WBC Report: TPE-KIX-DTW in Jan 2005
Jan 21, 2005, 4:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,358
WBC Report: TPE-KIX-DTW in Jan 2005
Dear all,
Just got back to New York City after two and half weeks in Hong Kong and Taipei. In order to issue a 100,000 miles MH F award before the World Perk change in late February, I decided to fly NW’s WBC back especially the fare is not bad $1400USD O/W. The only negative aspect was to stay at Taipei overnight and the closure of CKS Airport hotel meant that I had to stay in downtown Taipei, and woke up at 5am. Anyway, I was not expecting much from Northwest and was pleasantly surprised again by meals and the comfort of the new WBC seats. Some found the seats to be relatively poor. I actually liked it and yes, it could not less steep, but it was an improvement from Continental’s BF seat and even CX’s NBC.
January 20, 2005
NW 70 TPE-KIX Lv0825 Arr1145 Boeing 747-400 N663US “6303” in the classic livery
I arrived at Terminal one around 6:30am and the airport was very crowded with many charter flights to Cebu and other Asian destinations in the morning. Northwest counter was crowded, and there were four separate lines – one Internet check-in, self check-in kiosks, WBC, and economy line. The line was long for sure but everything was orderly. Only selected bags were secondarily screened, and I was checked in by a pleasant agent and she made sure everything was in order. I was given the invitation to China Airlines’ Dynasty Lounge. NW no longer operates its own lounge, but the new China Airlines lounge is very nice. So I don’t mind this change. Then I had to wait at the end of check-in counters to make sure my bags passed the x-ray test. Of course the machine decided to break down as I was heading towards the end of the line. Thankfully, the machine was fixed in fifteen minutes and as the NW supervisor said, could you imagine how the agents had to process all bags of these 300 passengers heading to the United States… The passport control was busy and only one security checkpoint was opened at the A side. Thankfully, it was not too bad and I had thirty minutes at the new China Airlines’ lounge, which was a major improvement from prior. The lounge had much open space and the interior is more stylish. There was a noodle bar at the end with three different types of noodles – Dan Dan Noodles (non-spicy one), Beef noodles, and vegetarian noodles, and the portions were more generous than CX. For dim sums, there were the buns, Chinese rolls, Danish, and some dumplings. There was an open alcoholic and non-alcoholic bars, but coke products in can were replaced by machines. There were lots of seats with side tables for food and there was a business center, as well as an Internet area. Good job, CI. As the agent said, boarding began at 7:30am – pretty early for an 8:25am departure. There was no line, as it was quite early for boarding. Since it was TPE, there was a separate J and Y line, and random passengers were selected for secondary hand carry checks. Once on board, I was welcomed by the American purser, but unlike CX and most Asian carrier, there was no escort to your seat, but I was fine. I had the much-priced 10A with lots of legroom in front of me. It was the only window seat that I could walk in and out of my seat without disturbing my neighbor. With a mostly TW based F/A, the service was carried with more smiles, and a tray of sparkling water, champagne, and orange juice was offered immediately. After most folks were seated, there was a headset and menu service, as well as newspapers but very limited American papers selection. The boarding was lengthy, as there were many late passengers. Door was closed two minutes late and we did not push back till 8:41am due to some late bags and cargoes. Well there was not much traffic at TPE, and we took off from R/W05 at 8:54am.
Flying time was an hour and forty-eight minutes. We first climbed to 33,000 feet but descended towards 29,000 feet due to light chops, and then back to 37,000 feet before approaching South of Kagoshima, Miyakonjo, Miyazaki, Kochi, and Tokushima. I love the “Follow the Map” function. That is my entertainment for the flight, as NW’s AVOD system still lacks selections – lots of movies, but how about some short subjects, such as sitcoms, dramas like CSI, and interesting things. You set up this great system, but fail to take advantage of it. In order to adjust to the time zone, I tried hard to stay up and the service this morning was a breakfast service. I was a bit surprised that there was no separate beverage service prior to breakfast. The service sequence was hot towels, breakfast all served on one tray, tea/coffee, and then tray collections, followed by duty free. It is a short flight, but I think a separate beverage service should happen especially there were only two F/As serving the whole main deck WBC section – one F/A per aisle rolling down the trolley, and us at second WBC cabin got our meals and beverage later. (Other F/As were in the galley). Anyway, the breakfast service was much nicer than imagined. Here is the full breakfast menu – used pretty much during the whole Winter months.
