SFO-NRT
TG6095 (NH007 operated by NH) Club ANA
Dep. 10.50AM
Boeing 777-300ER
Seat 15A


I entered through door 2L, saw the mini-front business cabin and First Class to my left, while I headed down right in the main business class cabin before settling in 15A in the aft mini cabin, being bowed to a few more times for good measure. One of the (many) female FAs showed me my seat, and wanted to help me put my carry-on in the overhead locker, but I couldn’t let that petite Japanese hurl my most probably overweight luggage so I did it while she supervised.

As doors closed, I noticed I was the only passengers in the aft mini-cabin. I was having my own cabin on this flight! I also knew ANA is a proper premium airline that protects the intergrity of their premium cabins, meaning we won’t see people being moved forward after take-off and that kind of thing. I had my own private safety demonstration, and we both could not help but smile at it.

As we taxied at SFO the SQ 77W of SQ15 was waiting for us as they were using the same gate. Beautiful aircraft, and definitely on my list to try out in a premium cabin. NZ 77W just landed as well.

A quick and powerfull take-off roll and we were off, love the take-offs with such mighty engines!

Once in the air I commented to one of the FA’s that I had my own cabin, she laughed and said I was lucky and thay they usually had many more passengers upfront. We had a little chat about ANA, and I told her this was my first time with them and really looked forward to the service. We talked some more about Tokyo, Japan and my future plans to visit. She closed off saying we would have plenty more time to get aquainted as there were so few passengers in business, approx 20 in total.

My adapter would not fit the socket as it was too big, so I asked if they had one on board. Turns out they had cords for the most usual laptop makes, and I could have it for the duration of the flight. Even happier then! I was served green tea, which was OK but I’m not a big fan of cold tea.

With the hors d’ouvre I tried the Umeshu, excellent Japanese plum wine which is refreshing and a bit fruity. This was topped up twice, as the FA’s seems to enjoy that I liked the Japanese drink. I wowed to make this a Japanse style flight for myself, and opted for the full Japanese meal option.

This was dubbed the Kaiseki course, and started off with simmered prawns, scallop, saury fish and fishkake. All very nice and fresh, I was going to enjoy this. I had Umeshi with this appetizer as well.

For the main course which is served hot, I had the recommended sake Senkin, nice and a tad fruity. I had little chats with the FA’s every time they served me food or beverage, and they especially took care to explain all the Japanesed things I had. My main was simmered yellowtail fish and daikon radish in soy sauce, very succulent. I finished things off with the ice cream parfait, a cup of coffee and Baileys.

As I was commenting one of the FAs on the sake, she suggested I should try the other one they had as well, the Nishinoseki. I could’nt be rude and refuse, so I had that one as well

Settled down to 88 Minutes starring Al Pacino, during which the lights were dimmed and blinds shut. I decided I should try for some sleep myself, not really feeling sleep because it was the middle of the day. I did manage 3,5 hours in the lie-flat seat, to my surprise, I guess Sake can have that effect on you. Upon waking I felt a little peckish, and ordered the pulled pork sandwich and some Asahi beer. The sandwich was OK, but not much more, guess I should have gone for one of the Japanese options. The beer was better though, so I had seconds of that. 3 hours out of Tokyo now, according to ANA’s very nice 3D flight map.

I am not used to the very polite attitude of the crew, when I hit the call-button they thank me for waiting (I waited 5 seconds, tops) and apologise for keeping me waiting when ordering food (waited 3 minutes).

Overall I was very pleased with the flight, of course much extra attention was lavished upon me due to the low number of C-class passengers, and I very much enjoyed all the chatting with the female FA’s on a range of subjects. Nice to see the FA’s still working as hard and not just congregating in the galley like might happen on certain other airlines.

Had the Japanese option for meal before landing as well, nice this one too. Accompanied by Chardonnay from Napa Valley. Spent som more time chatting with the crew, who seemed happy to have something to do. The crew bowed me goodbye and hoped to see me again soon, as I departed through 1L, getting to check out the very good looking First class suites I hope to try someday.

Pictures:

Club ANA aft mini cabin, all to myself
Club ANA main cabin
15A bulkhead has plenty of space
Hors d'oeuvres and Umeshu
Kaiseki course
Kaiseki pt 2
Ice cream parfait
Light snack, pulled pork sandwich
Petite Japanse course before landing
Club ANA seat reclined
My "camp site" for 12 hours
Landing at Narita