Date: 11 July 2011
Route: Manila MNL – Vancouver YVR
Distance: 6567mi
Flight : PR 116
Flight Time: 11:35h
Dep. Time: 19:18
Aircraft: Boeing 777-36N/ER
Registration: RP-C7776
Dep. Gate: N05 (T2)
Seat: 33A
Movies: The Adjustment Bureau, Unknown

189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER

Flown on 111 different 777 frames

47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)


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Photo © Allen Zhao

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Photo © Mike Head - TargetAir Images


Hi !

Background

I had originally planned to attend the trip reporters meeting in FRA on 9 July but I would have had to change my dialysis and go four days between dialysis’s sessions and I thought that was a bit too risky. Since I had the weekend off , why not try for another trip that would fit my schedule ? Monday 11 July was still open for vacation at work so I put in for it and started thinking. I still missed Philippine Airlines 77W and with the possibility of a transplant perhaps soon, it would just be very nice to complete my 777 carriers flown for now since I can’t go anywhere for a while later. I also have a good friend who lives there but was moving soon so it was prefect time to now rather than later.

Schedule actually worked very well even with my restrictions, PR flying the 77W MNL-YVR on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays with a connection to LAX the same evening on OO or AC. This meant I could be back in time for dialysis for Tuesday morning. I just had to leave LAX on Saturday after dialysis and connect thru NRT to MNL on NH or DL. I would spend about 24h there before going on the PR flight to YVR.

I get no discount on PR so had to purchase the ticket as a regular passenger. I went to their website and it was very easy to book it. I booked about 10 days before I travelled and unfortunately, the fare had gone up since I first had started planning the trip. It was also possible to select seats thru the website and I got the last window seat available,33A. This was over the wing and not what I would have preferred but at least it was a window. The seat next to me was open as well.

I had a nice flight on UA to NRT in First on a 777, N217UAand no problem getting on JA607A, a 763 to MNL on NH. I got picked up by my good friend Rich Strollo and I spent the night at his house. Next morning we went spotting for a few hours but it was raining so not really ideal. Later we had lunch and after a while later, he dropped me off at Terminal 2 at MNL.

Trip

Check in was a specifically designated check in areas for each flight rather than having one economy check in area for all destinations. The latter concept seems to have less wait and less lines so I had to wait for about 20 minutes for the available agent. There were only two check in agents available for economy class to Vancouver. Agent was friendly and efficient so soon I had my boarding pass in hand for 33A.

Not much to do in the terminal land side just a small convenience store. Very barren actually. I had to pay my departure tax before going thru passport control and then security. Not much wait at any of these lines and I was thru all of them in about 15 minutes.

Not much at air side either except of a smaller convenience store and small café that also sold sandwiches. I did some spotting before heading to my gate. I had half a can of something that very closely resembled Fanta but I forgot what it was called. There was an extra security check at the gate for the flight including going thru x-ray machine again. No problem for me and I was thru in no time.

Boarding started about 45 minutes before departure and started with Business calls first and then by row numbers from the back forward. Since I was in the third row from the front, I was in the last group to board which is not what I prefer. I like to board early to get pictures of the cabin before it gets too crowded.

First impressions of the seat was nice; a pillow and a blanket at every seat along with an amenity kit.





Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat. I did have about half a window slightly behinds me but not so great nonetheless.

Soothing colors in the cabin as well although they do not match the colors of the flight attendants uniform at all which are khaki-colored and a bit dated. I flew Philippine Airlines on my first Trans Pacific flight in Feb94 and they had the same uniforms back then. Flight attendants were not very friendly this time and just did their job. Nice to see the footrest as well and legroom was good.





The seats, screen and entertainment system seems to be almost exactly as on DL’s new 77Ls and UA’s refurbished 777s. There’s also a USB port which comes in handy to charge an iPhone or IPod.





We pushed back a few minutes early and soon had a powerful but long take off. It was dark at this time and raining again so not too much too see except for the lights of Manila.

About 30 minutes after take off dinner service started and they started at the front of the cabin so I was served quickly. No menu was given out but the made an announcement about the two choices which I think were chicken or beef. I chose beef which came with rice, vegetables, bread and a pasta salad. I had a glass of Coca Cola to drink. The pasta salad wasn’t good at all and the beef wasn’t that good either. I had some tea afterwards.



I started the Airshow map and it was a new generation which is very good. Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.









