ANA 777 Coach, Tokyo NRT to Manila
Our connecting flight to Manila was just a few short gates away, and we headed off to the other side of the terminal where the Pepper robot was still in time out. Poor girl.
Ana Pepper Robot
As we headed down the hallway, we saw warning signs, presumably about the 7-8 lightning bolts headed for your intestines and the talking danger camel. If someone would help translate these, I’d love it ☺
Japanese Warning Poster
Japanese Warning Poster
All seemed normal as boarding commenced, but then as soon as we headed down the jet bridge, my worst fear arose. This plane was the oldest plane in existence. No seriously. Like, really, really old. As in, it should be taken out behind the barn and shot, it’s that old.
This was a 777 1st generation, and by first generation I’m talking mid 90’s at best. Just take a look at the seats:
777 Interior ANA
The “wallpaper†on the galley walls and bathroom doors:
ANA “Wallpaper”
The seatback monitor, which was pre-touchscreen and very 90’s chic. I am shocked that this plane was still functioning, and that it hadn’t been taken in for a retrofit yet. Wow. Archaeologists could probably do excavations of the last few rows of coach and find dinosaur bones.
ANA In Flight Monitor
ANA In Flight Monitor
The food options were equally as grim, with the only edible option being the “Seafood Paella,†which was not only visually unappealing but had the taste profile of 20 year old well-worn flip flops baked in an oven at 450 degrees.
Seafood Paella
Seafood Paella
Thank god that the in seat movie was working, because the 2 and a half hour epic blockbuster, Ghostbusters, helped me get through the rough patch of the flight (hint, all of it).
Once we landed, we rushed off the old barge to pass immigration and collect our luggage.
There was a well-wishers area upon arrival, which no one was there to wish us well.
Manila Well Wishers Area
And of course, since it was SOOO late (830pm) the help desk was obviously otherwise occupied. As you can see, our airport rep is at the moment assiting another ADB staff like me! He’ll be back ASAP!
The Airport “help”
At this point I’m truly hoping that this isn’t going to be a harbinger for our trip, and that we’ll actually be able to relax a bit and get to our hotel.
We found the first ATM, got some currency, and headed outside past the 986 taxi vendors to the very last stand, the official yellow taxi stand. At 200 pesos ($4) it was the most expensive option there, so don’t worry about finding one of the hawkers yelling TAXI TAXI, just get to the expensive official airport taxis for $4 and call it a day.
With that, we were out of the airport and off to our fancy casino/resort/hotel the Hyatt City of Dreams!
December 15, 2016
Caption is for a 777 (and pic is of a 777) but article says 767…
December 15, 2016
Fat finger! I’ll fix this. Thank you 🙂
December 15, 2016
Hey Jon. The top safety poster is suggesting that travelers avoid tap (unfiltered) water, ice, or raw cut fillets. One suggestion I would make is to minimize what could be construed as unprofessional comments, such as “dinosaur” or food tasting like “flip flops.” We all know that while the plane is old, it is not the “oldest plane in existence.” These comments make it sound unprofessional as if there is some sort of personal bias involved. For some one who prides himself on customer service such as yourself, I am pretty sure that in your previous job catering to higher net worth clientele, that comments would be more factual oriented.
December 15, 2016
Thank you for the translation, I appreciate that. As far as the commentary, I’m not sure how you feel that talking about how the food was disgusting and the plane was ancient would involve personal bias? If you think it’s based around anything other than our personal experience, I encourage you to read the post on the ancient American Airlines aircraft that was so old and decrepit, that just after we flew it, it was taken out of service because of an engine failure/mechanical delay. Our opinions are biased simply because they’re written from a personal perspective and are about our personal experience during the flight, hence you should expect them to be subjective and we want to keep it that way. I hope that most people would like to hear things how they really are. “This plane was old and in need of an upgrade” is meh, and we don’t want to be meh.
December 15, 2016
These days I love ending up on old planes like these with interior that’s falling apart since they give me nostalgic, warm and fuzzy feelings. I bring my own entertainment and neck pillow so the lack of seat amenities doesn’t bother me. (Although huge, retro-fitted A/V boxes under the seat are a pain) Tray tables and armrests that keep on falling down? Vintage!
The first sign says:
Watch what you eat & drink.
70-80% of travelers! [experience stomach issues]
* Try to avoid tap water & ice, raw food, and fruits.
* Is your food heated thoroughly?
If you’ve fallen sick please contact the health check when you’re returned.
Health Department, Narita
The second sign tells you to avoid contact with camels, since they may carry MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome).
There are no vaccines or cure, and if you come into contact with a camel you should notify Narita’s health check upon return and monitor your health for 14 days.
December 15, 2016
Thank you! While everything “vintage” is cool again, I’m not sure that I’m fully onboard with EVERYTHING vintage.
December 15, 2016
I unfortunately rode that plane 3 years ago, and was in biz. Luckily I was 1A and basically had one of the better seats in the plane.
Trust me, going back to Manila, we always get stuck with older planes. The budget carrier planes are actually newer than the legacy carriers.
December 15, 2016
They are running some dreamliners on the Haneda routes now! I’d try and go that way.
November 3, 2019
Sorry this response is 3 years late (Nov 2019). I’m flying HND to MNL next month on a 787!
November 5, 2019
Better late than never!
December 15, 2016
Hi Manila-based traveler here.
It’s true most carriers that operate to the Philippines use the high-density older models to MNL/CEB. It’s because the Philippines is one of the most price sensitive markets in Asia and for most Filipinos the on-board experience is only a bonus versus price. Even other 5* carriers like SQ and CX use their older 777s on the Manila route. If you fly PR, the national carrier, the on-board product in both J/Y is high density with no onboard IFEs
Have fun in MNL!
December 17, 2016
Hi Jon,
I appreciate your comments trusting they are honest. Having said this, I would appreciate if you can make equally honest comparison of ANA vs.competitors on the same or similar route.
You probably know that ANA is one of the safest airlines out there. You should also know that ANA maintenance practices are the best, no close competitor in that department.
Period.
If you prefer shiny new jet with 10 faults before departure so be it.
Personally I prefer “old” frame that was kept in pristine condition over low cost carriers barely serviceable newer jets.
I agree with you that ANA catering needs upgrade, especially in economy class.
But hey, you can’t argue that ANA cabin crew is trying their best with what’s they’re equipped with.
Overall, I’ll fly ANA any day if I have a choice.
I wish you better experience with alternative means of transportation to MNL.
BTW. Seafood paella was delicious last time I had it.
December 17, 2016
Sure, I’d love to make another comparison if we head that way in coach again. Nowhere in my post did I say the planes were unsafe, just old and in need of some renovation. The cabin crew did a good a good job of being very businesslike and getting the job done. I’m also really glad your Seafood Paella was good. You must have landed on a good day 🙂 As you know, one experience doesn’t mean that’s the standard for the entire fleet.