gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 13517 times:
Asia 1: Limoncello with Alitalia. BA/AZ LHR-MXP-FCO-NRT
Hi!
Thanks for tuning into another one of my mad global rampages (or more officially, my Autumn Asia Series!). The reasons for this trip are numerous, so I’ll spare you the details other than that I would be away for 3 months, and spending my time mainly in China and India, along with shorter stays in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangladesh & Singapore.
Now, Japan wasn’t originally in the itinerary until I was made aware of a mistake fare with Alitalia….you may see a rash of reports covering the AZ route to NRT in the coming months as a result. The deal was amazing….a return flight to Tokyo for less than US$100. The catch? It started from MXP and finished in BRI (Bari, southern Italy), routing via NRT. And the maximum stay in Tokyo? Well, depending on your choice of flights, between 3 and 6 hours.
Clearly this deal wasn’t for everyone. However, it worked out very well for me to get a cheap one way to Asia. To get to MXP, I used the international leg of my recent trip from the Isle of Man with my BA Avios. When I booked, there were only seats available to LIN (which was ironic as the last 6 times I’ve visited Milan, I’ve wanted LIN and ended up at MXP), but thankfully, a week before the flight, a single seat opened up on my desired MXP flight.
The flight out of MXP to NRT via FCO would be leaving at 0815, so I decided to again use my Avios for a cheapish night at the Malpensa Sheraton Hotel.
The map, courtesy of GC Mapper, of this report:
The map, courtesy of GC Mapper, of what is currently booked for this series:
A little off topic, but fitting into the chronology of the trip, I managed to get hold of quite a few tickets for the Olympics. The photos may be of interest to some of you:
The Torch Relay
The Rings on Tower Bridge
The Presidential KU plane flying over the bridge
My first Olympic event: Boxing at Excel…moderately interesting
Next was the Beach Volleyball at Horse Guards’ Parade, which was far more interesting
Women’s football at Wembley
Some Paralympic Athletics at the Olympic Stadium
We won gold (I think in the shot putt?)
Wheelchair basketball in the Dome
Interspersed with a quick ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car with airbuseric and TurpolevTU154 – great views to be had, and worth the £3 fare.
Wheelchair Marathon…I have so much respect for the Paralympians. They have so put some much more work and effort to get where they are than their able bodied compatriots.
And an EY passing the Shard, Europe’s tallest building…wheels down very early
I was lucky enough to have got my hands on a few tickets for the closing Ceremony of the Paralympics the day before I headed off to Asia. The seats were right at the back, but well worth the £20 price tag.
Coldplay, Rihanna and Jay Z
It was a pretty amazing night! I think public support for the Olympics jumped from “waste of money” & “not interested” beforehand to “oooh, I wonder if there are any ticket left for…” & “that was AWESOME!” by the end.
Some guidebooks for the road
The next day I got my usual bus to LHR, before hopping on the Heathrow Express for the short trip over to Terminal 5
I tried to pack light, but still left the house with around 22kg….and managed to fill 4 bags (although the Green CX one was full of chocolates…)
FIDS
Check in was pretty quick, as was security. There was a Salvation Army band playing near the checkin desks.
This was only my second time flying through LHR T5 without lounge access (and yes, I miss it!), so just took a stroll around the terminal. It’s sad to see the faded yellow planes of IB polluting the clean blue and red of BA.
Lots of BA
Sadly, before long a twenty minute delay posted for my flight. This grew to over an hour in the end. Flying the day after the Paralympics, there was a sizable contingent of the Italian Paralympic team onboard, so their pre-boarding took some time too.
At 1510, they called for general boarding
As I was waiting in the airbridge, I had a browse through the complimentary copy of the i. It was nice to see some photos of the event I was at a few hours previously.
As I turned to this page, some of the Italian team standing behind me got quite excited, but I didn’t see if the guy himself was on my flight.
September 2012
London Heathrow (LHR) – Milan Malpensa (MXP)
British Airways BA 566
Scheduled: 1440-1740 (2h00m)
Actual: 1605-1828 (1h23m)
Airbus A320
Economy
As I had guessed from the ridiculous fares (one way was selling at nearly GBP 500 one way), this flight was fully booked. I’m amazed an Avios seat opened up just a week beforehand. These photos were taken with my phone, so aren’t of brilliant quality – sorry.
The view from my window
Legroom was acceptable…I had an exit row seat
With everyone boarded, the security briefing was played on the videos, and we pushed back.
