hello all

This trip report is on an airline I am slowly gaining more and more miles with. Being stationed in
southern Japan has afforded me many opportunities to see the beauty that Japan has to offer. I've been
here a little over a year, and so far LOVE IT! However, when it comes to emergencies or short notice
travel, it can be rather bothersome finding something affordable. This trip happened September 2-9. I
returned to Chicago to surprise a great friend/university roommate of mine for his wedding on the 4th.
Frantically looking for something at, or under 2000USD round-trip from FUK-NRT-ORD, I found it
on ANA! Now, I have flown ANA numerous times domestically and internationally in the last year, and
like their service (not to mention I also have many miles on UA). Most recently was in June for the same routing.

Leaving the apartment:


4 days prior to the departure, the day I got the "OK" for my leave, I went on the ANA website and
found tickets for 1,686USD. The routing was FUK-NRT-IAD-ORD-NRT/HND-FUK. Ok, with only a week visit,
that extra connection in IAD, and the middle seat the way there, was NOT something I was happy about,
nor the transfer from NRT-HND, but, for short notice and price. I said, "Deal with it!"

Then, the worst. I go on the ANA website a day or so later to check if I could get out of the middle
seat. "YOUR RESERVATION HAS BEEN CANCELED". WHAT!? Ok, I spent 5 years in the airline business, and
never have I heard of this. So, I called up ANA and found out that when I tried to change seats the
night before, they were doing some server work and it must have messed with my reservation. So, since I was not the only one affected by this, they gladly re-instated my ticket and did something unbelievable for me. They put me on a DIRECT NRT-ORD flight, and put me on a NRT-FUK flight on the return segment.... THEN, put me in premium economy for the same price. I was stunned, talk about great service! I still am dumbfounded on how this happened.
Since I live 2 hours from Fukuoka (FUK), and my NRT flight left @ 0755, I had to overnight in FUK. I love FUK, and the ANA CROWN PLAZA hotel. Since Japan is excellent at their on-time performance with trains, I rushed as hard as I could to catch the usual hourly express to Hakata. Except, with 3 bags it was a little harder. I literally got on the track as the train was pulling away. Oh well, one hour later I was on my way, and had the whole car to myself which is rare.

Pulling into Hakata station, I did the 10 minute walk to the ANA hotel, where what turned out to be crew members for my flight the following AM were checking in beside me. Showing up to a very busy FUK airport at 0630 for my 0755 flight to NRT, I went to the premium economy lane where the lady said, "oh Mr. Rabin, please follow me." I think, great. WTH did I do? They brought me to the front of the very short security line and then to the business class counter. I almost said,
"OK, seriously, I get the jester, I am very thankful for it. please. not necessary". Not to mention I am tired of schlepping my checked bag and suit/garment bag and roll aboard.NO, Turns out the NRT-ORD flight was oversold in premium economy and I was upgraded to BUSINESS!

Relaxing in the ANA lounge @ FUK Airport.


AWESOME! Totally didn't see this coming. So, that explained the counter change.

I was issued my same seat to NRT, which didn't bother me. It's such just over 1.6 hours and is very scenic if you sit on the left side.. I had the entire 8th row to myself which was a nice touch. I wanted to see if I could get access to the ANA lounge @ FUK with my ticket, and yup, it worked! So, I spent about 40 minutes in there and then went to my gate, 6



Still waiting to get a flight on this bird!!

The flight up had us pass KIX and Mt. Fuji with a nice approach to landing on 16L @ NRT. Once parked at the stand, we had the typical air stairs and bus to the terminal. I guess no one was in a hurry, or, had 52 minutes to get from the plane to the connection, but I said, "SCREW THIS" and found a hole to pass other paxs, and cut in front of 7 rows of passengers to clear immigration/security that much faster.


Deplaning via air stairs


Getting to gate 52, the same as when I flew this exact flight in June, I noticed they had already started boarding and made my way on board a few moments later only to stop for one last C.C Lemon!Knowing I had a J class seat, I was hoping I may just have the new seats, as this looked like a relatively new 773ER. No such luck. Minutes later the flight attendant came by to introduce herself and as I was waiting for her to ask what I'd like to drink, she instead asked if I wanted to read something. Oh well. I can get my drink on shortly anyhow.

