I flew round trip first class on the new ANA F class from ORD TO NRT and was so lucky to hear about the Hibiki Anniversary bottle. I grabbed one both ways LOL. Apparently it's only for the month of August.
I'd also like to add that the "amenities" on each flight are quite random. For example, both my flights were the new F class, but on my first one, it had the old Globe Trotter Amenity kit while the second one had the Ettinger one. On the first one, it had the new Sony XM5's while the second one still used XM4s.
Hi Mandy: since Amex to ANA takes like 48hrs, do u ever consider transferring from Amex a couple days before the award space gets released? Like before the 360 (ish) day timeline? Thanks
You booked with Virgin Atlantic... was it a last minute booking or far in advance? I've heard last minute through Virgin is not working since June... I'm looking for last minute next month and wanted a data point. 😅 thanks!
🥃 Such a great deal on the Hibiki. We’ve had tail number swaps to older equipment, usually it’s not a big deal. Unless we get downgraded from our seats. 😅
Ever experienced an equipment swap? Fortunately, very infrequently (just once). Like you, disappointed but not mad. Natto is an acquired taste and texture but if you eat it with some soy sauce, a dab of mustard and some chopped green onions, it actually tastes pretty good. Besides, it's healthy for you. 'Asian Glow'. 🤣 I'll have you know, I light up the sky. Great trip report. Video - 👍 And Subscribed. Cheers 🥂
4:05 I would recommend looking into a travel router for these situations. The router can be the one device to use the code and it can re-broadcast the wifi to all your other devices.
Just flew from Narita to LAX. Points wise, using Delta (Amex) was 265,000. However, United (Chase) was 155,000. Whole thing, very strange. Wondering if Delta points are worthless compared to United.
If you fly to/from US, Delta miles are pretty bad for business class. They basically tanked the value, knowing that people will redeem. You want to fly [non-US] to [non-US]. i.e., Tokyo to Paris, which will probably run closer to 80k. Also why Delta is a terrible transfer partner for upside travel.
@@MandyRoams I have more Delta (Amex) points than any other airline. Am guessing that travel from Asia to Asia or Asia to Europe is reasonable (I live in Tokyo, so this this may work in my favor, eventually).
You'd probably heard it a thousand times that you look like Awkwafina. ANA from Washington D.C to Narita only has the old configuration First Class and Business Class. No Thai Airways or Japan Airlines here either. Apparently we Washingtonians are not sophisticated enough for them to come here....
You have to understand how these routes are decided. Firstly, number of flights are negotiated between Japanese and US governments. Meaning that if Japanese carriers receive 4 slots, US carriers receive 4 slots to fly between Japan and the US. For competition sake, Japanese government will make sure ANA and JAL are allocated equal slots for important routes, and US government will usually allocate among Delta, American, and United. Given that there are only limited available slots from Tokyo-Haneda or Tokyo-Narita, it's extremely difficult to chose where to fly to in the US. For Japanese carriers, it's crucial that there is Japanese business & leisure demand to that city. (It's why they mostly fly to SFO, LAX, DFW, JFK, Chicago O'hare, Honolulu, Seattle). The other consideration is United Airlines has 70% of Washington Dulles market-share. ANA is a member of Star Alliance, which is why it's flying to Dulles. But JAL cannot connect with US domestic flights at Dulles, because they're in an alliance with American Airlines (or One-World). JAL would be better-off flying to airports where American Airlines has significant presence. ANA have been using either B777 or 787 for long-haul flights to the US. Unfortunately, Boeing hasn't been great with its time-schedule for plane deliveries. ANA experienced a lot of problems by being the launch customer for B787, but they still have ordered the next-generation B777. JAL has had enough Boeing problems since the 1980s, so they are gradually switching over to Airbus, and have started using A350 for both domestic and international flights.
Wow! That in flight promo is a surprise. Did they say how long the promo would be active until? My ANA F flights are in Nov so I’m hoping they’ll still have the campaign then.
1. Fly ANA first while the promo is still happening. 2. Secondary market or via a dining establishment in Japan that sells the bottle. Around 320,000 yen.
You are soooo lucky on the Hibiki whisky!!!
Haha, wasn't even expecting it on the flight. Nice surprise 🥃
Exactly, what a sweet deal on that Hibiki.
Im so jelly. You travel for a living.
I flew round trip first class on the new ANA F class from ORD TO NRT and was so lucky to hear about the Hibiki Anniversary bottle. I grabbed one both ways LOL. Apparently it's only for the month of August.
I'd also like to add that the "amenities" on each flight are quite random. For example, both my flights were the new F class, but on my first one, it had the old Globe Trotter Amenity kit while the second one had the Ettinger one. On the first one, it had the new Sony XM5's while the second one still used XM4s.
Good to know! Definitely buying one on the way back 🥃
Is it for all routes???
@@jeffchung6832 it should be all international first class, so anywhere where the 777 flies I assume.
🥃very informative review, thank you
Thanks David! :) 🥃
The meal looked too fancy for me lol.
😂
🥃 looks nice! Lots of food!
Thank you 😋
How did you book this? ANA/Virgin?
Yes!
Hi Mandy: since Amex to ANA takes like 48hrs, do u ever consider transferring from Amex a couple days before the award space gets released? Like before the 360 (ish) day timeline? Thanks
Yes, if you have plans to book. Wouldn’t transfer without solid plans since devaluations happen.
You booked with Virgin Atlantic... was it a last minute booking or far in advance? I've heard last minute through Virgin is not working since June... I'm looking for last minute next month and wanted a data point. 😅 thanks!