Nearly an hour and a half late, we took off…bye England, see you in December!
Twenty minutes after take off, the trolley reached my row. I was happy to see a full sized sub-roll (chicken with pork stuffing) handed out, along with a double “gabrielchew”. Tasty!
To Fly To Serve, the BA slogan from the 1980’s (?), reawakened for the 21st Century.
Nice flying weather
Touch down was rather late into a warm and sultry Milan.
After a short walk to immigration (there was no queue for EU passports, but a sizable non-EU one), I headed for baggage reclaim…..this is where the wait was (around 20 minutes).
The walk from arrivals to the Sheraton…interesting
Alwaysonaplane has covered this hotel already in his report here. I managed to get quite a good rate thanks to part paying with Avios.
My room was big and comfortable, although the view was less than inspiring. I thought that charging EUR 5 for a top up of the free tea, and the EUR 3 for a compulsory swimming cap was a little cheap.
Before turning in for the night, I had a quick look around the check in area. I had hoped to be able to get a boarding pass for the next day, but the SSCI machines were having none of it.
And a quick look outside
After a reasonable nights’ sleep, I was up bright and early, checked out, and headed over to the deserted AZ desks. I was half expecting some awkward questions regarding my itinerary, but thankfully, the check in lady didn’t say anything, and my bag was tagged straight to Tokyo.
View from the check in area
FIDS. I was quite surprised to see nothing really got started from MXP before around 8am. I’m sure the U2 terminal was busier earlier.
Plenty of high end shops in MXP
Some interesting machines
MXP views
Boarding was from the same gate in the basement earlier that I’d flown from a few months earlier to Palermo on Air One. Given how many open gates there were in the terminal, I’m not sure why we were given a remote bus gate. Still, it was nice to board the A321 via the steps in the morning.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 1, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 13768 times:
September 2012
Milan Malpensa (MXP) – Rome Fuimicino (FCO)
Alitalia AZ 1015
Scheduled: 0815-0930 (1h15m)
Actual: 0820-0907 (0h47m)
Airbus A321
Economy
I was sat in the curtained off business class section, although this flight was Y only…good legroom at the front. The flight wasn’t too busy, with the middle seat staying empty.
Taxiing to the active
CA must be doing good business in MXP with 2 daily flights.
Plenty of German speaking planes around this morning
Just 5 minutes behind schedule, and we’re off to Rome.
More phantom AZ TVs
Ulisse Magazine
Not sure that’s of much use in the overcoming jetlag….
Fleet Info
Maps
I was happy to recognise Pisa from the air…sadly my photo of the Tower was a little fuzzy
Breakfast is served. There was a choice of tea, coffee or water. No juice or snacks. I’m not a coffee connoisseur, but I know this wasn’t great! Nice cup though.
A port north of Rome
Approach
A nice retrojet welcomes me to Rome
Isn’t it a great livery?
The walk from the Schengen to non-Schengen G gates was pretty long one, but the walk was interesting and I wasn’t in a rush.
It involved a shuttle over to the G gates
FIDS…plenty of USA flights this morning
This pigeon caused quite some consternation from the Japanese (and one British) passengers – not what one expects in the EU.
There was lots of nice Red and Green metal around this morning
Why is one A330 still painted in the AP livery?
Eritrean is a nice addition to the ramp
And some more on the ramp…my 777 is in the far distance
Ironically before I bought my seat on AZ to NRT, I nearly bought a seat on this flight to HKG (it was scheduled to be a 777 back then with the new C seats)…it was the only Avios C seat to N.E.Asia leaving that day from Europe. I seemed destined to fly out of Italy to Asia!
BA has arrived from LHR. My first time flying out of LHR T5 was on this exact aircraft on the LHR-FCO route.
Ha, love this….the ASBO bus for the easyJet crew!
Waiting at G10 for boarding to start
With my boarding pass scanned, I headed down the airbridge, then down some steps onto a waiting bus.
A nice ramp tour
Sadly, not our plane
We get I-DISA instead. Nice to have a rare “I” registered plane from AZ, rather than a more common “EI” one.
Thankfully a) there was no problem with photography on the ramp, b) the bus wasn’t full, so the tarmac was nearly empty, c) nearly everyone else boarded through the front door
September 2012
Rome Fuimicino (FCO) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Alitalia AZ 782
Scheduled: 1130-0650 (12h20m)
Actual: 1154-0635 (11h39m)
Boeing 777-200
Economy
I was welcomed aboard by a bubbly British FA, and found my way to my seat. Initial impressions of the cabin were very good. Nice clean grey lines. This would be my first flight on a 777 with 3x4x3 seating in Y. The pitch and width I found ok, although the aisle was very narrow.
