All Nippon Airways Mileage Club - New to NH: Basic Questions

Hello All,

I recently moved to Asia and have been flying NH quite a bit since. Overall, I've been very impressed with everything. However, I've been wondering about a couple things NH seems to do differently from many other airlines and was hoping some of the experts here can shed some light on the rationale for these policies.

1) Why does NH begin its landing preparations so early, including the shutdown of IFE some 35+ minutes from landing? On AC, UA, and CO, I got used to enjoying the IFE all the way until we're docked at the gate.

2) Why does NH not allow cellphone use after landing until the doors are open? Most airlines seem to permit use once the aircraft exits the active taxiway. This is helpful for confirming ground transportation, etc.

3) This past Thursday, there was a last minute plane swap on NH1171 from a 77W to a 77E. When I got to check in counter, I discovered that not only did I lose the Business Staggered seat, I also lost my window seat. I was told there were no window seats left. In the lounge, I decided to try my luck again. When the agent pulled up the seatmap, I could see that there were indeed no window seats left. But then she worked some magic and gave me 3K. Just curious about how she did that.

Cheers!

Welcome to the ANA forum!

1) Why does NH begin its landing preparations so early, including the shutdown of IFE some 35+ minutes from landing? On AC, UA, and CO, I got used to enjoying the IFE all the way until we're docked at the gate.

This is not unique to NH, but is simply policy and the result of a (perhaps too) strong adherence to safety.

2) Why does NH not allow cellphone use after landing until the doors are open? Most airlines seem to permit use once the aircraft exits the active taxiway. This is helpful for confirming ground transportation, etc.

Japanese law (or rather, "administrative guidance") in effect prohibits the use of all electronics (yes, this includes digital cameras) while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is closed. Other carriers tend to ignore this, but Japanese carriers are the most vulnerable to enforcement actions and so have the most to lose if they are reprimanded. Yes, it is inconvenient, but that's the law.

3) This past Thursday, there was a last minute plane swap on NH1171 from a 77W to a 77E [sic]. When I got to check in counter, I discovered that not only did I lose the Business Staggered seat, I also lost my window seat. I was told there were no window seats left. In the lounge, I decided to try my luck again. When the agent pulled up the seatmap, I could see that there were indeed no window seats left. But then she worked some magic and gave me 3K. Just curious about how she did that.

Perhaps there was a last minute cancellation or seat change which allowed you to get 3K. Keep in mind that NH1171/2 usually get whatever 777 is available at the time, which has been the 773 more than the 77W lately. If I were you I would expect the 773 the next time you fly this route and be pleasantly surprised if the aircraft is "upgraded".

Welcome to the ANA forum!



This is not unique to NH, but is simply policy and the result of a (perhaps too) strong adherence to safety.



Japanese law (or rather, "administrative guidance") in effect prohibits the use of all electronics (yes, this includes digital cameras) while the aircraft is on the ground and the door is closed. Other carriers tend to ignore this, but Japanese carriers are the most vulnerable to enforcement actions and so have the most to lose if they are reprimanded. Yes, it is inconvenient, but that's the law.



Perhaps there was a last minute cancellation or seat change which allowed you to get 3K. Keep in mind that NH1171/2 usually get whatever 777 is available at the time, which has been the 773 more than the 77W lately. If I were you I would expect the 773 the next time you fly this route and be pleasantly surprised if the aircraft is "upgraded".

Thanks for the responses!

On NH1171/2, 3 of the 4 trips I've taken in the past month were on the 77W. And according to the timetable on ANA's website, all but 1 flight scheduled over the next week are on the 77W. Or is the website not accurate?

One additional question: How does NH prioritize meal orders? It seems like the FAs definitely have a ranking they follow (as they jump around from seat to seat), but I can't seem to make heads or tails of it. I've been in paid J each time, as an AC*G, and I've gotten asked very early and very late. When I asked one of the FAs out of curiousity, she told me there is no order. I found that very odd because the FAs definitely weren't simply going front to back or back to front, but didn't want to keep pressing.