Just wanted to share this. My first trip to the USA. and my first posting of a report, so spare with me. Hope u’ll like it as much as I did enjoyed it.

October 13, 2001
Manila-Narita
Japan Airlines
DC-10-30

After a series of checking out the cheapest fare between Manila and Los Angeles in economy, roundtrip, I found out and deliberately settled for Japan Airlines. Korean Air is less expensive, around $20 less from that of Japan,(Mnl-Icn-LAX) while Continental is around $600 Mnl-Guam-Hnl-Lax). I booked myself and my brother a week before in Northwest Airlines, but immediately cancelled it, the reason, $865 plus tax!!! Anyway, all in all, I booked myself and my brother in three airlines, namely Continental, Japan, And Korean. 5 Days before October 13, I cancelled our booking in Korean and Continental. I bought our ticket from a local travel agency, and after insisting for a discount, the clerk gave me around $10 less.

October 13, 2001
FLIGHT information:
Mnl-Nrt: JL 746 DC-10 Dep: 9:20 Arr: 14:10
Nrt-Lax: JL 066 B747-400 Dep: 17:30 Arr: 10:30

We arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 around 6:30 am. As we parked my uncle’s car at the nearby parking area, the one situated on the right side of the terminal, I immediately saw the plane that will take me and my brother to Tokyo. It was a DC-10, parked on an isolated part of the airport near the right concourse of the main terminal, facing, I think, the cargo terminal. First time on a tri jet!!! Anyways, we entered the terminal at around 7:30 am. As a regulation at NAIA, only the passengers are permitted to enter the main building (departure area), leaving behind those spusios people who are sending their love ones off. Manila is such a pain in ****. Security is very tight and even departing passengers have to deal with those proud-looking poor airport security guards. So after waving goodbye to my uncle, cousin, and grandma, we hurriedly passed through the security check and made it through the JAL counter. The check-in counters, located at the right part of the departure area is not quiet inviting, and my fellow passengers can attest to that. One can easily noticed the grimy counters, which I think haven’t been polish nor changed from the time the airport opened in early 1980s. Because it’s early morning, the area was constricted. Passengers of Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, Northwest Airlines to Tokyo, Pakistan International to Tokyo, Singapore Airlines to Singapore, Egypt Air to Tokyo, Continental Micronesia to Koror(tiny Pacific Island) line themselves at the quite small departure area. I hardly remember any other airline from the one I mentioned though. Anyways, the check in system has been improved in NAIA, some say, though not quite successful. After weighing our checked baggage, we hurried down to the counter (I forgot the counter number) for economy class passengers. The check in attendants were friendly, asking us several questions. After stating to them that I would like a window seat, as I always do whenever I travel, she immediately scanned her computer and gave us a window for the Manila-Narita sector. As a usual process of any airline with passengers transiting on to their other flights, our baggage was checked through LAX, and that our boarding pass to LAX from NRT has been already processed. After around 15 minutes of checking in, (less passengers that time but I know the flight was 90 percent full), we went to the area in which departing passengers were to pay the terminal fee, around 550 pesos, I think $14, if I’m not mistaken. A few more steps will take you to the Immigration counters. As a new immigration officer had just settled down on his counter, we hurriedly went to queue to his line. Although this is not my first time to go out of my country, I always faced the dilemma of encountering incidents that will tag my passing through at the airport.
As we were waiting for our turn, the nearby immigration officer suddenly shouted at a departing lady passenger (co-passenger). What a shame to a fellow Filipino. Such an a-hole. Why are some Filipinos like that. I mean I am a Filipino but I do know how I am supposed to act on matters like that. I think that;s the main reason why our country never get the chance to be mobilized and improved. Not that I hate my country, it’s just that the citizen themselves makes it really disgusting. Hve no choice, poverty makes it all apparent and really affects all. Anyways, I Just ignored him for it might just force me to do something that will halt my vacation!!! Pretty brave though!!! The lady he was shouting was really intimidated and nervous because of his aggressiveness and rudeness. People sometimes don’t understand how others feel.
