Planes, Trains and Automobiles

[Deleted member 26544]

21 September
Hilton New Delhi/Janakpuri checkout
Premium Plaza Lounge Delhi
JL740 DEL-NRT

22 September
Hilton Narita

23 September
Hilton Narita

After an interesting week in Delhi including a day trip to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal it was time to leave. Checkout was completed in the Executive Lounge efficiently with the staff wishing us a pleasant flight and hoping we would return soon. I was a little sad to be leaving as we had gotten to know a few of the staff and they were really nice people. I'd have no problem recommending this hotel to others wanting to visit Delhi, although it is further away from the city centre there is a metro station next door and the staff made us feel like we were valued guests.

We had arranged a car to take us to the airport which took around 40 minutes. At the entrance to the terminal checked our ticket and passport we we allowed inside. Heading to the JL checkin counters, where there was no one in the business queue, an agent checked us in and presented us with an invitation to the Plaza Premium Lounge, the JL contract lounge in Delhi. Exchanging the last of our rupee for US dollars we headed through immigration and then security. The LAG bag stays in the carry-on but iPads are screened separately in contrast to our experiences at SYD and NRT.

The duty free maze thankfully isn't as extensive as SYD or LHR and we found the lift to take us to the lounge. We were welcomed at the front desk and sat down near the bar/food area. The food offering consisted of packaged crisps, a salad bar, 5 hot options plus assorted sandwiches and sweet treats. There appeared to be the usual assortment of spirits and a small selection of wines although I didn't look too closely as neither of us were in a mood to drink.

We relaxed for about an hour before boarding for our flight was called. Making our way to gate 17 our boarding passes were checked before a final security check which was an officer looking at the boarding pass, passport and checking that our carry-on carried a tag stating the bag had been screened. Boarding through door 2L we turned left and settled into seats 2H and 2K, the same we had on the flight to Delhi. Shortly after the senior cabin attendant came by to introduce herself and wish us a pleasant flight. Boarding was completed on time and we took off after a long taxi to the runway.

Once the seat belt sign was off champagne and juice was offered and the basket of amenities was brought out. Menus were then distributed with +1 and I both opting for the western meal. Meal orders were taken and then tablecloths were distributed. Our drinks were brought out, I had opted for a glass of red.

Meals were brought out individually a short time later. Although I was hesitant ordering the beef I shouldn't have been as it was quite nice. The meat came apart without too much effort although the sauce wasn't as tasty as the previous flight. I couldn't tell if it was outstation catering or not unlike the Qantas flight from HKG last year.

A few minutes after finishing the main meal the tray was cleared and dessert was offered along with tea or coffee. The dessert was certainly tasty and after the rather filling main I struggled to finish it. Once the tray table was cleared I put the seat into bed mode to try and get some sleep. At 185cm my head was almost touching the shell of the seat. I opted to sleep on my side and woke up around 2 hours before landing. Shortly after waking up an attendant offered breakfast which consisted of a croissant, chocolate muffin, yoghurt and sliced fruit and tea or coffee. The croissant, yoghurt and fruit were reasonably tasty and I skipped the muffin. During and after breakfast I was watching Bridget Jones Diary, unfortunately the entertainment isn't as extensive as Qantas can be.

About 30 minutes before landing the seatbelt sign was switched on as they were expecting some turbulence although I didn't notice any. We landed on time and after another lengthy taxi were at the gate. Being among the first to disembark there was no queue at immigration although there was at customs as they were still processing a previous flight.

Once landside we located the bus stop for the shuttle to take us to the hotel. The bus turned up on time and after a 15 minutes ride we were at the hotel. Checkin was quick and there was no mention of an additional charge despite arriving at 8am. We were given vouchers for breakfast and for the healthclub and after asking found that wifi was only available on the ground floor. A queen room was booked and we received the same with a view of woodland which was a welcome sight compared to the view in Delhi. Unfortunately this hotel unlike the previous two has the shower over the bath, one of my pet annoyances. The hotel has a couple of shops on the ground floor including a convenience store with souvenirs and other travel necessities.

After a day relaxing in the room watching NCIS a room service dinner was ordered. As the +1 wasn't feeling that hungry he ordered a minestrone soup, I ordered the Japanese beef curry and a slice of baked cheesecake. The curry was reasonably good although the sauce seemed more like gravy. The cheesecake was alright, good enough for hotel room service.

It is important to note that the hotel, being close to the airport is under the flight path for one of the runways. The soundproofing was good and we managed to get a full nights sleep. We had breakfast downstairs in the Terrace restaurant which was a buffet with a decent range of hot and cold items. It wasn't as extensive as the buffet at Tokyo Bay but this place had pancakes. Being close to the airport meant it is also used by airlines for their crew and I saw Virgin Atlantic crew in the lobby and immediately thought of Pam Ann and her comments about coral lip gloss.

