Wiirachay
Dec 26, 01, 5:00 pm
Ticket: Unpublished, discounted business class ticket booked in Z class
Purchased from US-based, Asian consolidator – found after a ridiculously large number hours of net-surfing and phone calls (e-mail me if you’d like more information)
I placed headers, so you can just read whatever you wish, if you care at all.
JFK Airport Terminal 4 (Opened May ‘01)
I arrived about three hours prior to departure, as usual. The terminal was just simply amazing: high ceilings, tremendous space in the check-in area. Before reaching the check-in desks, everyone had to have their check-in luggage scanned by the CTX machine; thus, there was a long line. So, I immediately went to the end of the long line. However, security personnel were consistently walking back and forth asking business class passengers to go straight to the front of the line. At the CTX machine, I just had to rest my luggage against the 30 degree conveyor; no lifting required. Security took care of things from there. After dropping off my luggage, I went to the check-in counter a bit confused as my luggage was still being screened. By the time the agent finished printing my boarding pass and asking the standard security questions, my luggage was right behind me! Great job security personnel! So, I just lifted my luggage and placed it on the check-in conveyor and off it went. Before leaving, the agent pointed me towards the WorldClub and told me that I have complimentary access.
I complimented the agent for having a good check-in process. She said it was via a special arrangement with NW and security.
Check-in process: A+
NW WorldClub @ JFK
The WorldClub is just a temporary lounge, located before security screening. You can see the lounge and the people sitting there from the check-in area. Think of it as an exclusive area in a shopping mall. As a temporary lounge, I’d say NW has done a decent job with it. There were regular trees around and a Christmas tree. Furniture was that of a fancy shopping mall.
Amenities were lacking. If I recall correctly, there was just yogurt, some alcohol, water, juice, and muffins. I’m quite used to the items offered in the DTW World Clubs. Reading material was sparse at best. No TVs, but there were phones. I stayed for about an hour, basically just checking the place out and talking to my parents on the phone. The lack of people and the bright sun shining into the area made me feel relaxed.
Lounge: C (relative to a typical lounge)
Effort: B (could have had more amenities)
When it was time to board, the person controlling access to the lounge announced in person that it was time to board. Certainly more charming than announcing through a microphone like in other lounges.
Security @ JFK
A problem with the temporary lounge setup is that it’s before security. So, the line for security was long. It took me about 10 minutes before I had my chance at the metal detector. As usual, the detector screamed, probably because of my belt buckle and eyeglasses. It took several minutes before a screener came and used a wand to check for any suspicious items. Then, when I went to retrieve my bag, another screener asked if he could go through my bag compartment by compartment. Of course, I agreed. In the process, I lost the nail files connected to my nail cutters. Everything was searched. The screener even asked to see the inside of my toothbrush holder! Finally, he came across pack of about 25 BIC pens. He had been told that they could have been syringes! My screener was relieved after I told him those were just pens! After about 10 minutes, I was finally let go. Whenever I get the special treatment, as long as I haven’t been personally violated (which has never happened), I simply say to myself, “at least I know they’re doing their jobs.” But it’s now scary to have learned about that jerk named Richard Reid.
Boarding @ JFK
Boarding wasn’t a fun process. People were basically crowding around the boarding agent, even though only business class was boarding. I didn’t have a chance to hear the gate agent’s initial boarding call, as I was busy with the special treatment from security. So, I just patiently stood with the crowd until the agent yelled “business class only please”. After that, I took that as a license to politely cut through the crowd. I frequently encounter this kind of crowding on international flights; but rarely on domestic flights.
NW0017 JFK-NRT Seat 3K B744 ETD 1155
It was a rare event on NW: the seat next to you is empty! Fifty percent of the cone section was full, which meant that everyone had an empty seat next to him or her! That was the first time this has happened to me on NW, and it was certainly a treat comfort-wise!
