🇺🇸 Savoring The Western-Style Sightseeing & Culinary Delights Around California, United States, For The Major Christmas & New Year Festive Breaks Between December 2021 & January 2022 ~ Section 1 🇺🇸

Ladies & Gentlemen, as we continue to grapple through the global outbreak of COVID-19, I hope you are keeping yourselves well-protected and mentally sane amidst these challenging times. To safely commence the New Year on a proper note, I would like to warmly welcome all of you to this long overseas voyage report showcasing the newest two-month transpacific Christmas and New Year vacation to California, United States, in December 2021 & January 2022. This brand new transpacific vacation trip report will consist of 14 main sections, of which, this shall constitute the first central section of the report.

 

There will be a total two main focus topics, excluding the prologue, that are to be covered in this first major section of this long overseas transpacific trip report itself. They are mainly the ultra-long early morning transpacific flight to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) and the mid-afternoon freeway journey to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive by the center of downtown Los Angeles. Though I cannot allow user comments to be posted for my videos published on YouTube, you may leave your text comments via the comment box located at the end of each trip report segment.

 

Part 1 ~ The Prologue

 

After spending 17 entire months of being stuck in Singapore since July 2020 due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 and much of my tertiary Australian university education online, a much-needed long foreign voyage trip out of Singapore became necessary. Seeing the reality of the major challenges and various adjustments posed by remote learning away from Australia, I wisely decided to extend my Australian International Student VISA and healthcare insurance policy until the start of September 2022, including my Psychology major degree. This would be a logical way moving forward in my university education, especially with more COVID-19 variants evolving and spreading.

 

As an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I instantly knew that it would be quite difficult to spend an entire university year of online study as a majority of my units required on-campus attendance for many tutorials. Although some units offered an online-restricted version for those students who are both stuck internationally and inter-state, it would not be of much help with the demanding nature of these courses. Having obtained the two doses of Sinovac CoronaVac shots that my family desired before late 2021, I knew that there would be some hope of international travel resuming with the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network.

 

I also knew that being cooped up in a small country without domestic flight networks can result in adverse effects on one's mental well-being, including brain damage, depression and lack of interest in many activities. This would especially be the case if the situation continues on for prolonged periods of time. Under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network terms and conditions, travelers need not serve any quarantine time in VTL-specified countries and in Singapore if they have completed the two doses of recognized COVID-19 vaccination shots, undertake some COVID-19 tests and travel on designated VTL flights when returning or heading to Singapore.

 

Upon hearing about the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network, we instantly knew that we had to get out of Singapore for as long as possible, especially with a skyrocket in the number of major locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases. Looking through the list of Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) countries available, both my parents decided upon California, United States, as they have many close friends living and working in California. Though Australia did join the mutual Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network agreement with Singapore, it would only apply to New South Wales and Victoria, as of 1 December 2021.

 

I was more than ecstatic when I heard of the decision to travel to the United States, as traveling to a country with an official Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network agreement with Singapore would be 1,000 times better than being stuck in Singapore for an additional year. Though the United States was one of the core superpowers joining the agreement with Singapore, I knew that Japan would not be part of it immediately owing to its hard border closures, especially Western Australia. Among the six mainland states across Australia, I quickly knew that Western Australia would be one of the last few states to reopen once the pandemic showed signs of abating. This trip would thus be my third trip to the United States, having been there previously in mid-2005 and November 2008.

 

By treating COVID-19 like an endemic or seasonal disease instead of a global natural disaster, I promptly knew that Singapore would be heading in a very dangerous direction. Doing so could cause a major ripple effect in its history, which could pave the way for more contagious COVID-19 variants and other viruses to develop and mutate further. This, in turn, could eventually lead to even more undesirable and catastrophic outcomes for Singapore in the long run, with an increase in hate crime rates being of particular concern.

 

Unfortunately, my dad could not accompany us for this coming overseas trip, given that he would have work matters in Singapore and Europe during the Christmas and New Year periods. As we had directly experienced during our time in Western Australia, my younger brother and I knew that there would be increased personal responsibilities (i.e., shared driving, grocery shopping) during our time in the United States. Though I was rather disappointed that my dad could not follow us, I promised him to try to be happy for his sake.

 

In the predawn hours of the morning on Wednesday (8 December), I was still up and about preparing and arranging the remainder of my lighter baggage for the coming transpacific vacation trip to California, United States. As soon as I was done preparing my required baggage, I safely laid it out in the large living room area and headed upstairs to have a shower while waiting for my mom and younger brother to freshen up. My mom had safely arranged for a large MaxiCab to take us securely to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 by around 5.45 a.m. just a few days before the trip in advance.

 

For the coming main in-bound transpacific voyage to Los Angeles, we would fly with Singapore Airlines on flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), which would depart from Singapore Changi Airport by around 9.20 a.m., and then arrive at Tokyo's Narita International Airport at precisely 5.05 p.m. later that evening. The flight would even have a short refueling transit stop of just 1 hour 25 minutes before departing Narita International Airport at 6.30 p.m., and then arriving at Los Angeles International Airport safely at 11.30 a.m. on the exact same date after crossing the International Date Line over the North Pacific Ocean.

 

Since we would have to be in the southwestern suburban town of Riverside, California, from Thursday (6 January) to Wednesday (12 January) due to my mom's Feng Shui classes during that main period, we would first stay at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive for the first 11 days to allow my mom the time to prepare for them. My parents also had a very good Romanian friend, Aunt Alina Balan, residing in the suburban town of Camarillo, meaning that we would spend most of our free time at her own home during our stay in the United States.

 

Soon enough, the rest of the entire household was eventually awake by five o' clock. While my mom and younger brother went to have a shower before bringing down their lighter baggage, my housekeeper made me a hot drink to make sure that I was well-hydrated in preparation for the upcoming long two-month transpacific trip up to California, United States. My dad was also awake so that he and my housekeeper could directly assist us with our large baggage while seeing us off for our transpacific journey at the same time.

 

Later that morning, our prearranged MaxiCab for Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 showed up at the front main gate of our home by 5.20 a.m.. The MaxiCab driver, who was a well-dressed Chinese gentleman, quickly got out from his own vehicle and assisted us in securely loading our belongings into the rear trunk of the large black MaxiCab. Once everything had been safely loaded in, my dad bade us a safe and pleasant trip to the United States and we departed the familiar compound of our home by 5.35 a.m. for a routine predawn morning trip of 20 minutes over the Central Expressway (CTE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE) to Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3.

 

Soon enough, we finally reached the departures and drop-off point located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at around 5.55 a.m.. While my younger brother and I directly went over to get three baggage trolleys, the MaxiCab driver helped my mom in unloading our belongings from the rear MaxiCab trunk. Once all our belongings had been securely loaded onto the baggage trolleys, we quickly thanked the MaxiCab driver for all his services before heading into the central departure and check-in lobby of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at six o' clock.