TPE-KIX 1 EB WINTER 2004/2005
Menu
Assorted Juices
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Selection of Breads
The fruit was served in a new transparent tray with nice selection of apple, melon, cantaloupe, watermelon ball, and orange segments. Bread selection included warmed croissants and peach and blueberry Danish. The breadbasket was passed around twice.
Main Course
Cheese Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Ham
Or
Braised Chicken in Oriental Sauce, Steamed Noodles
I had the chicken dish, which was nice. The entrée should describe as “Braised chicken thigh with Chestnuts and Chinese gravy.” The chicken was not rubber and the sauce was flavorful. Delicious… and there was a side of Bak choy, which retains its green color.
Or
Cold Cereal
Dessert
Gourmet Coffee or Tea
For dessert, there was a tray of two mini pastries – strawberry mousse cake and tiramisu.
After breakfast, there was not much time left and I read a bit. Descent soon began at 10:16am and I could see some beautiful landscape of Japan on my way to my first landing at Kansai. Pilot signaled final preparation for landing at 10:25am, and we landed on Runway 24 at 11:42am Osaka local time (KIX was an hour ahead of TPE). Since NW used the gate at the other end, we got a nice tour of the main terminal of KIX. I saw the Air Calin’s A330 F-OHSD, AF’s Boeing 777-200 F-GSPV, EVA Air’s Airbus A330-200 B-16302 just arrived ahead of us from TPE, two Korean Air: A330-300 to Pusan HL7524 and Boeing 747-300 HL7469 (I have not see a Boeing 747-300 for a while except JAL and JAA), the brand new Asiana’s Airbus A330-300 HL7736 just gorgeous, Finnair’s MD-11 OH-LGE completing its push back for its flight to Helsinki, and then parked at Bay 6/Gate 19 next to an Alitalia’s Boeing 777-200ER I-DISO. To be honest, there are not many activities at Kansai compared to Narita and Nagoya (since NGO had domestic flights), as most flights were International and there are not many domestic flights. We parked at Bay 6 at 11:49am and headed to the transit area, which was crowded with folks on our flight. The terminal itself was very nice, but not as spectacular as HKG or ICN. I bought a few boxes of Kobe’s chocolate and then walked around to spot planes and to jog down all the registration number that I provided earlier in this paragraph. Northwest used a common user lounge but I did not visit, since plane-spotting was more important and I was sure that I missed nothing spectacular especially knowing lounges at KIX. To my surprise, many folks continued on our flights to DTW, but WBC was filled half with new passengers joining us at Kansai, but in Y, I will say 60% from TPE, and 40% from KIX.
NW 70 KIX-DTW Lv1315 Arr1120 Boeing 747-400 N663US
Boarding began at 12:41pm and boarding was less orderly as everyone was crowded at the gate, but elite and WBC boarding was strictly enforced. There was no need to all rush to the gate, when you heard the boarding announcement. Don’t want to generalize, but once again, the Japanese F/As took a more active role in assisting passengers in boarding, and the American F/As were fine, but did not look too enthusiastic – looked rather tired if you asked me. After passengers were settled down, two American F/As rolled down the amenities trolley. Menus, the new blue WBC amenity kits, headsets, and a choice of slippers (spotted a new gray color) or socks. Newspapers were offered by the Japanese F/As. English papers were lacking, except Asian WSJ and Herald Tribune. Door was closed early at 1:07pm and we pushed back three minutes later. After a Federal Express’ MD-11 and a JAL’s Boeing 777-200 landed, we took our turn at R/W24. We lifted off at 1:23pm.
Flying time was a quick eleven hours and fifteen minutes. We passed through Nagoya in 33,000 feet and then after passing North of Tokyo, we climbed to 34,000feet, and then later onto 35,000 feet before entering Alaskan cities of Quinkagak, South of Bethel, North of Kena, Tyenek, Anchorage, and Valdez. We climbed to 37,000 feet and then passing Whitehorse, Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Norway House, Thunder Bay, Hancock, Marquette, and began our descent after passing Traverse City.