I started watching movies; The Adjustment Bureau before I got tired and went to sleep. The selection of movies was not that great and a bit too limited in my opinion. From what I could see, the offered about 80 movies but a lot of them were older or a whole series ie all Harry Potter movies (except the last one). I must have been very tired as I slept about five hours or so . After I woke up, I watched Unknown and shortly after that breakfast service started about 90 minutes before arrival.

I had chicken with rice and it also came with a pastry, bread and some fruit. The chicken was better than the dinner and the pastry was very tasty. I had a glass of orange juice along with a cup of tea. A pet peeve of mine is to get a toothpick with the meal and it did come with breakfast but not with dinner which is a bit odd.



Even though most passengers were born in the Philippines and most likely spoke Tagalog, all announcements including from the cockpit were only in English except for a brief arrival announcement in Vancouver. All conversations during meal service with flight attendants were in English only that I could hear.

We had a scenic approach to Vancouver and had smooth landing towards the west. A short taxi followed and my latest 777 adventure was over. Routing was close to the coast of Japan and then straight across the Pacific to Vancouver. We eventually got up to 38 000 feet.





Epilogue

I still had to fly home to Los Angeles and I was the only passenger heading for US immigration and Customs from the PR flight. I was actually called in for secondary inspection at Customs as they were curios why I had no bags and that my trip was very short. I was cleared in about 30 minutes and got to the gate for the UAX/OO flight but it tunred out that the flight was full so I could not get on. I then tried my luck with AC and that worked out fine so I had my first flight on a EMB-190 which is a great airplane. The PTV was working including the airshow map and I watched The Fighter all the way to LAX.

Flying on PR was okay but nothing special. It was nice to complete my 777 carriers flying for now but the flight itself was not that special. Food could be better as well as FAs along with the entertainment. My first Trans Pacific flight with PR was actually more memorable with friendlier FAs and better food.







I started to fly on different carriers’s 777 in May 1997 with my friend Rich Strollo so very fitting to complete it for now with a visit to see him in MNL and to fly the last carrier for now, PR.

I dedicate this report to him.



There are currently three more carriers scheduled to take delivery of 777s direct from Boeing, Biman Bangladesh, Garuda Indonesia and Royal Brunei (although still listed as unidentified customer) and I hope to fly on these as they take delivery. Next one for me probably early next year on Garuda.

Thank you for reading and looking forward to your comments.

The777Man

Hi Lars,

Good read a usual, thanks for posting.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

- Thats a very impressive feat, congratulations, not the easiest thing to have achieved over the years.

I have to say the whole PR product is a bit weaker than I had expected, I really thought they might have lifted their game a little, guess not.

Shame about the window seat not having a window, had the same problem a few years back in EY, what's the point of a window seat if there's no window??

Not too keen on the seat fabric closed, looks a very dated design.

The 1st meal service looked weak,breakfast looked much better.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Take care.

Best wishes

Mark

It's always nice to see TRs about PR!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Not much at air side either except of a smaller convenience store and small café that also sold sandwiches. I did some spotting before heading to my gate. I had half a can of something that very closely resembled Fanta but I forgot what it was called. There was an extra security check at the gate for the flight including going thru x-ray machine again. No problem for me and I was thru in no time.

Royal. The Filipino version of Fanta  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Soothing colors in the cabin as well although they do not match the colors of the flight attendants uniform at all which are khaki-colored and a bit dated.

I agree. How were the FAs? The transpacific flights usually gets the older FAs while the more attractive and young FAs gets the domestic flights.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): The pasta salad wasn’t good at all and the beef wasn’t that good either. I had some tea afterwards.

PR's meals are geared toward Filipino taste, so I guess it's a cultural thing.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I started the Airshow map and it was a new generation which is very good. Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.

They also show this on the domestic flights, a bit odd. And yes, there's a large Muslim minority in the South.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I had chicken with rice and it also came with a pastry, bread and some fruit. The chicken was better than the dinner and the pastry was very tasty. I had a glass of orange juice along with a cup of tea. A pet peeve of mine is to get a toothpick with the meal and it did come with breakfast but not with dinner which is a bit odd.

Quantity looks good. If I'm right, the pastry you had was from Goldilock's. A very popular pastry shop / restaurant in the Philippines (and in the Filipino community in the US)

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Even though most passengers were born in the Philippines and most likely spoke Tagalog, all announcements including from the cockpit were only in English except for a brief arrival announcement in Vancouver. All conversations during meal service with flight attendants were in English only that I could hear.