 

As we approached the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters by around 6.05 a.m., we immediately went over to the nearest staffed Business Class check-in counter to commence the local check-in process for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita). As we safely loaded our baggage onto the check-in baggage counter conveyor belts, the Singapore Airlines check-in agent all of examined our COVID-19 vaccination certificates and individual PCR test results to ensure that all of us were fit to fly. The entire major check-in procedure for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) lasted approximately five minutes.

 

Singapore Airlines (Japanese: シンガポール航空; Chinese: 新加坡航空; Korean: 싱가포르 항공) is the transnational flag carrier and the largest airline company of the Republic of Singapore. Headquartered at the Airline House located in 25 Airline Road, the airline company has its largest hub at Singapore Changi Airport, offering 78 destinations across Asia, Africa, North America, Oceania and Europe using a major fleet comprising mostly of Airbus A350-900 XWBs, Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s and Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for its wide-body fleet, with Boeing 737s and Boeing 737 MAXs for its narrow-body fleet. The company also plays a role as a local competitor on the Kangaroo Route that connects Australia with the United Kingdom via the Eastern Hemisphere.

 

The airline was officially founded two years following the end of World War II as Malayan Airways on 1 May 1947, until it was split into Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines from 1 October 1972. Progressing rapidly through its development, it took delivery of the first Airbus A380 from 15 October 2007, also flying the world's first regular commercial Airbus A380 service between Singapore and Sydney on 25 October 2007. It was also the first customer for the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, having acquired its very first aircraft from 14 March 2018 and launching the aircraft's first revenue flight from Singapore to Osaka (Kansai) from 3 May 2018. As one of the 10 airlines to be awarded five-star rating by Skytrax, the airline won the 'Airline of the Year' award in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2018, making it the third major airline in the world to claim the award at least three times after Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways.

 

Singapore Airlines also operates two of the world's longest non-stop services between Singapore, Los Angeles and Newark. Initially operated by a fleet of five Airbus A340-500s from 2004, these services ended in late 2013 following the retirement of its Airbus A340-500s. However, with the delivery of its new Airbus A350 XWBs since 2 March 2016, including seven Airbus A350-900/ULR aircraft, the airline reinstated non-stop services to the United States from 23 October 2016, starting with San Francisco. This was also followed by Newark on 11 October 2018 and Los Angeles on 2 November 2018, thereby allowing it to reclaim the title of operating the world's longest commercial flights. As a formal pure member of Star Alliance since 1 April 2000, Singapore Airlines maintains mutual code-share agreements with several Star Alliance partners through its KrisFlyer frequent-flyer program.

 

Overlooking Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 currently under renovation from the departures and drop-off point at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

The departures and drop-off point located outside Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

Entering the departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

Finally arriving at the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters in the departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

 

After completing the entire check-in process for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) at the main Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters located in the departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, we finally obtained all our Business Class boarding passes safely by precisely 6.10 a.m. sharp. The check-in agent informed us that Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) would be scheduled to depart at around 9.20 a.m. from Gate No. A10 situated in Concourse A. Boarding would commence at exactly 8.50 a.m., approximately half an hour before the scheduled departure time.

 

With that, we directly thanked the Singapore Airlines check-in agent for her services and securely departed the Singapore Airlines Business Class check-in counters with our carry-on belongings. There, my mom promptly handed us both our passports and airline boarding passes and warned us to keep them safe with us at all times. Heading to the departure immigration checkpoints with our belongings, where we used the major automatic facial recognition departure point gates that captured our facial appearances before entering the main transit area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 at 6.20 a.m..

 

Since there was plenty of ample time before Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), we promptly decided to head over to the Silver Kris Lounge for a few refreshments first. With that moment, we bypassed several local duty-free retail outlets in the main transit area before changing to the closest escalator and elevator to the mezzanine transit level concourse, where the airport transfer lounges were situated. The passage to the Silver Kris Lounge took not more than approximately five minutes.

 

Heading to the departure immigration checkpoints in the departures and check-in level at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

My Business Class boarding pass for the in-bound flight segments from Singapore to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita)

Finally entering the central concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge in the predawn hours of the early morning

The departure flight information screen in the main concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

Approaching the escalators and elevator connecting to the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

Entering the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge in the predawn hours of the early morning

Passing through the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge in the predawn hours of the early morning

Overlooking several duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area from the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to the Silver Kris Lounge in the predawn hours of the early morning

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in the predawn hours of the early morning

 

Shortly after passing through the main transit mall area of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 for not more than approximately five minutes, we arrived at the main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge at 6.25 a.m. sharp. Heading to the local lounge reception counter, a lounge staff receptionist examined our passports and airline boarding passes before granting us entry into the main lounge area. Once we were positively identified, we quickly walked through the open-air seating spots before entering the large major inner dining area, where customers could have some refreshments before their flights.

 

With self-service buffets unavailable to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we knew that we would have to scan the QR codes on the tables using our cell phones to gain access to the main e-lounge dining menu. Securing a vacant window table, we directly scanned the QR code with our cell phones to see what was on offer for breakfast. Given that my mom had entrusted us with some United States dollars before our departure from home, I knew that it would not be necessary to change any Singapore dollars into United States dollars at this point, especially since some currency exchange counters may be closed in accordance with legal government regulations to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

 

Once we had gotten out all our electronic devices for our own surfing, we went to the open refreshment bar counters to get our breakfast items for the morning. For my appetizers, I had a bowl of cream of mushroom soup and a single glass of 2016 Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec red wine imported from Argentina. My younger brother and I then ordered a breakfast meal set each of scrambled eggs with bacon, crispy hash brown sticks and a fresh croissant, while I had an additional side dish of dim sum. Upon finishing our meals, we spent the rest of the time using our devices prior to our coming morning transpacific flight bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) later on.

 

Getting a first glimpse of the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly after we had arrived

Bypassing a couple of self-service coffee machines near the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Entering the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

Bypassing the food kitchen corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

The view of the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge from our seating table located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour shortly after we had settled down

Reviewing the main e-dining breakfast menu via my cell phone in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A bowl of cream of mushroom soup for myself as a breakfast appetizer in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

The self-service beverage and wine corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

Looking at the various wines available in the wine cooler at the self-service beverage and wine corner in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

A glass of 2016 Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec Argentine red wine with ice for myself in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Drafting out the first section of the long overseas transpacific trip report on my blog in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 using Frutiger LT Std as the default font for the report

Reading through 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' via Apple Books on my portable laptop the in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, with the page displaying the chapter where Molly Weasley tearfully expresses her concerns for her family to Remus Lupin after witnessing her Boggart comprising of her entire family, including Harry, lying dead in front of her

