ANA “The Room FX” 2026: A Guide to the World’s Newest Seat

Quick Answer: What is ANA The Room FX?

ANA’s “The Room FX” is the next-generation Business Class seat launching in 2026. Designed to deliver the signature privacy of the original "The Room" on a wider variety of aircraft, it features lighter materials, refined sliding doors, and optimized efficiency. It represents ANA’s commitment to making world-class privacy more accessible on more routes globally.

What Exactly Is ANA “The Room FX”?

To understand the "FX," we have to look at its predecessor. When ANA launched "The Room" on its Boeing 777-300ERs, it shocked the industry. It wasn't just a seat; it was a studio apartment in the sky. However, that seat was heavy and required a very wide cabin.

The Room FX (Flexible Experience / Future Expansion) is the 2026 evolution. ANA realized that to bring this level of luxury to their entire fleet—including the slightly narrower Boeing 787 Dreamliners—they needed a seat that was smarter, lighter, and more versatile. The FX maintains the iconic wide-seat feel and full-height privacy doors but uses advanced composites to reduce weight and a "flexible" footprint to fit more aircraft types without sacrificing passenger comfort.

The Original “The Room” vs. The Room FX

Many travelers worry that "new" means "smaller." Let’s break down the reality of the FX versus the original:

  • Cabin Width: While the original Room was designed for the massive 777, the FX is optimized for the 787-9 and 787-10.
  • The Door Design: The FX features a redesigned mechanical sliding door that is smoother and lighter, reducing the "clunky" feel some reported in early versions.
  • Storage: ANA has listened to feedback. The FX includes more intuitive cubbies for smartphones, tablets, and headphones, moving away from the deep, hard-to-reach pockets of the 2019 version.
  • The "Flaw" Fixed: The original Room had a slightly hard sleeping surface. The FX integrates a next-gen cushioning system developed with Japanese sleep technology experts to ensure the lie-flat experience is plush from the start.

Expected Routes and Aircraft for 2026

Where can you actually fly this thing? In 2026, ANA is prioritizing high-value business corridors.

  • The Boeing 787-10: This will be the flagship for The Room FX. Expect to see it on routes from Tokyo (Haneda/Narita) to Los Angeles, New York, London, and Frankfurt.
  • The 777 Retrofits: Older 777s that didn't receive the first "Room" are slated for the FX upgrade.
  • The Wildcard: There is strong industry buzz that ANA will use a modified FX seat for their long-haul Airbus A321XLR routes to Southeast Asia and Oceania, bringing true lie-flat privacy to narrow-body flying.

Detailed Seat Design: Work, Sleep, Repeat

The Room FX isn't just a chair; it’s a productivity suite.

  • The Bed: A true 180-degree lie-flat surface. In the FX, the footwell has been slightly widened to allow for more movement while sleeping on your side.
  • Tech-Forward: Every FX seat comes equipped with 4K monitors, USB-C high-speed charging, and wireless charging pads built into the side console.
  • Privacy: The "FX" maintains the staggered layout, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access and a door that creates a completely enclosed personal sanctuary.

The ANA In-Flight Experience: Omotenashi

The seat is only half the story. Omotenashi—the Japanese art of selfless hospitality—is the soul of ANA Business Class.

  • Dining: You’ll have the choice between a curated Japanese menu (The Connoisseurs) or a high-end Western menu. In 2026, ANA is introducing "On-Demand Fine Dining," allowing FX passengers to eat whenever they choose rather than following a set schedule.
  • Amenities: Expect high-quality pajamas, slippers, and amenity kits featuring premium Japanese skincare brands.

Ground Experience: The ANA Advantage

Your journey starts long before takeoff. If you’re flying in The Room FX, you’ll have access to the ANA Lounges in Tokyo. These lounges are famous for their "Noodle Bars" and high-tech shower suites. If you hold Diamond Service status, you’ll upgrade to the ANA Suite Lounge, which offers even more exclusivity and fine dining.

Pricing, Upgrades, and Points

How do you get into this seat without breaking the bank?

  • Award Availability: Because the FX is more "efficient" (allowing ANA to fit more seats on more planes), we expect to see a slight increase in award seat availability compared to the ultra-rare original Room.
  • Upgrade Strategy: Use your ANA Mileage Club miles or Virgin Atlantic points (a famous "sweet spot") to book.
  • Cash Upgrades: ANA often offers "Bid My Price" upgrades 72 hours before departure. If you’re booked in Premium Economy, the jump to The Room FX is worth every penny.

For expert help navigating award charts or finding the best fares for 2026, call us at +1-833-894-5333.

Comparison: ANA vs. The World

How does the FX stack up against the competition in 2026?

Feature

ANA The Room FX

Qatar Qsuite

United Polaris

Privacy

Full Door (Very High)

Full Door (High)

Partial Divider (Medium)

Seat Width

Industry Leading

Excellent

Average

Dining

Japanese Precision

Middle Eastern Flair

Standard Business

Service

Reserved/Polished

Proactive/Social

Standard/Functional

Who Is This Seat For?

  • The Privacy Seeker: If you want to disappear for 12 hours and not see another human soul, this is your seat.
  • The Business Traveler: The massive table and wireless charging make it a perfect mobile office.
  • The Tall Traveler: The width of the FX seat remains superior to almost any other airline, meaning no "coffin-like" feeling.

Common Myths Debunked

  • "The FX is a budget version." False. It is a technological refinement. It’s lighter for the plane, but just as luxurious for you.
  • "It’s only for Japan-US routes." While these are the first to get it, the FX is designed for global expansion, including Europe and Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is ANA The Room FX?

It is ANA’s newest 2026 Business Class seat, evolving from the original "The Room." It offers high-walled privacy, 4K tech, and lie-flat comfort, optimized for a wider range of aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

When will The Room FX launch?

The Room FX is scheduled for a phased rollout beginning in early 2026. Initial routes will likely connect Tokyo with major US and European hubs as new Boeing 787-10 deliveries arrive and retrofits begin on existing long-haul aircraft.

Is The Room FX better than the original Room?

"Better" depends on your needs. While the original is slightly wider, the FX offers more modern technology, improved storage, better seat cushioning, and a more reliable sliding door mechanism, making it a more refined overall travel experience.

Which aircraft will feature The Room FX?

The primary aircraft for this seat will be the Boeing 787-9 and 787-10. Additionally, ANA plans to retrofit certain Boeing 777-300ERs and potentially utilize a modified version for their long-range Airbus A321XLR fleet for regional routes.

Are ANA Business Class seats lie-flat?

Yes, all ANA Business Class seats on long-haul routes, including The Room and The Room FX, feature 180-degree lie-flat capabilities. The FX version specifically enhances the sleeping surface with advanced pressure-relieving materials for better rest.

Final Thoughts from Eden

In my years of traveling, I’ve seen airlines come and go with "revolutionary" seats that end up being underwhelming. However, ANA has a track record of excellence. The Room FX isn't just about luxury; it’s about the freedom to travel in your own private bubble, regardless of where in the world you're headed.

As we look toward 2026, the gap between "standard" business class and ANA’s "The Room" series continues to widen. If you have the chance to book this, take it. Your future, well-rested self will thank you.

Ready to plan your 2026 adventure?

Whether you need help booking The Room FX or finding the best flight deals across the globe, my team and I are here to help.

Call us now at +1-833-894-5333 to secure your seat in the sky!

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