Within a few minutes, a flight attendant came with a tray of orange juice, apple juice, water, or champagne to choose from. And a few minutes later, someone else came to ask if I’d like to have my coat hung. I still miss the old days of international first class service where you’re escorted to your seat and immediately ask if you’d like to have your coat hung. I also miss having drink orders taken restaurant style. Overall, it was not bad.
Amenity kits were somewhat bare as usual: toothbrush, eye-shades, earplugs, slippers, and socks. Personally, I only care about the slippers, socks and toothbrush.
Nothing sure beats the pure power and energy rush of a B744 taking off with almost full power! Take-off was towards Manhattan. Being seated on the right, I was able to get a bird’s eye view of Manhattan. All I could say was: EERRIE!!! (My eyes could quickly tell that some landmarks were missing. Rebuild!!!)
Today, the flight to NRT was going to take us through the Hudson Bay up to the northernmost point of Alaska (Barrow, AK), through Russia, to Hokaido, then to NRT. The pilot mentioned that the usual route parallel to the Russian coast over the Pacific Ocean had high, opposing winds.
Soon after, flight attendants were out and about taking their orders. I was addressed by surname. As usual, I ordered the Japanese meal (“Shokado”). Compared to the previous flights on NW, there was something missing from this meal that made it feel incomplete and didn’t taste as good as before. It was not until a few days later that my mother told me that on her flight, there was no sushi. We both concluded cutbacks were the reason. I personally thought that the wine menu had a lot of wines to choose from. I, myself, was not in the mood for any wine that day. As usual, the cutlery in J and Y is still the same.
After the main course, pre-plated fruits and cheese trays were given out. It contained grapes, apples, and two pieces of different cheeses - a bit scarce. To conclude the lunch/dinner service was an apple, caramel cheesecake. Yum! After the trays were cleared, a flight attendant offered me a cordial. I was a bit confused as I didn’t know what a cordial was! She explained it to me what it was and what I could choose. Confused as I was, she offered to select one for me. Something new, compared to other flights.
While was drinking my cordial, another flight attendant came out and passed out bottled water and placed the SkyBreak basket on the table. The SkyBreak basket consists of bananas, Toblerone chocolates, wrapped cheeses, and great Japanese trail mix. It was quite disappointing though to see that hardly any flight attendants came through the cabin during mid-flight. However, they were more than happy to honor any requests if you went to the galley. At least one was present in the galley throughout the “night”, and Ramen noodles, pizzas, and ice cream bars were offered mid-flight. Although I asked for Ramen noodles about 30 minutes before the flight attendants went through the cabin asking passengers what they wanted, mine was quickly made and given to me at my seat. I also noticed that one of the flight attendants refilled the SkyBreak basket after serving the mid-flight snack to all the passengers.
With the extremely northern routing and the closeness to the winter solstice, the sun did set for a few hours. This is a first for me on a trans-Pacific flight. I was thankful for this, as mostly in previous flights, one moronic passenger opens his/her window and interrupts the darkness mid-flight.
Throughout the “night”, I consumed three bottles of water, two Japanese trail mixes, and a bowl of Ramen noodles. I listened to some holiday music through NW’s audio system and watched Rush Hour 2. Their new headphones were nice (I think Travex NC-1?) and comfortable. Audio quality was excellent. The new headphones and digital audio were part of the “improved” World Business Class. Actually, I was kind of disappointed that I had purchased the Sony NC-30 headphones, as NW’s headphones did a good job. However, to keep my ego up, I still used my headphones and reiterated to myself that they were better than NW’s since mine was noise-canceling. I managed to sleep now and then on the 66” pitch seat with 150 degree recline. Still old-school, manually controlled seat; but it is soft, huge, and comfortable!
