dll
Jan 3, 07, 5:50 pm
I travelled today on BKK-NRT, All Nippon C and NRT-SFO, UA F and thought I would share my notes from the trip.
First of all, let me say that I booked this flight less than 24 hrs before it departed and was expecting the worst in terms of seat assignments and availability. That I was able to get a good connection via NRT and good seats was a blessing.
NH954
Dep: BKK Sked 7:55AM Actual 7:55AM
Arr: NRT Sked 3:35PM Actual 3:10PM
Boeing 777-200ER
This flight was served today by the older Super Style aircraft with F, C and Y. At check-in my travel companion and I were given a center row to ourselves; as it turns out, C was booked only 50% full so everyone had a good amount of space. BKK-NRT-SFO was booked via NH, with NRT-SFO a codeshare flight on UA. They were not able to check me in for the UA flight.
I was surprised no amenity kit or pre-departure drinks were offered. Their competition on this route - TG - offer amenity kits. Perhaps NH do not offer them on any flight?
After a timely departure, menus were passed out and orders taken. I was disappointed to see that pork was featured both on the Kaiseki menu as well as the Western one. When they got to me, the only other western option - shrimp - was not available, and I don't eat pork as I find it disgusting. So, left with little choice, I asked for a bowl of udon noodles. All meals were a one-tray affair.
My noodles came piping hot in a nice size bowl, with a large piece of tofu on top. They were quite delicious and I found them filling enough to keep me full until NRT. For the remainder of the flight I played Mario Brothers 3, something I have not done in MANY years!
Overall, I found the NH crew pleasant and attentive, if not a bit robotic. The service was quite good. The seat, OTOH, was not the best; I found it stiff and uncomfortable, with very limited recline. I would be hesitant to take a longer flight on a Super Style seat as I do not think I would be comfortable for more than 5-6 hours.
Our arrival in NRT was early and I headed to the United RCC to check in for my flight and was pleased to learn that I could upgrade using my 1K systemwides from C to F; as this is a codeshare flight, I was not sure we would be able to do so but they accommodated us without hestitation. I always find the RCC staff in NRT very helpful and courteous.
Analysis
Good:
- attentive service
- good entertainment options
- decent food
Bad:
- seats are uncomfortable
- lack of amenity kits
UA838
Dep: NRT Sked: 5:25PM Actual: 5:35PM
Arr: SFO Sked: 9:18AM Actual: 8:30AM
Boeing 747-400
Funny enough this is the same 747 that brought me to NRT in December when I began my trip to Asia. Only two difference: I had a different seat this time and was going in the opposite direction.
I was quite pleased to receive an upgrade on this flight; I was desperate for some sleep and do not sleep well in UA's C class, although I find the cradle seats quite cosy for relaxation. I boarded and was greeted by the BKK and NRT-based flight crew, and immediately knew it would be a pleasant flight. I have had more and more BKK-based crews lately on UA and must admit, they are among the best UA has. The NRT crew base can be hit or miss sometimes, although is generally pretty good. I recognized the purser from another flight last year and said as much; he was surprised I remembered him.
I was also happy to see that UA changed its menu on this route, finally! There is still the ubiquitous beef and chicken. Beef is now a wellington instead of filet mignon. The third main course option today was a roasted sea perch with spicy curry sauce; I did not try this and based on what I saw on my fellow flyer's dining tables, neither did anyone else. I inquired with the crew but they said the entree is brand new, so have had little feedback about it.
The obento selection included a nice ginger and miso marinated fish that was a bit on the dry side, as was the chicken my travel companion ordered. Once the meal service was over I put on the eyeshades and earplugs and was out for 5 hours until about 7:00AM SFO time, when they started serving breakfast. As we were approx. 45 minutes ahead of schedule, the service was pushed back to make sure everything could be completed prior to landing. Breakfast consisted of the usual - an omelette or fruit plate. Why can they not be more creative with the breakfast offerings? Omelettes are fine; but why not have a nice selection of pastries or pancakes for the second option? Anyway, I chose the omelette, which was the same as always; edible.
The flight passed by in no time - a testament, for me, to the comfort of the UA First Suite. While getting universally panned for its poor condition and tendency to fail inflight, I find them very comfortable and think of it is as a "business plus" type product. If I can upgrade into it, great; but I am not really willing to pay MUCH of a price premium for what is essentially a business class product.
The flight crew were outstanding; VERY attentive and thoughtful, and always at your side with water, coffee, snacks. This is the UA that I really love; comfortable, professional.
Overall, I think I would take UA on this route again if only for the opportunity to upgrade into the F cabin, which makes the flight seem much shorter. Otherwise, NH are just as good and I'd imagine their new style business class outperforms dramatically that of UA.