Seat 14K

nice scenery to look at while waiting for push back.


Push back and departure were a few minutes behind schedule, but we managed to get in about 10 minutes early so it didn't matter.

Scheduled flying time was 10h40m. Looking periodically at the flight map, we were pushing 600mph. Fine by me. With 7days 2hours to my time in Chicago, any extra time was appreciated. I had put my camera in the overhead for lunch service as it was a bit bumpy and I didn't want anything to fall on it. But, lunch was pretty good. I had the Japanese meal with some noodles, fish and beef with peanut butter sauce for the main course. I skipped desert as I am not a sweets or ice cream eater.

Business class "mini-bar"

Looking threw the AVOD, I noticed I had watched all the movies, on the play list, or didn't want to watch them. That was a bit upsetting that much of the same movies were still available from just over a month and a half ago prior. So, I watched some movies on my netbook I had.

Since there was no formal breakfast service time, but, eat at your leisure, I ordered udon noodles with champagne for a mid flight snack. Delicious!

Then, I asked for a rum and coke to enjoy after, except, I got RAMEN and coke. So, I stuck with Champagne and went thru more than I had wanted to some 8 hours later.

(Some seat images. The lady next to me took a stretch break which afforded me this chance!)



I only slept for about 3 hours as the lady next to me kept snoring VERY loudly, and being 6 feet tall, I was a bit too tall for the angled lie flat bed. Waking up somewhere near Seattle, I gave up on trying to sleep and enjoyed a few more movies, and the rest of the champagne.

The rest of the flight went uneventful.

no more champagne!!



Landing in ORD would take place on 14R and parked @ M11 a few minutes later. From our IN time to
receiving my bag was 9 minutes. (This beat a previous record on AA when I worked for them having
arrived from LHR during the afternoon rush of 10 minutes). 5 minutes later I was outside customs and
headed home with my parents.

The wedding went well, and my friend, Brandon, was VERY surprised. The reception was very fun, too, to
say the least.

A few days later, I went flying with the flight school I did my Private with, American Flyers @ DuPage
airport (DPA). I absolutely love this school, and the people who work there. I knew I wouldn't be
doing any formal training, but rather just to bring my parents up for a quick lake shore fly-by for an hour or so.

Returning flight:
NH011 ORD-NRT
NH2143 NRT-FUK
ORD-NRT-FUK.

Checking in for my NRT flight at ORD took moments as most passengers on this flight seem to be connecting paxs.

FINE BY ME.

I had about an hour or so to kill, so I went thru the military security line, after spending some time
at the USO. I checked to see if I could get upgraded, but after they said, "sure thing." they then said, "wait, you're 6,000miles short for an upgrade. sorry!" Oh well, premium economy would be fine.

Or would it?
Prior to push and start, I noticed this AA772 was tugged to the runway, and a few minutes later, departed.

leaving ORD on 32L full length gave us a GREAT view of ORD and the skyline that I never tire of.

12H20M would be flying time.

you can actually change your seat positions without knowing it due to the location of the buttons.

definitely a great touch for those of us who bring laptops!
The seat is more comfortable than a regular Y seat, but it certainly needs more recline. The meal is the same. If you are going to buy a full fare Y seat, get premium economy. but, if you're gonna spend that kind of money, just buy business for a few hundred more.

I ended up having 18HK to myself which was VERY nice as I tend to get up many times to stretch. For some reason the moron sitting next to me had the nerve to ask me this question.

"Can I ask you a question?"
-Sure, what can I do for ya?
"Well, I hear you speaking some Japanese with the flight attendants, and since we're going to Vietnam,
I'd like to know why you're speaking it."
-Well, I live in Japan, and we're flying to Tokyo. I might as well practice.
"wait. my wife and I are going to Vietnam, not Tokyo. Wait, what?"
-Tokyo is in japan, we're going to Japan ( I said very confused)
"What about our flight to Hanoi?"
-You'll connect in Nartia
"What about Tokyo?"
"It's the same place, Tokyo narita. Like New York's Kennedy INTL"

this unbelievable conversation went on for 30 minutes!! I can understand the Tokyo to Narita thing, but seriously. TOKYO IS IN JAPAN!!!! They later asked me if I knew if they'd feed us on the flight.