Even on domestic flights, only English is spoken during announcements. While it's nice to hear PR utilize Filipino more (being the flag carrier of the Philippines) Most Filipinos can speak and understand English, so it won't be a problem.


Thanks for sharing. I agree with you, PR is nothing special. Decent, FAs are usually inconsistent though some are very friendly. I still prefer PR over 5J.

Thanks for another great TR, The777Man! I've been very curious about PR's transpacific offering, and it looks like their service is not so great. Perhaps morale has gone down because of the EU Blacklisting? Although, their hard-product looks good in my opinion. A shame the 77Ws aren't allowed in the U.S.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat. I did have about half a window slightly behinds me but not so great nonetheless.

I hate it when that happens.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): The pasta salad wasn’t good at all and the beef wasn’t that good either. I had some tea afterwards.

That meal does indeed look pretty horrible.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I started the Airshow map and it was a new generation which is very good. Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.

I love these new airshow maps, they look a lot cooler than the older-style ones.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): There are currently three more carriers scheduled to take delivery of 777s direct from Boeing, Biman Bangladesh, Garuda Indonesia and Royal Brunei (although still listed as unidentified customer) and I hope to fly on these as they take delivery.

You can safely strike Royal Brunei off your list. The latest round of rationalisation exercise saw a host of destination slated to be dumped - and a consensus that the 777 is too large for their needs.

Hey Lars! Fantastic report as usual  . Really. It made a good start to an evening of catching up on TR's. Thanks for taking the time and sharing it with us.

Some other comments:

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Flown on 111 different 777 frames

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

= CONGRATULATIONS MAN! This is quite a feat. No promises, but I will forward your email to a buddy of mine who knows people at Boeing. Perhaps, they can recognize this? Again, no promises. I will CC you on the email.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Rich Strollo

= You know. I was trying to place this name - and was scratching my head. Then after finishing this report, I realized that I am pretty sure I have met the guy in Manila when I did my move out of my ADB assignment. Could be wrong though - but am pretty sure. It is a small world indeed.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Even though most passengers were born in the Philippines and most likely spoke Tagalog, all announcements including from the cockpit were only in English except for a brief arrival announcement in Vancouver. All conversations during meal service with flight attendants were in English only that I could hear.

= I never got this about the Philippines. They have so much nationalism, yet little when it comes to their national language.

Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 4): You can safely strike Royal Brunei off your list. The latest round of rationalisation exercise saw a host of destination slated to be dumped - and a consensus that the 777 is too large for their needs.

= And for once, BI is right  .

Thanks again.

Saludos,
A.

Hi Lars, great report about your latest 777 adventure!    I had been waiting for this one. I had expected a much better PR product, but I still wouldn't mind trying the airline one day.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER Flown on 111 different 777 frames 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

This is absolutey amazing, congratulations!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I had originally planned to attend the trip reporters meeting in FRA on 9 July but I would have had to change my dialysis and go four days between dialysis’s sessions and I thought that was a bit too risky.

Let's meet at LAX next year, as you suggested!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): First impressions of the seat was nice; a pillow and a blanket at every seat along with an amenity kit.

That's not too bad!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat. I did have about half a window slightly behinds me but not so great nonetheless.

Nightmare, I hate those seats.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Soothing colors in the cabin as well although they do not match the colors of the flight attendants uniform at all which are khaki-colored and a bit dated. I flew Philippine Airlines on my first Trans Pacific flight in Feb94 and they had the same uniforms back then. Flight attendants were not very friendly this time and just did their job.

Well, at least they have 777s now...

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.

Good to see they take account of that minority.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I was actually called in for secondary inspection at Customs as they were curios why I had no bags and that my trip was very short.

Well, shouldn't The777Man meanwhile be well known everywhere?  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): The PTV was working including the airshow map and I watched The Fighter all the way to LAX.

Good to hear!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): There are currently three more carriers scheduled to take delivery of 777s direct from Boeing, Biman Bangladesh, Garuda Indonesia and Royal Brunei (although still listed as unidentified customer) and I hope to fly on these as they take delivery. Next one for me probably early next year on Garuda.

Sounds exciting. I'll also try GA later this year, but it won't be a 777, unfortunately.


