Originally Posted by
dhh1
Sunday I was on NRT-MSP Flt 620 - a 747-400. After the entire flight boarded there was a mechanical that necessitated an equipment change. 15 minutes after our scheduled departure time the pilot announced we were switching to another 747.
The ground crew at NRT and flight crew was able to tow in a "spare" 747 to the adjacent gate, transfer all passengers, food, luggage and cargo and push back from the gate in 90 minutes after annoucing we were switching planes.
I was really impressed how fast everything came together and how smooth the entire process was.
I was on this flight and I completely agree. I was amazed at how quickly everyone got off the 747, waited patiently at the gate or back up in the lounge and boarded. I think we were delayed about 2/.5 hours but landed in MSP with a delay of only one hour.
After customs they already had assigned me to a new flight MSP-MKE but they said I could try to make my original flight, which I did with only 15 minutes to spare. My luggage didn't make it but it was delivered to my home later on in the evening.
One of the flight attendants told us the problem with the original 747 was a hole in one of the wing flaps. At any rate, I was too was extremely satisfied with the way everything went. Kudos to both he passengers, NRT and the DL flight crew. (And lucky thing there happened to be an extra 747 in NRT!).