A platter of scrambled eggs with bacon, crispy hash brown sticks and croissant with a bottle of Meiji chocolate milk for myself as the main breakfast course in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWI and painted in the white "Star Alliance" special livery, taxiing to her assigned arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her long transoceanic flight over the North Atlantic Ocean and Indian Ocean from the United States via the Federal Republic of Germany as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 025 from New York (John F. Kennedy) via Frankfurt

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered 9V-SCI, taxiing away from Gate No. A2 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 874 bound for Hong Kong

The view of the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 from our seating table during the early morning rush hour shortly after we had finished our main breakfast courses

Overlooking the main airport tarmac from our seating table in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-312/ER, registered 9V-SWU, resting at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her long European flight over the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean from France as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 335 from Paris (Charles de Gaulle)

A small plate of siu mai and har gow shrimp dumpling dim sum for myself as the last breakfast course in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A380-841, registered 9V-SKU, taxiing to her assigned arrival gate at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after arriving from her long European flight over the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean from the United Kingdom as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 317 from London (Heathrow)

One final view of the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall from our seating table at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour shortly before I departed the lounge for Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A

 

Part 2(a) ~ The Flight To Los Angeles Via Tokyo (Narita)

 

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Flight No.: SQ 012 (Flight stops over in Tokyo-Narita)

From: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN / WSSS), Changi, Singapore

To: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX / KLAX), Los Angeles, California, United States

Aircraft: Boeing 777-312/ER

Registration No.: 9V-SWU

Class: Business Class

Seat No.: 22K

Date: Wednesday, 8 December 2021

 

After spending approximately 1 hour 40 minutes of having some light early morning refreshments and utilizing our electronic gadgets in the Silver Kris Lounge situated at the mezzanine transit mall of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, the airport lounge clock was soon showing 8.05 a.m.. Given the fact that customer boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) would commence in only 45 minutes' time, I packed away my baggage and departed the Silver Kris Lounge for Gate No. A10, with my mom and younger brother promising to join me later on.

 

Soon enough, I finally arrived at the front entrance to the passenger holding lounges at Gates No. A9 & A10 by 8.15 a.m., which was in sufficient time for general boarding for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) to commence in just 35 minutes. Passing through a simple and rapid gate security check, I was in the passenger holding lounge located at Gate No. A10 at 8.20 a.m., with my mom and younger brother joining me at the boarding gate approximately 10 minutes later by around 8.30 a.m.. In terms of COVID-19 customer numbers by Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A, I could soon conclude that Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) would be nearly filled to the brim for today, with some travelers expected to end their journey at Tokyo (Narita).

 

As for today's flight, Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) would be operated by a Boeing 777-300/ER jet, registered 9V-SWU and powered by two General Electric GE90-115B1 engines. 9V-SWU was delivered securely to Singapore Airlines from 19 September 2013 as the 20th Boeing 777-300/ER jet aircraft and the 78th Boeing 777 aircraft for the major airline company. As part of standardizing the airline's fleet of Boeing 777-300/ERs into a four-class seating configuration, it was retrofitted with a new 28-seater Premium Economy Class passenger cabin from July 2017. The overall plane delivery would eventually make the twin-engine aircraft have an aggregate passenger service age of approximately 8.2 years old today.

 

The overall view of the inner dining area in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A

Bypassing one of the self-service refreshment corners in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A10 in Concourse A

Bypassing the open-air seating areas in the Business Class section of the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A10 in Concourse A

The main entrance to the Silver Kris Lounge located in the airline lounge mezzanine transit mall of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour as I begin to make my way to Gate No. A10 in Concourse A

Bypassing some duty-free retail stores in the main concourse of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A10 in Concourse A during the early morning rush hour

Bypassing some more duty-free retail stores near Concourse A of the main transit area at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A10 during the early morning rush hour

Bypassing the main entrance to Gates No. A1 to A8 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the way to Gate No. A10 during the early morning rush hour

The connecting flight information screens near Gates No. A1 to A8 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

Approaching the automated passageways connecting to Gates No. A9 to A21 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the passenger waiting lounges at Gates No. A9 and A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 during the early morning rush hour

Entering the passenger holding area at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 after clearing security during the early morning rush hour

Our aircraft for today, 9V-SWU, being serviced at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming long morning transpacific flight over the South China Sea, East China Sea and North Pacific Ocean to the United States via the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita)

A closer view of 9V-SWU being serviced at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming long morning transpacific flight over the South China Sea, East China Sea and North Pacific Ocean to the United States via the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita)

Overlooking the main airport tarmac area from the passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

The passenger holding area at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 filled with waiting passengers for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) during the early morning rush hour

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SMS, taxiing to her assigned runway at Singapore Changi Airport in preparation for her regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 882 bound for Hong Kong

One additional view of 9V-SWU being serviced at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her upcoming long morning transpacific flight over the South China Sea, East China Sea and North Pacific Ocean to the United States via the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita)

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered 9V-SMQ, taxiing to her assigned runway at Singapore Changi Airport in preparation for her regional early morning shuttle flight over the Johor Strait to Malaysia as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 108 bound for Kuala Lumpur

An additional view of the main airport tarmac area from the passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) were made

The passenger holding lounge at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 shortly before the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) were made

 

After spending almost 35 minutes of anticipated waiting within the central holding lounge at Gate No. A10 situated in Concourse A, the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) were soon made at around 8.55 a.m., approximately five minutes behind schedule. The First and Business Class passengers, together with the KrisFlyer Gold Club members and those needing special assistance, were called out to board the aircraft. Given that we were some of the first passengers being summoned for boarding, we safely stood by the Business Class line with our belongings to facilitate the process smoothly.

 

Walking through the jet bridge at Gate No. A10, we were finally on board 9V-SWU safely by nine o' clock, which was in sufficient time for a 9.20 a.m. departure bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita). At the front entrance door itself, two flight attendants warmly welcomed us on board and soon pointed out the direction to our seats located in the central Business Class cabin. Storing all our baggage into their storage spaces, we finally settled down into our assigned Seats No. 22K, 23F and 23K in preparation for the coming long transpacific flight time of 18 hours 10 minutes bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita).

 

The Business Class seats we would use for this ultra-long early morning flight to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita) were the second generation of modernized long-haul Business Class seat products. These seats were introduced on 9 July 2013 before the airline's second batch of eight Boeing 777-300/ERs were put into service, and were slowly retrofitted on the existing first batch of Boeing 777-300/ERs by March 2019. They are also available on the first batch of new Airbus A350 XWBs delivered between fiscal 2015 and fiscal 2021. Capable of reclining to 132º in a standard lounge position, the seats can also fold into a full lie-flat bed of 180º to allow passengers to sleep on long-haul flights.

 

As a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, all the departure beverage and newspaper services for Premium Class passengers were suspended until further notice. Printed in-flight dining menus were also phased out in favor of moving to a digital menu as an environment-saving measure. I was quite lucky and satisfied that I had downloaded an electronic version of the main in-flight sky dining and beverage menus onto my portable laptop at least a few days before our long flight as a PDF file document, which would safely prove to be useful when ordering my beverages and wines later on.