Hot towels were passed out at 1:46pm, and then the beverage trolley made its appearance with cold mixed nuts and canapés – smoked salmon & cream cheese roll, and a teriyaki beef skewer. Lunch was not served till 2:45pm and to my surprise, the Japanese dinner was served in two courses, like the Western dinner. Good job, NWA, and the presentation was much improved from previous Northwest rides, which I avoided the Japanese dinners. Entrées were served at 3:10pm with rice and hot dishes, and then dessert tray made its appearance at 3:25pm and felt free to ask for everything. Trays were collected at 3:42pm. Here is the wine list and menu transcript with my description:
Wine List same on TPE-KIX flights as well
Champagne
Perrier Jouet Brut NV Champagne
White Wines
Choice of
2000 Stag’s Leap Beckstoffer Ranch Napa Valley Chardonnay
1999 Gallo of Sonoma Stefani Vineyard Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley
2001 St. Clement Napa Valley Chardonnay
2002 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Chardonnay
2002 Benziger Fume Blanc North Coast
2001 Bouchard Beaune Du Chateau Blanc Premier Cru
2002 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley
2002 Beringer Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Red Wines
Choice of
2000 St. Clement Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1999 Gallo Of Sonoama Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
2001 Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
1998 Anderson’s Conn Valley Napa Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 Chateau Arnauld Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois
2000 Les Brulieres De Beychevelle Haut-Medoc
2000 Chateau Coufran Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois
Port
Fonseca Bin No.27 Port
NRT KIX_ MSP DTW LAX WBC1 EB WINTER 2004/2005
To Begin
Cocktail or beverage of choice, canapés, and mixed nuts
Western style dinner
Appetizer salad
Mixed greens with garnish of the day
Choice of dressing
Main Course
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom sauce, baby potatoes, vegetable Ratatouille
Or
Roasted Chicken Breast in Red Wine sauce, Mashed potatoes, and carrot batons
Or
Baked Salmon in Lemon Sauce, Parmesan potatoes, and asparagus
Japanese Style Dinner
Sakizuke
Tuna, Salmon, Squid, Octopus, and Salmon Roe
A nice selection of Japanese raw fish/sashimi – and the salmon roe was placed on a nice cucumber crown, and the salmon was smoked kind though.
Takiawase
Simmered Japanese Vegetables
Crab leg, spinach, beancurd roll with Japanese mushrooms, carrot, and pumpkin with starch sauce.
Soba – Chasoba
Osuimono
Clear Soup
Clear soup with two small Japanese starch balls and mushrooms
Main Meal
Simmered Duck breast, Grilled Beef Skewer, Shrimp, Eggplant
Very nice – nothing too heavy and yet filling enough
Japanese Dessert
Assorted Breads
I saw the garlic bread.
Dessert A La Carte
Fresh Fruit
Selection of Cheese offered with Port Wine
Ice Cream
Gourmet Cookies
Premium Coffee or Tea
Liqueurs
I did not see the fruit brochette offered as previous flights. The cheese selections were cheddar and Camembert, and flavor of ice cream is strawberry. I did not see the Godiva cookies offered on USA outbound flights.
Just got back to New York City after two and half weeks in Hong Kong and Taipei. In order to issue a 100,000 miles MH F award before the World Perk change in late February, I decided to fly NW’s WBC back especially the fare is not bad $1400USD O/W. The only negative aspect was to stay at Taipei overnight and the closure of CKS Airport hotel meant that I had to stay in downtown Taipei, and woke up at 5am. Anyway, I was not expecting much from Northwest and was pleasantly surprised again by meals and the comfort of the new WBC seats. Some found the seats to be relatively poor. I actually liked it and yes, it could not less steep, but it was an improvement from Continental’s BF seat and even CX’s NBC.
