I flew Northwest biz class. They are the least expensive biz class ticket. I do a flexible fare search and always find a $2200 fare. It can be as high as $6000 so always be flexible with your dates. I think that EVA deluxe or Thai Premium Economy may be viable for me now. Economy is still out of the question.

I have packed my own food for the trip (part of the program) so I did not partake of the meal service. That was weird. It really threw the flight attendants when I declined their meals, pulled out one of my gwad-awful boxes and chowed down on my cold gruel. No microwave on board.

As for the seats, I was tight in them before. Now it was nice. NWA has an adequate lounge in Narita. Uneventful trip. For the NRT/MNL leg, I selected my seat to be right next to the exit. Good planning. I was 2nd one out and briskly walked to immigration. Short line (one person in front of me).

When I checked in, I had to remind the gate agent to put the priority tags on my bags. I’m glad I did. Mine were the third and fifth bags out.

Out through customs, hit the ATM for 5,000 Pisos, cross the road and down the walk to where the hotel driver was supposed to be waiting. He had a sign up with my name and we were off.

Manila traffic was… now I know you won’t believe this… very light. I have never seen it this light. We were on the toll way in no time.

This trip is already different. From the time the plane taxied up to the gate (early) to the time my driver dropped me off in from of the RA hotel was one hour and 45 minutes. I guess losing the weight has really dropped a bunch of drag.

(Message edited by smitopher on January 24, 2007)

Is NWA still flying the 747-200 to Narita? Those planes have seen better days.

Nope. They're the 747-400 with the "new" biz seat. 20 In wide. I had the upper deck exit row. Pitch was about 10 feet. Now the Narita/Manila leg might of been a "new" 747-400, but it was NOT the "A" team ride. Very shop worn and the crew was... well... allot of pinoys. Defiantly a step down from the LAX/Narita leg, even with all of the old hags NWA has for flight crew on that route. They just felt more professional.