YVR Cockroach
Jan 11, 03, 8:51 pm
O.K. so I didn't walk all the way....
Family visit trip came up because NW offered WBC for a stunning USD 1,511 (inc. taxes and fees).
1 January NW 7 SEA - NRT 747-200
After leaving the very-empty HGI in Renton on this very rainy 1st day of the year, I was dropped off at the arrivals level of SEA, web check-in BP in hand, to unintentionally avoid the first day of check-in baggage screening (vulcan who I was to meet in NRT later that "day" told me it was a zoo in JFK).
Security was quick and the longest wait was for the train (still unidirectional but one of last days before they switched to going around the long way via the closed B terminal stop).
The NW lounge was busy with both Asian and MSP-bound pax but not as crowded as could be.
Boarded at the first call to get to my upper deck window bulkhead seat (85A). My first impression of the NW 747-200 is how incredibly roomy the seating is (compared to QF and CP 742s) with just 3 rows (see seat and IFE comment below). The bulkhead row is still the one to go for (though the other rows aren't bad) if one isn't in the 3 or more S.D. of height. The side bins are nice and deep (one for each pax) and there's a stowage area for FAs that pax a 85 A can use if the FAs don't.
The U.S.-based FA provided very attentive service on this flight. She first gave menus and headsets - taking the meal order before takeoff - and then an offering of ear plugs, eye shades (not the cheapest nylon ones), toothbrush & paste, and a razor & cream (NW has dispensed with the amenities kit), and a choice of sockettes or slippers.
Departure was delayed an hour as the flight was oversold and the reservations computer had crashed so seating had to be done by manual count. Not too sure how many were op. upgraded but this cabin was 12/12.
Pushback was close to 13:45 (scheduled departure time varied by 10 minutes - between 12:40 and 12:50 depending on your boarding pass or gate information. I noticed this for all 5 flights of my itinerary followed by a takeoff towards the south (requiring taxi to the north end of the airport). The flight was quite bumpy for the first 1/2 hour of flight.
After takeoff (delayed half hour as there was significant turbulence until 1/2 way past Vancouver island) drinks were served (I stayed with the Billecart Salmon champagne for all 4 WBC flights) with the dish of nuts (reduced in quantity from my AMS-JFK flight in WBC in June 2001). Nuts were still almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews. No peanuts. Sometime before meal service, the FA had changed her jacket to the ivory serving jacket that most of the WBC FAs wear. A rather nice elegant touch. I'm glad to see NW rid itself of the hideous maroon uniform used in the '80s.
The route today was straight up to Alaska pushing just south of ANC and over some of the Aleutians with a maximum latitude of just under 60 N.
Menu for Dinner (photos of all meals will be posted at www.airlinemeals.net (http://www.airlinemeals.net) ):
Western Dinner
Hors d'ouevres
Grilled Smoke Salmon and Asparagus spears with roasted pepper dill sauce
Salad
Redleaf lettuce and iceberg wedge with Roma tomato and Kalmatta olives
Assorted Breads
Main Course
Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast in Pinot Noir sauce with mushroom risotto and carrots
Cheese stuffed Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce topped with three tomato sauce and crumbled goat cheese
Smoked scallops and shrimp with papardelle pasta in white butter sauce.
Japanese Style dinner
Shokado
Chuka salad with baby octopus
Assorted Japanse steamed vegetables
Barbecue eel and tomago
teriyaki quail with leeks and miso sauce
accompanied by rice, pickles and soup
Selection of fresh fruit and cheese
Dessert
Silk tuxedo cheesecake
gourmet coffee
fine chocolates
I choose the Japanese meal which was presented in a 4-compartment Bento box with 4 dishes, with the rice package on top, and tea and miso soup on the side of the tray. There was also one of those small fished-shaped containers of soy sauce and a ceramic tray with about 3 types of pickles. Utensils were a chopstick as well as the usual forks, spoons (look very old and cheap) and plastic knife, and a tooth pick. I had the Eisen sake to accompany the meal. While not a sake connaiseur by any means, this was smoother than the turpentine-like quality of some others.