January 20, 2005
NW 70 TPE-KIX Lv0825 Arr1145 Boeing 747-400 N663US “6303” in the classic livery
I arrived at Terminal one around 6:30am and the airport was very crowded with many charter flights to Cebu and other Asian destinations in the morning. Northwest counter was crowded, and there were four separate lines – one Internet check-in, self check-in kiosks, WBC, and economy line. The line was long for sure but everything was orderly. Only selected bags were secondarily screened, and I was checked in by a pleasant agent and she made sure everything was in order. I was given the invitation to China Airlines’ Dynasty Lounge. NW no longer operates its own lounge, but the new China Airlines lounge is very nice. So I don’t mind this change. Then I had to wait at the end of check-in counters to make sure my bags passed the x-ray test. Of course the machine decided to break down as I was heading towards the end of the line. Thankfully, the machine was fixed in fifteen minutes and as the NW supervisor said, could you imagine how the agents had to process all bags of these 300 passengers heading to the United States… The passport control was busy and only one security checkpoint was opened at the A side. Thankfully, it was not too bad and I had thirty minutes at the new China Airlines’ lounge, which was a major improvement from prior. The lounge had much open space and the interior is more stylish. There was a noodle bar at the end with three different types of noodles – Dan Dan Noodles (non-spicy one), Beef noodles, and vegetarian noodles, and the portions were more generous than CX. For dim sums, there were the buns, Chinese rolls, Danish, and some dumplings. There was an open alcoholic and non-alcoholic bars, but coke products in can were replaced by machines. There were lots of seats with side tables for food and there was a business center, as well as an Internet area. Good job, CI. As the agent said, boarding began at 7:30am – pretty early for an 8:25am departure. There was no line, as it was quite early for boarding. Since it was TPE, there was a separate J and Y line, and random passengers were selected for secondary hand carry checks. Once on board, I was welcomed by the American purser, but unlike CX and most Asian carrier, there was no escort to your seat, but I was fine. I had the much-priced 10A with lots of legroom in front of me. It was the only window seat that I could walk in and out of my seat without disturbing my neighbor. With a mostly TW based F/A, the service was carried with more smiles, and a tray of sparkling water, champagne, and orange juice was offered immediately. After most folks were seated, there was a headset and menu service, as well as newspapers but very limited American papers selection. The boarding was lengthy, as there were many late passengers. Door was closed two minutes late and we did not push back till 8:41am due to some late bags and cargoes. Well there was not much traffic at TPE, and we took off from R/W05 at 8:54am.
Flying time was an hour and forty-eight minutes. We first climbed to 33,000 feet but descended towards 29,000 feet due to light chops, and then back to 37,000 feet before approaching South of Kagoshima, Miyakonjo, Miyazaki, Kochi, and Tokushima. I love the “Follow the Map” function. That is my entertainment for the flight, as NW’s AVOD system still lacks selections – lots of movies, but how about some short subjects, such as sitcoms, dramas like CSI, and interesting things. You set up this great system, but fail to take advantage of it. In order to adjust to the time zone, I tried hard to stay up and the service this morning was a breakfast service. I was a bit surprised that there was no separate beverage service prior to breakfast. The service sequence was hot towels, breakfast all served on one tray, tea/coffee, and then tray collections, followed by duty free. It is a short flight, but I think a separate beverage service should happen especially there were only two F/As serving the whole main deck WBC section – one F/A per aisle rolling down the trolley, and us at second WBC cabin got our meals and beverage later. (Other F/As were in the galley). Anyway, the breakfast service was much nicer than imagined. Here is the full breakfast menu – used pretty much during the whole Winter months.
TPE-KIX 1 EB WINTER 2004/2005
Menu
Assorted Juices
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Selection of Breads
The fruit was served in a new transparent tray with nice selection of apple, melon, cantaloupe, watermelon ball, and orange segments. Bread selection included warmed croissants and peach and blueberry Danish. The breadbasket was passed around twice.
Main Course
Cheese Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Ham
Or
Braised Chicken in Oriental Sauce, Steamed Noodles
I had the chicken dish, which was nice. The entrée should describe as “Braised chicken thigh with Chestnuts and Chinese gravy.” The chicken was not rubber and the sauce was flavorful. Delicious… and there was a side of Bak choy, which retains its green color.
Or
Cold Cereal
Dessert
Gourmet Coffee or Tea
For dessert, there was a tray of two mini pastries – strawberry mousse cake and tiramisu.
