Greetings Flight Report Community. Thanks for stopping by and having a look at this report. This is part 5 in the itinerary described below.
For this report I will be sharing an adventure that took place in November 2014. I've gone through my photos and determined there is enough to document the experience adequately. I have taken lounge photos from previous visits to round out the report. It's a pleasure for me to arrange the pictures into a report to relive the excitement of the trip. The reports will be broken down as follows:
First time in SQ The Private Room (TPR) and SQ First First time on ANA in any class
For me it's always excited to try an new airline's premium products. In the next two days I would get to sample regional business class and international first class on ANA. Not only a new carrier but one with an impeccable reputation for excellent service.
I took a taxi to Kowloon Station where I picked up the Airport Express train to Chek Lap Kok. Excited to be at HKG I was early to the airport but he ANA counters were open. I assume they have enough traffic where they are open much of the time.
Check in was quick and efficient. I was invited to use the United Club as a pre departure lounge and thought I was hearing things. This can't be, the United Club? This is HKG not DEN. Little did I know I was in for a pleasant surprise.
I can't recall if there was any priority security or immigration pathways for business class but soon I was airside and on my way tot he United Club. I suppose expectations have everything to do with how satisfied you are in a given situation. I was expecting something along the lines of the US United Club offerings and this club exceeds that. It is on par with a decent international business class lounge. The food was varied and dispersed throughout the lounge so crowding wasn't an issue. Drinks and snacks were placed a various locations as well. The lounge is spacious and offers many different seating areas and types. The noodle/soup stations was the culinary highlight for me. So simple but a nice feature to customize a snack for almost any palate.
I visited the Thai Royal Silk lounge too but did not take any pictures. I had visited previously and while it's a pleasant lounge the United Club might be my preference. Let's go down to the gate and spot our aircraft.
The 767 was one of three ANA aircraft on stand. The 777 to HND and the 737 to KIX or NGO, can't remember. The 767 was a little rough looking: the starboard nacelle was mis-matched and the nose cone was funky looking.
Boarding began shortly and I boarded with business class.
This airplane has a very dated hard product but the interior, with pivot bins, etc., looks newer.
A menu was distributed on the ground. I was fortunate enough to have and empty seat beside me.
In line for takeoff.
Hazy departure form HKG.
Service started quickly with a drink offer. I selected a gin & tonic. It was served with some tasty rice crackers.
After the g&t I asked for a glass of champagne and some water. Both requests were filled promptly and graciously.
The starter was presented at the same time as the entree and dessert. It was an odd group of items but tasty. I'm always happy to be served duck.
I suppose I appreciate that the keep the main covered lest it get cold while you're enjoying the starter.
Not very appetizing to the eye but it was tender and tasty in spite of the lack of refinement.
After the lackluster one tray meal I reclined the seat and slept the rest of the way to Narita.
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Verdict
ANA
7.6/10
Cabin7.5
Cabin crew8.5
Entertainment/wifi7.0
Meal/catering7.5
United Airlines Red Carpet Club
5.0/10
Comfort5.0
Meal/catering5.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Services5.0
Hong Kong - HKG
7.2/10
Efficiency5.0
Access8.0
Services8.0
Cleanliness8.0
Tokyo - NRT
9.6/10
Efficiency8.5
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
My first time in the care of ANA and I was underwhelmed with the experience. Again it's about expectations and I expected a little more from a 5 star airline with the reputation of ANA.
The dated hard product and IFE along with the average one tray meal left a lot of room for improvement. The following day I would be in First and improve they did. Please come back for the final installment in ANA First Square NRT - ORD.
Thank you for reading and happy flying.
1 LIKESLIKE TO THANK THE AUTHORTHANKS ! FLIGHT-REPORT LIKED
Greetings Pititom and thank you for reading and commenting on this flight report.
It's surprising to see the photos you took without planning a report where enough to actually do one. - Once I started reading flight reports I have documented all my travels in that detail as I enjoy looking back on it. Now I am getting around to sharing it.
It looks like a good flight, but the catering would have let me unhappy, especially for the main which looks like a Y main in a china plate. - Yes, well said, they upgraded the plate and not the food!
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4 Comments
It looks like a good flight, but the catering would have let me unhappy, especially for the main which looks like a Y main in a china plate.
Keep posting, I always enjoy reading you :)
It's surprising to see the photos you took without planning a report where enough to actually do one.
- Once I started reading flight reports I have documented all my travels in that detail as I enjoy looking back on it. Now I am getting around to sharing it.
It looks like a good flight, but the catering would have let me unhappy, especially for the main which looks like a Y main in a china plate.
- Yes, well said, they upgraded the plate and not the food!
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