The food was pretty much as advertised and was good. The only exception was that the quail seemed to resemble, taste and feel like beef. Maybe the hunters had a dey spell? There was also only just one baby octopus.
My seatmate had the western meal which looked good. The pasta main seemed a bit large and overwhelming (he only ate about 1/3rd despite being a bigger guy).
During the meal service, the FA offered tea and champagne refills.
The FA took the tray away and returned with a tray of fruit and cheese (can't even remember what types - Port Salut and Brie and cheddar?) and the cheesecake. The cheesecake was a little bit strange - not silky for one. The cups used for coffee need to be heated as one gets a cold cup. The tea - brewed in a metal "silver" pot - was weak but bitter but at least an attempt to impart flavour nonetheless.
Didn't notice the chocolates being offered as I dozed off shortly after the meal service. Small bottles of water was distributed. The FA pretty much disappeared after this meal service and crew from the main cabin came up to check on pax every now and then.
A cart with "Sky Break" snacks which included cheese (2 types of Tillamook?), chocolate, fruit and Japanese snacks was placed by the galley. Drinks were self-serve though the liquors seem to be hidden (NW doesn't make an effort to offer liqours) though the wine was out there.
About 1/2 way (flight was 9 1/2 hours due to lack of headwinds) the FA did come back to offer a Haagen-Daaz ice cream. This is a sherbet bar with an icecream core. The sherbet was a raspberry which overwhelmed the core. Not a good combination.
About 1 1/2 hours before arrival, the 2nd meal service was offered:
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Assorted Breads
Scrambled Eggs, Italian Sausage and diced potatoes topped with chedda cheese
Peppered Smoked Salmon and Smoked Trout with Cheddar Cheese
Cold cereal, fruit yoghurt and Banana
The fruit salad was remarkably good as it has been sitting open in the cart that the Sky Break snacks were placed on. I can't remember the other fruits but the ripe papaya half house them. The salmon and trout were good while the cheddar could have been presented other than in wedges.
ATC placed the flight just offshore so the flight orbited for about 10 minutes before given clearance to land, approaching from the south. Weather over Japan was clear with a nice view of Fuji on the portside. Despite crosswinds and warnings of turbulence, none appeared and the landing was one of the better 747 ones.
Shortish taxi to the gate which was 26 or so getting there just after the scheduled arrival time of 1630. At any rate, well away from satellite 4 that most other NW flights use and just adjacent to satellite 2. The SEA (continuing onto or from ICN) flights seem to like this gate.
It was quite a haul to get through a security point to get to the Akebono lounge where I was to meet Vulcan who was also flying on the discounted fare from JFK to SIN. Both the Akebono (modern but sparse) and Azume (didn't visit) lounges are non-sterile so one has to go through security (again) if one uses them. Vulcan was already there (he was looking for my a/c) and we talked about our travel plans before he had to go for his 1815 flight to SIN. I got to check out the much-mentioned beer machines offering Sapporo and Kirin (too bad they're not great beers).
Heard some U.S. pax complain about the lack of a t.v. in the lounge. I like the lack of one for the quietness and tranquility.
Seats:
The upper deck seats on NW 742s (and nose section of 744s) are the ones of choice as they are the old FC ones. While controls are simple (just recline and balky seat rest extension buttons), the seat back is relatively flat and reclines to about 80 degrees off horizontal and the leg rest comes up to nearly horizontal - allowing for a "170 degree" or so recline. It makes for a better seat than QF (pre and Dreamtime), AC, CP, US Envoy, BA cradle and CX non-bed seats. I had one of my better sleeps on these flights.
IFE
IFE selection is limited and the screens are small. The last channel had the "air show" display (information differed between 742s and 744s). I didn't watch any of the movies and just listened to the classical channels on this flight (didn't even open the headphone bags on the other 3 747 flights).
Lavatories
I like the lavatory on the upper deck. Using the stairwell recess to house the head, the toilet is slightly larger than average. The sink was however recessed and a bit awkward to reach.
I like the Aveda handwash, toning mist and hydration lotion. Toothbrush & paste and razor and shaving cream were stocked on he way out.
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-12-2003).]