Anyways, after clearing immigration, we passed through the duty free shops, then security points. All in all, we passed through 4 security areas. A scissor, which I forgot to put out of my bag, was confiscated. Stricter rules were being applied due to the tragedy that happened to the US. Anyways, we arrived at gate 15, 15-20 minutes prior to boarding. We just sat there, wondering how United States looks like in reality when the announcement for boarding was aired. They first asked the passengers with kids, the elderly and those handicap to be on line followed by those passengers seated at the far end or the rear part of the aircraft, followed by the passengers seated in front of them. Executive class passengers can board anytime at their own convenience. This is my first DC-10 flight and was very excited. Two female cabin crew, smiling and checking our passes, greeted us. As we entered the aircraft on the no. 2 door, I immediately asked one of them to please help us locate our seats for reasons that I just wanted to try their service at first glance. She replied with a smile and pointed us the way in fact she made it a point to accompany us to our seats. Nice lady. We were seated at the right side of the aircraft, at 49k and 49J. Because my younger brother loves to be seated near the window, I just let him stayed at my seat. The aircraft interior was quite cozy, and designed with a lay out of 2-5-2 setting. Fortunately, we were not seated in the middle coz I really hate disturbing my fellow passengers whenever nature calls. The overhead bins were quite high, thereby allowing more space and light. It’s a big difference from the usual airbuses that I have flown from MNL to the Mideast.
As soon as I buckled up, the crew started distributing hot towels for us to freshen up. As I gazed through the window, I saw the Egypt Air B772 flight from Cairo that have just landed and parked at the nearby gate 14. That flight will continue to Tokyo. All in all, 4 flights from 4 different airlines were going to Tokyo on that early morning. Push back time, but still some stewardesses were running down the dual aisle, counter checking the passengers and the overhead lockers. The pilot welcomed the passengers with a broken English (I couldn’t merely understand it), followed by a Japanese female attendant over the PA. I was waiting for a Filipina voice to come up and translate it to Tagalog, but to no avail, though I saw one (I don’t know if she’s a Filipina, coz many Asians look alike). Anyways, we taxied onto runway 06, and made the run for 35 seconds. Pretty fast though. The climb was so smooth, Turned north east, passing through Laguna De Bay, and onto the provinces east of Manila. I hate it when there’s no airshow being shown on board, thereby letting me track our route all by myself. The DC-10 economy seats are not fitted with PTVs, and an overhead projector is just the one present to entertain us. I presumed we were on the Philippine Sea when the captain announced that we our now cruising at 32,000 feet. Anyways, drinks were served, I opted for an orange juice, together with a fantastic selection of crackers, and nuts packed into one (pardon me, I forgot the name of it, but I know it starts with the letter O). Anyways, breakfast was served after, Japanese style, with silver cutlery. All in all a good meal with large portions. Sorry could hardly remember the menu. I settled down for a minute, and hurriedly went to the bathroom at the rear end. I asked a Japanese flight attendant, who was having an evaluation of “I don’t know”, if there’s a toothbrush on board, because I forgot mine. She said that the flight is only 4 hours, and that there’s nothing available onboard. She added that kits such as the one I’m asking are only available on long haul flights. Oh well, I just mimicked around the idea of brushing my teeth on the NRT-LAX sector, hell, 6 more hours before I could treat my teeth with a refreshing mark. After taking the lavatory, I chatted for a while with the flight attendant whom I asked earlier as I’m really avoiding a very clumsy and boring flight, so I tried my ability to communicate with her, though I barely understood her English, and she too sometimes can’t get what I’m saying. But