PH

Hi Lars,
as promised, my read for breakfast today! It was a good one to read, a bit of a shame that the PR experience didn't turn out to complete satisfaction in the end.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

Impressive!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I had originally planned to attend the trip reporters meeting in FRA on 9 July but

Yeah, it would've been nice to meet up, but there will be another time also!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Schedule actually worked very well even with my restrictions, PR flying the 77W MNL-YVR on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays with a connection to LAX the same evening on OO or AC. This meant I could be back in time for dialysis for Tuesday morning. I just had to leave LAX on Saturday after dialysis and connect thru NRT to MNL on NH or DL. I would spend about 24h there before going on the PR flight to YVR.

Hmm, I would say, this also belongs to what is a good scheduling department... impressive again  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Agent was friendly and efficient so soon I had my boarding pass in hand for 33A.

Since you were not completely satisfied with this overwing seat, didn't you ask for another available window seat elsewhere?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat. I did have about half a window slightly behinds me but not so great nonetheless.

Bummer! That's was really bad... no chance to move once on board?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): No menu was given out but the made an announcement about the two choices which I think were chicken or beef. I chose beef which came with rice, vegetables, bread and a pasta salad. I had a glass of Coca Cola to drink. The pasta salad wasn’t good at all and the beef wasn’t that good either. I had some tea afterwards.

Meal doesn't look great either, and no menu leaflet/card... overall poor impression.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.

Hmm,... maybe it's not odd but positive to see that PR wants to serve the whole country and offers a product for everybodies needs?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I then tried my luck with AC and that worked out fine so I had my first flight on a EMB-190 which is a great airplane.

Congrats! Somewhat different to the mighty 777's, but fully agree, E90's are my preferred aircraft these days for shorter flights!

Looking forward already to the GA delivery and I hope to see them around in AMS also...

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): and with the possibility of a transplant perhaps soon,

I hope this comes soon and turns out all positive for you! Wish you all the best and good recovery!

Eric

Good trip report on another 777. I flew this same 777 last year MNL-NRT. At that time, PR was only using it on flights between MNL and NRT or SYD. They said they could not fly it into the US because the Philippines civil aviation rating is Category 2.

I have had very good service on PR and found the cabin crews very friendly. Sorry this trip was not the same for you.

And I was also able to visit the cockpit after landing. The PR pilots were very friendly.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I still had to fly home to Los Angeles and I was the only passenger heading for US immigration and Customs from the PR flight. I was actually called in for secondary inspection at Customs as they were curios why I had no bags and that my trip was very short.

I got pulled in for secondary inspection at DFW last year, but they were very polite and said it was only a random selection.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I get no discount on PR so had to purchase the ticket as a regular passenger

Were you not able to use a ZED fare on PR? That is how I usually fly on them, except I had to purchase a full fare ticket from PPS because I lost my ZED ticket. I'm glad I still had my ZED ticket MNL-NRT.

Thank you for your trip report. Your travel on the 777 is certainly much more impressive than mine

Lars

Great TR as usual. Very informative. Looks like PR 77W have good leg room.

What about CEIBA Intercontinental. They have a 77L but went into storage after delivery?

What's your plans to fly CEIBA  

Sam

Hi Lars,

Great to read about another new triple seven carrier, and on the mighty 300ER as well, which is an amazing beast.

Nice planning in that you could meet up and hang around with your mate for a while in Manila.

As noted by others above, the service on PR doesn't sound that good, but at least they got you to Vancouver safe and sound.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER Flown on 111 different 777 frames 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

These statistics are mind blowing! Absolutely amazing achivement, I give you that!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I started to fly on different carriers’s 777 in May 1997

Interesting, I still regard the triple seven as a "new" plane type - but it's already been around for fifteen years... How time flies.

Maybe you need to start diversifying now - how about flying all the carriers with any Boeing aircraft on service?    

Hi Lars,

Very nice report. If my memory serves, this is supposed to be the first report of PR 77W. Congratulations of your achievement of flying all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing . You really are The777Man!   

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): but I would have had to change my dialysis and go four days between dialysis’s sessions and I thought that was a bit too risky

Wise decision. Do put your safety and well-being first. Never mind about missing out the meeting. There is always a next time.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): It was also possible to select seats thru the website and I got the last window seat available,33A.

I like the this feature. Especially when it comes free of charge.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat

Yikes! Nothing worse than being stuck on long haul flight without window view!  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): The pasta salad wasn’t good at all and the beef wasn’t that good either

Shame. What was wrong with the meal?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority

I think PR is just tolerant.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): so I had my first flight on a EMB-190 which is a great airplane.

