Review of Delta Air Lines flight Tokyo → Shanghai in Business

Welcome aboard for a series of flight reports around the Asia Pacific.This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 3 airlines. So, to borrow a phrase from many pilots, sit black, relax and enjoy the reports.

The routing and procurement method were as follows:

American Airlines LAX-ORD A321 First (Cash - No Report)
American Airlines ORD-DTW CR7 First (Cash - No Report)
Delta Air Lines DTW-NRT 747-400 Business (NRSA - Here)
Delta Air Lines NRT-PVG 767-300ER Business (NRSA - This Report)
Singapore Airlines PVG-SIN 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Here)
Singapore Airlines SIN-HKG 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)
Asiana Airlines HKG-ICN 777-200ER Business (Cash - Coming Soon)
Singapore Airlines ICN-LAX 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)

I hesitate to post a report on this segment as I have very recently posted on this exact same flight, DL295, however it's part of the story so I'll include it. It will be a brief report.

I always enjoy being at Narita Airport. So many great memories passing through the Delta system here over the years since the NMA merger. Today was a brief 90 minute layover so I didn't bother with a lounge visit. I think Priority Pass would allow access to the KAL Lounge but I have heard it's rather dreadful. Instead I stop in for a bowl of tonkotsu ramen at the little snack bar in the no. 1 satellite of the north wing of terminal 1. It's very satisfying.



As I finish what I can of the soup boarding is starting at gate 18.



The 767-300ER taking us down to PVG this evening in the waning sun.



Boarding was called for Delta One and I proceeded on board very excited to have been assigned a window seat.



Pre-departure beverages are offered from a tray and consist of orange juice, sparkling wine, and Asahi beer. I enjoy a beer (or two) before we leave Japan. Newspapers are also offered from a cart as well as China arrival forms. I avail myself of one of these as I will be entering the country to transit between terminal 1 and 2.



The load is light this evening in J and we're buttoned up for an on time departure. A look at the north satellites as we taxi to 13R.



I manage to capture the silhouette of Fujisan as we start our climb. I will also note that, with the permission of the purser, I relocated to seat 3D as I prefer it for having the "table" on the left side thereby putting the seat nearer the window. It's much better for those who like to gaze out at this stunning planet.



This is a short flight so service starts promptly once the crew is released by the chime from the cockpit. Menus were distributed on the ground along with a welcome from the purser. Of course I failed to get pictures. A bar service is offered first and I opt for the fizz.



The meal is a one tray event. I was able to secure the "cold plate" or whatever it is they call it. It is my preferred option on this flight but many times they are all taken. It's a loaded tray with a sandwich, prawn, squid, sliced beef, sushi, salad, garlic bread, and a matcha mousse cake.



The light load provided for some really nice service on this short segment. The flight attendant on my aisle we omnipresent with the champagne bottle and water. She was also very fun and lovely to speak with. It was probably good I didn't have more time as i would have just sipped a bit too much.

Our arrival was uneventful except for an interminable taxi, ironically from near T2 all the way over to T1. We arrived at a remote stand and I thanked the crew and wished them a pleasant evening. I have 4 hours to make my way back over to T2 and collapse into the loving embrace of Singapore Airlines.

Until we meet again, thank you for reading and happy flying.