still, I had a great deal and time talking to her, asking her about few questions working in airline and so on. As an airplane enthusiast, I make it a point to find something pleasing to remember. I found out some postcards, so I got them, without having the intention of sending one. When I got back to my seat, and saw my brother trying to get a sleep with headsets on, I fondled the magazines in front of me and saw that they are selling an airplane model in 1/500 scale (starjets), JAL 767-300. I played with the idea of buying one, and asked the cabin crew presenting the duty free goodies if I could see the model. Though I really want to buy, I just said to her that that’s not the model I want. I’m collecting 1/600 and 1/400 models so I just stayed away from the thought of buying 1/500. Not that time!!!!
One thing I like about JAL is that the F/As are indeed very friendly, taking time to stroll around the aircraft to make sure everything’s alright, truly a Japanese tradition. I love them, and the fact that many of them were really good looking, I think that my vacation will certainly be a pleasing one. And also, mention the food!!! Absolutely terrific!!! Yummy!!!
Drinks always poured our table, lights were dimmed in order for the passengers to sleep and relax. After almost 3 hours, the captain, over the PA, announced that we will soon be having our descent to New Tokyo International Airport. Accompanied by few reminders about having your seat back to its original position, electronic equipments be switched off, and so on. It’s approaching 1pm in the Philippines, and I asked the flight attendant who was collecting the headsets what time is it now in Japan, and told me that it’s approaching two in the afternoon. 1 hour difference.
As I could see the land, I felt a bump; the usual thing I feel whenever aircraft lands, I guessed it was the landing gear. The landing at runway 34 was not smooth, though not rough. It was just, A landing, normal, usual landing. Anyways, I was mesmerized by the bountiful airlines parked at the airport’s terminal 1. A lot of Northwest heavies, I think more than 10 747/200/400-combination of both. Some were parked at the gates, some of it parked in remote stands. I even saw 3 planes from United, 2 747-400, and 1 772; 3 planes from Korean Air 2 B747/400 and 1 B773, an AA 772, JAS 772, JAL 773 and some cargo airlines (China airlines B747-400, ANC 747-200, FedEx MD-11 and DC-10 and so on). When we reached terminal two, I saw the home of JAL and ANA. Lots of their birds were parked at the large terminal. I think there were around 7 B747-400, 2MD-11, 1B747-300, 1 B747-200 from JAL, while ANA had around 6 aircrafts on different stands, including its trademark 747-400s, and its 777. A Qantas B767-300 was parked in a remote stand adjacent to the west concourse of the main terminal building, and a Delta MD-11 was preparing for its return to Atlanta, and so with a NZ 747-400 which had just arrived from Auckland. There’s also a Japan Asia Airways B747-200 preparing to depart for Hong Kong. Our plane parked at C81 on the left side of the tram station connecting the concourse to the main terminal building.
The airport’s architecture was not that stunning compared to the billion dollar terminals of Dubai, Riyadh and Hong Kong. However, the simplicity of its lay out makes it more appealing to passengers like me. It’s a user-friendly terminal, and quite fitted with mechanisms to provide a more interesting travel. Duty free shops are scattered in the building, which is owned by different air companies namely JAL,JAS,and ANA (guessed so), but take note, buying is quite expensive.
The airport’s smoking area is fitted with smoke inhalers ( I dunno how they call it so bare with my description). Anyways, transit was smooth and easy, and we don’t need to use the tram to transfer gates because our next flight was parked in front of where we disembarked. Great!!! No need to walk that far, but due to curiosity, I encouraged my brother to stroll around, therefore, we tried the tram, transferred to another concourse, and watched some planes depart and arrive from the very far runway. I saw an LH 747-400 returning to Frankfurt, ANA 747-400 going to Bangkok, JL MD-11 to Singapore among others.
Anyways, our flight to LAX will not leave until 16:30, so there’s a lot of watching (plane) to do. Surely, my feet ached after 2 hours of moving!!! Japanese people are friendly especially the lady who helped me call my uncle in the US. Thanx!!!