My unfulfilled dream to fly E-jet hopefully comes true soon.  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Next one for me probably early next year on Garuda.

That sounds terrific. If our schedule fits, Herman and I might be joining you.  

Thanks for sharing. I do hope we will be able to meet each other in person one day.

Best wishes,
Suryo

Thank you fro sharing, congratulations on flying all those carriers that seems like a whole lot of adventures.
You don't have pass privileges/zed agreements with PR? Most probably you were better off, I have a co-worker whose family got stuck last summer for 4 weeks trying to get back to the states from MNL (overbooked flights). Then again there were 3 of them, but they had passes to YVR, LAX and SFO - nothing.
I have always been very curious about PR and awlays wanted to fly them, but I am afraid of getting stuck in MNL as I have heard flights out of MNL are usually full.
Best of luck with the transplant!!!

Regards,

Chepos

Hi, Lars,

very good to follow you´re latest story, well done.
PR is for sure not that much covered here, a real good insight what they offer these days.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

Congrats.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I had originally planned to attend the trip reporters meeting in FRA on 9 July but I would have had to change my

Next time, hopefully, maybe at LAX!.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 77W and with the possibility of a transplant perhaps soon, it would just be very nice to complete my 777 carriers flown for now since I can’t go anywhere for a while later.

Good luck, Lars, wish you all the best.

Greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)

Hi !

Thanks for all the very nice comments !

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): - Thats a very impressive feat, congratulations, not the easiest thing to have achieved over the years.

It's been a long time, just have to try to do a few at a time and be persistant. Thanks!

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): I have to say the whole PR product is a bit weaker than I had expected, I really thought they might have lifted their game a little, guess not.

Seat was good but FA's not so friendly and IFE lacking a bit.

Quoting JetBlue777 (Reply 2): Royal. The Filipino version of Fanta

Thank you for the info! It was pretty good.

Quoting JetBlue777 (Reply 2): How were the FAs? The transpacific flights usually gets the older FAs while the more attractive and young FAs gets the domestic flights

That makes sense. Last time I flew PR (1994) they were younger and friendlier and that was on MNL-LAX. The 744s were only two months old at that time.....

Quoting JetBlue777 (Reply 2): If I'm right, the pastry you had was from Goldilock's. A very popular pastry shop / restaurant in the Philippines (and in the Filipino community in the US)

I've heard of that. It was very good!

Quoting JetBlue777 (Reply 2): Even on domestic flights, only English is spoken during announcements. While it's nice to hear PR utilize Filipino more (being the flag carrier of the Philippines) Most Filipinos can speak and understand English, so it won't be a problem.

I know they understand English but still very surprised they did not speak Tagalog. It would be having a flight on LH and all announcments are only in English.

Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 3): A shame the 77Ws aren't allowed in the U.S.

Yes, not likely to change for a while from what I understand. Philippines could possibly get to Cat I at the very earliest next year from what I heard. Hope to see the PR 77Ws at LAX eventually. They were purchased for the routes to the US so too bad they can't use them here.

Quoting MHTripple7 (Reply 3): I hate it when that happens

Yes, me too.

Quoting Ryanair!!! (Reply 4): You can safely strike Royal Brunei off your list. The latest round of rationalisation exercise saw a host of destination slated to be dumped - and a consensus that the 777 is too large for their needs.

Not yet; they order is still on the Boeing webiste so unless it goes away. BI is still a 777 customer. Of course they could cancel or convert the order at any time.

Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 5): = CONGRATULATIONS MAN! This is quite a feat. No promises, but I will forward your email to a buddy of mine who knows people at Boeing. Perhaps, they can recognize this? Again, no promises. I will CC you on the email.

Thank you. Any recognition from Boeing would be amazing and my personal pick would be getting access to the 777 Firing Order  

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): 189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER Flown on 111 different 777 frames 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing) This is absolutey amazing, congratulations!

Thank You, PlaneHunter! Reflecting a bit over my recent travels, since May last year, I have been to all six continents with scheduled air service, all on 777s. I flew VA to SYD, Australia last May, flew to South America to fly JJ last July, flew to Africa on ET in January, flew TK to IST and Europe and now PR from Asia.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): Let's meet at LAX next year, as you suggested

Yes, think LAX would be a great place to meet.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 6): Well, shouldn't The777Man meanwhile be well known everywhere?

