Photo Review: ANA SIN-NRT Premium Economy
We took another flight with ANA from Singapore to Narita, Japan. I turned up at the airport being told that they were able to check me in but were not able to assign me a seat. I panicked a bit but the lady at the check in counter assured me that I would still be boarding the plane. All I had to do was to get another boarding pass at the boarding area with a seat assigned. Apart from that, my check-in process was pretty smooth.
I tried to look into the seat map to assign myself a seat a few days before departure via ANA’s website. Due to the fact that I booked my flight via United Airlines – This was a code share flight with ANA, I was not able to check in or reserve a seat. Therefore I did not have any expectation to have a decent seat on this flight.
But who knows? At the boarding area, with my sleepy face, the lady asked if an aisle seat was alright, I said anything not in the middle would be great. She printed a boarding pass, then teared it apart without showing me. She then reprinted another boarding pass and told me that she bumped me from Economy class to Premium Economy Class. Delighted I was! I thanked her and boarded my plane.
ANA Flight details
- Airline: All Nippon Airways, Japan
- Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER (twin-jet) (B77W)
- Flight No: NH802 or UA7394
- Departure: 6am-2.10pm
- Flight time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- On time: Yes
- Seat: 19D, Premium Economy Class
ANA Premium Economy Class – Boarding
I was one of the last to board as I wanted to stretch and stand since I would be sitting for the next 7 hours. There was a long queue during boarding.
ANA is one of the airlines equipped with decent Wifi, I tested their WiFi during my SIN-HND trip via a Boeing 787-8, I would sign up for their wifi service again if I need to.
During boarding, we walked pass Business Class cabin to go to Premium Economy Cabin. I took a couple of photos including their incredible Bidet Lavatory! You will have to respect Japan for its technology, even on an aeroplane. This was the first time I saw a Bidet Lavatory on a plane, amazed I was. Initially, I thought that was the Premium Economy Cabin’s lavatory, then to realise that I used the Business Class Lavatory, unintentionally.
ANA Premium Economy Class – Hardware
A fairly large pillow and a thick blanket was on my seat. Throughout the flight, I felt that the pillow was comfortable, the blanket was same as the ones provided in Economy Class which was thin. I was quite sure that one could request for an extra if needed. Another addition in Premium Economy was a pair of slippers. I used it throughout the flight and took it with me for my next connecting flight because I knew I will be thankful for that.
For the in-flgiht entertainment system, movies were quite updated with Asian and Hollywood selections. The screen size was similar with those in ANA Economy unlike Singapore Airlines which provided a stunning 13 inch screen for their Premium Economy passengers.
I’ve included some photos of Premium Economy seat mainly for my future reference, but who knows it may be useful for you too.
ANA Premium Economy Class – Food
Meal was served around an hour after take off. I took the Japanese selection.
So what did they serve?
- Cold Soba noodle with noodle sauce
- I like it.
- Fruit platter
- Normal
- Egg frittata with sausage and a broccoli
- Food was served hot and did not feel mushy
- Butter bread
- Normal
- Meiji Low Fat yogurt
- Tasted the same as the one I bought from Cold Storage
- Ordered a Pepsi Zero (ANA serves only Pepsi)
- Tasted the same as the one I bought from Cold Storage
- Kitkat and Toblerone chocolates
- I kept this for snacks. Like the idea.
Overall, food did not have a WoW effect this time but I did enjoyed.
Once breakfast service was over, everyone was provided a bottle of water. I thought that was very nice of them. They do the same for Economy Class passengers too.
ANA Premium Economy Class – Lavatory
Nothing special after seeing the Business Class lavatory – A good reference photos for future travel.
ANA Premium Economy Class – Bottom Line
Once again, ANA flight attendants were consistently smiling and pushing the trolley around to serve you hot tea or coffee during the 7 hours flight. I think that was very important as it set the mood of the flight.
I took a cat nap but was not able to sleep in.
How did the seat compared to Singapore Airline’s Premium Economy Class? I think Singapore’s is much more comfortable. But hey, I got bumped up for free, so there was nothing to complain here, it was definitely much more comfortable than Economy class due to its extra pitch and much comfortable leg rest.
Will I purchase a Premium Economy Class ticket to fly SIN-NRT next time? I’d say if it cost less than US$150 extra, yes, else I’d stick with Economy Class.
What’s your thought about ANA’s Premium Economy Class?
