ANA – Singapore – Haneda Economy Class Experience
All Nippon Airways or better known as ANA is one of the most loved Japanese Airlines. They are known for their good hospitality and good plane configuration. We had a chance to experience the Singapore to Haneda route on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Our flight number was NH842 departing from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2.
Check in was quick and easy with a few counters available for Economy travellers. Each passengers are allow to check in 2 pieces of baggages at 23kg(50lbs) per piece. We only had 1 baggage.
Boarding was easy, I picked a window seat during this leg of the 7 hours flight so that I could play with the Dreamliner’s electronic window, adjusting its tinting level to my preference.
All Nippon Airways ANA NH842 Hardware
Being one of the few to board first, I had the opportunity to take some nice photos of the economy cabin, I picked the rear cabin knowing that immigration at Haneda airport will be fairly quick and I also wanted to take the photo of the Japanese flag on the left wing of the plane.
Overhead compartment looks spacious, it fits the Rimova Salsa Multiwhell carry-on (22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in) properly. The hardware looks clean and new. I was quite impressed.
Not the biggest person, the 32″ legroom fits me well throughout the flight. I was lucky to have an empty middle seat at our row. My aisle seat mate and I both made us of the extra space to put our stuff.
In-Flight Entertainment System
The flight comes with a touch screen (without privacy filter) and a wired remote control. The touch screen is similar to the ones on Delta Boeing 767 and the remote control is similar with Singapore Airlines’ A330. As always the USB keeps my phone and GoPro fully charged.
An over the year headphones was provided, I tried it on a while and thought it felt quite comfortable. I was using my own noise cancellation headphones during the flight. I do like its rubber and sponge, keeping both ears comfortable.
Upon departure, we were also given a bottle of drinking water, which I thought was a good gesture.
The blanket did its job in keeping me warm and cozy during the flight. I had to use it only during mid-flight, the rest of the flight I did not feel cold.
We took off smoothly and on time from Singapore Changi Airport, it was a clear day. Notice the red dot on the wing, it means Japan.
About an hour after departure the first round of snack was served. I had Vegetarian Japanese rice cracker and also a can of Pepsi. ANA did not serve Coke on this plane. I opted for Vegetarian meal for this leg, more of the full meal service later.
All Nippon Airways In-Flight Magazine
While browsing the in-flgiht magazine, I found out the time and price it takes to go to Tokyo city via either Haneda or Narita. It takes twice as much time to get to the city from Narita compared to Haneda.
Leaving this here for my next Tokyo Adventure reference, or you may find this useful.
All Nippon Airways ANA Washroom
Seems like all Dreamliners have the same type of sensor based toilet flushing system. it is similar to Scoot’s Boeing 787 from Singapore to Bangkok. I quite like this and think it is more hygienic.
Just a hand soap on this plane, no hand moisturiser or mouth wash like on Singapore Airlines but it’s sufficient. Frequent travellers normally have a small bottle of hand sanitiser handy these days, nothing to complain here.
Took this photo while stretching my legs during this 7 hours flight. This windows are quite fun to play with. I would strongly suggest anyone to pick a window seat to experience the window during your first Dreamliner 787 flight.
All Nippon Airways In-Flight WiFi
This flight is equipped with in-flight WiFi service, it is based on time usage instead of price per Megabyte. Prices are as follow:
- 30 minutes – USD 6.95
- 3 hours – USD 16.95
- 24 hours – USD 21.95
I signed up for the 3 hours ones as I took a nap and when I woke up we were 4 hours from arrival. I did not know what to expect but it turned out to be quite alright – decent speed and internet browsing was quite stable. The only catch was – You can only sign in to one device at one time so when you you are your computer, your phone is disconnected automatically. This is probably to prevent sharing.
There is a countdown timer which let you know how much time you have left. I remember being able to browse Facebook and Instagram without any issue.
Did a speed test, I am not sure how many people signed up for the internet though, happy with the speed for the money I’ve paid. I am not aware of the server origin for this SpeedTest.
All Nippon Airways Vegetarian Meal Service
I normally pre-order at least one vegetarian meal on a round trip because passengers who requested special meals are normally serviced first and I would like to see how vegetarian meal.
I always appreciate how airplane food is being served. Any Airlines who serve their passengers with metal cutleries in Economy class.
My vegetarian meal comes with 2 servings of fruits on the top left. My vegetarian meal was tagged with VLML. VLML meals are meant for “traditional vegetarians”. These meals may contain eggs and dairy products but do not contain meat or seafood.
A simple salad with fruits, I did not finish the salad.
This is the main course. The Spinach roulade tastes alright, perhaps it was microwaved and left for a bit until it was served to me. It felt a little bit soggy. I finished it.
Here’s a list of Vegetarian dietary meal types that may be available on your airline. Most airlines do not carry such an extensive range though.
- Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal-VLML
- VLML meals are meant for “traditional vegetarians”. These meals may contain eggs and dairy products but do not contain meat or seafood.
- Vegan Meal – VGML
- VGML meals do not contain meat, eggs, dairy products (including cheese), or honey. These meals may contain margarine.
- Oriental Vegetarian – ORVG
- ORVG meals are prepared in a traditional Chinese style. These meals are free of meat, dairy products and root vegetables, e.g. ginger, garlic, onions, etc.
- Asiatic Vegetarian – AVML
- AVML meals are meant for Indian Hindu passengers. These meals are prepared using a spicy and/or curry vegetarian combination with limited use of dairy products.
- Indian Vegetarian – IVML
- IVML meals do not contain meat, eggs, dairy products (including cheese), game, sea food or root vegetables, e.g. ginger, garlic, onions, potatoes, etc.
If you are unsure of which Vegetarian food to try out, I would suggest Indian Vegetarian.
The fruit platter is the best dish of the day, it was Strawberry with peach, both tasted sweet. Perfect way to end a meal.
The ANA stewardess were seen rolling their carts around serving water and Japanese green tea all the time, I am quite happy with that.
Just a shop to show the size of the Dreamliner’s tray table size.
Once the countdown timer reached 00.00.00, my internet connection stopped working too. Time to sit and relax, prepare for landing.
Pre Arrival Snack
A simple sandwich with cucumber and some other vegetable was served before we arrive Tokyo.
Took this last photo with the windows blue tint, it made the blue sky even bluer.
Bottom Line
I am happy with my SIN-HND flight with ANA. Their hardware was good, washroom was clean all the time. Flight attendants were proactive and polite. Internet experience was better then I was expecting, I like the idea of unlimited surfing during a period of time.
Although the Vegetarian meal served was so-so, we think we will fly with ANA again because of its planes’ cleanliness and crew’s politeness. ANA is part of Star Alliance and on this tip, we put our points to Singapore Airlines’ Krisflyer. It qualifies for elite miles but we do not receive the extra 25% bonus points though.
