Trip Reports - NWA - Trip Report SFO-HKG

SFO to HKG outbound = 5/19/2006 return = 5/24/2006

Elite service level = Platinum

Discounted Economy ticket = $1100.00


I was flying on a discounted Economy ticket so no upgrade was possible with miles. I did however (much to my surprise) get a complimentary bump to Business class for the SFO to Tokyo leg. At 10 and ½ hours that made all of the difference. NWA will offer Platinum’s a free bump to Biz class if: 1- there is space 2- Of the back is sold out and they need to free up room. That is about the only time this will happen. SFO to NRT leg was uneventful and smooth. Meal was the typical International Dinner (choice of filet of beef or Japanese fish and noodle dish) and was quite enjoyable. I was on the Airbus 330 and really like the World business class seats and entertainment system though the offering of movies was pretty lame (King Kong was the only one I even recognized). The lay-almost-flat seats are the most comfortable NWA offers and I actually slept for 6-7 hours.

After a quick hour in Tokyo I was thrust back to reality on the flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong. 747-200 (I hate the old school 747’s unless I am upstairs in Biz class…talk about roomy!) Economy but at least I had the aisle. Good flight but a bit bumpy on approach to HKG.

Return was also good though no joy on the complimentary upgrade front. The food in the back was horrible…that’s the only way to describe it. BBQ’ed beef or Japanese Noodles again but the economy version was not edible IMHO. The entertainment system again was ok but no real GOOD choices.

Note to NWA: The difference in attitude from gate staff to flight attendants is SOOOOO noticeable from Business to economy. I really get the feeling I am bothering NWA staff if I ask a question and they think I am Joe-anybody. When they know I am platinum or in business they are much more pleasant to deal with. You should consider acknowledging Platinum passengers in Economy in some way. A “thank for the business” would suffice for me, but it feels really rotten when you are treated like you are just another knucklehead who paid a cheap fare when in reality I have spent $100K this year. United has started to send the pilots out to shake hands w/ 1K members randomly. This is a nice touch and the kind of recognition some of us would really appreciate...But anyway.

Overall no complaints and I have re-booked my next Asia trip for August

AvidFlyer out-

I really get the feeling I am bothering NWA staff if I ask a question and they think I am Joe-anybody. When they know I am platinum or in business they are much more pleasant to deal with. You should consider acknowledging Platinum passengers in Economy in some way. A “thank for the business” would suffice for me, but it feels really rotten when you are treated like you are just another knucklehead who paid a cheap fare when in reality I have spent $100K this year.

What about treating every passenger well;)?

What about treating every passenger well;)?

That would be asking for way too much :)

> I did however (much to my surprise) get a complimentary bump to Business
> class for the SFO to Tokyo leg. At 10 and ½ hours that made all of the
> difference.

Wow I'm jealous! I flew IND - MSP - PDX - NRT - SIN 06/02/06 and even though there were some Business Class seats open PDX - NRT - SIN no upgrades for me! Not bad on the NRT - SIN segment since no one in the seat next to me (12J). Was pretty painful on the PDX - NRT segment.

NWA will offer Platinum’s a free bump to Biz class if: 1- there is space 2- Of the back is sold out and they need to free up room. That is about the only time this will happen.

Platinum members just have priority over everyone else.

Platinum members just have priority over everyone else.


Hey "flyUAyounger"

It is a trip report...lighten up.

I noted that I paid DISCOUNT economy and there were plenty of Golds on that plane who paid far more than me for a ticket so I was SURPRISED to get the bump. I have been on that flight 20-25 times and the only time that has happend to me was when I paid more-than-lowest-fare....that was why I was surprised.

I'm new to this board..thanks for the warm welcome,.

What about treating every passenger well;)?


That was kind of my point. I think we (elites seem to be the vast majority on this board) get used to better than average level of service we receive and get a bit of a reality check when we are in the back. I agree that the level of service relative human interaction should be IDENTICLE for all customers who have paid for the service. The perks for elites should = that base line ++

I know this is possible because I have been on many flights where the CSR's and FA's were very pleasant and helpful to all of the customers. I think there is a subset of these folks who feel that they can lower the bar to sub-par treatment of "regular" customers. This is an issue for NWA managemnt to work. When you go into a place for dinner..they do not know if you are ordering Fillet Mingon or a cheeseburger. The difference here is they do and take advantage of it to do less..IMHO.

Platinum members just have priority over everyone else.

AvidFlyer's explanation was helpful as every airline has different policies. FlyUAyounger, if you're having a bad day, take it elsewhere :rolleyes:

Hey "flyUAyounger"

It is a trip report...lighten up.

I noted that I paid DISCOUNT economy and there were plenty of Golds on that plane who paid far more than me for a ticket so I was SURPRISED to get the bump. I have been on that flight 20-25 times and the only time that has happend to me was when I paid more-than-lowest-fare....that was why I was surprised.

I'm new to this board..thanks for the warm welcome,.

Avid, I enjoyed the trip report. Nice job on the upgrade!!! Ignore the "bitter" response. Sometimes while playing around this website, you find people who take themselves waaaay too seriously.... Thanks for the report! ^