Remember the excitement of getting a window seat, only to find the person beside you almost spilling into your space for the next 12 hours because the seats are too narrow? Yeah, it’s like all the hard work has gone to waste. But All Nippon Airlines (ANA) has been cooking something seriously impressive about it.
The Japanese airline just revealed the ANA The Room FX Business Class, which is their brand-new suite designed for Boeing 787-9 business class, 2026 rollout. And this isn’t just another “we made the seat slightly wider” upgrade. This is a complete reimagining of what flying business class should feel like.
The Story of the Room FX by ANA
The airline took everything passengers loved about its legendary “The Room” on the Boeing 777-300ER and evolved it for its Dreamliner fleet. The “FX” stands for “Future Experience,” which sounds marketing-y, but honestly? It might be onto something.
- Launching in 2026 on long-haul routes.
- Exclusively on Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
- 48 private suites per plane.
- Full-height sliding privacy doors on every seat.
- Sofa-style “no recline” design (more on this in a sec).
What’s the Difference between “The Room FX” vs “The Room”?
ANA The Room vs The Room FX is like comparing an amazing penthouse apartment to an equally amazing but slightly smaller condo. Both are fantastic, but designed for different spaces. The key difference? The 787-9 fuselage is narrower than the 777. So, All Nippon Airways had to get creative with the design without sacrificing comfort.
| Features | The Room (777-300ER) | The Room FX (787-9) |
| Aircraft | Boeing 777-300ER | Boeing 787-9 |
| Screen Size | 17 inches | 24 inches |
| Privacy Door | Yes | Yes (thinner design) |
| Seat Style | Reclined mechanism | Pre-reclined sofa |
| Charging | Standard USB | USB-C + Wireless charging |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | Yes |
| Layour Direction | Forward aisle, rear window | Rear aisle, forward window |
The Sofa Seat Concept: Love It or Hate It?
This is where things get interesting. The ANA Airlines new cabin design 2026 ditches the traditional reclining mechanism completely.
Instead of pushing a button to recline from upright to flat, the seat is already pre-reclined at a comfortable angle. It is somewhat like you’d sit on your couch at home.
- No awkward “figuring out the recline buttons” moment.
- Lounge in multiple positions naturally.
- Adjustable leg rests customize your space.
- Converts to a full flat bed when you’re ready to sleep.
Just think about it; when was the last time you sat bolt upright on your sofa at home? Exactly. You probably slouch back comfortably, maybe throw your legs up, and adjust as you go. That’s what ANA is going for here.
The Controversy
Not everyone’s sold on the no-recline concept. Some frequent flyers love being able to fine-tune their recline angle throughout the flight.
Pros:
- ✅More intuitive and natural
- ✅Eliminates mechanical failures (no broken recline buttons!)
- ✅Maximizes usable space
- ✅Living room-style comfort
Cons:
- ❌ Can’t adjust the backrest angle if you want it more upright.
- ❌ Takes getting used to if you’re a traditional recliner person.
- ❌ Might feel weird initially (but so did smartphones, right?
Finnair pioneered this approach with their AirLounge seat back in 2022, and it’s been mostly well-received. ANA is betting big that this is the future.
Let’s Talk About ANA’s New Business Class Door
Privacy doors in business class aren’t new anymore, but All Nippon Airways designed Room FX specifically to maximize space on the narrower 787. The doors are:
- Full-height (floor to ceiling)
- Thinner than traditional doors
- Sliding mechanism (not folding)
- Curved design to create more interior space
When that door slides shut, you are in your own little pod, which is perfect for:
- Getting actual work done.
- Sleeping without someone staring at you.
- Binge-watching shows without judgment.
- Finally changing into pajamas without gymnastics.
The Room FX Tech Upgrades That Actually Matter
ANA premium cabin innovation brings some seriously sweet tech improvements to the table for you.
Entertainment & Connectivity
24-inch monitor (1.4 times larger than current screens).
