Travelers Prefer Flying to Tokyo Haneda
As more and more focus is on Haneda, we're seeing one of Japan's flag carrier step up its own game at the airport with several passenger-friendly improvements in the form of three all-new lounges.
ANA Suite Lounge Haneda Terminal 2
ANA's first-class lounges, dubbed Suite Lounges, have historically been above-average at best. Though the airline's new first-class product is a big improvement on board, it was let down for the uninspiring ground experience.
But with the introduction of the new Suite Lounge in Terminal 2, that should change. The 360-seat space will feature an expanded culinary experience including a live kitchen with made-to-order dishes and a new bar area with cocktail, liquor and wine menus, as well as barista-made hot beverages.
If you're looking to relax, there's a new area for napping with several beds and reclining chairs. There's also a private media room with individual booths featuring televisions with on-demand content.
The lounge will be open daily from 5 a.m. until the last departure. Customers seated in first class on any Star Alliance carrier, as well as ANA Diamond elites have access.
ANA Lounge Haneda Terminal 2
When I flew ANA's new The Room business class earlier this year (how times have changed), I loved the product. In fact, I coined it the new gold standard, though Qatar's Qsuite gives it a run for its money. My biggest gripe was the ground experience, though, especially how overcrowded the lounge got.
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Fortunately, with the opening of the new ANA Lounge in Terminal 2 at HND, that will all change. The biggest improvement, in my mind, is the new seating capacity — 900 passengers!
Like the Suite Lounge, this space will have a live kitchen and bar area, as well as a 24-seat booth area and a kids room.
The hours will also be the same — 5 a.m. until the last departure. You can enter the lounge when flying on a business-class ticket on any Star Alliance carrier or if you hold Star Alliance Gold status (regardless of what cabin you're flying).
ANA Arrival Lounge Haneda Terminal 2
This will be Haneda's first arrivals lounge. It's designed for passengers arriving from early international flights who need to go straight from the airport to meetings or the office. It's only open in the mornings from 4:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., which means many U.S. arrivals will be excluded.
The lounge features 18 shower rooms (with two wheelchair accessible) and light meals and beverages.
Perhaps most interestingly, the arrivals area will have a footbath experience for those looking for a little extra relaxation before heading into one of the world's largest cities.
Bottom line
Though the timing is certainly interesting, the new ANA Lounges in Tokyo's Haneda Airport look to be a big improvement. The Suite and business-class spaces are much larger their predecessors. Plus, with enhancements to the dining areas, I can't wait to check out the new lounges once the coronavirus pandemic ends.
All images courtesy of All Nippon Airways.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.