I was able to reassign myself to an empty row of three just before boarding started so I had some space for the trip. The final load when the 2nd/3rd bus arrived was around 60% - plenty of room.
My curiosity with people’s spatial requirements were aroused again on this flight when 2 Japanese guys in the row in front stayed in their assigned A and B, instead of A and C. I say this as the window seat legroom is AWFUL. There is a massive IFE box. I do NOT recommend the window seat (or the 2 very central seats E/F) for this reason. Stick to an aisle seat.
Before the 2nd bus of people arrived, I thought I’d try out MSS658’s trick of presenting some chocolates to the FAs in the back galley. They were gratefully received, and a note of my seat number taken….boding well for a good flight?
Safety card
Safety demo
KU taxiing past
The Milano-Roma shuttle. I guess they show a glass of water as that’s just about all they off onboard.
Some cool retro mugs for sale
With everyone seated, doors closed and demo done, we’re off. Arrivederci Italia!
As the legroom was so bad at the window, I moved over to the aisle seat for the rest of the flight. Nice aisle.
The map showed here throughout the flight, even when the lights were switch off
A Japanese only shopping catalogue was handed out.
A standard looking seat back for 2012. The PTV could have been a touch larger though. It was nice to have a cup holder, something I definitely appreciated in Y.
Before dinner was a snack and drinks run. No spirits on AZ in Y, so water and wine will have to do.
20 minutes later, lunch/dinner is served. I go with the “Japanese” option rather than the Italian/pasta option.
It’s quite an ok meal without pushing any culinary boundaries
Finished with a cornetto
With the tray cleared, I head back to use the facilities. I stop and have a quick chat with the British FA who’s terribly friendly. She asks if she can get me anything. “Is it possible to get a limoncello?” (I just love a a good digestif). She consults with another FA before the magic “of course!”. Wonderful. Not long after I get back to my seat, I’m presented with an ice cold limoncello (in a real AZ branded shot glass) and a Magnifica Class dessert. Benissimo!
I settled down and enjoy the IFE (reasonable selection. Watch Salmon fishing in the Yemen and a funny Italian film about a porn star) and my limoncello as the cabin lights gradually darken.
Before long I’m tapped on the shoulder…”thank you so much for the chocolates! Can I get you anything?”…..”a limoncello?”. “Of course!”. This one arrives in a plastic glass (but also a correspondingly large serving), the other flavour of Magnifica dessert (vanilla and chocolate ice cream, then strawberry sorbet) and a packet of biscuits. Grazie mille!
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 2, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 13678 times:
Conveniently not long after finishing my 2nd limoncello, I get another tap. This time it’s a Japanese FA also thanking me for the chocolates. Not long after, a 3rd limoncello lands on my table, also in a shot glass. Arigato gozaimashita!
I definitely think I got value for money on this flight (and for my chocolate investment!). I had quite a nice aviational chat with one of the limoncello FAs, and half an hour passes quite quickly.
As it is now supposedly night, I stretch out over my 3 seats, although as always, sleep is evasive.
Map
Never gets fully dark over Russia
These pictures aren’t good, but it’s us crossing the foggy Russian coast….truly beautiful!
More map
Just over an hour before arrival, breakfast is served.
Nothing hot, but adequate
Our approach is beautiful, with early morning fog patches. Sadly my window is misty and the photos aren’t great.
Narita!
Of course, there’s lots of DL here
Time to disembark
Ciao Bella!
Arrivals board. From plane to tarmac took 30 mins…not too bad, although it’s always annoying to see the crew bags coming out waaay before the passenger’s, especially when they are last off!
I bought a ticket for the direct train to Asakusa where I was booked into the same Ryokan as last year.
Japanese tranquillity in central Tokyo
And some Japanese modernity too
And herein end part one. Everything worked out very smoothly with my overnight connecting in Milan, and my flights with Alitalia. Thank you again to the kind person to alert me to the excellent Alitalia fare….you saved me quite a nice sum of money, as well as introducing me to Skyteam’s longhual product (which is more than adequate I believe).
The next report will cover my JAL flight from Haneda (HND) to Beijing (PEK). The following one will be a collection of Chinese domestics from China United Airlines (1), China Eastern (3) and Grand China Air (1).
