I’ve got to hand it to ANA in the “attention to detail” department…even check-in is covered.
I arrived at Honolulu Airport about three hours and 15 minutes before my flight to Tokyo. I knew the lounge opened three hours before and wanted to arrive early to take some pictures before it got crowded.
When I showed up to the check-in counter, it was not yet open. But all of a sudden at about 8:25AM, all the ANA ticket agents marched out of. a backroom in lockstep and began preparation to open the counters. The precision, almost like a military march, was impressive.
But rather than just sit down behind the counter, at 8:29AM everyone lined up in a straight line in front of the counters. As the clock struck 8:30AM, the manager on duty welcomed passengers to ANA in English and Japanese. Then, in unison, every agent bowed toward the many passengers now waiting in line.
I’ve never seen anything like it and quite frankly, I loved it. I deeply respect this element of Japanese culture and I know I was not the only passenger who felt a bit of awe at this simple yet meaningful gesture.
CONCLUSION
The hospitality on ANA is excellent, as my trip report will soon demonstrate. Even from the moment of check-in at an outstation I noticed the attention to detail and careful precision that mark ANA as a top-tier airline.
Had a similar experience a few months back in Guam. Was a bit early for check in on Korean and then witnessed a similar ceremony.
Mutation due to atomic bomb radiation is not always a bad thing it seems….
This comment is disgusting and should be moderated.
+1
+1
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Americans are just retarded
This comment, by contrast, displays remarkable erudition and sophistication.
It reminds the check-in process at one of the Big 3 US airlines. LOL!!!!!!!!!
Maybe AA could offer its check-in staff a 6 month internship at ANA? Their typical attitude and total disinterest is in need of some professional polishing. I suggest starting with Miami staff as they are by far the worst of the lot.
this is all senseless symbolism. a bow costs nothing and gives you nothing of value.
That’s right, so everybody should stop smiling as it costs nothing and gives you nothing of value…
I went to a flagship Japanese department store at opening time on one of my visits to Tokyo. I think it was the Ginza branch of Mitsukoshi. This was just a normal day and at opening, all the store attendants in this huge department store had lined up along the main path running through the centre of the ground floor and proceeded to bow as I walked past. I felt like an emperor!
Another story: I went to Tokyo for business meetings and so got to go to a bunch of Japanese big company offices. At one of the big banks, our meeting was at the end of the day and at another it was first thing in the morning. So I got to see streams of workers coming and and leaving their respective buildings. At both, the security guards would stand very upright at the entry barricades and would bow and greet every worker as they swiped in/out. I just can’t imagine US security guards even contemplating that.
I was going to post virtually the same thing but I guess I don’t have to now.
I’ll add that I’ve seen plenty of bowing in Asia but it is simply amazing to walk into a store and, what, 60 people bow as you make your way into the store.
Have seen this a few times at HKG. It has always impressed me and the other passengers waiting in line. I think it perfectly sets the tone for the day’s service from ANA staff.
I agree with @AK – flown on ANA quite a few times. All bows and such but trying to change a randomly assigned seat to a window seat almost impossible: “No seats, sorry”. The reality – at least two open window seats on board.
Hahaha…. Just because they are polite, doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want…. Contrary to hollywood movies, murica is not the most important part of the world. Only hollywood aliens thought so…
What a wonderful gesture! I don’t understand why so many negative comments.
I also love how NH ground staff wave goodbye to the aircraft as it taxis away from the gate. NH has most consistently great service of any airline I’ve flown.
Yes; I have experience the same thing with the Asian culture. Why can’t that be the way at all counters. Let people know you really care about them and respect them for flying there airline.
I have always felt real comfort and respected flying ANA. I recommend this airline to everyone.