We booked it about 4 months ago when availability was released.
🥃🥃🥃
Your content is very informative. I’m so happy I subscribed to your channel. 👍🏾👍🏾❤️❤️
I LOVE ANA. They are one of the best in my opinion.
ANA is awesome! :)
🥃 Such a great deal on the Hibiki. We’ve had tail number swaps to older equipment, usually it’s not a big deal. Unless we get downgraded from our seats. 😅
🥃Hibiki 100 year bottle, so cool!! ❤ what a nice surprise! Food also looks so yummy
(6:25) Excellent choice on the Japanese meal!!!
Ever experienced an equipment swap? Fortunately, very infrequently (just once). Like you, disappointed but not mad. Natto is an acquired taste and texture but if you eat it with some soy sauce, a dab of mustard and some chopped green onions, it actually tastes pretty good. Besides, it's healthy for you. 'Asian Glow'. 🤣 I'll have you know, I light up the sky. Great trip report. Video - 👍
And Subscribed. Cheers 🥂
$346.34 for that whiskey, nice
4:05 I would recommend looking into a travel router for these situations. The router can be the one device to use the code and it can re-broadcast the wifi to all your other devices.
24k for a round trip flight from sfo to Tokyo lol. I just checked for next Sunday lol. Dam that’s a lot of miles you gotta save up!
It's 72,500 Virgin Atlantic (so 72,500 Chase, Amex, etc.) to book ANA F from West Coast to Japan :)
ANA is a wonderful airline but their prices are too high. So book through a codeshare airline thats operated by ANA
Yep! We booked through Virgin Atlantic :)
🥃🥃🥃
Mahalo Mandy! Got my 100th blend thanks to you!
Nice!! Congrats!
Just flew from Narita to LAX. Points wise, using Delta (Amex) was 265,000. However, United (Chase) was 155,000. Whole thing, very strange. Wondering if Delta points are worthless compared to United.
If you fly to/from US, Delta miles are pretty bad for business class. They basically tanked the value, knowing that people will redeem.
You want to fly [non-US] to [non-US]. i.e., Tokyo to Paris, which will probably run closer to 80k.
Also why Delta is a terrible transfer partner for upside travel.
@@MandyRoams That does make sense to me. Thank you.
As much as I like Delta, I hate their points program 🫠
@@MandyRoams I have more Delta (Amex) points than any other airline. Am guessing that travel from Asia to Asia or Asia to Europe is reasonable (I live in Tokyo, so this this may work in my favor, eventually).
Nice review enjoyed
No Sebby?
He flew a day earlier. Couldn't find 2 seats on the same day/plane.
If you are flying 1st class, forget the lounge at SFO.
Eat 1 of each of the 4 light dishes! 😋😋😋 I told you- skip the lounge
You'd probably heard it a thousand times that you look like Awkwafina. ANA from Washington D.C to Narita only has the old configuration First Class and Business Class. No Thai Airways or Japan Airlines here either. Apparently we Washingtonians are not sophisticated enough for them to come here....
You have to understand how these routes are decided. Firstly, number of flights are negotiated between Japanese and US governments. Meaning that if Japanese carriers receive 4 slots, US carriers receive 4 slots to fly between Japan and the US.
For competition sake, Japanese government will make sure ANA and JAL are allocated equal slots for important routes, and US government will usually allocate among Delta, American, and United. Given that there are only limited available slots from Tokyo-Haneda or Tokyo-Narita, it's extremely difficult to chose where to fly to in the US. For Japanese carriers, it's crucial that there is Japanese business & leisure demand to that city. (It's why they mostly fly to SFO, LAX, DFW, JFK, Chicago O'hare, Honolulu, Seattle).
The other consideration is United Airlines has 70% of Washington Dulles market-share. ANA is a member of Star Alliance, which is why it's flying to Dulles. But JAL cannot connect with US domestic flights at Dulles, because they're in an alliance with American Airlines (or One-World). JAL would be better-off flying to airports where American Airlines has significant presence.
ANA have been using either B777 or 787 for long-haul flights to the US. Unfortunately, Boeing hasn't been great with its time-schedule for plane deliveries. ANA experienced a lot of problems by being the launch customer for B787, but they still have ordered the next-generation B777. JAL has had enough Boeing problems since the 1980s, so they are gradually switching over to Airbus, and have started using A350 for both domestic and international flights.
Super insightful, thanks :)
@@yo2trader539 It's a shame with Boeing. Ever since I left the Company. Things have gone down hill.
Since ANA is a member of Star Alliance it would better for JAL to be a member of Sky Team Alliance.
I Love The Japanese Cuisine Aboard.Great Video And Info
Thanks for watching! :)
Wow! That in flight promo is a surprise. Did they say how long the promo would be active until? My ANA F flights are in Nov so I’m hoping they’ll still have the campaign then.
They're not sure. Hopefully still there in November! :)
Are you guys both into whiskey? Trying to find a whiskey for my dad as a present from my wedding, do you know if there's a hay to get the Hibiki?
1. Fly ANA first while the promo is still happening.
2. Secondary market or via a dining establishment in Japan that sells the bottle. Around 320,000 yen.
I'm sure someone asked this question. Are you allowed to keep the pajamas?
Yes!
Nap #2 is craaaazy 😂
Stayed up too late doing last minute packing the night before 😴
How did you book the flight? Would love to see an unboxing of the whiskey!
Found availability and called Virgin Atlantic to book.