ANA vs JAL Honolulu–Tokyo Business: a close pair or more separation?

01Central does not necessarily mean close

For a honeymoon or anniversary trip, the ability to speak comfortably while seated may be part of the purchase. ANA’s close pair has a clear purpose in that situation. If both travellers prefer a film, a book or undisturbed rest, separation may be more useful than proximity.

This comparison covers ANA’s A380 and JAL’s 767 SKY SUITE II when those products appear on the Honolulu–Narita flights you can book. It does not describe every JAL Hawaii cabin. In particular, a 787 SKY SUITE III is a different seat.

JAL’s official winter timetable confirms the Narita service but does not specify aircraft. Verify the actual booking map rather than carrying summer equipment into a winter trip. The 2020 HNL–NRT report linked below remains useful for the physical consoles and table; its catering and amenities are historical evidence.

02Both already solve the basic flat-bed problem

Flying from Honolulu to Japan, you may value conversation, a meal and films during the daytime journey. On the return overnight sector, sleeping time may take priority. This is a reason to evaluate each direction rather than apply one seat preference to the entire holiday.

The SKY SUITE II passenger account discusses limited width while still finding the bed comfortable for that traveller’s sleeping style. Honu’s foot area is also shaped by the surrounding structure. Neither photo proves that a particular person will sleep well; the useful question is whether your feet and shoulders can settle in the positions you prefer.

Buying ANA instead of JAL here does not turn a recliner into a bed. If rest is your only objective, a suitable JAL departure at a lower complete price can be the stronger choice. ANA’s closer pair has a clearer advantage when you will actually enjoy time together.

03Compare the whole Hawaii-origin booking

Use the same dates, Honolulu–Narita return, two adults and Business in both directions. Include taxes, surcharges, required bags and advance-seat costs where applicable. If considering Haneda instead, include the different ground journey. A hotel night saved by a better arrival or departure can outweigh a small seat preference.

Fictional USD example, not observed fares or a typical price claim.

Return-ticket calculation	ANA	JAL
Per adult, including taxes and surcharges	$3,100	$2,700
Two adults	$6,200	$5,400
Difference for the couple	$800 more	Baseline

In this example the couple is allocating $800 to the Honu choice. A pair who actively want shared space may accept that. Two people who will spend most of the flight independently may prefer to keep the difference for Japan. Compare cancellation and change conditions before deciding that one ticket is simply cheaper; a change fee and a fare difference are separate costs.

For awards, keep the calculation in its own units: miles plus cash for the same two people and all required sectors. An attractive mileage rate without two available seats is not an alternative to the paid itinerary. Nor should an older review’s redemption rate be treated as a current offer.

Honu: pair seats, storage and meals (Japanese photographs)

SKY SUITE II: HNL–NRT table and bed experience (Japanese)

2 flight reviewsANA A380 trip reportsBrowse reviews

3 flight reviewsJAL 767 trip reportsBrowse reviews