As the purser came back to clear my table after the meal, she enquired if I would like any coffee or tea, and I responded by requesting for a cup of Iced Cafe Latte. Apparently it will be her first time making the beverage though it was perfect and would make any barista proud! The mixture of milk and coffee was balanced with adequate foam at the top, and it was served with a choice of white and brown sugar cubes. Since I wanted to savour this drink, I head to the washroom to change into my pyjamas. When I exited the washroom, the purser helped me to hang my clothes and when I returned to my seat, it has already been prepared into a bed. Turn-down service without being asked is a luxury that should be afforded in First Class.
Turn Down Service
Before I set about to sleep, I played around with the unoccupied seat as I wanted to stand and let the food digest. I took a peek into Business Class but because it was quite full, I did not want to walk around the whole plane especially since I have changed into my pyjamas. The business class on my flight has already been fitted with the new 'Inspiration of Japan' seats which are similar to those on their 787s servicing the international routes. They seem wider compared to Asiana's staggered business class (which they call Quadra Smartium) but since I did not try them, I could not really say for sure. Again another inspiration on the cabin was the ambient lighting around the First Class mini-suite which works well and made the seat feels brighter though not glaring. Perfect for lounging!
Seat in Lounge Mode
The feature that truly gave ANA an edge was how comfortable the bed was for sleeping. In addition to just reclining it, the crew added a mattress pad with a Tempur-like material, and added a fluffy comforter, 2 pillows and laid out the blanket for me. The whole setting was much more comfortable. It was similar to Asiana, but the additional pillows meant I had one to sleep on, and one to hug, as I usually do at home. With the whole set-up I was asleep soon enough and had a very good night sleep, and most probably the best I have ever had on a plane. Though I was really awoken by a slightly warm cabin, which I attribute to the mattress pad and the pyjamas which are made of a slightly thick material. It was not warm as in hot and uncomfortable but warm and cosy in a ski-lodge kind of feeling. Maybe I am just used to sleeping in colder temperatures.
Ambient Lighting in the Suite
Since I did sleep pretty well, I decided to head to the next suite in 2D which was one of 2 unoccupied seats in the First Class cabin. I set it to a lounge mode and before long, one of the flight attendant came by and asked me if I wanted anything to drink. I picked one of ANA's original flavoured tea which is green tea infused with strawberry and orange essences, as well as an Umeshu (plum wine), and the selection that day was the Kakutama Plum Wine.
Tea Service with Umeshu
While enjoying the seat, I set to watch some TV shows, and halfway through the show, I felt the need to just snack, so I called for the attendant. Somehow both the purser and flight stewardess came by and I requested for some chips, rice crackers or some other snacks like ice cream. What I was served exceeded my imagination since it was plate of burger and chips with rice crackers and mixed nuts on another small plate. I actually mentioned to the stewardess I did not really want the burger but she just said it was specially prepared for me! Shortly afterwards, the purser came back with the ice cream and unlike in past occasions, these ice cream are usually hard as a rock or melted like cream. This time it was perfect and ready to eat. The timing was also just nice after I finished my chips and crackers. The attention to detail regarding the passengers' well-being and comfort in this flight made the purser one of the best airline staff I have encountered!
Burger and Chips
It turns out that she thought being quite young and growing up in a western country (Canada), I might appreciate burgers with my chips. I got to know this from my later conversation with the purser after I ended my meal and changed back into my normal clothes. When I mentioned I love Japanese food, the purser actually asked me if I would like some udon before landing. Since I decided to skip on a full breakfast fare before landing, I took her up on the offer of the udon, which was served with mountain vegetables and chopped leek, with the light flavour making for a tasty meal before landing. Included in the tray was a bottle of shichimi (7-spice powder) for added flavour to the udon.
Hot Udon prior to Arrival
After the flight attendant cleared my tray, the purser came around and have a small conversation with me such as asking me how the flight was, my eventual destination and asked if there was anything else I would require. At this point, I requested for a bottle of water and she actually asked if I would also like more of ANA's Original Aromatic Kabosu. Since I did like the Yuzu beverage, I had another glass of it while enjoying the descent. We were flying over Northern California at this time and the clear weather provided for great views. I even managed to get some beautiful shots of the urban sprawl of Los Angeles during the descent.
Westwood and Beverly Hills
Flying over Downtown LA
Eventually we ended up arriving earlier than expected in Los Angeles International Airport. Upon docking at the gate, the flight attendant actually withheld the business class passengers and waited for all First Class passengers to disembark first, just like what Cathay Pacific did. Fortunately the wait in immigration was not that long, though it still took me an hour before I reached the rental car shuttle area. The early arrival meant we managed to beat the crowds as the queue at immigration just expanded. All Nippon Airways definitely is one of the best Star Alliance airlines to fly with. Not only was the purser the most impressive flight crew I have ever flown with, I liked the quality of its meals, beverages, amenities and cabin fittings. In my opinion, they have the best hard product barring the inflight entertainment system which needs more choices. Personally I rank them amongst the best airlines in the world.
First Class View from the Seat