DUDE WE JUST ATE AN HOUR AGO!!!! YES, WE'RE GONNA BE FED AGAIN!!!

I got off that plane faster than anyone else. I never saw them again. Bummer...
I spent the rest of the flight not going crazy from the "other" paxs, to drink some awesome CHU-HAI's and practice some Japanese on the gorgeous FA working my zone. I tried to tell her if she ever comes
to Fukuoka to call me, but I said, "Don't ever call me Fukuoka". I definitely never got her number after that embarrassment. So much for wanting an FA girlfriend to go non-rev while living here.

I spent about 4 hours in Narita plane spotting and exploring NRT. Wow I love this airport.


You'd think we're @ ATL with all the DL tails! How many flights/day does DL now have?

something rare! (to me)


The flight to FUK was full, as usual, and on-time. I caught the 2032 train to Sasebo(2hours) and asleep almost immediately once I got into my apartment.

I will continue to FLY ANA/Star alliance as I like the service I continue to get on them. This recent experience was defintely appreciated. getting free upgrades is great! This trip, and a quick day trip to Osaka next week for lunch with some friends will make me a BRONZE level member on ANA. I go to South Korea in about 3 weeks for the weekend, and then to Hong Kong in November for some site seeing with co-workers. hopefully, I'll have another tier on ANA then.

To Summarize, the service on ANA was great. But, I felt the J class service was lacking. No amenity
kits, very slow to respond FA's. the PE class was a nice touch, but certainly not worth the price compared to a little more for J. I'd fly PE over Y anyday though. The FUK-NRT shuttles are quick, so there isn't much to really expect. comfortable seats, good service, air stairs for quick plane spotting  

Thank you all for reading. I hope you enjoyed it as much I as did traveling it.

1st picture is stunningly beautiful....nice trip report!

Hi 777ord

Thanks for this great report on ANA, and having it done up so quickly as well. There were some excellent pics. And funny too. Enjoyed it very much!

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): They put me on a DIRECT NRT-ORD flight, and put me on a NRT-FUK flight on the return segment.... THEN, put me in premium economy for the same price. I was stunned, talk about great service!

Wow, isn't that something? Excellent stuff.

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): Turns out the NRT-ORD flight was oversold in premium economy and I was upgraded to BUSINESS!

Rotten luck you're getting  

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): ANA lounge @ FUK

Looks stunning.

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): I was issued my same seat to NRT, which didn't bother me. It's such just over 1.6 hours and is very scenic if you sit on the left side..

Legroom on the 737 looks pretty good. Is this standard or did the forward rows have better pitch?

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): I was hoping I may just have the new seats, as this looked like a relatively new 773ER. No such luck

Shame. That would have been the icing, wouldn't it?

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): Business class "mini-bar"

Not very well stocked bar though...

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): hen, I asked for a rum and coke to enjoy after, except, I got RAMEN and coke.

LOL lost in translation.

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): I only slept for about 3 hours as the lady next to me kept snoring VERY loudly

And she has hairy legs too, eh?  

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): I got off that plane faster than anyone else. I never saw them again. Bummer...

Haha... I've my doubts if they can manage to get home.

Thanks again. Hope to see more of your reports.

Cheers
airpearl

serdar+airpearl. Thank you so much for your comments! They are appreciated.

Yes, I admit this TR came out rather quickly. The reason being, since I noticed over time there are not many ANA reports, let alone in premium economy or J class, so I figured I'd get one out asap should anyone be looking for one prior to making a purchase.

lol no she didn't have hairy legs. The leg pitch on the 737 was fine. My knee's hit the seat in front of me, until I reclined and could put my legs completely under the seat in front of me, and then i was fine. Those horse shoe shaped neck cushions work MIRACLES!

I still have 2 FUK-HND and HND-OKA(Okinawa) TR's to make. Although I think I'll just make it one long one. I just signed up for photobucket pro, and wow does that make adding pictures to a TR that much easier. But, I do ask, do they come out nicely re sized in the TR? They do on mine, I just want to make sure they're not enormous.