 

A cabin attendant then came by to my seat so as to confirm my meal order for the in-flight brunch service later on. As for the main course, I would be having the grilled mackerel teriyaki served with steamed rice and seasonal vegetables, which I had reserved through the online digital in-flight menu during the flight reservation process. Once my major meal order had been securely recorded, I sat back to use my portable laptop while the boarding process was in the final stages.

 

A clearer view of 9V-SWU while passing through the jet bridge of Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Passing through the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER First Class cabin during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A view of my seat, 22K, during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHK, being serviced at Gate No. A11 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in preparation for her coming regional morning flight over the South China Sea to the Kingdom of Thailand as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 728 bound for Phuket

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Overlooking several other Singapore Airlines aircraft from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during the final stages of boarding at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Reviewing the e-dining and beverage menu page for the first sector between Singapore and Tokyo (Narita) on my laptop during the boarding process at Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Awaiting departure from Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

 

After the aircraft clock struck around 9.25 a.m., the two aircraft doors were closed by the cabin crew, and the airplane pushed away from Gate No. A10 situated in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, which was approximately five minutes behind schedule. With the main safety briefing information video being shown on our major front in-flight entertainment video screens, the aircraft began to make its way to its allocated runway in preparation for the coming early morning transpacific flight bound for Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), taxiing past several aircraft parked by Gates No. A11 to A21 located in Concourse A on the way. The central taxi connecting over to the assigned runway took approximately 15 minutes that morning.

 

It was not until approximately two aircraft arrivals that we were given the all-clear for departure. Soon enough, both the General Electric GE90-115B aircraft engines spooled into action, and the aircraft finally lifted off from Singapore Changi Airport by 9.40 a.m. for its long morning flight of just 6 hours 20 minutes across both the two China Seas to the central hustle and bustle of the busy national metropolitan capital region of Japan. We then climbed further into the blue and clear morning skies for a relatively long morning flight time of 6 hours 20 minutes across the South China Sea and East China Sea to the national metropolitan capital region of Japan.

 

Finally pushing back from Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Entering the main airport tarmac shortly after pushing back from Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

A Singapore Airlines Airbus A350-941 Regional, registered 9V-SHL, taxiing to her assigned runway at Singapore Changi Airport in preparation for her regional early morning flight over the South China Sea to the Republic of the Philippines as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 910 bound for Manila

Making the first taxi move along the main airport tarmac shortly after pushing back from Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Taxiing along the main airport tarmac in the direction to the assigned airport runway shortly after pushing back from Gate No. A10 located in Concourse A at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Making a right turn on the main airport tarmac towards the assigned airport runway located near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Getting closer to the assigned airport runway located near Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3

Singapore Airlines Flight 012 ~ Early Morning Departure From Singapore Changi Airport

Ascending into the bright and clear morning sky over the Johor Strait shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport

 

Shortly after taking off from Singapore Changi Airport, all the seat belt signs were turned off at precisely 9.45 a.m., which was approximately five minutes into cruising altitude. The flight cabin attendants announced to the travelers that while everybody was free to walk around the aircraft cabin, they had to keep their facial masks on at all times for the duration of the flight except at meal times during the in-flight brunch service later on. Sadly, as a temporary measure to prevent the major spread of COVID-19, in-flight shopping service would not be available for both sectors to Tokyo (Narita) and Los Angeles.

 

With that, I went to the lavatories and got out my own electronic devices for my own use during the course of the flight. A flight attendant then came by to my seat to ask what beverage I wanted to accompany my coming in-flight brunch course later on. To accompany my main meal, I would have a glass of 2018 Stonier Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia white wine, with white wine being a normal pairing with every seafood meal. Once the flight attendant had taken down my beverage order, she headed back to the main galley to help the other crew members to prepare for the in-flight service.

 

As the flight attendants rolled through the cabin with the in-flight meal cart, the tables were set up with cloth covering in preparation for the first brunch courses. Receiving my first in-flight brunch meal course by around 10.25 a.m., the first meal course comprised of an assortment of several sliced fresh fruits with an appetizer selection of either a strawberry yogurt or a bircher muesli. To directly accompany my first course, I quickly decided to have a strawberry yogurt and a single glass of fresh orange juice, including a croissant.

 

The fresh fruits tasted quite refreshing for my bud preferences, with the tub of strawberry yogurt, croissant and orange juice being the perfect side meal condiments to freshen myself up before the main brunch course. Once I had finished my first meal course, a flight attendant soon came to clear my used cutlery and placed the single glass of 2018 Stonier Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia white wine on my table, as per my drink request. While waiting for my main brunch course to arrive, I sat back to do some personal surfing on my portable laptop via the in-flight Wi-Fi Internet service.

 

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were switched off

A posted sign in the lavatory reminding passengers that on-board smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is forbidden under the regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea just aft of Pahang, West Malaysia

A view of my seat, 22K, during cruising altitude over the South China Sea just aft of Pahang, West Malaysia

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea just aft of Pahang, West Malaysia

Cruising over the South China Sea just aft of Pahang, West Malaysia

Continuing to draft the first section of my long overseas transpacific trip report on my blog site during cruising altitude over the South China Sea just aft of Pahang, West Malaysia

My first in-flight brunch course: A selection of sliced fresh fruits with a tub of strawberry yogurt and a glass of orange juice

A piece of fresh croissant and a tub of strawberry yogurt to accompany my first in-flight brunch meal course

A glass of 2018 Stonier Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia white wine to accompany my main in-flight brunch seafood meal course later on

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Pahang, West Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Pahang, West Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City

Cruising over the South China Sea somewhere between Pahang, West Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City

 

After spending approximately 1 hour 10 minutes of surfing my own portable laptop and enjoying my very first in-flight brunch courses, a flight attendant soon appeared by my seat again at around 10.55 a.m.. This time, she had my main brunch meal course comprising of grilled mackerel teriyaki served with steamed white rice and seasonal vegetables. With the main course delivered to my dining table, I promptly tucked into my meal as the aircraft continued to cruise over the South China Sea through Philippine airspace.

 

The mackerel itself tasted quite fresh and tender, as I would expect each fish dish to be, with the teriyaki sauce providing more flavor for the fish and the steamed rice and assorted vegetables being perfect accompaniments for the meal. Furthermore, as with several seafood dining courses, the glass of 2018 Stonier Chardonnay, Mornington Peninsula, Australia white wine also safely paired well with my main seafood brunch course. It was indeed a filling and sumptuous in-flight seafood dish, which I was glad to have chosen well.

 

Once I had finished my main in-flight brunch meal course, an in-flight cabin attendant safely came over to my seat to clear my table and asked whether there was anything else I wanted as a post-brunch treat. To directly end off the main in-flight brunch service, I instantly requested for a glass of Baileys Irish Cream and two packets of cookies, which were both safely brought to the dining table in approximately five minutes. The Baileys Irish Cream was useful in helping me to relax for the flight, with the cookies being some of the perfect sweet treats to end of a good in-flight brunch.