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-12-2003).]
Family visit trip came up because NW offered WBC for a stunning USD 1,511 (inc. taxes and fees).
1 January NW 7 SEA - NRT 747-200
After leaving the very-empty HGI in Renton on this very rainy 1st day of the year, I was dropped off at the arrivals level of SEA, web check-in BP in hand, to unintentionally avoid the first day of check-in baggage screening (vulcan who I was to meet in NRT later that "day" told me it was a zoo in JFK).
Security was quick and the longest wait was for the train (still unidirectional but one of last days before they switched to going around the long way via the closed B terminal stop).
The NW lounge was busy with both Asian and MSP-bound pax but not as crowded as could be.
Boarded at the first call to get to my upper deck window bulkhead seat (85A). My first impression of the NW 747-200 is how incredibly roomy the seating is (compared to QF and CP 742s) with just 3 rows (see seat and IFE comment below). The bulkhead row is still the one to go for (though the other rows aren't bad) if one isn't in the 3 or more S.D. of height. The side bins are nice and deep (one for each pax) and there's a stowage area for FAs that pax a 85 A can use if the FAs don't.
The U.S.-based FA provided very attentive service on this flight. She first gave menus and headsets - taking the meal order before takeoff - and then an offering of ear plugs, eye shades (not the cheapest nylon ones), toothbrush & paste, and a razor & cream (NW has dispensed with the amenities kit), and a choice of sockettes or slippers.
Departure was delayed an hour as the flight was oversold and the reservations computer had crashed so seating had to be done by manual count. Not too sure how many were op. upgraded but this cabin was 12/12.
Pushback was close to 13:45 (scheduled departure time varied by 10 minutes - between 12:40 and 12:50 depending on your boarding pass or gate information. I noticed this for all 5 flights of my itinerary followed by a takeoff towards the south (requiring taxi to the north end of the airport). The flight was quite bumpy for the first 1/2 hour of flight.
After takeoff (delayed half hour as there was significant turbulence until 1/2 way past Vancouver island) drinks were served (I stayed with the Billecart Salmon champagne for all 4 WBC flights) with the dish of nuts (reduced in quantity from my AMS-JFK flight in WBC in June 2001). Nuts were still almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and cashews. No peanuts. Sometime before meal service, the FA had changed her jacket to the ivory serving jacket that most of the WBC FAs wear. A rather nice elegant touch. I'm glad to see NW rid itself of the hideous maroon uniform used in the '80s.
The route today was straight up to Alaska pushing just south of ANC and over some of the Aleutians with a maximum latitude of just under 60 N.
Menu for Dinner (photos of all meals will be posted at www.airlinemeals.net (http://www.airlinemeals.net) ):
Western Dinner
Hors d'ouevres
Grilled Smoke Salmon and Asparagus spears with roasted pepper dill sauce
Salad
Redleaf lettuce and iceberg wedge with Roma tomato and Kalmatta olives
Assorted Breads
Main Course
Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast in Pinot Noir sauce with mushroom risotto and carrots
Cheese stuffed Rigatoni in Alfredo Sauce topped with three tomato sauce and crumbled goat cheese
Smoked scallops and shrimp with papardelle pasta in white butter sauce.
Japanese Style dinner
Shokado
Chuka salad with baby octopus
Assorted Japanse steamed vegetables
Barbecue eel and tomago
teriyaki quail with leeks and miso sauce
accompanied by rice, pickles and soup
Selection of fresh fruit and cheese
Dessert
Silk tuxedo cheesecake
gourmet coffee
fine chocolates
I choose the Japanese meal which was presented in a 4-compartment Bento box with 4 dishes, with the rice package on top, and tea and miso soup on the side of the tray. There was also one of those small fished-shaped containers of soy sauce and a ceramic tray with about 3 types of pickles. Utensils were a chopstick as well as the usual forks, spoons (look very old and cheap) and plastic knife, and a tooth pick. I had the Eisen sake to accompany the meal. While not a sake connaiseur by any means, this was smoother than the turpentine-like quality of some others.