First of all, let me say that I booked this flight less than 24 hrs before it departed and was expecting the worst in terms of seat assignments and availability. That I was able to get a good connection via NRT and good seats was a blessing.
NH954
Dep: BKK Sked 7:55AM Actual 7:55AM
Arr: NRT Sked 3:35PM Actual 3:10PM
Boeing 777-200ER
This flight was served today by the older Super Style aircraft with F, C and Y. At check-in my travel companion and I were given a center row to ourselves; as it turns out, C was booked only 50% full so everyone had a good amount of space. BKK-NRT-SFO was booked via NH, with NRT-SFO a codeshare flight on UA. They were not able to check me in for the UA flight.
I was surprised no amenity kit or pre-departure drinks were offered. Their competition on this route - TG - offer amenity kits. Perhaps NH do not offer them on any flight?
After a timely departure, menus were passed out and orders taken. I was disappointed to see that pork was featured both on the Kaiseki menu as well as the Western one. When they got to me, the only other western option - shrimp - was not available, and I don't eat pork as I find it disgusting. So, left with little choice, I asked for a bowl of udon noodles. All meals were a one-tray affair.
My noodles came piping hot in a nice size bowl, with a large piece of tofu on top. They were quite delicious and I found them filling enough to keep me full until NRT. For the remainder of the flight I played Mario Brothers 3, something I have not done in MANY years!
Overall, I found the NH crew pleasant and attentive, if not a bit robotic. The service was quite good. The seat, OTOH, was not the best; I found it stiff and uncomfortable, with very limited recline. I would be hesitant to take a longer flight on a Super Style seat as I do not think I would be comfortable for more than 5-6 hours.
Our arrival in NRT was early and I headed to the United RCC to check in for my flight and was pleased to learn that I could upgrade using my 1K systemwides from C to F; as this is a codeshare flight, I was not sure we would be able to do so but they accommodated us without hestitation. I always find the RCC staff in NRT very helpful and courteous.
Analysis
Good:
- attentive service
- good entertainment options
- decent food
Bad:
- seats are uncomfortable
- lack of amenity kits
UA838
Dep: NRT Sked: 5:25PM Actual: 5:35PM
Arr: SFO Sked: 9:18AM Actual: 8:30AM
Boeing 747-400
Funny enough this is the same 747 that brought me to NRT in December when I began my trip to Asia. Only two difference: I had a different seat this time and was going in the opposite direction.
I was quite pleased to receive an upgrade on this flight; I was desperate for some sleep and do not sleep well in UA's C class, although I find the cradle seats quite cosy for relaxation. I boarded and was greeted by the BKK and NRT-based flight crew, and immediately knew it would be a pleasant flight. I have had more and more BKK-based crews lately on UA and must admit, they are among the best UA has. The NRT crew base can be hit or miss sometimes, although is generally pretty good. I recognized the purser from another flight last year and said as much; he was surprised I remembered him.
I was also happy to see that UA changed its menu on this route, finally! There is still the ubiquitous beef and chicken. Beef is now a wellington instead of filet mignon. The third main course option today was a roasted sea perch with spicy curry sauce; I did not try this and based on what I saw on my fellow flyer's dining tables, neither did anyone else. I inquired with the crew but they said the entree is brand new, so have had little feedback about it.
The obento selection included a nice ginger and miso marinated fish that was a bit on the dry side, as was the chicken my travel companion ordered. Once the meal service was over I put on the eyeshades and earplugs and was out for 5 hours until about 7:00AM SFO time, when they started serving breakfast. As we were approx. 45 minutes ahead of schedule, the service was pushed back to make sure everything could be completed prior to landing. Breakfast consisted of the usual - an omelette or fruit plate. Why can they not be more creative with the breakfast offerings? Omelettes are fine; but why not have a nice selection of pastries or pancakes for the second option? Anyway, I chose the omelette, which was the same as always; edible.
The flight passed by in no time - a testament, for me, to the comfort of the UA First Suite. While getting universally panned for its poor condition and tendency to fail inflight, I find them very comfortable and think of it is as a "business plus" type product. If I can upgrade into it, great; but I am not really willing to pay MUCH of a price premium for what is essentially a business class product.
The flight crew were outstanding; VERY attentive and thoughtful, and always at your side with water, coffee, snacks. This is the UA that I really love; comfortable, professional.
Overall, I think I would take UA on this route again if only for the opportunity to upgrade into the F cabin, which makes the flight seem much shorter. Otherwise, NH are just as good and I'd imagine their new style business class outperforms dramatically that of UA.