Future reports include:
CX HKG-TPE B744 F
TZ TPE-SIN B772 Y
MH KUL-DAC A330 Y
AI IXM-MAA-BLR A32S Y
SV BLR-DMM-JED-LHR A330/B773 Y
Just a matter of time, there are also some A320s still flying in AP colors.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): There is a massive IFE box. I do NOT recommend the window seat (or the 2 very central seats E/F) for this reason. Stick to an aisle seat.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): 20 minutes later, lunch/dinner is served. I go with the “Japanese” option rather than the Italian/pasta option.
The portion is big, though. I enjoyed a great Italian meal on my JFK-FCO flight.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Wonderful. Not long after I get back to my seat, I’m presented with an ice cold limoncello (in a real AZ branded shot glass) and a Magnifica Class dessert. Benissimo!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The following one will be a collection of Chinese domestics from China United Airlines (1), China Eastern (3) and Grand China Air (1).
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 6, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 10 hours ago) and read 13024 times:
Hello mr C,
Thanks for this interesting piece of another of your (grand) series. Or course I was most curious about the AZ B777 for obvious reasons The cabin looks in fact quite good, the PTV’s are of the older type but they still seem to do the job. The main gripe is that dreaded box at the window seat, that thing is really monstrous! Now I’ve a reservation for a window seat on the way there, an aisle on the way back, but I don’t know if I might keep it. A flight without a window is not a flight...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Now, Japan wasn%u2019t originally in the itinerary until I was made aware of a mistake fare with Alitalia%u2026.you may see a rash of reports covering the AZ route to NRT in the coming months as a result. The deal was amazing%u2026.a return flight to Tokyo for less than US$100. The catch? It started from MXP and finished in BRI (Bari, southern Italy), routing via NRT. And the maximum stay in Tokyo? Well, depending on your choice of flights, between 3 and 6 hours.
Ha ha, you’re the 1st of the pack to have succesfully used that illustre ticket. I paid about € 68 all in. Yeah - that price is really ridiculous. Still I remain quite apprehensie of flying 12h, spending 4h in NRT and flying 12h back. Hmm, we’ll see. If the flight is not (so) full, it’ll probably be bearable I guess?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Interspersed with a quick ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car with airbuseric and TurpolevTU154
I read about that in Airbuseric’s report indeed. Is that a permanent thing, that cable ride?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): It%u2019s sad to see the faded yellow planes of IB polluting the clean blue and red of BA.
I beg to differ since I find the IB livery actually a very nice and classic one. That of course says nothing about the carrier itself
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): We get I-DISA instead. Nice to have a rare %u201CI%u201D registered plane from AZ, rather than a more common %u201CEI%u201D one.
Very nice indeed, the reg sounds very Italian as well when you pronounce it
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I say this as the window seat legroom is AWFUL. There is a massive IFE box. I do NOT recommend the window seat (or the 2 very central seats E/F) for this reason. Stick to an aisle seat.
OMG!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Thank you again to the kind person to alert me to the excellent Alitalia fare….you saved me quite a nice sum of money
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 7, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 12827 times:
Hi Gabriel,
excellent report, good to read something about that AZ flight. I was really tempted to book it as well for this rate but in the end decided against it. But great to include it within such a trip.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The map, courtesy of GC Mapper, of what is currently booked for this series:
Wow, awesome routing. So I guess we can expect another epic trip report series?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): With my boarding pass scanned, I headed down the airbridge, then down some steps onto a waiting bus.
Bus boarding for a longhaul flight, not good. But then it is also nice to board a widebody directly from the apron.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I say this as the window seat legroom is AWFUL. There is a massive IFE box.
That looks really bad, fortunately you had free seats next to you. But besides AZ seemed to offer a great product, food looks nice and quite a generous portion. And well done with the chocolate trick, that got you 3 Limoncellos if I counted right, very nice
Also thanks for the pictures from the Olympics, must have been a great experience to watch it life.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 8, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 9 hours ago) and read 12744 times:
Thanks for the replies so far guys!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 6):
Thanks for this interesting piece of another of your (grand) series.
Thanks!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 6): Now I’ve a reservation for a window seat on the way there, an aisle on the way back, but I don’t know if I might keep it. A flight without a window is not a flight...
Quoting sultanils (Reply 6): Still I remain quite apprehensie of flying 12h, spending 4h in NRT and flying 12h back. Hmm, we’ll see. If the flight is not (so) full, it’ll probably be bearable I guess?
