Review of ANA flight from Manila to Tokyo in Economy

導入 INTRODUCTION

After exploring a couple countries in the Asian continent, it's time to finally start a new life in Canada. This flight is one of three that I took from Manila to Calgary, with stops in Narita and San Francisco. This report will cover ANA's daily morning Manila-Narita flight.

機内で ONBOARD NH950

The aircraft used for the trip, registration# JA608A. This aircraft is no longer operating international flights for ANA today and has been reconfigured for domestic use. Today, the new B787-10s cover the Manila route with upgraded cabin products. 

Settled in seat 35A

It was almost a completely full flight and although it's a Japanese airline and all the cabin attendants onboard were Japanese, the majority of the passengers were Westerners and Filipinos connecting onto onward flights out of Narita to North America as it is a popular connection hub between TPAC to Southeast Asia flights and vice versa. 

出発 DEPARTURE

Pushback was on time, but the runway being used for takeoff was at the opposite end of the airport. This meant a 25 minute taxi to Runway 06, passing by Terminal 1 and 2 of MNL airport. There were also a handful planes lining up for departure, including a Delta B747-400 headed to Narita as well. The safety video was played on the rather small PTV.

Once it was our turn, we took off about 35 minutes after the pushback time.

One thing I like about ANA's 767s is that the overhead TVs display forward camera vision to let the passengers feel of what the pilot sees. This feature isn't available on their new 787s, at least when I flew this route again recently.

機内サービス INFLIGHT SERVICE

Cabin Attendants began the service as soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off. Wet towels were distributed as well as a snack mix. For the drink, I opted for the ANA Original kabosu juice.

Cabin view during the meal service. 

There were no menus provided on the flight, but the nice CA explained to me what the options were. as well as her recommendation. I went with the fish fillet with rice for my meal, as well as a Pepsi for the drink. 

The meal was excellent, with the udon noodles being the best side dish on the tray. 

落ち着く SETTLING IN

After meal service, I explored the IFE. The selection wasn't extensive, but since ANA doesn't use their 767s on their long haul flights (with the exception of YVR, which has then changed to 787s), it was enough to suffice through this 3.5 hour flight.

It was a nice day for flying. There was very little turbulence along the way. 

Cabin view during the middle of the flight. The 767 may not be a new aircraft, but it feels modern with the Boeing Signature Interior installed.

Service from the Cabin Attendants

The Japanese crew on this flight were absolutely one of the best. They would respond to the call button promptly and quickly, passed around the cabin frequently offering drinks even on a short flight, as well as keeping young ones entertained by giving them toys to play with and even offering the parents to look after their young ones while they go to the lavatory. Their English may not be as proficient as other Asian airlines like SQ or CX, but I had little problems as I communicate with them in Japanese. But even with limited English skills, they do their very best to try and accommodate people's requests. Not long later, a CA came to my seat after we had a short chat. She thanked me personally for flying with ANA today and gave me some ANA souvenirs to keep to remember the flight by. With service like this provided to the passengers, ANA has now become my personal favourite airline to fly after this flight and has not changed since then. 

到着 DESCENT AND ARRIVAL

Shortly afterwards, the plane began to get closer to Japan and begin its descent into Narita airport. 

Spoilers up for landing.

Unlike the weather in Manila, it was cloudy in Tokyo.

The flight landed with just 10 minutes to spare before the scheduled arrival time. 

On Manila flights, it's usually a gamble whether passengers disembark using a jetway or stairs. On this flight, a jetway was used but I prefer stairs as you get to see a great view of the aircraft when you disembark. 

Parked next to an ANA B777-300ER, which coincidentally was the plane used for my connecting flight to San Francisco. 

乗り継ぎ便 CONNECTING FLIGHTS

There were only a few pictures on my next flights to San Francisco and Calgary, so I thought I'd just briefly mention them here. 

ANA 8: Tokyo (Narita) to San Francisco

Meal served onboard, along with free alcoholic beverages. Since I was under Japan's legal drinking age at the time, I just decided to take a pic of it to show what booze they serve onboard.

Economy Class on the B777-300ER, arranged in the 10-abreast 3-4-3 configuration.

Flight progress

United Express 6414: San Francisco to Calgary

The flight was delayed departing San Francisco thanks to the late arrival of the Embraer 170. The flight was not full and I was able to secure an empty row. By this point, as I was tired after the long, 9 hour connection in SFO so after the beverage service I slept until landing in YYC. 

This marks the end of my flights, and a start of a new life in Canada.