Continuation
We were on Thai's newest A350 in the previous sector, rushing through the airport to get through transfer security to our gate A6 which seemed like it was on the other side of the airport (I may honestly have lost my perception of time and space). Basically another boring write-up, so if you have had enough of B744s or Y class stuff, it's time to stop reading here.

6th March 2017
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport - Tokyo Haneda International Airport
TG682
Aircraft Type: B747-400
Aircraft Registration: HS-TGF
Departure: 2345H (GMT +7)
Arrival: 0637H (GMT +9)
Flight Time: 6:52


We pick up the action already in the aircraft, with me having found a unique use for the drink holder (fits really snugly, fyi). The drink holder was a SOB to use, took way too much effort to get it to get it out. Or perhaps I was doing it wrongly? Either way, I got way too pissed at it to actually use it on the flight. Again, pillow and blanket were placed on the seat. A nice touch (or perhaps to reduce the time needed to take off?) from Thai..

IFE-wise, clearly a few notches down as compared to the A359. For one, there was no seat messaging function that we had wanted to utilise (after discovering it previously). Otherwise, movies/TV shows/music were the same on both flights. Screen resolution was not as good (I think, then again, my myopia is really bad), I dislike the fact that the controller was by the armrest and to me, the A350 clearly wins here. Also, no air vents after the retrofitting, so no way of cooling yourself.. resulting in a hot, hot plane when the pilot feels no need to turn down the A/C.


The next significant moment of the flight would have to be breakfast. There was a snack, I'm sure. Tuna and boiled egg sandwich? I think I ate it, or maybe I didn't. Either way, I had a nap on the flight (a rare sight indeed, I'm not a good sleeper on planes. Then again, this was why I went to work in the first place, so I can hopefully be tired out enough to catch some sleep) so when the lights came on, I may not have been hungry enough to want to eat.
Foodwise, I looked through the menu whilst on the A350, and I was promised

Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt
THAI CUISINE
Boiled Rice Soup with Red Snapper
Served with Onion and Red Chili Omelet
Thai Style Pickled Cabbage Salad

WESTERN CUISINE
Scrambled Egg
Sauteed Potatoes with Champignon, Bacon, Buttered Zucchini with Hazelnuts,
Baked Cherry Tomato

JAPANESE CUISINE: BENTO SET
Deep-fried Snapper Tempura with Mixed Mushroom Sauce
Steamed Japanese Rice, Carrot, Kailan and Japanese Soup

Assorted Breads, Butter, Jam

What we did end up with was either the Western option (my neighbour had that, but honestly, I'm quite done with eggs on a plane), or what you see here. From my now-quite vague memory, probably might be described as

Seasonal Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt

JAPANESE CUISINE: BENTO SET
Chicken Karaage (slightly soggy, but should still taste edible)
Steamed Japanese Rice, Carrot, Snow Peas and Pickles

Bread Roll, Butter, Jam

Orange Juice

Is there a term for getting TG-ed in terms of your inflight menu? But food was still OK, although I must admit, I was feeling very full by the time we stepped off the plane. (Note to self: Don't eat so much on the plane in future, not when your next meal ended up being at 2pm because nobody was hungry. But that delicious, delicious Funnji tsukemen in Shinjuku. Yums.)


As we approach the land of the Rising Sun, the Sun was coincidentally rising. At this point, I was contemplating if I made a correct decision to sit on the side of the plane where the sun was rising from, as opposed to say, the other side so I could see Mt Fuji on the descent. I really need to take these into consideration in future trips.


I see land! Japanese land! As pointed out previously, there is no Thai logo on the plane winglet.


Landed and parked next to an ANA BB-8 jet. That's cool, so a photo was snapped. I do have a timelapse for the landing, but indeed, I'm a lazy guy.


A look at the Queen of the Skies. My first flight on one, and while it was not bad, I'll take the A350 over it.. for now.


I promise, it's a final look. This was on the return sector HND-BKK, which coincidentally, was on the same plane. Haneda Airport is a treat and imo, quite comparable to Changi. The only downside I can think of would be the lack of a free transfer between the international terminal and domestic terminal by rail. There is a free shuttle bus service running, but didn't get to find out about it beforehand. Somehow, they have a much larger selection of Japanese snacks in the domestic terminal. Haneda Airport would definitely be my airport of choice if I am to return to Tokyo in future, especially given its relatively shorter distance to Tokyo compared to Narita.


Cheating slightly with an inflight view of the 744. This time on the left side. I have a knack for choosing both sides of the plane. Note the lack of air vents, which is miserable when the plane is overly warm.


Not sure if a matter of fact, or passive aggression in action. Just a little sign in Haneda Airport. Please remember, the lifts are fast and convenient

Comparative Notes
Personally, I feel that the edge goes to the A350. Largely for being a newer plane, one that does not feel as worn as the other. Being my first experience in both planes, I felt a lot more.. wow-ed.
A quieter plane, a more technologically advanced plane, nicer seats, bigger windows (I measured!), nicer IFE, nicer meals.. ok, some bias here.
Then again, being in Y, there is arguably so little to differentiate between airlines or even planes, yet the devil is always in these details. That little controller which you keep pressing against in your seat, resulting in the nth encounter with the stewardess asking if you require assistance? Definitely a bother and negative as compared to the controller resting under the IFE screen.
Flying in a 747 reminds me of nostalgia and to appreciate their dwindling numbers. Cathay has already retired their 747 fleet, leaving probably only Thai in the region that still has a healthy numbered fleet. It reminds me to be appreciative of this workhorse.
Flying in a A350 reaffirms the future of air travel for the next 5-10 years. A smoother experience, one designed for comfort with all the technological shenanigans in place. Will I feel the same way as I look back from the future? Perhaps this is why I wrote this, to allow for some casual reflection in the future.
What I’m sure is, I can’t wait to be back on a plane.



Bonus Section
Whilst I'm a terrible button pusher, my friend is a terribly good (that's very good, not terrible) photographer. Thus, I think it's a good idea to share some of his shots to pretty up this trip report. Since these are his shots, you are spared from my terrible commentary since it will probably comprise of just 'very nice shots', 'wow', 'I wish I could be as good'.

To see more of his works (cityscapes, landscapes, architecture), visit http://www.craftinglight.com/ or follow him on Instagram.


The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building


The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building


Meiji Shrine. I did mention something about the flight landing too damn early, right? Well, bright side is, practically nobody at the shrine.


From the top of Bunkyo Civic Center


Still early for sakuras, but there are always early bloomers. Captured near the Tokyo Imperial Palace on the way to Yasukuni Shrine.


On a train platform (not really sure which one)


People watching people watching phones in Ueno.