If the flight isn't full, it should be ok. If the flight is full, and you are stuck by the window, you will NOT enjoy yourself, I'm 99% sure.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 6): I read about that in Airbuseric’s report indeed. Is that a permanent thing, that cable ride?
Yes, I think it's permanent
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 7): excellent report, good to read something about that AZ flight..
Thanks!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 7): Wow, awesome routing. So I guess we can expect another epic trip report series?
Yes!
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 7): Bus boarding for a longhaul flight, not good. But then it is also nice to board a widebody directly from the apron.
Well, it's ok sometimes (mostly on departure). THis time it was excellent
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 7): That looks really bad, fortunately you had free seats next to you. But besides AZ seemed to offer a great product, food looks nice and quite a generous portion. And well done with the chocolate trick, that got you 3 Limoncellos if I counted right, very nice
Yes, I'm very happy with AZ (and the chocolate trick!)
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 7): Also thanks for the pictures from the Olympics, must have been a great experience to watch it life.
stipica From Croatia, joined Feb 2011, 398 posts, RR: 8 Reply 9, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 6 hours ago) and read 12308 times:
Hi G !
you are really restless guy hehhhe a nice introduction to a new journey ... and winter special trip reports marathon AZ / NRT ...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I have so much respect for the Paralympians. They have so put some much more work and effort to get where they are than their able bodied compatriots.
me too ... through my business and disability organizations I know how much trouble peoples have just to navigate through a variety of architectural barriers ... although awareness was increased strongly after the war
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I’d try out MSS658’s trick of presenting some chocolates to the FAs in the back galley. They were gratefully received
in croatia we have a word for that ... corruption at lower levels hehehehhehehe
I look forward to ...stipica
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 714 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 12133 times:
Great report on what will no doubt be another interesting series,
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): It’s sad to see the faded yellow planes of IB polluting the clean blue and red of BA.
Agreed! Saw one for the first time at T5 a few weeks back and though it just messed up the look of it.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): As I turned to this page, some of the Italian team standing behind me got quite excited, but I didn’t see if the guy himself was on my flight.
Alex Zanardi! I saw him race and got to meet him more than a few times when he was over in America (pics on my facebook page if you're interested), and is genuinely one of the nicest guys i've met. I remember watching his accident as it was happening and it was touch and go for him for the next week or so. Luckily the safety team at the track did enough to save him, despite losing 75% of his blood and both his legs. More amazingly, despite suffering the horrific injuries he did, he was able to return to the track when the series returned there the following year and complete the 13 laps he didn't the previous year in a specially adapted car. Winning the 3 gold medals he did was just another step on the amazing journey he has been on in the last 11 years.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 1): Before turning in for the night, I had a quick look around the check in area. I had hoped to be able to get a boarding pass for the next day, but the SSCI machines were having none of it.
I tried the same thing in FRA earlier in the year - and had the same result!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 1): I go with the “Japanese” option rather than the Italian/pasta option.
Looks more substantial than the last meal I had on a plane... Although your flight was a bit longer.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 11, posted (7 months 2 weeks 3 days 4 hours ago) and read 12038 times:
Hey, Gab,
that´s for sure a great starter for the Grand Asia tour.
Good to see the AZ special fare is working well and also the flight was ok.
Well done and looking for more now.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 13, posted (7 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 11482 times:
Cool trip report - amazing what you people do for a good fare . Surprised by AZ quality - the few flights I have had with them have been very good. Thanks a lot for sharing.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 14, posted (7 months 2 weeks 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 11087 times:
Greeting Gabriel.
Fascinating report, and I am so glad to hear that you are off globetrotting once more. Back to Asia...
I thought AZ looked really good actually, especially for the mistake fare, but the offerings were fine. Bit sad about no spirits! Where's your spirit of giving? Was it wine AND beer? Seems to be the first thing financially insecure airlines do is jetison the gin. If it hadn't of been for that bit of raw fish, I don't think you could have passed the main off as massively 'Japanese!'
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): you may see a rash of reports covering the AZ route to NRT in the coming months as a result. The deal was amazing….a return flight to Tokyo for less than US$100. The catch? It started from MXP and finished in BRI (Bari, southern Italy), routing via NRT. And the maximum stay in Tokyo? Well, depending on your choice of flights, between 3 and 6 hours
Upset not to have acted quickly on this one. Grr. . .