When it was time to service breakfast, the brightness of the cabin was gradually increased to simulate sunrise. Keep in mind that although this is a day flight, all the windows are (supposed to be) closed. Flight attendants were doing their stuff again passing out hot towels and removing accumulated items in the passenger’s seats (like wrappers, empty water bottles, etc.). This time, I decided to pass on the omelette and potatoes (I’ve been flying too much to remember this) and order a cold plate of fish, roast beef, and salad. It tasted great! Unlike dinner service, you just ordered on the spot and the flight attendants gave the tray to you. I still find it more charming if they take your order first and then give them to you later. Actually, I think it would be more efficient on their part since they don’t have to drag a lot of items with them in the cart. And, speaking of carts, NW should be using trolleys, as opposed to the typical Y class carts. But then again, this is NW. Oh well.
Soon after, flight attendants gave passengers their coats, and it was time to land and get out of the plane. Nice flight, great cabin crew. However, the general cabin service procedures need to be revised.
Crew Service: B+
General cabin service procedures: B-
Food: B
Entertainment: B-
Seat comfort: A
NRT Airport
Being a computer geek and a FT freak, I wanted to surf the internet in NRT, only to be disappointed that the computers were going to be occupied for another 2 hours. My layover was 2 hours! Day rooms were also taken, so I couldn’t nap as I had originally planned! Argh! I hate NRT! So, I went back to the NW terminal to relax in the Azuma lounge.
Lounge @ NRT
Technically, it’s called the Azuma lounge, but it is operated by Northwest Airlines. Why not call it . . . the WorldClub??? Other airlines use this lounge too. Compared to my past trips, this lounge was rather empty. I guess business travel is way down with today’s economy. Unlike before, I was able to sit down and relax; I guess because of the emptiness. I consumed some crackers, Japanese-style Oreos (made by Oreo, but not found in the US), and a lot of orange juice. (I always complain that I have to pay $1.00-2.00 per glass of OJ at nice restaurants; but pop costs $1.50 will unlimited refills.) Reading material was generous. Nothing spectacular as usual, but nice to relax and run away from the crowds in the general boarding area. If you haven’t been to NRT Satellite 4, there are about 8 NW planes being prepared to continue on to other destinations within Southeast Asia. At this time of year, Y cabins are almost 100% full. And the space there is not that much! Fortunately, satellite 3 is being renovated and expanded. That’ll be NW’s new terminal after it’s completed. Looking forward to it.
Lounge: B
Boarding @ NRT
Hell, as usual for NRT during this time of year. I always experience this at NRT! I think agents do a decent job at announcing the boarding calls, and I feel sorry for them when they’re trying to get business class passengers into the plane first. Had to politely push myself through the crowds again. When I was kid and traveled in Y, I just sat down and waited for my row to be called, sort of more like the gate agent being your kindergarten teacher.
NW0027 NRT-MNL Seat 3K B744 ETD 1740
Having traveled a lot, there were many operationally-upgraded people in J class tonight. When I was a kid, I had my share of operational upgrades from NRT on NW. No amenity kits tonight. Huh? In the past, I usually get amenity kits on this flight. One of the flight attendants was very friendly and talked to the kids in the cabin and offered to store their bags for them. Pre-boarding drinks were orange juice, champagne, and apple juice.
I was so sleep and tired at this point, that I was just waiting for the aircraft to get off the ground so I can recline my seat and pull up my footrest. I really felt tired!
To make this flight exciting, there was so much turbulence that meal service had to be stopped! Fortunately, only pre-dinner drinks and nuts were being served. I recall munching on a few and then dozing off again. During the turbulence, I asked one of the flight attendants how far into the flight, and it was only 20 minutes! She offered to wake me up when food was doing to be served.
When she woke me up, I recall getting a beef tenderloin and potato tray. I can’t really rate the service or quality as I was to tired that I scarfed down all the food and went back to sleep. While scarfing the food down, there was still turbulence. Argghh!
By the time I woke up, I could see the city of Manila and the beautiful lights. I normally look outside the window in awe in reflecting how long I’ve been on the plane. However, I was so tired that I just went back to sleep again. A few minutes later, a flight attendant told me to put my nice seat back to the landing position. Again, I dozed off and woke up after the plane landed. And then, I dozed off until we were at the gate.
