The strangest TR you'll ever see: SHA to TSA on the Hello Kitty Plane (BR0771)
May 9, 2014, 1:00 pm
#1
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The strangest TR you'll ever see: SHA to TSA on the Hello Kitty Plane (BR0771)
So, this is one I've crossed off the bucket list (I have a very strange bucket list). When the possibility of flying from Shanghai to Taipei came up, I recalled EVA having Hello Kitty planes, and wondered if they flew on this route.
It turned out they did - and the BR Y ticket was only about £50 more than the CA Y ticket, which didn't break the bank.
I'm not entirely the target demographic for Hello Kitty, but I was interested to see how far EVA has taken the concept. Very far indeed, as it turned out.
Boarding pass.
Luggage tags.
Economy queue.
Premium queue.
It turned out they did - and the BR Y ticket was only about £50 more than the CA Y ticket, which didn't break the bank.
I'm not entirely the target demographic for Hello Kitty, but I was interested to see how far EVA has taken the concept. Very far indeed, as it turned out.
Boarding pass.
Luggage tags.
Economy queue.
Premium queue.
May 9, 2014, 1:05 pm
#2
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I would have expected this flight to be popular with families with young children, especially girls. But no. Most passengers were either adults, or families with young boys.
It was particularly odd to see a few middle-aged Western businessmen in the queue, travelling on their own. I wondered if they knew what they were about to experience? I wondered if this was the most convenient flight, or if their PAs had a very strange sense of humour.
This is what we were waiting to board:
Subtle.
It was particularly odd to see a few middle-aged Western businessmen in the queue, travelling on their own. I wondered if they knew what they were about to experience? I wondered if this was the most convenient flight, or if their PAs had a very strange sense of humour.
This is what we were waiting to board:
Subtle.
May 9, 2014, 1:10 pm
#3
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I was one of the first pax to board, as I was so keen to capture the interior. It looks empty now, but it was about to fill up to capacity.
The Devil's in the detail.
Pillow.
Last edited by Priory1; May 9, 2014 at 1:52 pm Reason: added photo
May 9, 2014, 1:18 pm
#4
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During the boarding process, all the IFE screens were switched on, and they showed a Hello Kitty animation, on a loop, custom-made for EVA, and accompanied by the cutesiest soundtrack you'll ever hear.
May 9, 2014, 1:34 pm
#9
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I know what you're thinking: "What are the crew uniforms like? Surely they'd draw the line at making the crew dress up as Hello Kitty?"
Almost, but not quite.
Yes, it's a special pink Hello Kitty pinafore over the regular BR uniforms.
The pinafores are for sale in the Duty Free onboard!
Almost, but not quite.
Yes, it's a special pink Hello Kitty pinafore over the regular BR uniforms.
The pinafores are for sale in the Duty Free onboard!
May 9, 2014, 1:45 pm
#10
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The meal service was... strange. Most of the plane seemed to have pre-ordered special meals, and with crew rushing up and down the plane handing those out for what seemed like 20-30 minutes, and no sign of a regular meal service, I'd actually given up hope of getting fed. If BR can Kittyfy a plane on the outside and inside, who knows - perhaps they also run a service where you only get food if you pre-book it.
But no - the meal eventually arrived, in Hello Kitty containers, of course:
With OMG, Hello Kitty implements!:
And Hello Kitty tissue and toothpick:
But no - the meal eventually arrived, in Hello Kitty containers, of course:
With OMG, Hello Kitty implements!:
And Hello Kitty tissue and toothpick:
May 9, 2014, 1:51 pm
#12
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Would I do t again? If I was travelling with small girls, yes - they'd love it and it would keep them happy for the entire flight. Otherwise, once is plenty.
Hats off to EVA for their commitment to the concept. They don't do things by half.
Hats off to EVA for their commitment to the concept. They don't do things by half.
May 9, 2014, 1:55 pm
#13
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Thanks, I'm glad to be able to share the strangeness! I guess EVA get a lot of free marketing out of it. The flight was full, they must be doing well.
May 9, 2014, 2:50 pm
#14
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I'm no Hello Kitty fan, but oddly find myself wanting one of the sick bags. Seriously. And none on eBay.
May 9, 2014, 2:57 pm
#15
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I am glad I was not on this flight.