After breakfast, there was not much time left and I read a bit. Descent soon began at 10:16am and I could see some beautiful landscape of Japan on my way to my first landing at Kansai. Pilot signaled final preparation for landing at 10:25am, and we landed on Runway 24 at 11:42am Osaka local time (KIX was an hour ahead of TPE). Since NW used the gate at the other end, we got a nice tour of the main terminal of KIX. I saw the Air Calin’s A330 F-OHSD, AF’s Boeing 777-200 F-GSPV, EVA Air’s Airbus A330-200 B-16302 just arrived ahead of us from TPE, two Korean Air: A330-300 to Pusan HL7524 and Boeing 747-300 HL7469 (I have not see a Boeing 747-300 for a while except JAL and JAA), the brand new Asiana’s Airbus A330-300 HL7736 just gorgeous, Finnair’s MD-11 OH-LGE completing its push back for its flight to Helsinki, and then parked at Bay 6/Gate 19 next to an Alitalia’s Boeing 777-200ER I-DISO. To be honest, there are not many activities at Kansai compared to Narita and Nagoya (since NGO had domestic flights), as most flights were International and there are not many domestic flights. We parked at Bay 6 at 11:49am and headed to the transit area, which was crowded with folks on our flight. The terminal itself was very nice, but not as spectacular as HKG or ICN. I bought a few boxes of Kobe’s chocolate and then walked around to spot planes and to jog down all the registration number that I provided earlier in this paragraph. Northwest used a common user lounge but I did not visit, since plane-spotting was more important and I was sure that I missed nothing spectacular especially knowing lounges at KIX. To my surprise, many folks continued on our flights to DTW, but WBC was filled half with new passengers joining us at Kansai, but in Y, I will say 60% from TPE, and 40% from KIX.
NW 70 KIX-DTW Lv1315 Arr1120 Boeing 747-400 N663US
Boarding began at 12:41pm and boarding was less orderly as everyone was crowded at the gate, but elite and WBC boarding was strictly enforced. There was no need to all rush to the gate, when you heard the boarding announcement. Don’t want to generalize, but once again, the Japanese F/As took a more active role in assisting passengers in boarding, and the American F/As were fine, but did not look too enthusiastic – looked rather tired if you asked me. After passengers were settled down, two American F/As rolled down the amenities trolley. Menus, the new blue WBC amenity kits, headsets, and a choice of slippers (spotted a new gray color) or socks. Newspapers were offered by the Japanese F/As. English papers were lacking, except Asian WSJ and Herald Tribune. Door was closed early at 1:07pm and we pushed back three minutes later. After a Federal Express’ MD-11 and a JAL’s Boeing 777-200 landed, we took our turn at R/W24. We lifted off at 1:23pm.
Flying time was a quick eleven hours and fifteen minutes. We passed through Nagoya in 33,000 feet and then after passing North of Tokyo, we climbed to 34,000feet, and then later onto 35,000 feet before entering Alaskan cities of Quinkagak, South of Bethel, North of Kena, Tyenek, Anchorage, and Valdez. We climbed to 37,000 feet and then passing Whitehorse, Grand Rapids, Manitoba, Norway House, Thunder Bay, Hancock, Marquette, and began our descent after passing Traverse City.
Hot towels were passed out at 1:46pm, and then the beverage trolley made its appearance with cold mixed nuts and canapés – smoked salmon & cream cheese roll, and a teriyaki beef skewer. Lunch was not served till 2:45pm and to my surprise, the Japanese dinner was served in two courses, like the Western dinner. Good job, NWA, and the presentation was much improved from previous Northwest rides, which I avoided the Japanese dinners. Entrées were served at 3:10pm with rice and hot dishes, and then dessert tray made its appearance at 3:25pm and felt free to ask for everything. Trays were collected at 3:42pm. Here is the wine list and menu transcript with my description:
Wine List same on TPE-KIX flights as well
Champagne
Perrier Jouet Brut NV Champagne
White Wines
Choice of
2000 Stag’s Leap Beckstoffer Ranch Napa Valley Chardonnay
1999 Gallo of Sonoma Stefani Vineyard Chardonnay Dry Creek Valley
2001 St. Clement Napa Valley Chardonnay
2002 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Chardonnay
2002 Benziger Fume Blanc North Coast
2001 Bouchard Beaune Du Chateau Blanc Premier Cru
2002 Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris, Columbia Valley
2002 Beringer Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
Red Wines
Choice of
2000 St. Clement Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
1999 Gallo Of Sonoama Frei Ranch Vineyard Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley
2001 Fetzer Five Rivers Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
1998 Anderson’s Conn Valley Napa Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2001 Chateau Arnauld Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois
2000 Les Brulieres De Beychevelle Haut-Medoc
2000 Chateau Coufran Haut-Medoc Cru Bourgeois
Port
Fonseca Bin No.27 Port
NRT KIX_ MSP DTW LAX WBC1 EB WINTER 2004/2005
To Begin
Cocktail or beverage of choice, canapés, and mixed nuts
Western style dinner
Appetizer salad
Mixed greens with garnish of the day
Choice of dressing
Main Course
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom sauce, baby potatoes, vegetable Ratatouille
Or
Roasted Chicken Breast in Red Wine sauce, Mashed potatoes, and carrot batons
Or
Baked Salmon in Lemon Sauce, Parmesan potatoes, and asparagus
Japanese Style Dinner
Sakizuke
Tuna, Salmon, Squid, Octopus, and Salmon Roe
A nice selection of Japanese raw fish/sashimi – and the salmon roe was placed on a nice cucumber crown, and the salmon was smoked kind though.