Service: met expecations, but disappointed that no one got amenity kits
MNL Airport
My luggage was quick to come, and I was off to find my mother, who was meeting me at the airport. I was rather surprised at how the luggages arrived so quickly. On my mother’s flight, she noticed how quickly the WBC luggages arrived. Seems like NW has taken some efforts to make improvements there.
The Big Picture
Overall, my expectations were met, as this is NW World Business Class. Overall, it was okay. The selling point for WBC is that it’s cheaper than other business class services, I’m an elite NW ff (all other programs I belong to have orphaned mileage), and the 66” pitch is something not to be missed. I wanted to try the CO code-share from EWR to NRT instead of JFK to NRT. However, NW bribed people with 5,000 bonus miles (online promotion) for each one-way WBC trip on NW metal. If I also read another promotion correctly, my status should be bumped up to Gold for flying business class on NW metal too, although I didn’t meet the minimum mileage requirement. The way I see it: flying NW’s World Business Class is better than flying on any other airline’s Y class.
Overall: B-
Suggestions
The quickest way for NW to improve their business class cabin service is to use their old international first class cabin procedures. In 1999, I had a chance to try it out flying to MNL, a year before international first class was phased out. (I posted a trip report on another board before I found FT. But it’s long gone.) That time, I gave their overall service an “A”. Wake up NW!!!
Right now, I’m debating whether or not to try the NW code-share flight with CO on my return trip, flying NRT-EWR-DTW, as opposed to NRT-DTW. Still waiting for the New Year to come, to see if NW will be giving out mileage bribes to fly on their metal, before I buy the return.
(Sorry, I forgot the camera.)
- Pat
Stay tuned:
BKK-NRT NW J class
NRT-DTW on J class, NW or CO metal? (what about some votes on this one here from you FT people)
[This message has been edited by Wiirachay (edited 12-30-2001).]
Purchased from US-based, Asian consolidator – found after a ridiculously large number hours of net-surfing and phone calls (e-mail me if you’d like more information)
I placed headers, so you can just read whatever you wish, if you care at all.
JFK Airport Terminal 4 (Opened May ‘01)
I arrived about three hours prior to departure, as usual. The terminal was just simply amazing: high ceilings, tremendous space in the check-in area. Before reaching the check-in desks, everyone had to have their check-in luggage scanned by the CTX machine; thus, there was a long line. So, I immediately went to the end of the long line. However, security personnel were consistently walking back and forth asking business class passengers to go straight to the front of the line. At the CTX machine, I just had to rest my luggage against the 30 degree conveyor; no lifting required. Security took care of things from there. After dropping off my luggage, I went to the check-in counter a bit confused as my luggage was still being screened. By the time the agent finished printing my boarding pass and asking the standard security questions, my luggage was right behind me! Great job security personnel! So, I just lifted my luggage and placed it on the check-in conveyor and off it went. Before leaving, the agent pointed me towards the WorldClub and told me that I have complimentary access.
I complimented the agent for having a good check-in process. She said it was via a special arrangement with NW and security.
Check-in process: A+
NW WorldClub @ JFK
The WorldClub is just a temporary lounge, located before security screening. You can see the lounge and the people sitting there from the check-in area. Think of it as an exclusive area in a shopping mall. As a temporary lounge, I’d say NW has done a decent job with it. There were regular trees around and a Christmas tree. Furniture was that of a fancy shopping mall.
Amenities were lacking. If I recall correctly, there was just yogurt, some alcohol, water, juice, and muffins. I’m quite used to the items offered in the DTW World Clubs. Reading material was sparse at best. No TVs, but there were phones. I stayed for about an hour, basically just checking the place out and talking to my parents on the phone. The lack of people and the bright sun shining into the area made me feel relaxed.