- That’s basically a small TV
- Better for movies, shows, and working
- High-definition quality
Bluetooth audio connectivity
- Use your own headphones! Finally!
- No more airline headphones that hurt after two hours.
- Connect your AirPods, Bose, Sony, or whatever you have.
Charging Options
This isn’t just checking boxes. These are features passengers actually want and use.
USB-C ports
- Fast charging for phones and laptops
- Modern standard (no more hunting for adapters)
Wireless charging pad
- Just drop your phone and go
- No cables cluttering your space
Traditional outlets too
- For laptops and devices that need it
- AC power available
ANA “The Room FX” Business Class Space Factor
This is where All Nippon Airways really flexed. The airline is calling its Room FX the largest business class seat on mid-sized aircraft. And they’re not kidding around.
Most airlines cram 30 business class seats between the first and second doors on a 787-9. ANA’s putting in just 24 seats in that same space. That’s 20% fewer seats equals 20% more space per passenger. Simple math, huge difference.
The total configuration looks like:
- 48 business class seats (down from 48)
- 21 premium economy seats (same)
- 137 economy seats (down from 146)
So, the economy loses nine seats, but business class passengers get way more room. That’s the tradeoff.
The Alternating Layout of Room FX feature Forward and Backward Seats
The 1-2-2 configuration of ANA Room FX means every seat has direct aisle access, which is good news, of course. But some seats face forward and some backward (yes, really).
The layout pattern includes rear-facing seats on the aisle side, and forward-facing seats are at the window. This alternating arrangement is what enables All Nippon Airways to create spacious suites without making the new business cabin excessively long.
“But I Hate Flying Backwards!”
Totally valid concern.
Once you’re at cruising altitude and settled in, you honestly don’t notice. The suite is so enclosed and private that you lose that sense of direction. Plus, you’re lying flat most of the long flight anyway.
But if it really bugs you, book a forward-facing seat. The alternating pattern means half the seats face forward, so you’ve got options.
Where and When You’ll Find ANA New Business Seats: The Room FX
ANA long-haul routes 2026 are getting The Room FX first. The rollout starts in 2026 and will be gradual. All Nippon Airways plans to retrofit at least 16 of its long-haul Boeing 787-9s with The Room FX suites.
| North America Routes | European Routes | Other International |
| Los Angeles (LAX) San Francisco (SFO) Seattle (SEA) Houston (IAH) New York area flights | London (LHR) Paris (CDG) Frankfurt (FRA) Munich (MUC) | Sydney (SYD) Perth (PER) Brussels (BRU) |
ANA’s The Room FX Business Class is a big step forward for long flights. While the no-recline sofa seat might not be for everyone, it’s spacious, comfortable, and full of thoughtful features. By giving fewer seats more room, ANA Airlines is showing they care more about quality than filling planes with passengers. Starting in 2026, you’ll see these seats on long trips across the Pacific and to Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
ANA begins rolling out The Room FX in 2026 on select Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Exact dates vary by route.
The new configuration includes 48 business class suites, down from the previous layout for more spacious accommodations.
Yes! All 48 suites feature full-height sliding privacy doors for complete privacy during your flight journey.
Absolutely! The Room FX includes Bluetooth connectivity so you can use your personal wireless headphones throughout the flight.
Each suite has a massive 24-inch high-definition monitor, which is 1.4 times larger than ANA’s current business screens.
The alternating 1-2-1 layout includes both forward and rear-facing seats. Half face forward, providing options for passenger preferences.
Major long-haul routes to North America, Europe, and Australia, including LAX, SFO, London, Paris, and Sydney, starting in 2026.
Room FX has a 24″ screen, wireless charging, Bluetooth audio, and sofa-style seating versus traditional recline mechanisms.
Yes! You can book using ANA Mileage Club miles or partner Star Alliance miles like United MileagePlus or Aeroplan.
Yes, it converts to a full flat bed. The pre-reclined angle is designed for natural comfort and eliminates mechanical recline.
