Review of ANA flight from Singapore to Tokyo in Economy

Introduction

I honestly didn't have any expectations on travelling during this period but I was suddenly given an overseas assignment in Boise, Idaho for several weeks. So after being given a day to pack my bags, I was off to America for work. I had to leave on this date so I wouldn't be liable for arrival quarantine when I arrived in the US. I didn't even have to provide any swab results prior to leaving or on arrival. Let's begin FiamaArin's Global Pandemic FR series.

All Nippon Airways
NH802
Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) - Narita International Airport (NRT)
B787-9
JA922A
Economy Class
Gate D41

ETD: 06:35AM
ATD: 06:46AM (on time)
ETA: 02:30PM
ATA: 01:55PM (35 minutes early)

Check-In

Felt odd coming to Changi and seeing just a handful of people. Even the cab driver who took me to the airport was surprised as it had been about 8 months since he went to the airport as well. The departure hall is a sterile shell, devoid of any of the usual hustle and bustle of travelers heading on a holiday. As far as I could tell, the passengers in all the photos now will also be on this flight as there are almost no other flights out.

The airport staff guided passengers on using the self check-in kiosks though I had several issues due to the fact I had a U.S. domestic flight and had to do it the old fashion way. 

airside

Crossing over airside was a painless affair with no one around. In terms of percentage, I would say the airport is barely operating at 2%. It's almost like an apocalypse scene, something I've never experienced.

The only shop open in the terminal and you'll need to check-in with a local app to shop. I didn't go in and went straight to the gate.

Arrived outside my gate and there's only one other person there. Nothing in the vicinity is open except the money changer.

Just to show how slow the situation was, the entire day's flights could be displayed on two of T1's ancient screens. 

Boarding pass for the segment. I got all my boarding passes for this journey at check-in but the ground staff informed me that I would have to get further details at each stop on the gate and any flight changes.

Didn't do much till I could enter the departure lounge. The procedures are pretty much the same as pre-covid except with the added social distancing and more self-service.

My bird for this early morning flight to Tokyo. My first time flying on ANA and I'm excited to see their offerings.

As expected, with such a low passenger load, boarding didn't take much time. Families and disabled passengers were still given priority but the remaining passengers were boarded by groups and social distancing was strictly enforced.

On-board

Entering an ANA plane for the first time ever!

First impressions. A well-lit and very professional looking cabin. Economy seats look comfortable enough but really, I'll have the whole row. 

A top down view of the seat. Not the biggest IFE screen in modern terms but seat pitch looks generous.

Seated in 32K but there considering there are less than 30 people on this plane, you pretty much can sit anywhere you want.

Boarding was completed in 15 minutes with no fuss and the door was soon shut.

Switched the screen of the neighboring seat to the flight map and saw the flight preview playing.

The flight crew gave out cleaning wipes and a plastic bag for any trash instead of the usual oshibori one would expect in normal circumstances. I used this wipe to clean my tray table and entertainment screens.

The safety information video played as we taxied to the runway.

It wasn't long before we were up in the air. ANA has some interesting views of the flight like the one using timezones.

Once the plane levelled off, I took a quick trip to the bathroom. It's the usual 787 lavatory with a Japanese twist of a bidet. More cleaning wipes are also available for self-service in the lavatory.

The sun rising as we enter the South China Sea.

Breakfast was offered soon after. The cabin crew carried a card with the options printed along with photos. I can't remember what the other option was but I decided to get the seafood curry option. It was served with fresh fruits, white soba and a yoghurt. An typically impressive meal from the Japanese.

Amenities were placed directly into the seatback pockets instead of being handed out to reduce contact between the passengers and crew. Also, the seatback materials were reduced down to the bare minimum of just the safety card and air sickness bag.

The trays were cleared somewhere over the Philippines and I took the opportunity to have a nap.

A quiet cabin.

I woke up just as the crew were serving a pre-landing snack of Pain-au-chocolat. Had an apple juice to chase it down.

We began our descent into Narita Airport.

Landing in a overcast Narita Airport. 

UA plane in the distance. Guess there's still quite a bit of UA traffic to-and-from Narita.

disembarkation

Just like boarding, disembarkation was strictly controlled with connecting passengers given priority over everyone else. 

That was my signal to go as I headed out to my connecting flight.

Passed by the Business Cabin. Normally a luxury but not so much in these pandemic times.

Back in Japan for the 3rd year straight but not staying this time.

Damp and cold January weather.

Thank you for the pleasant flight!

Onward connection

Used the loo outside the gate before heading to International Transfer. There's another security check before the transfer desk.