It’s great when you get exceptional service from an airline crew, but that wasn’t my experience on ANA. The cabin temperature was uncomfortably warm, and there was no way to adjust it. It felt like a sauna, and even people wearing sleeveless shirts were sweating. I found it strange that in a crowded airplane, the temperature wasn’t a bit cooler, especially since there was no way to cool down. This wasn’t just a one-off experience, I had the same problem on all three ANA flights I took during this trip.
Standard Flight, Standard Problems
The flight itself was pretty standard. I’ve flown between Asia and the US numerous times, so I know what to expect: mediocre food and cramped seats, unfortunately, this is the reality of most economy class flights. The baggage claim instructions were a little confusing, and I had to run around Harry Reid Airport in Vegas to find my bags. A little better communication would have been helpful.
Check-In Chaos and Family Seating Frustration
ANA’s check-in process needs some serious improvement, especially for families with young children. We waited in line for an hour, and the check-in agent disappeared for another hour with our passports! We were worried about missing our flight and had to go looking for her. They also separated my younger daughter from me, placing her at the back of the plane while I was stuck in the middle.
Business Class Bliss, But With Some Quirks
Despite the hiccups in economy class, my business class experience on ANA was much better. The seats and beds were incredibly comfortable, the crew was attentive and helpful, and there was plenty of food and drink. The only downsides were the limited entertainment options and the unreliable wifi.
A Missed Connection and a Nightmarish Journey
Our connecting flight was tight, and we notified everyone at the departure gate and on the plane. We were told to check in with the international transfer desk, but some staff were unhelpful. We even asked if we could exit the plane early, but they dismissed our request. In the end, we missed our flight, and no help or communication was offered. We had to spend six hours with our kids trying to rebook, and the China Eastern staff at Shanghai International Airport were rude and unhelpful. It was a truly miserable experience.
Delayed and Disappointed: A 5-Hour Delay
Our flight was delayed for five hours, and although I understand that sometimes things happen, the airline could have handled the situation much better. They didn’t apologize for the delay, and the only compensation was a bowl of instant noodles and some tiny snacks.
Luggage Woes and Spring Airlines
Spring Airlines had a couple of luggage issues that I encountered. First, I booked my tickets online, and it was hard to follow the instructions when selecting my luggage. As a result, the crew charged me $181 for my two bags. They suggested I might be able to get some money back because I should have been charged a different rate based on the tickets I booked. I tried to access my ticket confirmation, but I wasn’t successful. I would appreciate it if Kayak could help me get some of my luggage fees back.
A Small Bag, A Big Charge
I had a small carry-on bag that they claimed was too large and insisted I check it. They measured it and said my wheels were too long. They charged me $50 to check my 8kg bag. I’ve used this bag on Spring and other airlines without any problems. They were being sneaky, charging me for a bag that was perfectly normal size.
