The flights out

I'd have to say my concern about being stuck in a small seat for an interminable amount of time is only 1/3 true. The flight from JFK to Narita, Japan on a Boeing 777 was quite comfortable. The 777 seat is quite comfortable as economy airplane seats go. Or perhaps it is roomier because the aircraft is used for such long duration flights. Total flight time to Japan was about 14 hours.  The seat reclines and there is a foot rest on the seat in front so I can change my foot positoin with ease. And I'm pretty sure the seat is wider than the standard economy seat on domestic flights. So it doesn't feel so cramped.

The 777 has all seats, even economy, outfitted with an entertaiment system that includes a video display in the back of the seat in front. Movies do cost but music and some videos are free. Also there is a live travel map with several different views showing progress of the flight. It is just the type of thing that really draws my attention (shows live realtime information about something relevant to me).

The 2nd leg was a 767. Perhaps because of the length of the first flight, perhaps because of the seat or maybe the combination, the seat was much more uncomfortable. Certainly there was much less leg room. So for the second leg I fidgeted uncomfortably quite a bit.

Both flights were operated by ANA though the booking was with United. The service on board is very good and the stewardesses have been readily available with assistance. Additional water, a pen when needed (mine's packed away in the checked bag) rapid meal service, etc. were all quickly and cheerilly provided.

The meal choices on the 777 were "J-Menu BENTO" and "Western Choice". No idea what would be served with J-Menu but that's what I asked for. After eating and later spending time exploring the various features on the in seat electroinics I figured out the J-Menu. It is deep-fried sablefish with thick seafood and soy sauce. And it was quite good. Compared to the sad sandwiches I've gotten on even the longest domestic flights in recent years this was gourmet quality.

So far it seems my jet lag avoidance plan may have a chance to succeed. I stayed up late and woke early two days before the flight and the day before. I planned to arrive at the airport tired and sleep for a while on the first leg of the trip out. Then stay away for the remainder of the trip to HCM. Hopefully I arrive there beginning to feel tired and will be able to sleep when I get to the hotel at about 10:30 PM local time which would be 11:30 AM my time.

I was very tired in the terminal and able to fall asleep once I boarded the plane. I got about 4 hours sleep. For someone who sleeps 5 to 7 hours most nights that's a pretty good chunk. It's now 11:35 PM my time, 10:35 AM HCM time and I don't know what local time is here over the Bearing Sea or North Pacific and west of the International Date Line. I don't feel any more tired than I normally would during mid day.

Earlier in the flight I read my dad's book "A Saigon Diary" and was able to get all the way through without nodding off. That tells me I'm pretty alert. Usually reading and travel knock me out. Dad's book is no page turner so it would put me out even after coffee. Just a few more hours to Tokyo Narita Airport, a few hours wait for my next flight and then about 6 more hours to Saigon. A pretty easy 6,000 mile jaunt.