Yes, he should. When I was in AKL a few years ago, someoone in security recognized me so I guess my reputation proceeds me in some places  

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 7): Since you were not completely satisfied with this overwing seat, didn't you ask for another available window seat elsewhere? No and the load factor was probably over 95 %. I could hardly see any open seats and the ones I did notice were all middle. [quote=airbuseric,reply=7]Hmm,... maybe it's not odd but positive to see that PR wants to serve the whole country and offers a product for everybodies needs?

Yes, it's positive, not just what I expected to see.

Quoting airbuseric (Reply 7): Looking forward already to the GA delivery and I hope to see them around in AMS also...

AMS will most likely be the first long haul destination so you will see them there for sure.

Quoting N178UA (Reply 9): What about CEIBA Intercontinental. They have a 77L but went into storage after delivery? What's your plans to fly CEIBA

From what I understand, they will operate the aircraft as a VIP aircraft for the Equatorial Guinean government and it will not be in scheduled service. It's now being outfitted for VIP use that's why it's not in service yet. But I would love to get an invitation to fly on a VIP 777  

Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 10): Interesting, I still regard the triple seven as a "new" plane type - but it's already been around for fifteen years... How time flies. Yes, first flight was by N777UA on7June95 so over 16 years already. N777UA is also the license plate on my car   Maybe you need to start diversifying now - how about flying all the carriers with any Boeing aircraft on service?

No, that's alright. I'll try to actually SEE a more of some the destinations I've been to  But perhaps start trying different aircraft tyoes again.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 11): Very nice report. If my memory serves, this is supposed to be the first report of PR 77W. Congratulations of your achievement of flying all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing . You really are The777Man!

Your memory is second to none; yes this is the first report on a PR 77W that I know of.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 11): What was wrong with the meal?

Just tasted wierd. Can't say more than that.

Quoting akhmad (Reply 11): That sounds terrific. If our schedule fits, Herman and I might be joining you.

I will try to fly GA when their 77W is flown for crew familiarization so it will be shorter routes like HKG, SIN and probably DPS. I would love to fly with you and we'll see what happens as it gets closer.

Quoting chepos (Reply 12): Thank you fro sharing, congratulations on flying all those carriers that seems like a whole lot of adventures.

Yes! A lot of trips were done to fly more than one carrier in trip. I flew BA PHL-LHR, CX BKK-HKG, NH ITM-FUK, JD FUK-HND and JL HND-KIX all as a part of one trip (my first RTW btw).

Other interesting ones was flying continously Round The World with no overnight stay to fly AirEurope's 777. Pretty crazy!

Also a bit differnt was to fly LY to TLV spend the night fly back TLV-LHR on LY and then on to GRU on RG!

Another crazy one was flying on AC YYZ-LHR, DT LIS-LAD-JNB and then back RUN-CDG all part of one trip.

Last really crazy was AI JFK-BOM, 9W BOM-LHR and KQ LHR-NBO without spending the night in a hotel anywhere.......

Quoting chepos (Reply 12): You don't have pass privileges/zed agreements with PR?

No, when PR temporarily stopped operations for a month or two in fall of 1997, UA cancelled the ticketing agreement with PR and never bothered to reinstate ID discounts with them. CO has ZED with PR but it's unclear at this time which ZED agreements will survive at the new UA. I hope it's the CO sides as they have way more ZED than the UA side.

The777Man

It's nice to see PR offering PTVs. They have the 2 new 77Ws, and they recently equipped the 744s with a new IFE system in all classes, according to their website. I liked your report and good pictures of the aircraft. The food looked awful, however.

Cool report. The food looks terrible! What a shame.

Thanks for posting. Hope you get a transplant soon.

Nice trip report, enjoyed reading it. Glad you where able to log a new 777 carier  

Hi The777Man,

congratulations on your achievement in adding the PAL B773ER to your collection! Your experience with PAL was quite similar to mine. The crew just did their job, thats all.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): small café that also sold sandwiches.

I believe the cafe is called Cafe de France  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): There was an extra security check at the gate for the flight including going thru x-ray machine again

Oh yes, I noted they only do this for the transpacific flights.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Unfortunately, I was in a windowless window seat. I did have about half a window slightly behinds me but not so great nonetheless.

