maple
Jun 29, 02, 12:15 pm
Had the pleasure of flying my very first transpacific flight on Northwest after AA offered this century's most ridiculous prices for my trip (blame FIFA?). Prior to my flight I was cautioned not to expect too much from NW's Y service and their old 747's, but let me begin the trip report by confirming that my loyalty with AA is wavering as I stand at the crossroads between AAdvantage and WorldPerks.
I was met with a crazily long check-in line at Changi due to heightened security, but was warmly greeted by fine Asian service. Secured great aisle seats for all three sectors SIN-NRT-DTW-YUL.
SIN-NRT - Choice of Y breakfast: Omelette and sausage OR curry chicken with fried rice. Having already missed Asian fare by the time I boarded the aircraft, I opted for the chicken curry which was marvellously spiced. The fried rice - peas, carrots and corn - was sufficiently light to accompany the rich curry. Fruit plate, choice of beverage. 747 was hardly full, I had an empty seat next door and the kid behind had the whole row to herself. I must applaud NW for having staffed the flight with suitably trained Asian attendants from Singapore and Japan who were always ready with a smile. Bad weather around NRT forced a slight detour and we landed with such a huge "bang" that I was reminded of the joke "Did we land or were we shot down?"
NRT-DTW(SEA) - Upon arrival at the gate, I noticed the sign flashing "Volunteers Needed Please see Customer Service for FTV". Got in line and was told by the very sweet Japanese agent whose eyes immediately lit up "YES SIR, we still need volunteers. I give you Bus-i-ness class, okay, if you fly to Seattle... but you must connect to Minneapolis then to Montreal." Fine, I thought, I was not in a hurry. Business class NRT-SEA sounded great too anyway. Right after the ticket exchange, I had to rush to the gate next door to board NW8 to Seattle. Was offered the usual stuff... slippers, socks, chapstick, eye shades, amenity kit, the whole works. Pre-departure apple juice (more on juice later). Flight was rather uneventful although the movies were great. Watched "Amelie" twice on the wonderful and surprisingly flat WBC seats. Too bad I had a seat mate who only wanted to sleep through the flight - got on the aircraft and once at cruising altitude he shut all four window panes, put on the eye shades and got to sleep. I saw no daylight until a bit before arrival. But, first experience on NW and I was treated to WBC - what a ride!!
Ordered a great Japanese set dinner. I don't know how to describe how I felt like royalty just being served that dinner! Had previously flown AA's 777 in C class NRT-DFW, but the Japanese dinner then was slightly less elaborate. What I best remember from that dinner was the steamed rice wrapped delicately in bamboo leaves, and the little beancurd sheets tied with straw mushrooms into mini oriental fan shapes. You can say that I am being way weird, but I was a little annoyed that NW served Minute Maid quality apple juice while AA served really fresh "real" apple juice. Great service at my section of the plane, upfront they were served by those huge "prison wardens". Our flight attendant was ready with her smile, and offered me lots of apple juice (she found out very early that I don't drink, and enjoy only apple juice!) each time she walked by. Also, some ice cream, cakes, cookies and chocolates. Arrived way ahead of schedule at Seattle-Tacoma.
SEA-MSP - Chips and corned beef burger flight. Uneventful and I slept most of the way because I had by then not slept for about a day (watched movies NRT-SEA, remember?). Got into MSP with a very heavy head. Service was pleasant, happy to have been offered the whole can of apple juice instead of just the tiny plastic cupful. AA doesn't do that, not usually anyway, remainder of the can is for the next passenger. As you can see, I am easy to please!
MSP-YUL - No meal service! I was way hungry by then, having waited out more than three hours prior to this final sector. Offered a shortbread and pretzels which I returned. Glass of water. Tiny plane was surprisingly full, and service crew was led by one male attendant who spoke French with a very quaint and pleasant accent. Pilot was amazingly detailed with flight path and weather information, even pointing out to us when we were flying over YYZ.
I had a great time on the very long flight home, my first flight on NW. I must admit that NW service is relatively more personable and amiable than that of AA, and NW's fares are very much more competitive. Their network also caters very well to my needs, having great connections in Asia, North America and the Netherlands. I am seriously considering which airline to fly on for the rest of my trips this year. The only next step would be to compare the two airline's elite programs. AA's Platinum status has been very rewarding to me personally, and it leaves me wondering how WorldPerk's Gold compares. In all, a big thumbs up for Northwest from a newbie! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
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Spare the miles, spoil the flight!