 

As soon as I had finished my sweet treats, I began to feel a bit sleepy as I had spent the entire night awake preparing for the trip before departing for the airport earlier that morning. With that moment, I securely requested a flight attendant to convert my seat into a complete lie-flat bed while I went to use a nearby lavatory. Upon returning to my own seat, now folded into a lie-flat bed of 180º, I pulled the blanket and turned in by precisely 11.30 a.m. for an undisturbed period of shut-eye over the South China Sea and East China Sea.

 

My main in-flight brunch course: Grilled mackerel teriyaki served with steamed rice and seasonal vegetables

The view of my used plate, cutlery and glasses shortly after I had finished my main in-flight brunch course

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Nha Trang and Bandar Seri Begawan

Cruising over the South China Sea somewhere between Nha Trang and Bandar Seri Begawan

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Nha Trang and Bandar Seri Begawan

A glass of Baileys Irish Cream and two packets of cookies for myself as sweet treats to conclude the in-flight brunch service

A view of my seat, 22K, in its complete lie-flat bed position during cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Da Nang and Manila

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Da Nang and Manila

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the South China Sea somewhere between Da Nang and Manila

Cruising over the South China Sea somewhere between Da Nang and Manila shortly before I decided to take a nap for the middle part of the flight

 

After getting approximately 3 hours 30 minutes of undisturbed shut-eye over both the South China Sea and East China Sea, I soon woke up by around four o' clock sharp, in accordance with the Japan Standard Time (JST). By this time itself, I quickly realized that we were directly cruising past the East China Sea into Japanese airspace. An on-board airplane announcement was then made that the aircraft would soon be arriving into Tokyo (Narita) in approximately one hour at five o' clock, approximately five minutes ahead of schedule.

 

Since there was not much time left before the main descent and arrival into Tokyo (Narita), I soon requested a flight cabin attendant to convert my seat from its complete lie-flat bed position back to its original position. To make sure that I would not feel thirsty during the refueling stop in Tokyo (Narita) later on, I also ordered a glass of iced Milo, which was promptly brought to my seat in only a few minutes. Once I had securely finished my glass of iced Milo, I placed some of my belongings into their main storage areas and did some surfing on my laptop as the aircraft cabin was being prepared for the arrival into Tokyo (Narita).

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula somewhere between Wakayama and Nara shortly after I had woken up

Cruising over the Kii Peninsula somewhere between Wakayama and Nara

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Kii Peninsula somewhere between Wakayama and Nara

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the Izu Peninsula somewhere between Nagoya and Shizuoka

Cruising over the Izu Peninsula somewhere between Nagoya and Shizuoka

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Izu Peninsula somewhere between Nagoya and Shizuoka

A glass of iced Milo for myself during cruising altitude over the Izu Peninsula somewhere between Nagoya and Shizuoka

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over Sagami Bay between Ito and Yokohama

A view of my seat, 22K, during cruising altitude over Sagami Bay between Ito and Yokohama

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over Sagami Bay between Ito and Yokohama

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over Sagami Bay between Ito and Yokohama

Cruising over Sagami Bay between Ito and Yokohama shortly before the aircraft began to commence its descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Narita)

 

In accordance with the Japan Standard Time (JST), the 'fasten seat belt' signs were illuminated by 4.25 p.m., which was approximately 35 minutes prior to the descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Narita). Since we had less than one hour left before our arrival into our main stopover point, we immediately stowed all of our belongings into their respective main stowage spaces and securely buckled our seat belts before the aircraft could commence the final evening approach into Narita International Airport. The flight cabin attendants then conducted their final safety checks around the cabin at the same time.

 

Rain was battering through the suburban outskirts of Narita as the aircraft began to make its final approach into Narita International Airport. After a rather long morning flight of approximately 6 hours 20 minutes across the two main China Seas from the small and humid tropical island city-state of the Republic of Singapore by the central waters of the Malayan Straits, we soon touched down into Narita International Airport safely at five o' clock sharp, approximately five minutes ahead of schedule. Upon landing safely, the aircraft then taxied over the local airport tarmac to its assigned arrival gate at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing).

 

Narita International Airport (Japanese: 成田国際空港; Traditional Chinese: 成田國際機場; Simplified Chinese: 成田国际机场) is a main international airport complex located around the suburban outskirts of Narita, Chiba, Japan. It is the principal international gateway for passengers arriving into the Greater Tokyo Area by air travel, one of the two main international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area and the second-busiest commercial airport complex in the State of Japan, with approximately 42.4 million air customers passing through the main airport complex in fiscal 2017. The airport serves as a hub for All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Japan, Nippon Cargo Airlines, Peach, Polar Air Cargo, Spring Airlines Japan and Zipair Tokyo.

 

The complex was opened on 20 May 1978 to facilitate the increasing tourist arrivals into the Greater Tokyo Area, and to ease overcrowding problems at the older Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) closer to downtown Tokyo, despite many protests by several local residents of Narita. Since then, several international flights coming into and out of the Greater Tokyo Area have mostly been managed at Narita International Airport until 20 October 2010. However, from 21 October 2010, Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) opened up to more international flights in the late night and early morning hours after Narita International Airport has finished its operations for the day, resulting in increased competition for tourist arrivals coming to and from the Greater Tokyo Area for both airports.

 

The airport is easily accessible with the Narita Express limited express service by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), which provides direct connections to Tokyo Station in under one hour, and to the major downtown districts of Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, Shinjuku and Yokohama. Rapid Service trains bound for the Sobu Main Line (Rapid) and Yokosuka Line are also readily available, with both services covered under the Japan Rail Pass. Keisei Electric Railway operates the Skyliner limited express train service to and from Ueno via the Keisei Narita Airport Line (Narita Sky Access Line) in 44 minutes at a fare of ¥2,520 (S$26.85), making the Skyliner train service the fastest and cheapest limited express option between central Tokyo and the airport area. Certain Narita Sky Access Line train services also travel as far as Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) via the Toei Asakusa Line and Keikyu Lines.

 

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Tokyo (Narita)

Cruising over the Boso Peninsula between Kamogawa and Narita

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the Boso Peninsula between Kamogawa and Narita

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Boso Peninsula between Kamogawa and Narita

Cruising into a sea of rainstorm clouds over the Boso Peninsula as the aircraft begins to get closer to Narita International Airport

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the Boso Peninsula as the aircraft begins to get closer to Narita International Airport

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat as the aircraft begins to make its one final approach into Narita International Airport

Cruising into a sea of rainstorm clouds over the Boso Peninsula as the aircraft begins to make its one final approach into to Narita International Airport

Singapore Airlines Flight 012 ~ Evening Arrival Into Narita International Airport

Making our way across the damp airport tarmac to our assigned arrival gate located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) shortly after landing

Finally arriving at our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 27, located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after arriving at our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 27, located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

 

Shortly after taxiing across the central airport tarmac for approximately five minutes to Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing), we arrived at our allocated arrival contact gate, Gate No. 27, in the Central Building by 5.05 p.m.. Once the seat belt signs were turned off, we unfastened our seat belts and retrieved our belongings from their storage spaces in preparation for the disembarkation process to commence securely. We also conducted a check around the seat pocket parts to ensure that we had not left anything behind on board during the brief stopover at Narita International Airport.