From the library? I used to do that, but kept loosing them, and I am more inclined to doodle and interact with my guidebooks nowadays...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The next day I got my usual bus to LHR, before hopping on the Heathrow Express for the short trip over to Terminal 5
I thought you were only a bus journey from LTN?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): It’s sad to see the faded yellow planes of IB polluting the clean blue and red of BA
Well said! Here here.... But just you wait, IAG will turn it into a cash cow and get rid of that middle faded red stripe...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Twenty minutes after take off, the trolley reached my row. I was happy to see a full sized sub-roll (chicken with pork stuffing) handed out, along with a double “gabrielchew”. Tasty!
A delightful sight. Very British all round...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): This pigeon caused quite some consternation from the Japanese (and one British) passengers – not what one expects in the EU.
haha - clearly a security breach if this plucky character can get in a 'sealed' airport...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I stop and have a quick chat with the British FA who’s terribly friendly. She asks if she can get me anything. “Is it possible to get a limoncello?”
Surprised at a UK FA. Was she bilingual? Nice to hear she was friendly... and the chocolates worked. It is a high-risk strategy but paid off! Gotta cry 'False Advertising here' as from you intro photo, I thoughts the whole Y cabin was getting glass lemencello, a real spoon, and a massive italian dessert.
Thankfully the reality wasn't too bad either, thanks AZ for your comp glitches.
Thanks Gabriel for an excellent start to the series.
EY460 From United States of America, joined Jan 2012, 232 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (7 months 2 weeks 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 11004 times:
Great report and pics! Thanks for sharing! Regarding the Air One A320: they are here to stay. Air One Smart Carrier is the low-cost brand of Alitalia and it uses A320. There are still two former Air One A330 in Alitalia fleet, one still in old colours, and both with an old interior configuration. They are both used for charter flights (or last minute emergency plane changes) and they are supposed to leave the fleet next year.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1050 posts, RR: 20 Reply 16, posted (7 months 2 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 10823 times:
Hi Gabe
Nice to see the first of many TRs from this latest epic travel series up - I was curious to see how AZ to NRT would be and from what you've showed us, looked pretty good. Not sure how things would have felt if the flight had been full. Great stuff for booking that fare (and to AZ for honouring the booking)!
Have made mental note to self not to choose a window seat on their 772s! Ouch!
The chocolate offer seemed to do the trick - great response from the crew. Sometimes just a small thing - to show appreciation for what I imagine is a rather thankless job these days, can go a long way. I know Marc has been doing this for some time and it's generally received positively.
Thanks again and great to see some pics of the Olympics and Japan as well.
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): From the library? I used to do that, but kept loosing them, and I am more inclined to doodle and interact with my guidebooks nowadays...
Well in the end I only took the South India one....too heavy to take them all!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14): I thought you were only a bus journey from LTN?
Ha, i am!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 14):
Surprised at a UK FA. Was she bilingual? Nice to hear she was friendly... and the chocolates worked.
Quoting EY460 (Reply 15): Regarding the Air One A320: they are here to stay. Air One Smart Carrier is the low-cost brand of Alitalia and it uses A320. There are still two former Air One A330 in Alitalia fleet, one still in old colours, and both with an old interior configuration. They are both used for charter flights (or last minute emergency plane changes) and they are supposed to leave the fleet next year.
Right, thanks for the info!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 16):
Nice to see the first of many TRs from this latest epic travel series up
Thanks
Quoting palmjet (Reply 16): Great stuff for booking that fare (and to AZ for honouring the booking)!
I think it was more a question of AZ not realising!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 16): The chocolate offer seemed to do the trick - great response from the crew. Sometimes just a small thing - to show appreciation for what I imagine is a rather thankless job these days, can go a long way. I know Marc has been doing this for some time and it's generally received positively.
Yes, it's a great idea, althohg nof course not all crews deserve them....
Quoting palmjet (Reply 16): Thanks again and great to see some pics of the Olympics and Japan as well.
SRQKEF From Iceland, joined Jun 2011, 691 posts, RR: 1 Reply 18, posted (7 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 10581 times:
Hi Gabriel,
Great report! Seems AZ are pretty decent in Y. My dad flew them to Rio back in 2010 in J and was positively surprised. Seems like they've completet transferred from the monster they were to true Italian Class.
Kind regards and look forward for the next part!
Sveinn
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 42 Reply 21, posted (7 months 2 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 9643 times:
Hiya Gabs,
Good to read the first account on these Alitalia "super special fare" Asia trips. Glad to hear you didn't have any issues whatsoever with the booking or tickets. You know a bunch of us are doing a 4 hour turnaround to NRT in January and I'm also doing a same plane A380 turnaround to SIN two weeks later .