Takiawase
Simmered Japanese Vegetables
Crab leg, spinach, beancurd roll with Japanese mushrooms, carrot, and pumpkin with starch sauce.
Soba – Chasoba
Osuimono
Clear Soup
Clear soup with two small Japanese starch balls and mushrooms
Main Meal
Simmered Duck breast, Grilled Beef Skewer, Shrimp, Eggplant
Very nice – nothing too heavy and yet filling enough
Japanese Dessert
Assorted Breads
I saw the garlic bread.
Dessert A La Carte
Fresh Fruit
Selection of Cheese offered with Port Wine
Ice Cream
Gourmet Cookies
Premium Coffee or Tea
Liqueurs
I did not see the fruit brochette offered as previous flights. The cheese selections were cheddar and Camembert, and flavor of ice cream is strawberry. I did not see the Godiva cookies offered on USA outbound flights.
Jan 21, 2005, 4:06 pm
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,358
Continued
After dinner, Evian water bottles were passed and the Skysnack trolley was placed in front of seat 10A and B with a nice selection of Calbee potato chips, Plum-flavored Onigri, Toberlerone chocolate, kit kat, bananas, apples, peertz, Otsunami, and instant noodle cups. I had some chips, banana, and chocolate. There was no separate snack service of noodles and pizza, for those who cared. I slept through the flight as I was adjusting to the NYC time. The sky remained dark pretty much up till breakfast service, and the F/As were not noisy at the galley area. So if you had Row 4, 9, and 10, there was no additional noise, except the toilet traffic. For Row 9 middle seats, I don’t recommend them as they were next to the bathroom and you should need eyeshades and ear plugs. For my seat, 10A, I was not particularly alarmed by noise except some vaccuming sound. The only bad thing about 10A and B are the lack of storage rooms and the snack cart was placed in front of my seat. Of course the F/A did not pay attention to the shoes and stuff we placed in front of the magazine rack, and just rolled the snack cart onto it. Once again, entertainment included the mandatory Aerobics, Forms video, and promotions for duty free products, and the AVOD system are there, but lack substances. Lights were turned on around 11pm KIX time, and 9am EST. Hot towels were passed out, followed by the breakfast trolley. Cereal was the popular choice for those who is interested, but I got the Asian entrée.
On Arrival
A choice of
Continental Breakfast
Fresh Fruit and Warmed Breads
Fruit selection includes pear, orange, melon, pineapple, grapes, and 1/2 slice of strawberry, and the bread selection is croissant or sweet roll, like a pear Danish.
Herb Omelet with Smoked Sausage
Or
Stir-fried Pork with Chinese Dumpling
The stir-fried pork slices was done in a light soy sauce, with white rice on the side, and the Chinese dumplings were soup dumplings styles, but did not quite work in the plane oven. Regular dim sums will work better.
Or
Cold Cereal, Fruit Yogurt and Banana
As the F/A returned to galley, one of the glasses fell from the trolley, and crashed onto the shoes of mines and my neighbor, the poor F/As had to clean out the carpet with tapes making sure no shattered glasses in the carpet. She spent over ten minutes applying and removing masking tape, in order to remove small glasses from the carpet and our shoes. I felt really bad, but since it was breakfast time and with the tray, I could not help her, and no other F/A helped her, as they were all serving breakfast. But a thank you to her for the thorough job!
