Flying First Class with ANA (All Nippon Airways) is an unforgettable experience. With spacious suites, lie-flat beds, fine Japanese dining, and award-winning service, ANA First Class is considered one of the best ways to travel long-haul. While paying cash for these tickets can be very expensive, upgrading with miles is a smart way to enjoy the luxury without breaking the bank. If you are a member of ANA Mileage Club, you may be wondering: how many miles does it take to upgrade to First Class? Let’s break it down step by step.

ANA operates a mileage program called ANA Mileage Club, which allows passengers to redeem miles for flight awards, cabin upgrades, and other benefits. The number of miles required to upgrade depends on:

• Route / distance flown (measured by zones).

• Fare class of your original ticket (discounted fares may not be eligible).

• Season of travel (low, regular, or high).

Not all tickets can be upgraded. Usually, the cheapest economy fares are excluded, while full-fare Economy and Business tickets can be upgraded to the next higher cabin.

If you want to upgrade to First Class on ANA, you must already have a Business Class ticket. ANA does not allow upgrades directly from Economy to First Class.

Here’s a general idea of how many miles you need for upgrades:

• Business Class to First Class (North America ⇄ Japan): Around 40,000–45,000 miles one-way, depending on season.
• Business Class to First Class (Europe ⇄ Japan): Around 35,000–40,000 miles one-way.
• Business Class to First Class (Asia ⇄ Japan): Around 20,000–25,000 miles one-way.

These figures may vary slightly based on ANA’s mileage charts, but they provide a good reference point.

1. Example ScenariosLos Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (HND): If you already hold a paid Business Class ticket, you would need about 43,000 miles to upgrade to First Class one-way.
2. London (LHR) to Tokyo (NRT): A Business Class ticket can be upgraded to First Class for about 38,000 miles.
3. Singapore (SIN) to Tokyo (HND): On this shorter route, the upgrade cost is around 22,000 miles one-way.

This means that if you save enough ANA miles, you could fly round-trip in ANA First Class for about 80,000–90,000 miles in upgrades, which is often less than what other airlines charge for a single award ticket.

Before planning an upgrade, it’s important to understand ANA’s policies:

• Eligible fares only – Discounted Business Class tickets often do not qualify. Check your fare class before booking.
• One-cabin upgrades only – You can only move up one cabin. Economy → Business, Business → First.
• Limited availability – Upgrade seats are subject to availability, so booking early increases your chances.
• Mileage validity – ANA miles expire after 36 months, so use them strategically.

1. Book Flexible Business Class Fares: If you’re planning to upgrade, it may be worth paying a little more for a fare that qualifies.
2. Check Availability in Advance: Use ANA’s website or call customer service to see if upgrade seats are open before you buy your ticket.
3. Earn Miles Through Star Alliance Partners: Since ANA is a member of Star Alliance, you can collect miles by flying airlines like United, Lufthansa, or Singapore Airlines, then use them to upgrade on ANA.
4. Credit Card Partnerships: Transfer points from programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy to ANA Mileage Club to boost your balance.
5. Travel Off-Peak Seasons: During low or regular seasons, upgrades often require fewer miles compared to peak travel periods.

For many travelers, the answer is a resounding yes. ANA First Class offers:

• Private suites with doors on select aircraft.
• Gourmet meals designed by top chefs.
• Fine Japanese sake, champagne, and wines.
• Exclusive lounge access before your flight.
• Unmatched Japanese hospitality.

If you value comfort, privacy, and an elevated flying experience, upgrading with miles can be one of the best redemptions ANA offers. Instead of paying $12,000–$15,000 for a cash ticket, using 40,000–45,000 miles for an upgrade represents excellent value.

Upgrading to ANA First Class with miles is a fantastic way to turn a regular Business Class trip into an unforgettable luxury journey. On average, you’ll need 20,000–45,000 ANA Mileage Club miles for a one-way upgrade, depending on the route and season. While it requires planning, checking fare eligibility, and booking early, the payoff is incredible: world-class Japanese hospitality, spacious suites, and a travel experience that feels like a destination itself.

So, if you’ve been saving up your ANA miles, consider using them to upgrade your next flight to First Class. It might just be the most rewarding way to spend them.