The food was pretty much as advertised and was good. The only exception was that the quail seemed to resemble, taste and feel like beef. Maybe the hunters had a dey spell? There was also only just one baby octopus.
My seatmate had the western meal which looked good. The pasta main seemed a bit large and overwhelming (he only ate about 1/3rd despite being a bigger guy).
During the meal service, the FA offered tea and champagne refills.
The FA took the tray away and returned with a tray of fruit and cheese (can't even remember what types - Port Salut and Brie and cheddar?) and the cheesecake. The cheesecake was a little bit strange - not silky for one. The cups used for coffee need to be heated as one gets a cold cup. The tea - brewed in a metal "silver" pot - was weak but bitter but at least an attempt to impart flavour nonetheless.
Didn't notice the chocolates being offered as I dozed off shortly after the meal service. Small bottles of water was distributed. The FA pretty much disappeared after this meal service and crew from the main cabin came up to check on pax every now and then.
A cart with "Sky Break" snacks which included cheese (2 types of Tillamook?), chocolate, fruit and Japanese snacks was placed by the galley. Drinks were self-serve though the liquors seem to be hidden (NW doesn't make an effort to offer liqours) though the wine was out there.
About 1/2 way (flight was 9 1/2 hours due to lack of headwinds) the FA did come back to offer a Haagen-Daaz ice cream. This is a sherbet bar with an icecream core. The sherbet was a raspberry which overwhelmed the core. Not a good combination.
About 1 1/2 hours before arrival, the 2nd meal service was offered:
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Assorted Breads
Scrambled Eggs, Italian Sausage and diced potatoes topped with chedda cheese
Peppered Smoked Salmon and Smoked Trout with Cheddar Cheese
Cold cereal, fruit yoghurt and Banana
The fruit salad was remarkably good as it has been sitting open in the cart that the Sky Break snacks were placed on. I can't remember the other fruits but the ripe papaya half house them. The salmon and trout were good while the cheddar could have been presented other than in wedges.
ATC placed the flight just offshore so the flight orbited for about 10 minutes before given clearance to land, approaching from the south. Weather over Japan was clear with a nice view of Fuji on the portside. Despite crosswinds and warnings of turbulence, none appeared and the landing was one of the better 747 ones.
Shortish taxi to the gate which was 26 or so getting there just after the scheduled arrival time of 1630. At any rate, well away from satellite 4 that most other NW flights use and just adjacent to satellite 2. The SEA (continuing onto or from ICN) flights seem to like this gate.
It was quite a haul to get through a security point to get to the Akebono lounge where I was to meet Vulcan who was also flying on the discounted fare from JFK to SIN. Both the Akebono (modern but sparse) and Azume (didn't visit) lounges are non-sterile so one has to go through security (again) if one uses them. Vulcan was already there (he was looking for my a/c) and we talked about our travel plans before he had to go for his 1815 flight to SIN. I got to check out the much-mentioned beer machines offering Sapporo and Kirin (too bad they're not great beers).
Heard some U.S. pax complain about the lack of a t.v. in the lounge. I like the lack of one for the quietness and tranquility.
Seats:
The upper deck seats on NW 742s (and nose section of 744s) are the ones of choice as they are the old FC ones. While controls are simple (just recline and balky seat rest extension buttons), the seat back is relatively flat and reclines to about 80 degrees off horizontal and the leg rest comes up to nearly horizontal - allowing for a "170 degree" or so recline. It makes for a better seat than QF (pre and Dreamtime), AC, CP, US Envoy, BA cradle and CX non-bed seats. I had one of my better sleeps on these flights.
IFE
IFE selection is limited and the screens are small. The last channel had the "air show" display (information differed between 742s and 744s). I didn't watch any of the movies and just listened to the classical channels on this flight (didn't even open the headphone bags on the other 3 747 flights).
Lavatories
I like the lavatory on the upper deck. Using the stairwell recess to house the head, the toilet is slightly larger than average. The sink was however recessed and a bit awkward to reach.
I like the Aveda handwash, toning mist and hydration lotion. Toothbrush & paste and razor and shaving cream were stocked on he way out.
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-12-2003).]
[This message has been edited by terenz (edited 01-12-2003).]