I was very impressed with the meals in general, when compared to my last NWA transpacific crossing especially the second meal from JFK to NRT – that quiche thing was inedible. The F/As were fine and were more than happy to get you additional drinks when you approached them. There were no water runs of any sort, but since it was NWA, I would not expect them. Descent began at 10:03am over a cloudy sky, and we landed on R/W4R at 10:38am, and parked at gate A36 a few minutes later. I was amazed at the large INS facility at DTW and there were no lines for us. The bags came out in two separate claims, but there were no guidelines to which bags will come out from which claim. It was confusing, but priority bags worked. The lines began to appear as I exited the custom area, and then there was the long line for connecting bags, as they needed to be x-rayed again. Thankfully the agent directed WBC passengers to a separate lane, and the TSA guys were friendly. Then we headed towards the security check points, which were crowded with only three out of six lanes opened. With another two NRT flights coming in an hour, I am curious with the other checkpoints not opened. There were no separate WBC and elite lines for those curious. With more than two hours to spare for my connecting flights to LGA, I was not in a hurry.
NW 1109 DTW-LGA Lv1341 Arr1522 Boeing 757-200 N552NW in new livery
Nothing much to write about this flight, except we were on time and even early into LGA, which did not happen everyday! The F/As hang the coats and offered pre-takeoff beverage to everyone, including passing of Sprintzels and new mixed nuts. I like the mixed nuts especially the honey sesame sticks, but I sure missed the almonds.
Thanks for reading everyone! I sent in my films today, so the pictures will be available in a week.
Carfield
On Arrival
A choice of
Continental Breakfast
Fresh Fruit and Warmed Breads
Fruit selection includes pear, orange, melon, pineapple, grapes, and 1/2 slice of strawberry, and the bread selection is croissant or sweet roll, like a pear Danish.
Herb Omelet with Smoked Sausage
Or
Stir-fried Pork with Chinese Dumpling
The stir-fried pork slices was done in a light soy sauce, with white rice on the side, and the Chinese dumplings were soup dumplings styles, but did not quite work in the plane oven. Regular dim sums will work better.
Or
Cold Cereal, Fruit Yogurt and Banana
As the F/A returned to galley, one of the glasses fell from the trolley, and crashed onto the shoes of mines and my neighbor, the poor F/As had to clean out the carpet with tapes making sure no shattered glasses in the carpet. She spent over ten minutes applying and removing masking tape, in order to remove small glasses from the carpet and our shoes. I felt really bad, but since it was breakfast time and with the tray, I could not help her, and no other F/A helped her, as they were all serving breakfast. But a thank you to her for the thorough job!
I was very impressed with the meals in general, when compared to my last NWA transpacific crossing especially the second meal from JFK to NRT – that quiche thing was inedible. The F/As were fine and were more than happy to get you additional drinks when you approached them. There were no water runs of any sort, but since it was NWA, I would not expect them. Descent began at 10:03am over a cloudy sky, and we landed on R/W4R at 10:38am, and parked at gate A36 a few minutes later. I was amazed at the large INS facility at DTW and there were no lines for us. The bags came out in two separate claims, but there were no guidelines to which bags will come out from which claim. It was confusing, but priority bags worked. The lines began to appear as I exited the custom area, and then there was the long line for connecting bags, as they needed to be x-rayed again. Thankfully the agent directed WBC passengers to a separate lane, and the TSA guys were friendly. Then we headed towards the security check points, which were crowded with only three out of six lanes opened. With another two NRT flights coming in an hour, I am curious with the other checkpoints not opened. There were no separate WBC and elite lines for those curious. With more than two hours to spare for my connecting flights to LGA, I was not in a hurry.
NW 1109 DTW-LGA Lv1341 Arr1522 Boeing 757-200 N552NW in new livery
Nothing much to write about this flight, except we were on time and even early into LGA, which did not happen everyday! The F/As hang the coats and offered pre-takeoff beverage to everyone, including passing of Sprintzels and new mixed nuts. I like the mixed nuts especially the honey sesame sticks, but I sure missed the almonds.
Thanks for reading everyone! I sent in my films today, so the pictures will be available in a week.
