New to Non Rev, JFK-NRT Dec 17

thank you Mrs767er,

we are actually buddy passing so as you know I am not able to look too deep into the system. I have been counting the seating chart pretty regularly though. My friend who gave us the tickets doesnt know much about this route, which is why I brought my questions here.

Sitting economy would be more than fine with us. Im just hoping to actually get on a flight. With a deal as amazing as this, I would happily sit in cargo with a smile on my face!

thanks again, all of your info is greatly appreciated!!

I just flew ATL-NRT on a 747 with the mod completed in business ... umm ... AMAZING!! even better than the 777.. So if you do get up there, its a real treat! :D

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Originally Posted by Funkywabit

I just flew ATL-NRT on a 747 with the mod completed in business ... umm ... AMAZING!! even better than the 777.. So if you do get up there, its a real treat! :D

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The jury is still out for me 747 vs 777 flatbeds. Some differences:
777 pods are not good for conversation unles companion is across the aisle. More storage areas than 74 compartments. Better IFE screens (bigger/easier access) on 74 and meal trays are PITA on 77.
If you sit w/companion in center section on 74, you can see them and actually talk to them w/out craning neck to turn, raise and speak. 74 compartments are a bit narrow but more open...
Something for everyone, I guess.
Didn't realize you were on BPs. What's the DOH so I can watch the flights, please?

Hi Mrs767er,

I am not sure the exact date of hire and he hasnt gotten back to me yet. I know he started in November though. There are two of us traveling BPs under his name. Dont know if that helps or not.

Thanks again!!

I see you two--1998 DOH. Looks good for JFK/NRT leg. I'll be leaving on the 16th--I almost considered your flight, but connections from here to NY are the pits on Mondays. I want to spend the night in NRT and head to PEK the next day with Boss.
FYI--BKK leg gets loaded with nonrevs--often last-minute. Right now, it's not too bad, but I hope you're prepared to spend another night in NRT if necessary. None of the hotels at NRT are cheap, so do your homework now, just in case. Try think2travel.com or agoda.com for deals. Tokyo is a few hours away via train. Narita Town is not too bad, but I only know the Radisson there. Pan Pacific@NRT is nice but no idea price these days. They do have an amazing bar on the 11th floor.
Where are you going in BKK? Have you been before? My brain is crammed with info from numerous trips.
PS--IF you get biz class, keep your boarding pass to access the SkyClub (if you have a bit of time) It may not work if it's crowded, but worth a shot for a quickie wifi/beverage/snack. All DL gates are close together.

wow, you're amazing! thanks again for the help.

it will be both of our first times in Thailand. Our plan is to fly into bangkok for a few days, then do a few days up north in Chiang mai, then head down south to koh Phangan. We will be staying for 2 and a half weeks.

if you have any advice on where to go, id love to hear it. Personal message me if possible..

thanks!

Where are you staying in BKK? Riverside or Siam are great areas. Watch some of the popular tourist neighborhoods for scooter purse snatchers--Kho San Rd and some parts of Silom.
What made you choose Koh Phangan? Are you taking the train or flying to there or Chang Mai? My 4 BPs went last spring to Chang Mai and Rai and did a short visit to Khao Lak, after time in BKK.

Don't know your age range, but we liked Hua Hin ALOT--been there twice, but we're not beach babies.
I can recommend Kanchanaburi for at least a day trip--River Kwai and I have some good accomodations. Look at youtube for Amphawa weekend market videos--it is mostly locals and you can get there via Monument Circle (look on tripadvisor for details)You can take a boat to see the fireflies. We stayed at Baan Rimnam guesthouse (they have small cottages, too) and I have phone for them. I highly recommend all 3 places.

we are staying in siam square the first few nights and heard great things about it. we are both in our mid 20s and decided to stay in Koh Phangan because we were told its less developed than some of the other islands. we agreed it would be a waste to travel half way across the world just to see a starbucks or McDonalds at every corner. It is also close to the Ang Thong Marine park which we both really want to visit to see the limestone cliffs.

we have some general ideas of where else we would like to go but are trying to stay as flexible as possible in case we get bumped from our flights. we are prepared to eventually have to bite the bullet and just buy a ticket, but the savings are incredible if we could non rev.

Since we covering a lot of area in only two weeks, we have also decided to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then down to Koh Phangan. although i would have loved the unique experience of an overnight sleeper train, it just didnt make sense for our itinerary. A day trip to Kanchanaburi is definitively on our list as well.

Siam is a great area. Do visit the Siam Paragon Mall to check out the food court (lower level?) There is also a very nice wine store w/reasonable chilled bubbly in the far corner fridge. Good treat to take to the room.
Public transport is easy to use--don't miss Jim Thompson house. You can probably walk from most hotels in Siam. Warning--traffic around Siam can be choked. Use BTS whenever you can, or walk a bit, then get taxi. MBK store is there, too--fun to see, even if not buying.
There is a nice laundry nearby (cheap!) and good massage/nail salons to be found. Foot massage is a must. Take some premoistened towelettes from home--I love Big Lots for that stuff--disposable toiletries--leave them so you have room for souvenirs. You sweat alot in Thailand!
If you haven't looked at tripadvisor.com, please do so! There are some really amazing people in there and tips on side trips, scams, etc. If you are splurging on a driver (like to Kwai) I use Mr Roong (roongsayam@hotmail.com). He took us to Baan Rimnam in Amphawa and we took bus back. Another driver in BKK is Rat--she has a guesthouse, as well--very nice! www.ratservice.com rat_bkk@hotmail.com
Feel free to pm or ask q's. You will have an amazing time--I'm sure you'll thank your employee over and over. Our BPs still do!