Lounge: C (relative to a typical lounge)
Effort: B (could have had more amenities)
When it was time to board, the person controlling access to the lounge announced in person that it was time to board. Certainly more charming than announcing through a microphone like in other lounges.
Security @ JFK
A problem with the temporary lounge setup is that it’s before security. So, the line for security was long. It took me about 10 minutes before I had my chance at the metal detector. As usual, the detector screamed, probably because of my belt buckle and eyeglasses. It took several minutes before a screener came and used a wand to check for any suspicious items. Then, when I went to retrieve my bag, another screener asked if he could go through my bag compartment by compartment. Of course, I agreed. In the process, I lost the nail files connected to my nail cutters. Everything was searched. The screener even asked to see the inside of my toothbrush holder! Finally, he came across pack of about 25 BIC pens. He had been told that they could have been syringes! My screener was relieved after I told him those were just pens! After about 10 minutes, I was finally let go. Whenever I get the special treatment, as long as I haven’t been personally violated (which has never happened), I simply say to myself, “at least I know they’re doing their jobs.” But it’s now scary to have learned about that jerk named Richard Reid.
Boarding @ JFK
Boarding wasn’t a fun process. People were basically crowding around the boarding agent, even though only business class was boarding. I didn’t have a chance to hear the gate agent’s initial boarding call, as I was busy with the special treatment from security. So, I just patiently stood with the crowd until the agent yelled “business class only please”. After that, I took that as a license to politely cut through the crowd. I frequently encounter this kind of crowding on international flights; but rarely on domestic flights.
NW0017 JFK-NRT Seat 3K B744 ETD 1155
It was a rare event on NW: the seat next to you is empty! Fifty percent of the cone section was full, which meant that everyone had an empty seat next to him or her! That was the first time this has happened to me on NW, and it was certainly a treat comfort-wise!
Within a few minutes, a flight attendant came with a tray of orange juice, apple juice, water, or champagne to choose from. And a few minutes later, someone else came to ask if I’d like to have my coat hung. I still miss the old days of international first class service where you’re escorted to your seat and immediately ask if you’d like to have your coat hung. I also miss having drink orders taken restaurant style. Overall, it was not bad.
Amenity kits were somewhat bare as usual: toothbrush, eye-shades, earplugs, slippers, and socks. Personally, I only care about the slippers, socks and toothbrush.
Nothing sure beats the pure power and energy rush of a B744 taking off with almost full power! Take-off was towards Manhattan. Being seated on the right, I was able to get a bird’s eye view of Manhattan. All I could say was: EERRIE!!! (My eyes could quickly tell that some landmarks were missing. Rebuild!!!)
Today, the flight to NRT was going to take us through the Hudson Bay up to the northernmost point of Alaska (Barrow, AK), through Russia, to Hokaido, then to NRT. The pilot mentioned that the usual route parallel to the Russian coast over the Pacific Ocean had high, opposing winds.
Soon after, flight attendants were out and about taking their orders. I was addressed by surname. As usual, I ordered the Japanese meal (“Shokado”). Compared to the previous flights on NW, there was something missing from this meal that made it feel incomplete and didn’t taste as good as before. It was not until a few days later that my mother told me that on her flight, there was no sushi. We both concluded cutbacks were the reason. I personally thought that the wine menu had a lot of wines to choose from. I, myself, was not in the mood for any wine that day. As usual, the cutlery in J and Y is still the same.
After the main course, pre-plated fruits and cheese trays were given out. It contained grapes, apples, and two pieces of different cheeses - a bit scarce. To conclude the lunch/dinner service was an apple, caramel cheesecake. Yum! After the trays were cleared, a flight attendant offered me a cordial. I was a bit confused as I didn’t know what a cordial was! She explained it to me what it was and what I could choose. Confused as I was, she offered to select one for me. Something new, compared to other flights.