Carfield
Jan 22, 2005, 5:01 am
#5
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Home: Arlington, VA; Home airports: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Active: AA, UA, DL
Posts: 4,095
Carfield,
Thanks for the report as usual. I've been reading your reports since I joined FT in 2000. You've been quite the business/first class connoisseur.
Were you on thetrip.com too? IIRC, you posted reports there too. I posted my first trip report on thetrip.com after I flew NW's int'l F class between DTW and SEAsia and have posted a few trip reports in FT about NW WBC and CO BF since then.
Unlike you, I'm "stuck" flying on NW and CO business class, as opposed to CX, NH, JL, SQ.
But, people like me can't be choosers.
I haven't been on NW's WBC for a few years now; however, I'll be flying them at the end of this year and am looking forward to it after reading your trip report. I really liked CO's new BF seat in the B777; so, I guess I'll love NW's new WBC seat.
- Pat
Thanks for the report as usual. I've been reading your reports since I joined FT in 2000. You've been quite the business/first class connoisseur.
Were you on thetrip.com too? IIRC, you posted reports there too. I posted my first trip report on thetrip.com after I flew NW's int'l F class between DTW and SEAsia and have posted a few trip reports in FT about NW WBC and CO BF since then.Unlike you, I'm "stuck" flying on NW and CO business class, as opposed to CX, NH, JL, SQ.
But, people like me can't be choosers. I haven't been on NW's WBC for a few years now; however, I'll be flying them at the end of this year and am looking forward to it after reading your trip report. I really liked CO's new BF seat in the B777; so, I guess I'll love NW's new WBC seat.
- Pat
Feb 10, 2005, 12:30 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,358
Photos added (updated)
NW:
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSig...de%3Dtrue&Ux=0
Disclaimer -- Apparently, you have to sign up at ofoto.com before viewing the pictures... but it is a free signup anyway.
Carfield
http://www.ofoto.com/ShareLandingSig...de%3Dtrue&Ux=0
Disclaimer -- Apparently, you have to sign up at ofoto.com before viewing the pictures... but it is a free signup anyway.
Carfield
Last edited by Carfield; Feb 10, 2005 at 12:56 pm Reason: updated the photo link
Feb 10, 2005, 10:04 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Northern Minnesota, US
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG/MR Plat, Kimpton IC, IHG Spire Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 659
Originally Posted by Carfield
NW:
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...1&sort_order=0
Disclaimer -- Apparently, you have to sign up at ofoto.com before viewing the pictures... but it is a free signup anyway.
Carfield
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.js...1&sort_order=0
Disclaimer -- Apparently, you have to sign up at ofoto.com before viewing the pictures... but it is a free signup anyway.
Carfield
Sep 20, 2005, 3:37 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: NW Silver, SPG Gold
Posts: 140
This is just the report I was looking for. Thanks for the great detail. I am flying WBC DTW-TPE (first time to Asia) in December.
I would appreciate some insight as to what to expect on my outbound, DTW-KIX-TPE flights.
Have recent cutbacks effected this flight?
Thanks again for the wonderful insight.
I would appreciate some insight as to what to expect on my outbound, DTW-KIX-TPE flights.
Have recent cutbacks effected this flight?
Thanks again for the wonderful insight.
Sep 23, 2005, 1:34 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: New York
Posts: 7,358
Thanks
Thanks and I am not sure about cutbacks lately.
I guess it is safe to assume nothing has happened... I believe Asian routes are still NW's money making routes and with strong services offered by Asian competitors and even US competitors, NW can't really cut any more things. I guess Y can see a few minor cutbacks, but J should be okay.
I am flying PDX-NRT-ICN next month and will report back.
I believe magicchal has published a number of NWA NRT-BKK-NRT-ICN reports here, and he traveled in the summer, and the meals look pretty similar to what they offered before.
Carfield
I guess it is safe to assume nothing has happened... I believe Asian routes are still NW's money making routes and with strong services offered by Asian competitors and even US competitors, NW can't really cut any more things. I guess Y can see a few minor cutbacks, but J should be okay.
I am flying PDX-NRT-ICN next month and will report back.
I believe magicchal has published a number of NWA NRT-BKK-NRT-ICN reports here, and he traveled in the summer, and the meals look pretty similar to what they offered before.
Carfield