Flying long-haul in Economy can be manageable for short trips, but on international routes—especially between Japan, North America, and Europe—comfort becomes a priority. If you’re booked in Economy and wondering how to upgrade your ANA Economy to Business Class, you’re not alone. Many travelers look for upgrade options after booking to enjoy lie-flat seats, premium dining, and a quieter cabin.
The All Nippon Airways seat upgrade process offers multiple paths, but it also comes with specific rules, eligibility requirements, and waitlist systems that can confuse passengers. Some upgrades clear instantly, while others remain pending until just before departure. Costs vary widely depending on whether you use miles, cash, or move through Premium Economy first.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from mileage upgrades and pricing logic to waitlists, seat selection fees, and real traveler scenarios—so you can choose the smartest upgrade strategy for your ANA flight.
👉 Quick Overview: All Nippon Airways Seat Upgrade
✈ Upgrade Options: ANA allows upgrades from Economy to Premium Economy, Economy to Business Class, Premium Economy to Business Class, and Business to First Class on eligible flights.
- ✔ Upgrade Methods: Passengers can upgrade using ANA Mileage Club miles, paid upgrade offers, or last-minute airport availability.
- ✔ Priority Rules: Premium Economy passengers and ANA elite members usually receive higher priority for Business Class upgrades.
- ✔ Need Help? For upgrade eligibility checks or booking assistance, contact Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070.
Understanding ANA’s Seat Upgrade Options
Upgrade Paths on All Nippon Airways
ANA offers one of the most flexible upgrade structures among international airlines. Depending on your original ticket, you may be eligible for the following upgrade paths:
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Economy → Premium Economy
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Economy → Business Class
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Premium Economy → Business Class
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Business → First Class
Among these, the ANA upgrade from Premium Economy to Business is widely considered the most efficient path. It requires fewer miles, costs less in cash, and carries a higher approval rate than upgrading directly from Economy.
Using ANA Mileage Club Miles for Upgrades
An ANA upgrade with miles is often the best value for travelers who frequently fly with ANA or Star Alliance partners.
Important rules to understand:
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Only paid tickets are eligible for mileage upgrades
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Award tickets cannot usually be upgraded
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Mileage requirements vary by route and season (low, regular, high)
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Upgrade inventory is limited and may require waitlisting
For long-haul flights, mileage upgrades can provide exceptional value compared to booking Business Class outright.
Cash Upgrade Pricing and How It Varies by Route
ANA does not publish fixed upgrade prices. The ANA upgrade to Business Class cost depends on several factors:
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Route length
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Cabin upgraded from (Economy vs Premium Economy)
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Time of request (booking, post-booking, or airport)
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Seat availability and demand
General pricing trends:
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Economy → Business: Highest cost
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All Nippon Airways upgrade to Premium Economy: Mid-range pricing
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Premium Economy → Business: Lowest cost and best value
Airport upgrades can sometimes be cheaper, but availability is never guaranteed.
ANA Upgrade Waitlist System Explained
How the ANA Upgrade Waitlist Works
Most ANA Airlines upgrade to Business Class requests are placed on a waitlist, especially on long-haul routes.
Here’s how the system typically works:
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You submit an upgrade request after booking
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If no seats are available, ANA waitlists your request
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Upgrades may clear anywhere from 7 days to 48 hours before departure
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Some upgrades clear only at airport check-in or at the gate
Waitlisted upgrades are common and not a sign of rejection.
Upgrade Priority Rules (Elite vs Non-Elite)
ANA uses a priority system to determine who clears the waitlist first. Priority is generally based on:
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ANA Mileage Club elite status
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Fare class purchased
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Upgrade route (Premium Economy first)
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Time of request
Elite members traveling in Premium Economy have the highest likelihood of clearing Business Class upgrades.
Tips to Maximize Your Upgrade Chances
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Book upgrade-eligible fare classes
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Choose Premium Economy if Business Class is your goal
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Avoid peak travel periods (Golden Week, summer, holidays)
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Submit upgrade requests as early as possible
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Be flexible with departure dates and flight times
Step-by-Step: How to Request an ANA Seat Upgrade
Requesting an Upgrade Online
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Visit ANA’s official website
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Log into “Manage Booking”
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Check eligibility for upgrades
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Apply miles or review paid upgrade offers
Requesting an Upgrade by Phone
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Contact ANA directly or a trusted travel expert
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Confirm fare eligibility and upgrade availability
Many travelers prefer professional assistance from Tours N Travel Pro at +1-866-679-5070 to avoid mistakes and delays.
Requesting an Upgrade at the Airport
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Ask at ANA check-in counters or service desks
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Availability is limited but sometimes offered at reduced prices
Airport upgrades are never guaranteed and should be considered a backup option.
ANA Upgrade Policies, Restrictions & Exceptions
Fare Classes Eligible for Upgrades
Not all tickets qualify for upgrades. Common restrictions include:
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Deep-discount Economy fares
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Promotional or bundled fares
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Certain group tickets
Flexible Economy and Premium Economy fares generally qualify.
Upgrades on Codeshare Flights
All Nippon Airways seat upgrade requests apply only to:
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Flights operated by ANA
Codeshare flights operated by partner airlines usually do not qualify for ANA upgrades.
Award Tickets & Promotional Fares
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Award tickets cannot usually be upgraded
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Promotional fares may have limited or no upgrade eligibility
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Always review fare rules before planning upgrades
ANA Seat Selection Rules Before & After Upgrade
All Nippon Airways Seat Selection in Economy
ANA allows free standard seat selection on many fares. However, you may pay an ANA seat selection fee for:
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Extra legroom seats
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Bulkhead seating
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Preferred aisle or window seats
Seat Selection After Upgrading
Once upgraded:
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Premium Economy seat selection is usually free
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Business Class seat selection is complimentary
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Access to better seat layouts and privacy improves significantly
Real Traveler Upgrade Scenarios
Economy to Business on Long-Haul Flights
This path is possible but expensive and often waitlisted.
ANA Upgrade from Premium Economy to Business
This offers the highest success rate and best value.
Multi-Segment Flights
Each segment must have upgrade availability. Partial upgrades are common.
Elite vs Non-Elite Travelers
Elite members consistently enjoy higher upgrade approval rates.
Amenities Comparison After Upgrading
Premium Economy Includes:
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Wider seats and extra legroom
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Enhanced meal service
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Priority boarding and baggage
Business Class Includes:
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Lie-flat seats
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Premium Japanese and international cuisine
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Lounge access
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Priority check-in, security, and boarding
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upgrade my ANA Economy seat to Business Class?
You can request an upgrade using miles or cash on eligible paid tickets, subject to availability.
Can I use ANA Mileage Club miles to upgrade my seat?
Yes, mileage upgrades are allowed on eligible paid fares.
When will I know if my ANA upgrade clears?
Most upgrades clear within 7 days of departure or at airport check-in.
Are ANA seat upgrades refundable?
Mileage upgrades are refunded if not confirmed; cash upgrade rules vary.
Final Thoughts: Is an ANA Seat Upgrade Worth It?
Upgrading with ANA can dramatically improve your travel experience, especially on long-haul international routes. Whether you’re exploring an All Nippon Airways upgrade to Premium Economy or aiming for a full ANA Airlines upgrade to Business Class, understanding upgrade rules, waitlists, and costs puts you in control.
For expert guidance, eligibility checks, or booking assistance, Tours N Travel Pro is ready to help.
📞 Call +1-866-679-5070 and let experienced travel professionals help you secure the best possible ANA upgrade.