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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WsL5aFJTv/
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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.