I had the same situation on my PAL B744 flight as well! I love to video my take-offs so I was leaning backwards to get a good angle on the window behind me. But it pretty much sucked.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): beef. I chose beef which came with rice, vegetables, bread and a pasta salad. I

The food doesn't look very good at all.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Interestingly enough, it also displayed the direction to Mecca which is a bit odd considering most Filipinos are Catholic but there is a large Muslim minority.

Interestingly, the exit signs on the PAL B744 I was on had arabic words as well. The IFE looks pretty good actually.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): Even though most passengers were born in the Philippines and most likely spoke Tagalog, all announcements including from the cockpit were only in English except for a brief arrival announcement in Vancouver.

Yes, I do notice that on my PAL flights. I guess English is quite widely understood in the Philippines so they just dismiss the usage of tagalog altogether. Quite a pity I'd say since PR is a flag carrier. The only other Asian flag carrier which I am aware that only make announcements in English is Singapore Airlines (aside from flights where the native language of the destination is included).

Again, thanks for sharing your PR experience.

Cheers,
RvXKaz

Hello The 777Man,

A very interesting read, thank you for sharing.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

Congratulations! What an incredible achievement!

PR is totally exotic airline for me. Sorry to hear your special flight turned out to be a so, so experience.

E70/E90 series are definitely the most comfortable short/medium haul aircraft in my book. I wonder if it's only AC, or is there any other airline that has installed PTV on its' jungle jet fleet.

Looking forward for your next TR,

Best regards,
SPLTA

Hi !

Thanks again for all the comments and nice words !

Quoting MSS658 (Reply 17): Glad you where able to log a new 777 carier

Yes, that was the purpose of the trip  

Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 18): the exit signs on the PAL B744 I was on had Arabic words as well. The IFE looks pretty good actually.

That aircraft was originally scheduled to go to KU that's the reason for the Arabic words on the exit sign.

Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 18): Yes, I do notice that on my PAL flights. I guess English is quite widely understood in the Philippines so they just dismiss the usage of tagalog altogether. Quite a pity I'd say since PR is a flag carrier. The only other Asian flag carrier which I am aware that only make announcements in English is Singapore Airlines (aside from flights where the native language of the destination is included).

That;s a good point and from what I understand Singapore has four official languages so making announcements in all of them would take too long.

Quoting SPLTA (Reply 19): E70/E90 series are definitely the most comfortable short/medium haul aircraft in my book. I wonder if it's only AC, or is there any other airline that has installed PTV on its' jungle jet fleet

Maybe B6 has PTVs in their E-Jets as well ?

The777Man

Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Reflecting a bit over my recent travels, since May last year, I have been to all six continents with scheduled air service, all on 777s. I flew VA to SYD, Australia last May, flew to South America to fly JJ last July, flew to Africa on ET in January, flew TK to IST and Europe and now PR from Asia.

Very impressive!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 14): Yes, he should. When I was in AKL a few years ago, someoone in security recognized me so I guess my reputation proceeds me in some places

  

Quoting SPLTA (Reply 19): I wonder if it's only AC, or is there any other airline that has installed PTV on its' jungle jet fleet.

Quoting The777Man (Reply 20): Maybe B6 has PTVs in their E-Jets as well ?

JetBlue does indeed have PTVs on the E-Jets. Other carriers are Austral, Azul and Nigerian Eagle.


PH

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 21): Very impressive!

Thank you !

I've had short flights like HKG-CAN in 18 minutes to longer flights like JFK-BOM in 13:43h

This is the third time that I have completed flying on all the 777 carriers; first was after flying on AirEurope (PE), second was after flying on Qatar Airways (QR) and now the third time. .

Still three more carriers with 777s on order so there will be some more flying to complete them as well. But I think I'm done for this year !  

The777Man

hello Lars,

Very well sum up of the PR new B777, actually as it is my favorite aircraft it's actually good to get a comparison

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 47th 777 carrier flown

Great job, on how many possible?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): This was over the wing and not what I would have preferred but at least it was a window

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I did have about half a window slightly behinds me

according to your valuable experience, do you know if this case happens on every carrier -300 and/or 200ER, as usually website as Seatplan or Seatguru would not mention this "cruel" disadvantage.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I like to board early to get pictures of the cabin before it gets too crowded.

  

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): I had my first flight on a EMB-190 which is a great airplane.

WOW, how is it possible?  

glad to read a new adventure from you  

Léonard

Hi Leonard!

Thanks for your comments !

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): Great job, on how many possible?

47, for now.

