Originally Posted by
kutzsche
Just flew ANA's new "The room" biz class from HND to SFO. The seat is fantastic but I found the service to be quite underwhelming. I also didn't realize there wouldn't be a full meal service. OK, fine, I understand since it's overnight, though I can argue that it's daytime as I am on Pacific time (the destination). Anyhow, it took them a full TWO hours after departure to come and ask me for a drink. They never asked if I wanted something to eat, so eventually I called them up and ordered a sandwich as I was hungry. So 2.5 hours after takeoff I finally had my cold sandwich and a glass of wine. When I ordered the wine, I had forgotten I should have also ordered a glass of water - my fault but then I realized they usually always ask you that, not here.
The second odd thing was that the only actual meal offered, before arrival, well, there was only a single choice. Yes I understand there is Japanese and Western choice. Since I am not into the Japanese offering, there was just one single choice - seafood risotto. Again, fine, but really, no other dish? Also, the only dessert choice was a packaged Vanilla ice cream - probably same as in economy. Also, the flight attendants never offered anything or asked if I wanted a dessert. It was all like - if you want something, look it up in he menu, buddy qnd flag someone down.
I found that very strange overall, like the flight attendants didn't want to interact with passengers. Well, perhaps not with Westerners. I noticed they spent a lot of time serving an older Japanese gentleman sitting to my right.
Overall, very disappointing service and food.
I am really sorry that you have such a poor experience! I agree that the crowding situation at ANA lounge in Haneda is just crazy and one cannot really get a peaceful meal at the lounge anymore. I will recommend you using the call button. Flying most Western airlines train us not to use the call button unless for emergency but when you fly on any Asian airline, you need to change your mindset. Don't be shy! Aak proactively! Don't presume anything. I learned that lesson long ago. On a recent SE Asia to Japan flight, I knew that the F/As would not offer me anything. So I just ordered my snack and drink after the seat belt sign was turned off. Use the call button actively! They don't really do a beverage service on these red-eye flights. So just order as much food and drink as you want. You are in the Room, one of the most private business class seats. Your dining won't bother anyone. Other passengers have ear plugs and eye shades, plus if they are that sensitive to noise, they won't be able to sleep unless they fly private. Ultimately you are in a public space, there will always be noises like people snoring and passengers walking to and from bathrooms, and making all kind of noises.
In first and business class, you can still someone make a meal out of all the dishes offered. The F/As can't prohibit you from ordering everything in the menu. There are always connecting passengers too that don't have a chance to stop by the lounge for food. Also the crowding issue in Haneda is real. For us who are used to fly mostly US airlines, we just need to learn to use the call button for service when flying ANA or most Asian airlines!
Carfield