While was drinking my cordial, another flight attendant came out and passed out bottled water and placed the SkyBreak basket on the table. The SkyBreak basket consists of bananas, Toblerone chocolates, wrapped cheeses, and great Japanese trail mix. It was quite disappointing though to see that hardly any flight attendants came through the cabin during mid-flight. However, they were more than happy to honor any requests if you went to the galley. At least one was present in the galley throughout the “night”, and Ramen noodles, pizzas, and ice cream bars were offered mid-flight. Although I asked for Ramen noodles about 30 minutes before the flight attendants went through the cabin asking passengers what they wanted, mine was quickly made and given to me at my seat. I also noticed that one of the flight attendants refilled the SkyBreak basket after serving the mid-flight snack to all the passengers.
With the extremely northern routing and the closeness to the winter solstice, the sun did set for a few hours. This is a first for me on a trans-Pacific flight. I was thankful for this, as mostly in previous flights, one moronic passenger opens his/her window and interrupts the darkness mid-flight.
Throughout the “night”, I consumed three bottles of water, two Japanese trail mixes, and a bowl of Ramen noodles. I listened to some holiday music through NW’s audio system and watched Rush Hour 2. Their new headphones were nice (I think Travex NC-1?) and comfortable. Audio quality was excellent. The new headphones and digital audio were part of the “improved” World Business Class. Actually, I was kind of disappointed that I had purchased the Sony NC-30 headphones, as NW’s headphones did a good job. However, to keep my ego up, I still used my headphones and reiterated to myself that they were better than NW’s since mine was noise-canceling. I managed to sleep now and then on the 66” pitch seat with 150 degree recline. Still old-school, manually controlled seat; but it is soft, huge, and comfortable!
When it was time to service breakfast, the brightness of the cabin was gradually increased to simulate sunrise. Keep in mind that although this is a day flight, all the windows are (supposed to be) closed. Flight attendants were doing their stuff again passing out hot towels and removing accumulated items in the passenger’s seats (like wrappers, empty water bottles, etc.). This time, I decided to pass on the omelette and potatoes (I’ve been flying too much to remember this) and order a cold plate of fish, roast beef, and salad. It tasted great! Unlike dinner service, you just ordered on the spot and the flight attendants gave the tray to you. I still find it more charming if they take your order first and then give them to you later. Actually, I think it would be more efficient on their part since they don’t have to drag a lot of items with them in the cart. And, speaking of carts, NW should be using trolleys, as opposed to the typical Y class carts. But then again, this is NW. Oh well.
Soon after, flight attendants gave passengers their coats, and it was time to land and get out of the plane. Nice flight, great cabin crew. However, the general cabin service procedures need to be revised.
Crew Service: B+
General cabin service procedures: B-
Food: B
Entertainment: B-
Seat comfort: A
NRT Airport
Being a computer geek and a FT freak, I wanted to surf the internet in NRT, only to be disappointed that the computers were going to be occupied for another 2 hours. My layover was 2 hours! Day rooms were also taken, so I couldn’t nap as I had originally planned! Argh! I hate NRT! So, I went back to the NW terminal to relax in the Azuma lounge.
Lounge @ NRT
Technically, it’s called the Azuma lounge, but it is operated by Northwest Airlines. Why not call it . . . the WorldClub??? Other airlines use this lounge too. Compared to my past trips, this lounge was rather empty. I guess business travel is way down with today’s economy. Unlike before, I was able to sit down and relax; I guess because of the emptiness. I consumed some crackers, Japanese-style Oreos (made by Oreo, but not found in the US), and a lot of orange juice. (I always complain that I have to pay $1.00-2.00 per glass of OJ at nice restaurants; but pop costs $1.50 will unlimited refills.) Reading material was generous. Nothing spectacular as usual, but nice to relax and run away from the crowds in the general boarding area. If you haven’t been to NRT Satellite 4, there are about 8 NW planes being prepared to continue on to other destinations within Southeast Asia. At this time of year, Y cabins are almost 100% full. And the space there is not that much! Fortunately, satellite 3 is being renovated and expanded. That’ll be NW’s new terminal after it’s completed. Looking forward to it.
