[American Eagle 4217, ERJ-145LR, Economy Class, JFK-YUL] Going home on the best 50 seats RJ, 2016 Mini-Mileage Run to Asia Part 6/6

We have finally reached part 6 of my Mini-Mileage Run Trip Report, 

in this part, I'm going to conclude my trip to Asia with a short ride on the ERJ145, in my opinion by far the best 50 seats Regional Jet, to Montreal from New York John F Kennedy Airport. 

If you haven't seen the previous legs on this trip, 

here is a list of the previous parts in this series:  

Part 1: [American Eagle 2936, CRJ-200ER, Economy Class, YUL-ORD] 

Part 2: [JAL Japan Airlines 9, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, ORD-NRT]

Part 3: [JAL Japan Airlines 735, Boeing 767-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-HKG] 

Part 4: [Cathay Pacific 542, Boeing 747-400, Economy Class, HKG-HND]

Part 5: [JAL Japan Airlines 6, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-JFK]

Bridge to AirTrain Station

The train goes in the order of Terminal 1 -> 2 -> 4 ->5 ->6 ->7 -> 8...
I assume they will run the other direction during rush hour.

Bombardier ART system :D
Linear induction driven

For some reasons, they need to print out their own version of the boarding pass after checking my passport (notice the big "Docs OK" marking). I was also given the Canadian custom declaration form at the meantime.

They haven't change their boarding pass design for a long time, very old school design and they still have "non-smoking" printed on it...
I think the last time I saw it was on Lufthansa's boarding pass a few years ago, I'm not sure if they have already changed it.

The use the same entrance for a few different gates there.

A lot of decline while walking toward the plane.
North American uses jetbridge religiously...
My friends didn't believe me when I tell them we can board a Dash 8 without walking on the ground until I show them a picture.
I was told it was one of the reasons why Dash 8 is more popular than ATR in North America.

Looking at the Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine from Seat 16A

Flight Info:     

Flight:             JAL Japan Airlines 6

Origin:            John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK)

Destination:    Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL/CYUL)

Departure:       21 April 2016, 1440 EST

Arrival:           21 April 2016, 1619 EST 

Duration:        1hr39min 

Aircraft Type: Embraer ERJ 145 (reg: N832HK, 12.5 years Old) 

Seat:                16A Economy Class

Not the most generous legroom, standard 31" pitch,
but the 1+2 layout certainly make it feels a lot roomier

I can cross my leg which I couldn't do on the CRJ! 

another AA Eagle ERJ175 pulling into gate 32H
ERJ is definitely the best RJ currently on the market.

It's notably a lot longer than the CRJ 1/200 but same capacity due to one fewer seat per row.

No AA logo on the safety info card.
This way they can share the same material with other Trans States planes operating for United Express.

RJs everywhere, Embraer everywhere
ERJ175 is my another favourite.

Pushing back

Interesting note that, the air conditioner is directly related to the engine,
barely any air coming out from the vent when the engines are idle...
I didn't notice the same thing happen on the CRJ

AA everywhere

The Take Off

Narrow Cabin 1+2 3 abreast layout.

Old school Embraer overhead panel

Drink and snack were served just 20 mins before we started to descend

it took the FA a really long time to serve 18 rows all by herself. 

Crossing the Canadian/US border (notice the line in the middle)

The Landing

Bonus legroom shot before disembarking,
it's tolerable on short regional flights.

Finally, I got a chance to snap a picture of the plane...

Greyhound Bus stop with Air France's shuttle in the background.

Greyhound heading back to Ottawa, although it says "Montreal"... It was a little confusing.
After 40 hours of almost non-stop travelling, home was just just around the corner... I was exhausted both mentally and physically.
This was probably the craziest plane hopping trip I have ever attempted, I doubt if I'm still young enough to do such thing again... However, I do believe I made the right decision to fly JAL instead of Air Canada.

Thank you so much for reading!