Quoting 777ord (Reply 3): I just signed up for photobucket pro, and wow does that make adding pictures to a TR that much easier. But, I do ask, do they come out nicely re sized in the TR? They do on mine, I just want to make sure they're not enormous.

They look fine on my Google Chrome browser. But I know that after a site 'upgrade' earlier this year, some reports on IE have come out "wide" with some pics arranged horizontally. That's why you see some trip reporters here start with just an intro in the initial post but put the body of the report in a 'reply'. That seems to solve the width problem. I'll try to resize my pics or load already resized pics onto photobucket, probably no bigger 800X600 usually.

Quoting 777ord (Reply 3): I still have 2 FUK-HND and HND-OKA(Okinawa) TR's to make. Although I think I'll just make it one long one.

Look forward to them!

Cheers
airpearl

Thank you for your TR. From one who used to live in Japan (Soka, just outside Tokyo), the pics brought back many memories, although if you can include more on your next trip that will make it even better.

I've flown ANA domestically out of HND many times and a couple times internationally between NRT-BKK. There service is very good, even in economy class.

I'm retired from AA so I always fly them between NRT and the US, although I would love to see how AA first class compares with JAL or ANA first class

thanks! I can definitely write enough TR"s on AA's premium service to make you crazy-I flew AA enough in a year to make EXEC PLAT!- Now, I miss my non-rev days with AA, and cannot wait to re-join the world of it.

I have been thru Soka once! Do you want more pics of Japan, or of the flight its self? I put about 14 in this one, or, did they not load. Regardless, tonight I'll have a TR from HND-OKA with PLENTY of Tokyo and Okinawa pics at your request  .

I too have done the BKK-NRT run on TG. Fantastic service on a -then- relatively new A346!

Quoting 777ord (Reply 6): Do you want more pics of Japan, or of the flight its self?

Both please. And thanks for asking!!

Great trip report. Enjoyed reading it. Nice pics as well. Lucky for getting a double upgrade from economy to business!

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): "Can I ask you a question?" -Sure, what can I do for ya? "Well, I hear you speaking some Japanese with the flight attendants, and since we're going to Vietnam, I'd like to know why you're speaking it." -Well, I live in Japan, and we're flying to Tokyo. I might as well practice. "wait. my wife and I are going to Vietnam, not Tokyo. Wait, what?" -Tokyo is in japan, we're going to Japan ( I said very confused) "What about our flight to Hanoi?" -You'll connect in Nartia "What about Tokyo?" "It's the same place, Tokyo narita. Like New York's Kennedy INTL" this unbelievable conversation went on for 30 minutes!! I can understand the Tokyo to Narita thing, but seriously. TOKYO IS IN JAPAN!!!! They later asked me if I knew if they'd feed us on the flight. DUDE WE JUST ATE AN HOUR AGO!!!! YES, WE'RE GONNA BE FED AGAIN!!!

Some people are not destined to travel. Being in the industry, I have heard some classics like the above as well.

Cheers,

Rob

Quoting travelR (Reply 8): Some people are not destined to travel. Being in the industry, I have heard some classics like the above as well.

LOL. Very true. About two years ago I non-rev'd from DFW to Buenos Aires in F class on AA with a friend of mine, and the lady next to me asked if I knew where her hotel was. I guess as me and the flight attendant were having a casual conversation about traveling, that I somehow either have stayed at or know the address to EVERY SINGLE Hilton hotel... The flight attendant told me quietly that that's the crew hotel but she was so annoyed with that woman she played dumb. Pretty much every flight I have a story for. I should probably write a small book about them. I could only imagine how pilots and FA's manage to write books about travel and only write on a FEW experiences!!

HND-OKA TR coming up!

Quoting 777ord (Thread starter): Then, I asked for a rum and coke to enjoy after, except, I got RAMEN and coke. So, I stuck with Champagne and went thru more than I had wanted to some 8 hours later.

= That is one of the funniest LOST IN TRANSLATION (pun intended) I have heard  .

Thanks for the awesome report - I wish I had the luck you have with the upgrades and all.

Great report and shows NH's good product - especially after a few negative reports of late.