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): according to your valuable experience, do you know if this case happens on every carrier -300 and/or 200ER, as usually website as Seatplan or Seatguru would not mention this "cruel" disadvantage

I think so since the reason for the windowless window seats are to have airducts and the like so unless there's a galley or lavatory right there, there will be a windowless window seat on other carriers 777s as well.

Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): WOW, how is it possible?

I guess I have concentrated very much on flying 777s and not trying different aircraft types. I still haven't flown on a 737-700 which is a much more common aircraft.

Favourite flights ? Lauda Air, Varig, Air India, V Australia and Turkish Airlines.

The777Man

Hi Lars,

Congratulations on having flown all 777's with direct delivery from Boeing. But of course, we wouldn't expect anything less from The777Man  

The PR 77W has -on several occasions- been one of the alternative options during my travel plans. Hasn't happened yet, but now i know it will sometime! Seems like a great improvement to the older product. Besides, Philippine Airlines is definitely one of those underdogs that you just have to try  


Thanks a lot for sharing!

Cheers,
Roni

Hi Roni!

Thanks for your comments!

Quoting ronerone (Reply 25): The PR 77W has -on several occasions- been one of the alternative options during my travel plans. Hasn't happened yet, but now i know it will sometime! Seems like a great improvement to the older product. Besides, Philippine Airlines is definitely one of those underdogs that you just have to try

What route are you thinking for flying them ? They also fly the 77Ws to HKG and NRT. If you ever stop in LAX, let me know so we can meet up.

The777Man

Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): I've had short flights like HKG-CAN in 18 minutes to longer flights like JFK-BOM in 13:43h

That's quite a contrast!

Quoting The777Man (Reply 22): Still three more carriers with 777s on order so there will be some more flying to complete them as well. But I think I'm done for this year !

Now it's time to get on the A380s...  



PH

Very nice report details, so you didnt fly Biman and Royal Brunei 777s because they were rented?

Hi !

Thanks again fro the comments!

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 27): Now it's time to get on the A380s...

I don't think so; maybe one time if you come along.......

Quoting 777way (Reply 28): Very nice report details, so you didnt fly Biman and Royal Brunei 777s because they were rented?

I've decided to limit myself to only fly first-time operators of the 777. Otherwise I'd be flying 777s for all eterinty with some airlines eventually geting 777s not only second hand but third, fourth and fith hand. Biman should have their first direct delivered 777s in the next few months and technically, Royal Brunei still have them on order but not sure when they are supposed to take delivery of the first one. Transaero is another second-hand operator of the 777 but with no new ones on order, yet.

The777Man

Quoting The777Man (Reply 26): What route are you thinking for flying them ? They also fly the 77Ws to HKG and NRT. If you ever stop in LAX, let me know so we can meet up.

I've been wanting to try their 77W on the HKG route, and of late their LAS service was also of interest. But if such a trip happens, it will be either them or Ethiopian via IAD. Again, both of which are now thanks to your TRs!  

Will definitely let you know when i am out and about in Los Angeles!  

Cheers,
Roni

Hi Lars,

a great trip report to read about your interesting flight with PR.

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER Flown on 111 different 777 frames 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

These numbers truly are impressive! Great job and thank you for providing us with details from your flights.

Regards,
Blaž

Hi Lars,

Nice little story on your PR 777 experience. Too bad it was not completely satisfactory but I guess another 777 added to your impressive log was the main goal, wasn't it? And 'Fiesta', does that stand for Y-class or an onboard party or such?

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): 189th flight on a 777, 12th on a 777-300/ER Flown on 111 different 777 frames 47th 777 carrier flown (now flown on all 777 carriers with direct delivery from Boeing)

As I said: quite an impressive log!

Quoting The777Man (Thread starter): and most likely spoke Tagalog

Funny, I didn't know that was a language   



   Sultanils

Hi !

Thanks again for the comments!

Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): And 'Fiesta', does that stand for Y-class or an onboard party or such?

Fiesta is the name of PR's Y-class. A bit unusual for an airline to give a name to their Y-class althoguh a lot of airlines have names for their Business class. Not a fiesta on board on this flight   It was nice and quiet  

Quoting sultanils (Reply 32): Too bad it was not completely satisfactory but I guess another 777 added to your impressive log was the main goal, wasn't it?

Flight was okay but IFE, food and flight attendant's were disappointing. Yes, adding another 777 carrier was the main goal and at least no equipment substitution.......

The777Man