This is the end of my 6 part series,
More are to come soon, including some standalone reports and a brand new 4 parts series.

I'm also planning to publish my flight reports in Video format in the near future,
so subscribe to my YouTube Channel and get the latest updates and extra contents for my trip reports!


Past Trip Reports:
[JAL Japan Airlines 6, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-JFK]
[Air Canada Rouge 1984+1985, A319, Slaveship Class]
[Cathay Pacific 542, Boeing 747-400, Economy Class, HKG-HND]
[JAL Japan Airlines 735, Boeing 767-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-HKG]
[JAL Japan Airlines 9, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, ORD-NRT]
[American Eagle 2936, CRJ-200ER, Economy Class, YUL-ORD]

[Air Canada 464, Boeing 767-300ER, Business Class, YYZ-YOW]

[KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 692, MD11, Economy Class, YYZ-AMS]

[Air Canada 444, ERJ190, Business Class, YYZ-YUL-YOW]

[JAL Japan Airlines 6, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-JFK] JAL's Longest non-stop flight with the Best Economy Product, Mini-Mileage Run to Asia Part 5/6

After a long summer and some travelling, I finally have some time to catch up on my huge pile of unfinished flight reports. 

I have at least 8 other reports that I'm currently working on, like the Air Canada Rouge I have recently posted, was started long time ago. However, finishing this series is still my top priority and hopefully I can get part 6 done before November as I have another 4 parts series coming up very soon. 

This is Part 5 of my Mini-Mileage Run, 

returning to Canada from Hong Kong via Tokyo and New York. 

It's the longest flight JAL offers and arguably their flagship route.  

If you haven't seen the previous legs on this trip, 

here is a list of the previous parts in this series:  

Part 1: [American Eagle 2936, CRJ-200ER, Economy Class, YUL-ORD] 

Part 2: [JAL Japan Airlines 9, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, ORD-NRT]

Part 3: [JAL Japan Airlines 735, Boeing 767-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-HKG] 

Part 4: [Cathay Pacific 542, Boeing 747-400, Economy Class, HKG-HND]

The next morning, 

after a few hours of sleep, I can finally take some proper pictures of the room at the Narita Rest House. 

Very descent and well equipped Hotel. Although you can tell the age by its design and wear, I have no complaints considering it's just slightly more expensive than the capsule hotel. I even felt getting more than what I paid for. 

Working area

I suppose a twin room would be the exact same size.

I can see the maintenance and service area from my room

Catering, I suppose?

shuttle bus service is provided every half hour between Terminal and the hotel between 0600 and 2230 (If I remember correctly.. )
Terminal is within walking distance but not very walk-able. It would take at least 15-20 mins going up and down through a few parking lots and quiet alleyways.

The interior is very similar to a regular city bus in Japan. It may possibly be a retired city bus. 

Few pictures of the surrounding

The bus ride is about 5 mins and Terminal 2 is the first stop.

Check-in Area.
Not very crowded in the early morning.

Some demos to showcase their latest robotic technology?

Made myself to the fourth floor and enjoy a Full Japanese Breakfast at Sanbei.
Unagi (Grilled Eel) Don and Udon soup.
10/10 would recommend.

Viewing area from the second floor, can't see much.

My gate was just around the corner after immigration control.

A brand new 787-9 was parked next to my flight.
I wish I could be onboard one of their 8 abreast 787 one day.
It was a near miss...
I'm still quite upset about their last minute equipment change on my previous flight.

Flight Info:     

Flight:             JAL Japan Airlines 6

Origin:            Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA)

Destination:    John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK/KJFK)

Departure:       21 April 2016, 1050 JST

Arrival:           21 April 2016, 1045 EST 

Duration:        12hr55min 

Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-300ER (reg: JA737J, 8.8 years Old) 

Seat:                48A Economy Class

Can't really take a good shot of my plane
It was JA737J. My 12th time onboard a 77W.

I'm literally time travelling

You can tell I was a little bit home sick after being away for a week.