Saludos,
A.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 10): Great report and shows NH's good product - especially after a few negative reports of late.

Thanks a bunch A! I've been happy with NH's service to date. Not to mention I think they have very attractive flight attendants/ground agents. I always seem to have the same ones work the gates for the flights I travel on.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 10): Great report and shows NH's good product - especially after a few negative reports of late.

One of which was probably from me  

I flew Y, though. And on the flights going JFK-NRT, there is no premium economy anymore. Actually it looks like the planes on ORD-NRT that the poster here flew on were not reconfigured yet - the seats look like the old style seats. (I've never seen those premium economy seats, but the economy seats on the inbound leg look like the old style.) So he both got the benefit of premium economy one way without maybe dealing with the new Y going the other way.

Also I might have felt differently in my trip report if I hadn't been flying ANA for ten years... they started out as just another airline (I remember having no IFE at all on one 14 hour flight, not even a movie on a big screen at the front of the cabin), then they got REALLY good for a while, and now they've downgraded a bit. It was disappointing for me to see them rise so far, so fast, and then to see them pulling back again. But they are still a Japanese airline, and their service level (as differentiated from their product) is still better than any US airline.

Quoting spacecadet (Reply 12): I flew Y, though. And on the flights going JFK-NRT, there is no premium economy anymore. Actually it looks like the planes on ORD-NRT that the poster here flew on were not reconfigured yet - the seats look like the old style seats. (I've never seen those premium economy seats, but the economy seats on the inbound leg look like the old style.) So he both got the benefit of premium economy one way without maybe dealing with the new Y going the other way. Also I might have felt differently in my trip report if I hadn't been flying ANA for ten years... they started out as just another airline (I remember having no IFE at all on one 14 hour flight, not even a movie on a big screen at the front of the cabin), then they got REALLY good for a while, and now they've downgraded a bit. It was disappointing for me to see them rise so far, so fast, and then to see them pulling back again. But they are still a Japanese airline, and their service level (as differentiated from their product) is still better than any US airline.

= I remember you saying this. It is disappointing because I have had good experiences on NH in the past ... and use to be a fan of them. Reports like yours have got me worried. I guess I will just have to fly them one of these days.

Saludos,
A.

Thanks for the TR. I would very much like to fly on the Pokemon plane. Wonder if i'll be so lucky.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 13):

woah, I was NOT aware of NH's service that many years ago being so well, interesting to put it nicely.

Correct. I did NOT fly on NH's new PE service. IT was the old stuff, same with Biz. The new PE class (and BIZ) are much nicer, even allowing you to order drinks/ food from your seat on the PTV. But, I read somewhere that that aircraft(s) are on the NRT-FRA run. Perhaps trying to keep some competition with LH's A380 service?

unfortunately I had to cancel my weekend trip to KIX, in exchange for a guys weekend near by. Either way, it'll be a great weekend!

A, you'll just have to fly them yourself to find out. Bummer, you GOTTA fly to Japan. rough  . Once here, you'll never want to leave. There is an old saying I am told: "Come to Japan and NOT climb Mt. Fuji. You are destined to return and stay till you do it!" Well, I came here about 2 years ago and didn't get a chance to climb her. And now look. I live here.  

Quoting 777ord (Reply 15): There is an old saying I am told: "Come to Japan and NOT climb Mt. Fuji. You are destined to return and stay till you do it!"

There is a saying, "Everyone should climb Fuji San once, a fool does it a second time. My church sponsored a trip up Mt Fuji just for me and I had an accident (I jumped out of a top bunk in a bunkhouse and hit my head on a ladder, and I had to get 6 stitches) and didn't get to go to the top. I haven't tried again, even though friend told me I haven't climbed it since I didn't go to the top.

Quoting 777ord (Reply 15): even allowing you to order drinks/ food from your seat on the PTV.

This was not operational when I flew on ANA and had not been since shortly after this service was introduced. Have they now reinstated seatback ordering?

Quoting spacecadet (Reply 17):

No, I have not seen it. But, their website does state the service is suspended. I mean, it is a pretty cool idea to have. but, I prefer actually talking to a human. Maybe it's me.. LOL