You're standing in a crowded terminal at Tokyo Haneda, neck craned toward a flickering departures board. You see "NH" everywhere. It’s the All Nippon Airways flight code, and if you’ve ever wondered why Japan’s largest airline uses "NH" instead of "AN" or "AA," you aren't alone. It’s a bit of a quirk that trips up even seasoned travelers. Most people assume these codes are just random letters assigned by a computer in a basement somewhere. They aren't.
The "NH" prefix actually tells a story about a company that started with two helicopters and a massive dream. It stands for Nippon Helisopter. Seriously. That isn't a typo. In 1952, when the company was founded, it was the Nippon Helicopter and Aeroplane Transport Co., Ltd. While the name changed as the fleet grew into a global powerhouse of Dreamliners and 777s, the IATA code stuck. It's a legacy marker. It’s the kind of detail that makes the aviation world feel a little more human and a little less corporate.
Why the All Nippon Airways flight code matters for your miles
If you’re booking a trip to Kyoto or hopping across the Pacific to LAX, that "NH" code is your ticket to a massive network. ANA is a core member of the Star Alliance. This is where the technical stuff actually starts to save you money or earn you a free vacation. Because of that flight code, you can book a trip on the ANA website, but end up sitting on a United or Lufthansa jet. This is called codesharing.
It gets confusing fast.
You might see "NH12" on your receipt, but "UA803" on the physical plane at the gate. Always check the "Operated by" line. Honestly, it’s the most important thing to look at before you pack. Why? Because the baggage rules of the airline actually flying the plane are usually the ones that apply. If you show up with three massive suitcases thinking ANA’s generous policy has your back, but you’re on a United-operated flight with stricter limits, you're going to have a rough morning.
Decoding the numbers after the NH
The digits following the All Nippon Airways flight code aren't just a serial number. There is a logic to the madness. Generally, flights heading East or North get even numbers. Flights heading West or South get odd numbers.
Take NH11 and NH12. NH12 flies from Tokyo to Chicago (Eastbound). NH11 flies the return leg (Westbound). It’s a standard industry practice, but ANA follows it with Japanese precision. Most international long-haul flights use low numbers—think one, two, or three digits. Once you start seeing four-digit numbers starting with a 7 or an 8, you’re usually looking at a codeshare flight. That means the plane is likely operated by a partner airline like Air Canada or Singapore Airlines.
The Star Alliance connection
You've probably heard of the Star Alliance. It’s the biggest airline group on the planet. Because ANA uses the NH code within this system, your status travels with you. If you have "Diamond Service" or "Platinum" status with ANA's Mileage Club, that "NH" on your boarding pass is like a golden ticket. It gets you into the lounge in London, the fast-track security in New York, and priority boarding in Singapore.
But here is a weird quirk: not all NH-coded flights are created equal.
If you book a flight with an NH code but it's operated by a "low-cost" partner or a non-alliance airline through a specific agreement, you might not earn the same number of points. It’s a common trap. People see the All Nippon Airways flight code and assume they’re getting 100% mileage credit. Then they check their account a week later and see a big fat zero or a measly 25%. Always check the "Booking Class"—those single letters like Y, J, or K—before you hit the buy button.
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Logistics: From Haneda to the world
ANA operates out of two major hubs in Tokyo: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). This is where the flight code becomes your best friend for navigation. Generally, NH flights numbered in the 800s often lean toward international routes out of Narita, though this has shifted heavily as Haneda opened up more international slots.
Haneda is the darling of business travelers. It’s closer to the city. If you see an NH flight code for a domestic jump—say, Tokyo to Osaka—you’re likely looking at a three-digit number in the 001 to 400 range.
- NH001 to NH199: Major international long-haul.
- NH200 to NH499: Domestic Japanese routes.
- NH500 to NH799: Regional connections and secondary cities.
- NH800 and up: Often indicates Narita-based international or specific codeshares.
This isn't a hard rule written in stone, but it's a very reliable rule of thumb. It helps you scan those massive screens at the airport without getting a headache.
The "NH" legacy vs. the competition
Japan Airlines (JAL) uses "JL." It makes sense. It’s intuitive. So why didn't ANA change "NH" when they became a global giant?
Rebranding a flight code is a logistical nightmare. Every global distribution system (GDS), every travel agent software, and every airport database in the world would have to be updated. It’s not worth the cost. Plus, there is a certain pride in that "NH." It reminds the industry that ANA didn't start as a government-backed flag carrier like many others. It was a private startup. Those two helicopters are still in their DNA.
When you see the All Nippon Airways flight code, you're looking at a brand that consistently ranks in the Skytrax Top 5 globally. They are famous for their "Omotenashi" service—that deep-rooted Japanese hospitality. Whether the code is NH or something else, the service remains the gold standard.
Spotting the difference: ANA Wings and Air Japan
Wait, it gets more complex. Sometimes you'll see an NH code, but the plane says "ANA Wings" or "Air Japan" on the side.
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- ANA Wings: This is a subsidiary handling smaller, domestic routes. You’re still an ANA passenger, but the plane might be a Dash 8 Q400 turboprop instead of a massive jet.
- Air Japan: This one is interesting. It used to be a charter/cargo arm, but it has recently been positioned as a brand for medium-haul international flights (like Tokyo to Bangkok).
Even if the livery on the plane looks slightly different, if your ticket says "NH," you are under the ANA umbrella. You get the benefits, the safety standards, and the service. Just don't be surprised if the plane is a bit smaller than the Boeing 787 you saw in the commercials.
Common misconceptions about ANA codes
People often ask if the NH code affects their visa requirements or transit rules. No. The code is for airline identification. Your transit through Japan depends on your passport and your destination. However, having a single ticket with all NH codes (even if some are codeshares) makes your life much easier if a flight gets delayed.
If you have a "split ticket"—meaning one flight is NH and the next is a different airline on a separate booking—you are responsible if you miss the connection. If it's all under one NH booking, the airline has to fix it for you. That is the power of the code.
How to use this information for your next trip
Knowing the All Nippon Airways flight code is more than just trivia; it’s a tool for better travel. It helps you identify your gate faster, understand your mileage earning potential, and manage your expectations for which airline is actually flying the plane.
When you book, do these three things:
- Check the carrier: Look for the "Operated by" text next to the NH code. This determines your seat comfort and meal quality.
- Verify the terminal: In Tokyo, NH flights can be split between Haneda Terminals 2 and 3. Don't just tell the taxi driver "Haneda." Look at your flight code and the terminal assignment on the ANA app.
- Audit your miles: Use a tool like "Where to Credit" to see if your specific NH flight number and fare class will actually earn points on your preferred frequent flyer program.
The aviation world is built on these two-letter identifiers. They are the shorthand for a world in motion. Next time you see that "NH" on your boarding pass, remember the helicopters. It’s a small nod to a history of growth and a future of incredibly high-quality travel.
Actionable Insight: Before your next trip, download the ANA mobile app and input your flight code. It provides real-time gate changes and baggage tracking that third-party apps like Expedia often miss. If you're flying through Haneda, use the app to check the "congestion status" of the ANA lounges—it'll save you a long walk if the Terminal 2 lounge is already at capacity.