Japan made Canada Dry Ginger Ale, it actually taste a little bit different. Lighter in flavour but sweeter than the one in Canada.

One last picture before boarding.

Again, arguably the best economy product on market today.
19" wide with 34" legroom. It's almost in the PEY territory, not to mention most carriers have gone 10 abreast on their 777 fleet.
I did a detail video review on the seat on my previous flight,
Click here to watch it on YouTube. 

Push back

Quite a busy morning at Narita

The Takeoff

A Sharp turn to the North after take off, above the Pacific. 

Along the coast of eastern Japan

My Nexus 5X fits perfectly into the slot next to the PTV.
I'm still not very sure what it is really meant for..

Snack is offered shortly after takeoff 

JAL exclusive Skytime Kiwi juice as always. 

Then followed by lunch.

Haagen-Dazs ice-cream as desert.
I almost forgot I was flying in Economy...

Lights were switched off shortly after the first meal as the sun goes down. 

Passengers were asked to close the windows shades and they have a special device which is basically a long stick to reach over and lower the shades without interrupting those who were sleeping, that is some serious attention to details. 

Light snacks for those who were awake somewhere above Alaska 

Warm Japanese style red beam paste bun

Sun rise as we fly over Alaska and Alberta

Breakfast is served 2.5 hours before landing
It's something I have never seen before...

A stone cold bread with Japanese style vegetable soup

Description and the story behind it in Japlish.. meaning no offence, they are fairly read-able and pretty good in a non-English speaking country.

It also recommend you to put the Penne pasta in the soup.
I guess it's a collaboration between a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo?
Just like they did with KFC and Yoshinoya a while back.

Umm... okay?

During the meal, there were something also worth mentioning.
The passenger next to me fell back to sleep after breakfast, a FA walk by and notice a cup of hot tea were left on the tray table untouched. Instead of taking it away or ignore it, she came back later with a cap to "secure" the tea and intend to keep it warm for longer.

The FA also took notes of passengers who were asleep while they were distributing the meal, instead of waking them up or simply ignore them, they carry on their job until they see the passenger is awake, then go back and ask them if they want their meal to be served.

Those attention to details really add up and make JAL standout against its competitors, except they are out of the league when it is compared to NA and European carriers.

Descending into New York

Manhattan from above

Central Park

JFK in sight

Floyd Bennett Field

Speed break fully deploy

The Landing:

JFK arrival
Since all departure flight share the same departure hall and terminal regardless of domestic or international. All international arrival passengers are required to go through custom and immigration. Checked luggage need to be picked up and re-check again... then go through TSA.
That's why most people would try to avoid transferring in the US...
Thankfully I'm a Canadian Citizen, the queue at immigration control is a lot shorter.

I have a few hours to catch my next flight to Montreal.
There's not much going on at JFK

I guess I'd pause here and save the rest for Part 6:

[American Eagle 4217, ERJ-145LR, Economy Class, JFK-YUL]
Home Sweet Home, going home on the best 50 seats RJ, 2016 Mini-Mileage Run to Asia Part 6/6

Thank you so much for reading!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and get the latest updates!
I'm planning to publish my flight reports in Video format as well in the near future.

Past Trip Reports:
[Air Canada Rouge 1984+1985, A319, Slaveship Class]
[Cathay Pacific 542, Boeing 747-400, Economy Class, HKG-HND]
[JAL Japan Airlines 735, Boeing 767-300ER, Economy Class, NRT-HKG]
[JAL Japan Airlines 9, Boeing 777-300ER, Economy Class, ORD-NRT]
[American Eagle 2936, CRJ-200ER, Economy Class, YUL-ORD]

[Air Canada 464, Boeing 767-300ER, Business Class, YYZ-YOW]

[KLM Royal Dutch Airlines 692, MD11, Economy Class, YYZ-AMS]

[Air Canada 444, ERJ190, Business Class, YYZ-YUL-YOW]