Nice to read about Japan too since I was just there two weeks ago with another "super special fare" deal, although with Aeroflot this time.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The reasons for this trip are numerous, so I’ll spare you the details other than that I would be away for 3 months, and spending my time mainly in China and India, along with shorter stays in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Bangladesh & Singapore.
Sounds like the beginning of another GC epic!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The map, courtesy of GC Mapper, of what is currently booked for this series:
Mate, you are one crazy mf, you know that?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): A little off topic, but fitting into the chronology of the trip, I managed to get hold of quite a few tickets for the Olympics. The photos may be of interest to some of you:
Well you know my opinion on this pointlessness...
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Next was the Beach Volleyball at Horse Guards’ Parade, which was far more interesting
Hey, there are a couple of pictures there I enjoy! I'm sure you know which ones
From a library?! I think you are in for a bit of a delay penalty if you return them after being three months on the road?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): As I was waiting in the airbridge, I had a browse through the complimentary copy of the i. It was nice to see some photos of the event I was at a few hours previously.
BA saving money these days with the newspapers? The Daily Mail is too expensive in favor of the 20p i? I really like Daily Mail, its political views are a perfect match to mine and because of that it is a great read!
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Twenty minutes after take off, the trolley reached my row. I was happy to see a full sized sub-roll (chicken with pork stuffing) handed out, along with a double “gabrielchew”. Tasty!
Ahh, the good old BA sandwiches. I really like them a lot, most of the time. Sometimes they are awful, but nine times out of ten they are great! Also good to see something more substantial on this route than the birdseeds you get on the shorter European routes.
BTW I think I invented that name for a G&T
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): My room was big and comfortable, although the view was less than inspiring. I thought that charging EUR 5 for a top up of the free tea, and the EUR 3 for a compulsory swimming cap was a little cheap.
So how much would've the "beautiful view surcharge" been?
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Boarding was from the same gate in the basement earlier that I’d flown from a few months earlier to Palermo on Air One. Given how many open gates there were in the terminal, I’m not sure why we were given a remote bus gate. Still, it was nice to board the A321 via the steps in the morning.
...and many of them available for amazingly cheap prices courtesy of AZ
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): This pigeon caused quite some consternation from the Japanese (and one British) passengers – not what one expects in the EU.
Well, a couple of weeks ago I spent some three hours at one of the AZ Schengen lounges and there was a sparrow flying inside! Luckily it didn't poop on me. Oh and they had some quite lovely looking sugar glazed croissants but those were out in the open and covered with a swarm of flies! Disgusting! And yes, this is the "old" EU.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): BA has arrived from LHR. My first time flying out of LHR T5 was on this exact aircraft on the LHR-FCO route.
What goes around comes around. Nice coincidence though.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I say this as the window seat legroom is AWFUL. There is a massive IFE box. I do NOT recommend the window seat (or the 2 very central seats E/F) for this reason. Stick to an aisle seat.
Wow, that looks horrible. I think I will be going for an aisle seat or maybe an exit row/bulkhead window. Hopefully the load on my flights will be similar with space to spread out.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): They were gratefully received, and a note of my seat number taken….boding well for a good flight?
Hmm. maybe I should try this same thing.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): The map showed here throughout the flight, even when the lights were switch off
Very nice, just the way I prefer it. SU did it too on their longhaul.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I’m presented with an ice cold limoncello (in a real AZ branded shot glass) and a Magnifica Class dessert. Benissimo!
Hmm, you sure like limoncello don't you? I don't like it that much - I find it far, far too sweet, preferring my tipple to be on the dry side. But never tried it chilled though, maybe it makes a big difference.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): These pictures aren’t good, but it’s us crossing the foggy Russian coast….truly beautiful!
Yeah, had similar experiences on my SU flights. Flying SVO-NRT makes you appreciate what a huge country Russia really is. You really overfly only two countries - Russia and Japan plus a bit of international waters between the two. Around ten hours of flying of which nine hours are spent in Russian airspace. Amazing - and the country even goes on for a good bit towards the east and also towards the west from Moscow!
I counted four or five DL 747s there at one time! Plus the 757s operating the shorted APAC sectors.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): Thank you again to the kind person to alert me to the excellent Alitalia fare….you saved me quite a nice sum of money, as well as introducing me to Skyteam’s longhual product (which is more than adequate I believe).
Hmm, that was me, wasn't it? If so then you are most welcome!
