My trip report featuring the Intra-Asia Business class experience on All Nippon Airways has been published. The report covers a journey from Tokyo to Manila last October.
In this report, you will find the following:
+ Review of the transfer experience at Tokyo Narita airport
“I proceeded to the Transit Inspection centre at Narita, which was a complete and utter disaster…My patience was running dangerously low.”
+ Review of the All Nippon Airways lounge at Satellite 5 in Narita
“The grandiose room radiated of simple elegance: porcelain tiles and sleek-black wood wall panels that formed private cubicles and sofas.”
“The irony of it all was that the lounge was packed with Westerners. I might as well have been in LAX or YVR – the lounge was probably 85% full of mostly Caucasians.”
“The food spread was beyond unbelievable – completely knocked any UA Club out of the water. There was everything from fresh sushi to Soba noodles, salads, juices, fruits, finger sandwich trays, desserts, ice creams, sorbets, sweets – you name it. There were beer dispensers as well as hot and cold sake.”
+ Review of the seat and on-board hard products on All Nippon Airways Business Class
“Although it was older, the J-Seat was comfortable: a 50” pitch with 20” width and a footrest.”
“The PTV system, known as “ANASkyMaster1” offered AVOD, but it was outdated and clunky (basically the old “swivel” version that is stored in between the seats and truthfully, never works).”
+ Review of the soft products on All Nippon Airways Business Class
“There were no pre-departure drinks served on the ground, but the FA’s were undoubtedly cheerful and, simply put, were probably the best collection of cabin crews I had ever flown with in my entire life.”
“Every interaction with the flight attendant was met with a, “sure Sir,” “absolutely, Sir,” “may I bring you anything else, sir?” These beautifully dressed, stunning flight-attendants restored my faith in air service.”
+ Review of the catering (food and beverage service) onboard All Nippon Airways Business Class
“The appetizers consisted of four elegantly-prepared canapes…of the four items that arrived on the tray, I was able to identify two of them that matched the menu descriptions, as there were undoubtedly two wild cards that seemed off-place.”
“I decided to step outside my comfort zones and order an Umeshu (plum wine) which was, simply put, the final installment to categorize this entire in-flight dining episode as a religious experience.”
+ Review of the arrival and airport facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila
“A friend of mine living in MNL had warned me that it is the world’s worst international airport – especially, Terminal 1. Apparently, he has had several valuable items looted upon arrival, and even worn clothing (taped) was taken.”
“NAIA is a ‘no-Wang-Wang’ zone. ‘Wang-wang’ mentality/culture refers to people who wish to abuse their power to get special treatment over others.”
+ Bonus material (non-aviation): photos and impressions of visit to Manila/Makati
“After a day, you realize you might as well be in Las Vegas considering it is filled with endless high-end strip malls and pedways replete with Pinkberry, Gucci, T.G.I. Fridays, and Burberry.”
“There is no denial that Manila is rife in dealing with problems related to corruption, traffic, pollution, prostitution, poverty gaps, etc. Regardless, what makes the journey worthwhile is seeing that people from all walks of life have smiles on their faces.”
View trip report here