 

As a legal airport transit security requirement, all the passengers continuing on to Los Angeles had to directly disembark from the airplane with all their carry-on belongings and promptly undergo transit security screening checks before being permitted to re-board the flight for their final destination. As we disembarked from 9V-SWU through the second front main aircraft door, the flight attendants reminded us all to return to Gate No. 27 no later than six o' clock sharp for a 6.30 p.m. departure bound for Los Angeles. We then walked across the jet bridge of Gate No. 27 into the main terminal building of Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing).

 

Part 2(b) ~ The Brief Transit Stopover In Narita International Airport

 

Shortly after disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles from Singapore by Gate No. 27, we quickly passed through the passageway leading to the central connecting flight security checkpoints in the large Central Building of Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing). The airport terminal passage from Gate No. 27 to the transfer flight security checkpoints concourse took not approximately five minutes. As we reached the connecting flight security checkpoints at 5.15 p.m., we got out our required belongings to be checked by the transit security staff.

 

Since most of the passengers from our flight would be continuing on to Los Angeles, the entire major transit security check process took not more than approximately 15 minutes. During the course of the major refueling stop in Narita International Airport, I could not help feeling a tinge of sadness and disappointment within me as the surroundings of Japan swept through me. As much as we wanted to enter Japan, we knew we could not do so due to the stringent major COVID-19 border restrictions, especially with Japan not joining the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) network with Singapore.

 

Upon safely passing through the connecting flight security checkpoints, we were eventually in the major transit lobby of the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) at precisely 5.30 p.m.. As the transit stopover would be a short one, we all knew that there would be no chance of using the airport lounges, especially knowing that some of them would be closed in view of the pandemic. With that instant, we decided to proceed back to Gate No. 27 in preparation for our continuing transpacific flight to Los Angeles, eventually arriving at the gate safely at 5.35 p.m..

 

As the aircraft was still being serviced at Gate No. 27 in preparation for our continuing transpacific flight journey across the North Pacific Ocean bound for Los Angeles, passenger boarding would commence by around 6.05 p.m., approximately 25 minutes before our time of departure. While waiting for customer boarding time for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles to commence, I spotted a few aircraft and enjoyed some Japanese vending machine drinks with both my mom and younger brother. A group comprising of cabin crew members and passengers originating from Tokyo (Narita) would also join us on the same flight as well.

 

9V-SWU resting at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) after arriving from her long morning flight over the South China Sea and East China Sea from the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore and before continuing over the North Pacific Ocean to Los Angeles, California, United States

Heading to the escalator leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints and international connecting flight security checkpoints at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

Walking through the passageway leading to the arrival immigration checkpoints and international connecting flight security checkpoints from Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

Finally entering the main transit area in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

The departure flight information screens in the main transit area of the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) detailing important information for the various international flights departing from Narita International Airport amidst the pandemic

Bypassing some duty-free retail outlet stores in the main transit area of the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) while en route back to Gate No. 27

Finally arriving at the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

Overlooking the damp and rainy airport tarmac from the passenger waiting area at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

9V-SWU being serviced at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) in preparation for her continuing long early evening transpacific flight over the North Pacific Ocean to the United States from the Republic of Singapore as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles from Singapore

The departure flight information screens near Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) detailing important information for the various international flights departing from Narita International Airport amidst the pandemic

The departure flight information screen at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) detailing important information for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles

The passenger waiting area at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) shortly before the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles were made

 

After spending approximately 40 minutes of anticipated waiting in the main holding areas situated at Gate No. 27, the first boarding announcements for Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 bound for Los Angeles were finally made at around 6.15 p.m., approximately 10 minutes behind schedule. All the First & Business Class passengers, including the main KrisFlyer Gold Club passengers and those requiring priority assistance were securely called out to board the aircraft. Given that we were among the very first ones being summoned for boarding, we promptly got out both our Business Class boarding passes and passports to be checked by the boarding gate staff at Gate No. 27.

 

Passing through the main jet bridge at Gate No. 27, we were finally back on board 9V-SWU at exactly 6.20 p.m., which was slightly rushed for a 6.30 p.m. departure bound for Los Angeles that evening. At the first aircraft entrance door, two flight attendants welcomed us all back on board and pointed out the way to our seats in the large rear Business Class cabin. Storing our items into their respective storage areas, we settled down into our assigned Seats No. 22K, 23F and 23K in preparation for the coming long major transpacific flight duration of ten hours over the North Pacific Ocean to Los Angeles.

 

As a precaution against the spread of COVID-19, all the departure beverage and newspaper services for Premium Class passengers were suspended until further notice. However, a bottle of water was provided for each individual seat to help keep customers hydrated prior to departure. While waiting for the regular boarding process to be completed at Gate No. 27 in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing), I instantly settled down into my seat calmly to use my portable laptop and review the e-menu for the sector from Tokyo (Narita) to Los Angeles at the same time.

 

A clearer view of 9V-SWU while passing through the jet bridge of Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

A view of my seat, 22K, during the boarding process at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

Overlooking the damp main airport tarmac from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during the boarding process at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

An Air Canada Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, registered C-GHQY, being serviced at Gate No. 31 located in Satellite No. 3 at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) in preparation for her coming long early evening transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean back to Canada as Air Canada flight AC 7284 bound for Toronto (Pearson)

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly before the boarding process at Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) was completed

Awaiting departure from Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

 

Part 2(c) ~ Continuing Our Transpacific Journey Across The North Pacific Ocean To Los Angeles

 

After the clock struck around 6.35 p.m., the aircraft doors were soon closed, and the aircraft directly pushed away from Gate No. 27, approximately five minutes behind schedule. With the safety briefing information video being shown on our main in-flight entertainment screens, the Boeing 777-300/ER aircraft began to make its way to its assigned runway in preparation for its continuing evening transpacific voyage to Los Angeles, taxiing past several aircraft parked at Gates No. 31 to 43 on the way. As we would be fourth in line for take-off in view of the early evening traffic across the large airport complex itself, the entire passageway to our assigned main airport runway took not more than approximately 50 minutes.