Lounge: B
Boarding @ NRT
Hell, as usual for NRT during this time of year. I always experience this at NRT! I think agents do a decent job at announcing the boarding calls, and I feel sorry for them when they’re trying to get business class passengers into the plane first. Had to politely push myself through the crowds again. When I was kid and traveled in Y, I just sat down and waited for my row to be called, sort of more like the gate agent being your kindergarten teacher.
NW0027 NRT-MNL Seat 3K B744 ETD 1740
Having traveled a lot, there were many operationally-upgraded people in J class tonight. When I was a kid, I had my share of operational upgrades from NRT on NW. No amenity kits tonight. Huh? In the past, I usually get amenity kits on this flight. One of the flight attendants was very friendly and talked to the kids in the cabin and offered to store their bags for them. Pre-boarding drinks were orange juice, champagne, and apple juice.
I was so sleep and tired at this point, that I was just waiting for the aircraft to get off the ground so I can recline my seat and pull up my footrest. I really felt tired!
To make this flight exciting, there was so much turbulence that meal service had to be stopped! Fortunately, only pre-dinner drinks and nuts were being served. I recall munching on a few and then dozing off again. During the turbulence, I asked one of the flight attendants how far into the flight, and it was only 20 minutes! She offered to wake me up when food was doing to be served.
When she woke me up, I recall getting a beef tenderloin and potato tray. I can’t really rate the service or quality as I was to tired that I scarfed down all the food and went back to sleep. While scarfing the food down, there was still turbulence. Argghh!
By the time I woke up, I could see the city of Manila and the beautiful lights. I normally look outside the window in awe in reflecting how long I’ve been on the plane. However, I was so tired that I just went back to sleep again. A few minutes later, a flight attendant told me to put my nice seat back to the landing position. Again, I dozed off and woke up after the plane landed. And then, I dozed off until we were at the gate.
Service: met expecations, but disappointed that no one got amenity kits
MNL Airport
My luggage was quick to come, and I was off to find my mother, who was meeting me at the airport. I was rather surprised at how the luggages arrived so quickly. On my mother’s flight, she noticed how quickly the WBC luggages arrived. Seems like NW has taken some efforts to make improvements there.
The Big Picture
Overall, my expectations were met, as this is NW World Business Class. Overall, it was okay. The selling point for WBC is that it’s cheaper than other business class services, I’m an elite NW ff (all other programs I belong to have orphaned mileage), and the 66” pitch is something not to be missed. I wanted to try the CO code-share from EWR to NRT instead of JFK to NRT. However, NW bribed people with 5,000 bonus miles (online promotion) for each one-way WBC trip on NW metal. If I also read another promotion correctly, my status should be bumped up to Gold for flying business class on NW metal too, although I didn’t meet the minimum mileage requirement. The way I see it: flying NW’s World Business Class is better than flying on any other airline’s Y class.
Overall: B-
Suggestions
The quickest way for NW to improve their business class cabin service is to use their old international first class cabin procedures. In 1999, I had a chance to try it out flying to MNL, a year before international first class was phased out. (I posted a trip report on another board before I found FT. But it’s long gone.) That time, I gave their overall service an “A”. Wake up NW!!!
Right now, I’m debating whether or not to try the NW code-share flight with CO on my return trip, flying NRT-EWR-DTW, as opposed to NRT-DTW. Still waiting for the New Year to come, to see if NW will be giving out mileage bribes to fly on their metal, before I buy the return.
(Sorry, I forgot the camera.)
- Pat
Stay tuned:
BKK-NRT NW J class
NRT-DTW on J class, NW or CO metal? (what about some votes on this one here from you FT people)
[This message has been edited by Wiirachay (edited 12-30-2001).]