Many times, inter-Asia flights are described as painful, particularly if you are connecting the same day to the United States.  For example, flying from Bangkok to Tokyo and then on to LAX.  These inter-Asia flights are usually overnight and airlines don’t typically use their newest planes; those equipped with lie flat seats.  These flights are just long enough (4-6 hours) to become very tired, but not long enough to manage any significant sleep.  I have had some mixed experiences on these flights on airlines such as Korean, Asiana and ANA.

This flight from Manila to Tokyo was a bit different, as it was a morning flight on a 747.  I took my seat on the upper deck and was promptly offered the obligatory champagne, water or orange juice.  While we took off on time,  we experienced a very turbulent climb out of Manila and cabin service did not commence until nearly 1 hour into flight.

This was my first experience with Delta’s (Northwest’s) shell back angled flat seats.  While they were quite comfortable, I was surprise to learn that the hard shell back of the seat is not fixed and does move toward you when the person in front of you reclines. As is often the case, getting out of a window seat is quite difficult when the passengers in front and next to you are both reclined.  The “flip-up” (perpendicular) foot rest really needs to be extended so you won’t slide down the seat when trying to sleep.

The breakfast omelet was tasty but was light on whatever it was supposed to be filled with. I did not see the flight attendant after breakfast except for 1 water run. She was, however, very friendly. Her body language did the talking as she spoke very little English.

The music selection consisted of a bunch of original mixes of songs vs. individual albums or artists. It didn’t really matter since, like many United flights, sound only came out from 1 side of the headphones even when I used my own.  I watched a flick entitled “The Joneses.”   When it was over, we were descending into Narita.
Here are the pictures:

check-in area in manila

delta N666US

I would like to say that a lot has changed at the Delta SkyClub in Manila since my last visit.  This was not the case.  Actually, the whole airport could use a face lift, but the SkyClub just needs a few more food options and need to be brightened up a tad.  The only thing I saw this time that I don’t think was present last time was a few Apple desk tops that were free to use.  Here are the pictures:

Been too long since I have hit the road. I should be able to cure what ails me beginning today. You can follow me on twitter for live updates with photos and, of course, I will post the lengthier stuff on Planereality.com

Here is the itinerary:

Atlanta-Chicago-Frankfurt-Abu Dhabi-Manila-Tokyo-Los Angeles-Atlanta

Andiamo!

Need some help. I am planning to fly one-way from Frankfurt to Manila in Coach. I am looking at Emirates (about $900) and Etihad (about $700)

Of course, I will have to connect either way and both airlines look like they have plenty of empty seats.

On Emirates, I can earn points towards Mileage Plus, Etihad, not so much.

Anyone have any insight or opinion? Much appreciated

OBW-I have to book ASAP as the flight is for next week.

Qatar Airways Flight #645 Manila-Doha, Boeing 777-300ER, 9 hours

Like I said to myself when I got off the plane, I can’t speak for the world, but Qatar is my 5 star airline.  Easily one of the top 2 airlines I have flown.  Seat, food, entertainment, service…it was all there.  Within the first fifteen minutes of taking my seat, 3 flight attendants addressed me by name and introduced themselves.  One presented me with a menu in a bound leather folder.
Panjamas, amenity kits and noise cancelling headphones were each deliverd to my seat.  Then I was given (well maybe they offered and I obliged) a human size glass of champagne.  Just before pushback, breakfast orders were taken and I was served a hot towel on its own individual serving tray. How many times have you been on a flight and the flight attendants disappear shortly after meal service? Not on Qatar.  In fact, the longest time period I counted without a flight attendant checking on all of 5 passengers was about 3 minutes.  A few FA’s engaged me  in genuine converstaion.  Ready for this? I think they were making an effort to get to know their customers.

What about eating an entire airline meal you knew wasn’t very good, but you were so hungry you ate it anyway? The food on my Qatar flight was fresh, delicious and served on actaul dishes.  It appeared that as much effort was put into presentation as preperation.

Ever fallen asleep and woke up with your legs on the floor? Neraly impossible as Qatar’s 777-300ER features fully flat business class seats that provide a good amount of privacy.

Ever watched every bearable (in your eyes) movie & show available and still yearned for something else? See title.  I think every James Bond movie made was available, made that much better by true noise cancelling headphones.  Lots of breadth and depth on this entertainment system.

Towards the end of the flight, passengers were given comment cards to fill out.  There were no jet ways upon arrival in Doha, but business class passengers have a separate stair well to make their way off the plane.  At the end of the stairwell a bus took all of the business class passengers to the Premium Terminal.  Many thanks to the great crew of  QR#645 for a true 5 Star experience (and making it look effortless in the process)

check-in

gate

departing mnl

snack

somewhere

more food

amenity kit

pajamas

doha approach

This is the first post about a trip from Manila to London, via Doha, on Qatar Airways.  As a Qatar Airways Business Class passenger, I was given a invitation to Delta’s Sky Club at Ninoy Aquino Airport in Manila.  While nothing in particular stood out, the lounge was clean and well appointed.  The only hot food available was porridge in a crock pot.  Coffee, juice, liquor and beer were available.  I saw one television, which, ironically, was on the wall in the “quiet zone”

I saw signage for 6 or 7 different lounges in the Manila Airport. I assume the Sky Club is one of the best and that is why Qatar Airways chose to utilize this lounge for their “premium” passenger.