 

It was not until approximately four or five commercial aircraft landings that we were eventually given the green light for departure. Soon enough, both the two main twin General Electric GE90-115B1 engines spooled into action, and the aircraft safely lifted off from Narita International Airport at exactly 7.25 p.m. for a rather long evening transpacific flight of 8 hours 30 minutes across the International Date Line and Northern Pacific Ocean to the city of Los Angeles located across the coast line of the state of California. We then ascended into the damp and rainy evening sky for a relatively long evening transpacific journey duration of approximately 8 hours 30 minutes over the International Date Line and North Pacific Ocean to the metropolitan city of Los Angeles situated across the coast line of the state of California.

 

Finally pushing back from Gate No. 27 located in the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing)

The in-flight safety briefing information video being showcased on my front in-flight entertainment video screen and reminding passengers that smoking on board the aircraft, including the use of e-cigarettes and tampering with, disabling or destroying lavatory smoke detectors, is forbidden at all times

Taxiing away from the Central Building at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (South Wing) for our continuing long evening transpacific flight over the North Pacific Ocean to Los Angeles

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered A6-BLL, being serviced at Gate No. 24 located in Satellite No. 2 at Narita International Airport Terminal 1 (North Wing) in preparation for her coming long evening transcontinental return flight back to the United Arab Emirates as Etihad Airways flight EY 871 bound for Abu Dhabi

Making a left turn to the taxiway leading to the assigned airport runway located near the aircraft maintenance hangars Narita International Airport

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat while making a left turn to the taxiway leading to the assigned airport runway located near the aircraft maintenance hangars at Narita International Airport

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen mapping out our planned flight path over the North Pacific Ocean and International Date Line (IDL) between Tokyo (Narita) and Los Angeles

Taxiing along the airport taxiway while getting closer to the assigned airport runway located close to the aircraft maintenance hangars at Narita International Airport

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat while getting closer to the assigned airport runway located close to the aircraft maintenance hangars at Narita International Airport

Making a right turn on the taxiway close to the assigned airport runway located close to the aircraft maintenance hangars at Narita International Airport

About to make a right turn to the assigned airport runway located close to the aircraft maintenance hangars at Narita International Airport

Singapore Airlines Flight 012 ~ Evening Departure From Narita International Airport

Ascending further into the dark and rainy evening sky shortly after taking off from Narita International Airport

 

After taking off from Narita International Airport, the 'fasten seat belt' signs were finally turned off by around 7.35 p.m. sharp, approximately 10 minutes into cruising altitude. While the flight cabin attendants instantly sprung into action to commence the in-flight service, I headed over to the lavatories and got my laptop out for my own use during the course of the long flight. Soon enough, a flight cabin stewardess came by my seat to record my meal orders for the coming major in-flight dinner service and in-flight lunch service prior to the arrival into Los Angeles.

 

As for the in-flight dinner service, I would be having the Japanese style pork loin served with butter soy sauce, mixed vegetables, steamed white rice and black sesame seeds as the main dinner course, together with a glass of 2015 Clarendelle, Bordeaux, France red wine to pair with my major meal. I would also have the salmon shioyaki served with gin'an sauce, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice as my main event for the in-flight lunch service before the early afternoon arrival into Los Angeles later on.

 

Once the flight stewardess had carefully recorded my main meal orders, she quickly headed back to the galley area to help the other crew members roll out the in-flight dinner service trolley carts through the main cabin. For the canapé dinner course, each Business Class customer was served with a small plate of chicken satay with onions, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce. Upon receiving my plate of satay by 8.10 p.m., I also requested for a glass of 2012 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage French Champagne to accompany my canapé.

 

The chicken satay tasted really tender, and the peanut sauce accompanying the canapé even provided more flavor for it, with the 2012 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage French Champagne being a perfect beverage accompaniment for the in-flight canapé. Once I had finished off both my chicken satay and French champagne, I soon settled back into my seat and did some personal surfing on my own laptop via the free 100 MB main in-flight Wi-Fi Internet service while waiting for the in-flight dinner appetizer courses to arrive.

 

Approximately 45 minutes later by around 8.55 p.m., the in-flight attendants came through the Business Class cabin with in-flight dinner service carts, also setting up the dining tables and providing the first in-flight dinner appetizer courses to each passenger. The first in-flight dinner course consisted of cured salmon served with baby leaves, beans and potato salad, with every in-flight appetizer component tasting just right for my preferences. Upon completely finishing off my major appetizer course, I resumed my private surfing via my laptop while waiting for my main meal course and wine to arrive.

 

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were turned off following departure from Narita International Airport

Drafting out the first section of the long overseas transpacific trip report on my blog during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean between Hokkaido, Japan, and the Kuril Trench

Reading through 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' via Apple Books on my portable laptop during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean between Hokkaido, Japan, and the Kuril Trench, with the page displaying the chapter where Fred and George Weasley tried to comfort their mother when she was crying about Percy sending his sweater back on Christmas Day due to his ongoing estrangement from the family

A plate of chicken satay with onions, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce with a glass of 2012 Piper-Heidsieck Brut Vintage French Champagne as in-flight canapés for myself

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during the in-flight dinner service over the North Pacific Ocean between Hokkaido, Japan, and the Kuril Trench

Cruising over the North Pacific Ocean between Hokkaido, Japan, and the Kuril Trench

My first in-flight dinner course: Cured salmon with baby leaves, beans and potato salad

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean between the Japan Trench and Kuril Trench

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during the in-flight dinner service over the North Pacific Ocean between the Japan Trench and Kuril Trench

 

After spending approximately 1 hour 40 minutes of the evening transpacific flight using my own portable laptop and enjoying my first dinner courses, a flight attendant finally appeared at my seat by 9.15 p.m.. This time, she had my main meal dish consisting of Japanese-style pork loin served with butter soy sauce, mixed vegetables, steamed white rice and black sesame seeds. As requested earlier on, I also received my glass of 2015 Clarendelle, Bordeaux, France red wine to directly accompany my main meal course. With my main course on my table, I immediately tucked into my in-flight dinner.

 

The Japanese-style pork loin tasted really tender as if it was directly brought out from a cooking pan and exuded more flavor with the butter soy sauce. I also found the rice, vegetables and sesame seeds to be ample condiments to my major in-flight dining event course, with the 2015 Clarendelle, Bordeaux, France red wine pairing really well with the dish. This particular meal would be one of the most satisfying in-flight meals I have ever consumed on board an aircraft, despite turbulent COVID-19 times.

 

Upon having a delicious oriental Japanese main dining course for dinner, the clock was finally showing 9.30 p.m.. A flight attendant then came by to clear my used cutlery and asked whether there was anything else I wanted. As for my dessert, I would promptly order some strawberry ice cream andiced Milo, knowing that it would be relatively difficult to find good quality Milo in the United States. With that moment, the flight attendant recorded my in-flight orders before proceeding over to the aircraft galley to prepare them while I continued to sit back and surf on my private laptop with the complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service worth 100 MB for Business Class passengers.