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 22, posted (7 months 2 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 9229 times:
Hi Gabriel!
Thanks for a very nice report with very nice pictures !
That's a very long trip you just started !
BA looks nice as always and hotel looks nice too.
AZ 777 looks very familiar to me I was almost in the same seat on my flight in late May LAX-FCO although I was across the aisle. That IFE box is the largest I've ever seen, like a small bag rather than a normal IFE box. I was lucky to get the aisle and not have the box under my seat.
You were very lucky that the load was so light that you had three seats for yourself. That makes a huge difference to have so much space and to be able to get lots of sleep.
Very much looking forward to follow this series of reports!
The777Man
PS Any recommodation for a restaurent in Beijing that serves good Peking duck ? I'll be there in about 10 days DS
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8258 posts, RR: 56 Reply 24, posted (7 months 2 weeks 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 9087 times:
Nice read GC, thanks for posting.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): I think public support for the Olympics jumped from “waste of money” & “not interested” beforehand to “oooh, I wonder if there are any ticket left for…” & “that was AWESOME!” by the end.
- Agreed, I think that's a good view of most peoples thoughts.
Quoting gabrielchew (Thread starter): As I had guessed from the ridiculous fares (one way was selling at nearly GBP 500 one way), this flight was fully booked. I’m amazed an Avios seat opened up just a week beforehand
- Indeed, I'd never have expected one to show up at last minute, bit of a result really.
The size of the IFE box is amazing, it's frigging huge?
The AZ 772 interior Y looks very dull, too much grey, looks very drab.
Food and general catering looks ok, interesting the don't serve spirits in Y.
25 767747: Great report, gabrielchew! It sounds like you had a good trip with Alitalia! The food and service looks to be really good on your flight to NRT; I'm i
26 gabrielchew: Thanks for all the comments! Thanks Yes, hopefully will be good Maybe you should! Yes, it all went well Yes, it might be I only brough the South India
27 airbuseric: Hey Gabriel, great read, and the pics still come out really well too! Pleasantly surprised by AZ. I knew the seats would be my liking (saw them on the
28 gabrielchew: Thanks Eric! Ha, yes, I don't think it will work if EVERYONE takes a box! I love Ryokans! Such nice places to stay
29 deltamartin: Hi Gabriel! Nice report and a great read of the start of your next big trip! Glad to see you took advantage of that great AZ fare, good idea to use it
30 SR117: Hey Gabriel Many thanks for the report, I was looking forward to this one. Is it my imagination, or does FCO look slightly less crappy than MXP? That
31 starrymarkb: How do you find out about such deals?! is it word of mouth? I'd have been up for a trip to Tokyo And Alitalia long haul looks very nice apart from th
32 gabrielchew: Thanks Glad you liked them! Um, I guess it varies on the airline. BA seats are quite fat compared to the new ones on LH etc Thanks, glad you like it
33 MSS658: Hello Gab Thanks for putting up this report, it was for sure an interesting read. Nice to see what we can expect the following months here on the boar
34 gabrielchew: No problem Marc! yeah, AZ is pretty good, except for those awful window boxes Yes, thanks for teaching it to me! I will now use it selectively as I t
35 adamspotter: Hi Gabriel! Excellent report on part 1 of this epic looking series, well done! I was one of the unfortunate ones to get this dirt cheap flight I booke
36 dc9northwest: Hey Gabriel, Thanks a lot for writing it up... it's something that interests me personally, of course AZ seems to have reached a certain standard on t
37 gabrielchew: Thanks! Ah, thats a shame. I wasn't even contacted by AZ or the agent. Yes, AZ are pretty good...and the chocolates can't hurt! Glad you liked it!
38 I39OO: Hi Gabriel, thanks for your TR. It's interesting to read a review of Alitalia's "new" Y class on the 777 as I was quite concerned with the 3-4-3 layou
39 AlwaysOnAPlane: Hiya Gabe. Your GCMap has just had me calling you a crazy b*****d (not for the 1st time) A really enjoyable start to the write up and a very nice touc
40 gabrielchew: Thanks for the comments! No problem! I was concerned at first too, but AZ were pretty good. Well, they do free wine and beer. The grappa spray sounds
41 infodesk: Hi Gabriel, I've finally got round to reading this, sorry it's taken me so long. I was curious to see if everything worked out on the bargain fare you
42 gabrielchew: Yes, everything worked out - great value for money! Wonderful indeed. I love a good set of stairs! (it's the one near 100% positive thing about FR!)
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