After a few more hours relaxing in the room (+1 was not feeling well), 3pm rolled around and we headed downstairs to check out.

 

[RWJ777]

Wednesday 12 September
Hilton Tokyo Bay

Friday 14 September
Hilton Tokyo Bay checkout
NRT airport
JL749 NRT-DEL
Hilton New Delhi/Janakpuri


After a journey of around one hour the NEX arrived at Narita Terminal 2. We passed through a passport check just outside the station and proceeded upstairs to the departure level. The area for first class checkin was right in front of us and we were helped within a minute. The checkin agent advised us we would be boarding at gate 61 and invited us to visit the JL first lounge. We were directed through the south security screening point and after it plus immigration we were standing in front of the entrance to the business and first lounges. After having boarded passes scanned we proceeded into the lounge and managed to find a pair of seats. The food selection at the time we were there was decent and could perhaps be compared with the SYD Int J lounge. We had a glass of Ayla(?) champagne and some light snacks.

The JAL F lounge is really quite lovely. I love how the attendants stand as you approach them; such a contrast to those who guard the QF lounges, F included. I agree though that the food is akin to a QF J int lounge. But the mini spa is most assuredly F all the way!

Great report, I've thoroughly enjoyed it. The pics have been terrific. Thanks for posting.

 

[Deleted member 26544]

23 September
Hilton NRT Checkout
JL Checkin and F lounge
JL76 NRT-HNL
Doubletree Alana Waikiki checkin

Checkout was handled quickly and we headed outside to wait for the next shuttle bus to the airport. Around 10 minutes later the bus arrived and we boarded. The ride took around 15 minutes and dropped us maybe 50 meters from the JL First checkin area. After a wait of less than a minute we were assisted by a friendly agent who explained we would be welcome in the JL first class lounge.

Security and immigration were quick and then we walked through the frosted doors to the lounge entrance. An agent welcomed us to the lounge as boarding passes were scanned. We found a pair of seats near the window and settled in for the next few hours.

At 19:05 boarding for the flight was called and we headed to gate 63, around 6 minutes walk from the lounge. When we got there boarding was unrway with no one in the priority queue. Boarding passes were scanned and we proceeded down the aero bridge and onto the 767. The interior was similar to a QF 767 (I've only flown on domestic configured planes) but with individual monitors that popped out of the centre armrest.

Boarding was completed soon after and we pushed back on time. After another lengthy taxi we took off. While taxiing we were advised they expected some turbulence after takeoff. It was about 20 minutes after takeoff before the seat belt sign was extinguished and service began. The senior cabin attendant came by to introduce herself and welcome us aboard. Hot towels were offered followed by the menu. Meal and drink orders were taken and I opted for the contemporary French and a glass of the French red I hadn't tried yet (?). Drinks were brought out with packets of flavoured rice snacks and then tablecloths we placed on the tray tables. Around 15 minutes after placing our order meals were brought out. I found the beef delicious but the appetizers weren't to my liking. Trays were cleared soon after finishing then dessert with tea or coffee was offered. I opted for tea with lemon and declined a refill of my wineglass - I wanted to sleep as best I could.

After dessert water bottles we offered and I settled down to try and get some sleep. I had made the mistake of selecting a bulkhead row so the leg room was pretty poor. I'm not sure what seats were available to the AA agent when I called but should have asked about something other than row 1. Between the noise and lack of leg room I think I got perhaps 3 hours of sleep total.

Waking up around 2.5 hours out of HNL I was offered breakfast and opted to have another cup of tea. The breakfast was okay but not memorable and after my au was cleared I watched Pam Ann on my iPad. The descent into HNL was pretty and we touched down on time. A long walk from the gate had us at US Immigration which was easier than I expected. After passing through customs we found our way to the bus stop and caught the bus into the city. About 40 minutes later we got off the bus and walked a couple of hundred meters to the Doubletree Alana Waikiki. An agent helped us promptly and we were able to check in shortly after 9am and were upgraded to a room with partial ocean view. We were presented with vouchers for continental breakfast, 2 bottles of water and 2 signature Doubletree cookies.

Our room was on the 17th floor (out of 19 floors) and thankfully far enough away from the elevators. I was happy when I saw the bathroom had a proper shower and a decent amount of bench space. The room did indeed have a partial view of the ocean which unfortunately is a little lost on me, I'm finding I prefer mountains/rural landscapes to beaches.

24 September
Doubletree Alana Waikiki breakfast

The next morning we headed downstairs for breakfast and were seated by a bubbly young lady. The continental breakfast was a small buffet of cereals, pastries, hot oats, fresh fruit, yogurts and juices along with tea or coffee. One could upgrade the breakfast to include hot options for an additional $9 each.

I'm conscious that I'm being tardy posting photos, I'll hopefully have that rectified tomorrow when I have a spare few hours after visiting the Boeing Factory at Everett.

 

[Major]

You won't be posting any photos of the Boeing factory