Hey folks and finally welcome to another video :)
it's been about four months since I was able to jump on an
airplane. Right now, it's the second week of July and to kind of give you a picture
of what's happening, you know here in Japan (b/c corona) is domestic
travel is now starting to pick up a little bit. International travel is
still almost impossible so but domestic travel
is starting to pick up now. I think the shinkansens and the bullet trains are
about 80 capacity or their regular schedule and
airlines are starting to to increase frequency and flights throughout the
country so that's definitely a good sign after this this lock down... shutdown
situation.And today for my first flight i'm going to be flying actually on
Air Do and this is an airline that services the northern prefecture of
Hokkaido. All flights either originate, terminate or are within the
prefecture and we're going to be taking this up to
Hakodate, the city on the south part of the
prefecture. So I think this will be a great
experience and first trip after this lockdown.
And i think with these vlogs that all of
us in the aviation community create and make I think this is a
a good way to document and to secretary how
the hospitality industry, how the airline industry
grows and improves from from the shutdown which has just been
devastating and many people lost their jobs it's been tough
for countless people around the world. So I think these
videos are are a good way
to show how the airline industry, how the hospitality industry is going to grow
and become stronger as the the months and
years go on so that's going to be really interesting to see.
it's about 6 45 in the morning now. It's really dark and gloomy outside - it's the
rainy season here in Japan but nonetheless come along
and let's go from a to b!!
My morning started in the very empty and early quiet terminal 2.
Air Do's check in is by the 'A' security gates and the self serve kiosk was easy
to navigate. Like most domestic flights in Japan, seat
selection was free and selected at the time of booking.
Lucky number 57 (*58) was our gate for today's flight.
Air Do operates 767-300s and the 737-700s many of which were parked on the
apron not too far. Boarding was quick and uneventful. The
plane was maybe a third full at best. Today's seat is a comfortable 23E.
As we taxi let's check out the scouting report for this aircraft.
Air Do's 737s offer a single class with 144 seats over 25 rows.
The 737s have two lavatories,
one in the front and rear of the aircraft. 8A & 8F
are perfect for those that like to sleep for the entire flight and the most
legroom can be found in rows 1, 2, and 12. "Thank you for your time.
Now, are you ready for takeoff?"
(Easter Egg: Looking South. Clear days you can see Mt. Fuji!)
EE: It was fairly turbulent for the entire flight!
Now that we're above the clouds let's see what you can expect for the seat on the 737.
The seats come in a standard three abreast. There is more than ample legroom
and with no seat back screen there's no bulky device under the seat giving you
that bit extra space. The tray table is extendable and
actually locked into place which i thought added a bit more rigidity.
Drink service had still been suspended so I picked up a canned coffee before
jumping on this early morning flight! (It's "cafe au lait"... super sweet >_<)
The seats recline and in the armrest you can plug in so you can listen to
your favorite and latest j-pop!
and of course, above is where you can access the reading light and air controls.
The tvs were only used for the safety and moving map.
Keep in mind there is no wi-fi or power outlets onboard so make sure your device
is charged prior to boarding.
Seat back you'll find the breakfast bag, safety card, and Rapora magazine
which is filled with the melt-watering foods of Hokkaido you can eat when you
get there.
it also has the free service menus and a selection of refreshments for purchase.
Check out the link below to my comprehensive review of a flight which I
took last year! (Learn how to earn Star Alliance miles!)
If you have a few moments why not find me on twitter where I post added content.
Also why not help support the channel by hitting that subscribe button and to
stay up to date with future trip reports!
With no service on board the galley at the rear looked pretty sparse.
Everyone likes to look inside the lavatory so here it is... spotless! (as it should be!)
I think i was the only one to actually use it during this flight.
Even though there was no service on this flight the cabin crew did an amazing job!
Simple things such as opening the lavatory door doesn't go unnoticed.
They were very friendly and helpful. Towards the end of the flight the
attendant came over and gave us a little treat of Air Do sweets...absolutely lovely!
Soon after we're starting our descent into Hakodate.
EE: Headed East and looking south. You can see JR Hakodate station, the downtown and ferry terminal!
(The video may appear a bit choppy - apologies!)
T his so here are my final takeaways from this flight.
Number one: fantastic hospitality from the crew. They did an outstanding job - a big THAN YOU to them! :)
#2 was the seat. I thought the seat was nice and spacious and even if this flight was
full I don't think I would feel cramped or or confined during the flight.
One thing to note as well is there's no usb or
power outlet on onboard so make sure your device is charged before
before boarding. Overall I thought it was a fantastic flight.
initially I thought flying during the pandemic would be some type of
procedural, sterile, or even unwelcome event so I'm
happy that i stand corrected also even without a drink or snack
service I still thought the flight was enjoyable.
The crew were happy and the views outside the window will always be amazing
I hope it's not too long before we can
enjoy flights in their entirety. And I think I'm going to leave it there.
Thanks for watching leave a comment and let me know what you liked about Air Do
Please like and subscribe and i'll see you guys around next time!
The ending had to be filmed at home; Tight connection with our bus!