NRT-LAX
After 2 hours of strolling around the terminal, we went to the gate for our LAX flight. That time, there’s nothing to do, and so we eagerly went out again and found our way into the terminal’s duty free shops. Found something to eat, then off to our gate. Mind you, foods at NRT are quite expensive. I was stunned to see that our flight to LAX that day was cancelled (JL062). This is due to the fact that JL 062 has only few passengers that time, maybe even less than half. Therefore, they came up with the idea of putting us (pax of 062) into the next flight to LAX which is JL 066. The latter has an ETD of 5:30pm, so there goes an added time of nothing to do. I called my uncle in California about the change status of our flight. Then hurried back to the gate where I found plenty of passengers. Great, the flight is indeed full. Boarding time commenced at 17:00. I was pretty excited though coz it was certainly my first time to be on a B747-400. anyways, the flight was full of Japanese people (who else?). The aircraft cabin is cozy, seat pitch somewhat ok, but I found JAL 747-400 seat to be a little cramped, though I didn’t mind that much, coz I was too ****ed excited going to the states for the very first time, so I was not thinking of getting sleep. (I don’t sleep on long haul flights, dunno why). But thinking of the travel time (NRT-LAX), I m kinda pissed of looking at the seats, for it certainly will not do any better to me. I just wondered what would be the menus for this 9 hour flight. Indeed, the flight was full, 100% full, so there’s no way of looking at other seats for me to relax. I was seated right in the middle of the right side of the plane, between my bro and a Mexican guy, who’s going back to Mexico.
The plane took off at around 6 pm and climbed north. 10 minutes after take off, the B744 experienced a very severe turbulence, letting the captain to announce that that will continue for a while. 45 minutes after, seat belt sign was off, then all of a sudden, passengers started queuing in fornt of the lavatories in the middle part of the plane, while the F/As were preparing the drink service. But before that, hot towels were served first. After choosing orange juice, I started to make use of the PTV. What can you expect from PTVs nowadays but movies, games, news and those usual stuffs, a normal trend now in the airline industry. I watched Moulin Rouge, but didn’t enjoy the movie that much. The usual snack comprising different nuts and chips was serve, together with ur choice of drink. I opted for the JAL original drink “sky time” in kiwi flavor. Dinner service followed after about 45 mins. Menus were not handed out, as you can find it in seat pockets in front of you. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring home a copy. And I think showing the menu is not important for me. Just a note, in-flight menus at JAL is terrific. One of the best in the industry. Japanese hospitality also was fantastic, and the F/As manifested that so much in the progression of the flight. I was really tired at this time, but I really can’t sleep, nothing else to do but to play with your PTV. And the seat, oh my, felt like I will be having DVT later on. Talk to my seatmate (a Mexican) who I learned later on was going back to Mexico after doing a business in Japan. Talked about so many things including some of the famous Mexican telenovelas being aired in the Philippines. The flight certainly was uneventful, and as light started to enter the cabin, it was my first time to see Pacific Ocean at daylight. Great body of water indeed. As the plane entered Canadian airspace, preparation for the last service started. When we passed Vancouver, the F/As started to serve breakfast. And before reaching San Francisco, trays were already cleared. And we waited until we reach LA. My brother and I were really making a lot of noise about the fact that we will be in US soil in a matter of minutes. It’s just really exciting to come over to a place you’ve only seen on tv or pictures and such excitement nevertheless is what most people feel whenever they go to places they have never seen before. And because I was 19 then, the energy can’t be destroyed.
A few turns, abling us to see LAX at our right and making a right hard turn, also saw a huge sports complex and being able to see the Hollywood signage after the turn and eventually landed and voallaahh, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to LAX, our local time now is 10:30 in the morning and so on and so forth.” I think we landed on the right runway of the right part of the airport if ur facing the ocean. So there goes the long taxi passing through the northy part of the airport, being able to see some oceans in there and going back towards the terminal. Our plane parked besides a Korean Air B744 to Seoul. Our plane parked on the wing near the AA terminal. So off we went out, following all those people but before going through immigration, pass by the lavatory to freshen up a bit, put some gel on our hair after it wrinkled on the long flight, put some cologne and off to immigration. After some confusions, we were able to choose the correct lane and after five minutes of questioning by the snobbish immigration officer, a female, stamped our passports and we went directly to baggage claim. After claiming our bags, went out towards the arrival hall and immediately saw my uncle aunt and cousin waiting for us. We are still going to stay at LAX for 2 or more hours for my folks were coming over also. They’re working in the mideast and flew to the states for our much awaited vacation a week before our arrival and stayed in NYC. They used KLM -routing was DOH-AMS-JFK. and so we went to the parking area besides the Southwest terminal, put our luggage in the car and walk over towards the Northwest terminal. At about 1:30pm, my parents NW flight from MSP arrive. We were able to get out of LAX before 2:30pm and off for the 2 hour drive to Bakersfield. Passed by a Wendy’s near a theme park, I think magic Mountain for a bite. And so we enjoyed every part of our stay in the US, having visited relatives and places in the CA area such as San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto, Anaheim-Disney, Universal Studios, Long Beach and many others. Also visited Las Vegas and stayed at Excalibur hotel for four days, being able to ride the roller coaster at stratosphere and the other thing also, forgot that one. This for only three weeks. I hope to be back soon………

Glad you enjoyed your visit to the USA!

Thanks for the trip report! Now you can tell everyone you've visited the United States - or at least California! Next time - come see New York and Washington DC.

I made my first trip to the USA over 30 years ago - quite a long journey back then. I wish I had a computer then to have written a trip report.

Good to feel your enthusiasm, and hope it goes well.

One constructive suggestion - making a LOT more paragraphs in your next report will I am sure make it easier to read.

Ditto...

Overall, very nice report. & WELCOME to FT.

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Patrick A. Inouye, LMT
volunteer trip reports moderator

[This message has been edited by pallensf (edited 09-15-2003).]

The Japanese word for the selection of crackers, nuts etc you referred to is 'otsumami'.

My Japanse dictionary translates 'otsumami' as 'snacks (eaten while drinking beer etc'.

Great trip report, BTW.



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NW Worldperks Gold, 7/10 of the way to SPG Gold