[This message has been edited by maple (edited 06-29-2002).]
I was met with a crazily long check-in line at Changi due to heightened security, but was warmly greeted by fine Asian service. Secured great aisle seats for all three sectors SIN-NRT-DTW-YUL.
SIN-NRT - Choice of Y breakfast: Omelette and sausage OR curry chicken with fried rice. Having already missed Asian fare by the time I boarded the aircraft, I opted for the chicken curry which was marvellously spiced. The fried rice - peas, carrots and corn - was sufficiently light to accompany the rich curry. Fruit plate, choice of beverage. 747 was hardly full, I had an empty seat next door and the kid behind had the whole row to herself. I must applaud NW for having staffed the flight with suitably trained Asian attendants from Singapore and Japan who were always ready with a smile. Bad weather around NRT forced a slight detour and we landed with such a huge "bang" that I was reminded of the joke "Did we land or were we shot down?"
NRT-DTW(SEA) - Upon arrival at the gate, I noticed the sign flashing "Volunteers Needed Please see Customer Service for FTV". Got in line and was told by the very sweet Japanese agent whose eyes immediately lit up "YES SIR, we still need volunteers. I give you Bus-i-ness class, okay, if you fly to Seattle... but you must connect to Minneapolis then to Montreal." Fine, I thought, I was not in a hurry. Business class NRT-SEA sounded great too anyway. Right after the ticket exchange, I had to rush to the gate next door to board NW8 to Seattle. Was offered the usual stuff... slippers, socks, chapstick, eye shades, amenity kit, the whole works. Pre-departure apple juice (more on juice later). Flight was rather uneventful although the movies were great. Watched "Amelie" twice on the wonderful and surprisingly flat WBC seats. Too bad I had a seat mate who only wanted to sleep through the flight - got on the aircraft and once at cruising altitude he shut all four window panes, put on the eye shades and got to sleep. I saw no daylight until a bit before arrival. But, first experience on NW and I was treated to WBC - what a ride!!
Ordered a great Japanese set dinner. I don't know how to describe how I felt like royalty just being served that dinner! Had previously flown AA's 777 in C class NRT-DFW, but the Japanese dinner then was slightly less elaborate. What I best remember from that dinner was the steamed rice wrapped delicately in bamboo leaves, and the little beancurd sheets tied with straw mushrooms into mini oriental fan shapes. You can say that I am being way weird, but I was a little annoyed that NW served Minute Maid quality apple juice while AA served really fresh "real" apple juice. Great service at my section of the plane, upfront they were served by those huge "prison wardens". Our flight attendant was ready with her smile, and offered me lots of apple juice (she found out very early that I don't drink, and enjoy only apple juice!) each time she walked by. Also, some ice cream, cakes, cookies and chocolates. Arrived way ahead of schedule at Seattle-Tacoma.
SEA-MSP - Chips and corned beef burger flight. Uneventful and I slept most of the way because I had by then not slept for about a day (watched movies NRT-SEA, remember?). Got into MSP with a very heavy head. Service was pleasant, happy to have been offered the whole can of apple juice instead of just the tiny plastic cupful. AA doesn't do that, not usually anyway, remainder of the can is for the next passenger. As you can see, I am easy to please!
MSP-YUL - No meal service! I was way hungry by then, having waited out more than three hours prior to this final sector. Offered a shortbread and pretzels which I returned. Glass of water. Tiny plane was surprisingly full, and service crew was led by one male attendant who spoke French with a very quaint and pleasant accent. Pilot was amazingly detailed with flight path and weather information, even pointing out to us when we were flying over YYZ.
I had a great time on the very long flight home, my first flight on NW. I must admit that NW service is relatively more personable and amiable than that of AA, and NW's fares are very much more competitive. Their network also caters very well to my needs, having great connections in Asia, North America and the Netherlands. I am seriously considering which airline to fly on for the rest of my trips this year. The only next step would be to compare the two airline's elite programs. AA's Platinum status has been very rewarding to me personally, and it leaves me wondering how WorldPerk's Gold compares. In all, a big thumbs up for Northwest from a newbie! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
------------------
Spare the miles, spoil the flight!
[This message has been edited by maple (edited 06-29-2002).]