 

Soon enough, I eventually obtained my major post-dinner dessert items from another in-flight cabin attendant safely at 9.40 p.m.. Tucking into my dessert, I immediately found the strawberry ice cream to be really nice and soft upon having the first bite, with the presentation in a bowl being an authentic and true Business Class dessert. The iced Milo even tasted quite refreshing, which made me glad that I had selected it as part of the in-flight dessert course. As soon as I had polished off my in-flight desserts, I informed a cabin attendant that I wanted to make my seat into a bed to get some rest later on.

 

With my dining table safely cleared, I promptly headed over to the lavatory as my seat was being folded out and made into a complete lie-flat bed at a full angle of 180º. By this time, all the main Business Class cabin lights were dimmed to directly allow the passengers to get some sleep during the long flight. Once I had returned to my seat, I sat down to use my laptop prior to finally turning in for a well-earned good night's sleep by around 10.10 p.m. over the North Pacific Ocean near the International Date Line.

 

My main in-flight dinner course: Japanese style pork loin served with butter soy sauce, mixed vegetables, steamed white rice and black sesame seeds

A glass of 2015 Clarendelle, Bordeaux, France red wine to accompany my main in-flight dinner course

The view of my in-flight dining table shortly after I had finished off my main in-flight dinner course

A bowl of strawberry ice cream and a glass of iced Milo for myself as dessert shortly after finishing my main in-flight dinner course

A view of my seat, 22K, during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough shortly after the cabin lights were dimmed to allow the passengers to get some sleep

A view of my seat, 22K, in its complete lie-flat bed position during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough shortly after the cabin lights were dimmed to allow the passengers to get some sleep

Cruising over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere closer to the International Date Line (IDL) between the Emperor Seamounts and Emperor Trough shortly before getting some sleep

 

Part 2(d) ~ The Descent Cum Arrival Into Los Angeles

 

After getting approximately 3 hours 35 minutes of well-earned rest over the International Date Line and North Pacific Ocean, I finally woke up at exactly 7.45 a.m., in accordance with the major Alaska Standard Time (AKST) on the morning of Wednesday (8 December). Knowing well that we had two hours left before our arrival into Los Angeles, I quickly headed to the lavatories to freshen up prior to the in-flight lunch service, which was being prepared by the cabin crew attendants. By this time, most of the passengers were slowly beginning to wake up in preparation for the in-flight lunch service.

 

Soon enough, the in-flight attendants began to directly roll out the in-flight lunch service trolleys through the main Business Class cabin, distributing the meal trays containing the appetizers and beverages to each passenger. Once my meal tray had securely arrived, a flight attendant asked what beverage I wanted to accompany my coming main meal course later on. Given that our chances of finding Milo in the United States would be little to none, I wisely decided to have a glass of iced Milo to accompany my main meal.

 

The first course consisted of a mixed baby leaf salad served with feta cheese, braised figs, cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing. With my order securely recorded, the flight attendant gave me a glass of water prior to proceeding with the rest of the lunch meal trays for the other Business Class passengers. The mixed baby leaf salad tasted quite refreshing to commence the coming day, with the feta cheese, tomatoes and balsamic dressing pairing well with the dish. Once I was done with my salad, I silently sat back to use my laptop while waiting for my main course to arrive.

 

Cruising over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere between Juneau and Vancouver shortly after I had woken up beyond the International Date Line (IDL)

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere between Juneau and Vancouver shortly after I had woken up beyond the International Date Line (IDL)

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the North Pacific Ocean somewhere between Juneau and Vancouver

My first in-flight lunch course: Mixed baby leaf salad served with feta cheese, braised figs, cherry tomatoes and balsamic dressing

Cruising over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver and Portland

A view of my seat, 22K, during the in-flight lunch service over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver and Portland

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during the in-flight lunch service over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver and Portland

  

After spending approximately 40 minutes of enjoying my first lunch courses of the in-flight lunch service and surfing my laptop, a flight attendant soon appeared by my seat again at exactly 8.25 a.m. sharp. This time, she had my in-flight lunch course of salmon shioyaki served with gin'an sauce, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice. I even directly received my single glass of iced Milo to accompany my lunch dish course at the same time. With everything safely placed on my table, I promptly tucked into my in-flight lunch.

 

The salmon shioyaki tasted quite tender, with the gin'an sauce providing the flavor required for the seafood lunch dish to enhance the tender texture. As for the steamed rice and seasonal vegetables, they also served as good lunch accompaniments for my seafood meal event, which made it a very satisfying in-flight meal overall. My mom even gave me her piece of chocolate mousse cake for dessert as she could not eat the remaining half due to its sweet and rich nature, which was a nice way to end off the in-flight lunch service.

 

Once I had finished my in-flight seafood lunch, an in-flight stewardess safely came by to my seat and asked whether there was anything else I wanted for the remainder of the flight. Since I was already feeling stuffed to the brim, I politely declined and opted to have my used main in-flight meal cutlery and lunch tray cleared from my table. With my lunch tray safely cleared away by the flight cabin attendant, I soon sat back to use my laptop until it was time to prepare the cabin for the descent cum arrival into Los Angeles.

 

My main in-flight lunch course: Salmon shioyaki served with gin'an sauce, seasonal vegetables and steamed rice and a glass of iced Milo

A small plate of chocolate mousse cake, which I received from my mom due to its overly sweet nature, to wrap up the in-flight lunch service

The view of my used in-flight lunch meal tray on my dining table shortly after I had finished my main in-flight lunch course

A view of my seat, 22K, during cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Eureka and Ukiah

The rear view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin during cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Eureka and Ukiah

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Eureka and Ukiah

Cruising above the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Eureka and Ukiah

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat during cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Bird Rock and Tulare

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Bird Rock and Tulare

Cruising above the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Bird Rock and Tulare

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Bakersfield and Santa Barbara

Cruising above the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Bakersfield and Santa Barbara

 

In accordance with the Pacific Standard Time (PST), all of the seat belt signs were illuminated again at 10.35 a.m., which was approximately 20 minutes before the coming descent and arrival into Los Angeles. Given that we had less than half an hour left prior to our early afternoon arrival into our final destination, we promptly stowed our belongings back into their respective stowage areas and buckled up our seat belts in preparation for the aircraft to commence its one final approach into Los Angeles International Airport. The in-flight cabin attendants also conducted their final checks around the large aircraft cabin at the same time.

 

The afternoon sun was shining brightly above both the local industrial and residential regions of Los Angeles as the aircraft directly began to make its approach into Los Angeles International Airport. After a long mid-evening transpacific flight duration of approximately 8 hours 30 minutes over both the North Pacific Ocean and International Date Line from the very modern and colossal national metropolitan capital area of Japan, we soon touched down into Los Angeles International Airport by precisely 10.55 a.m., which was approximately 35 minutes ahead of schedule. The twin-engine Boeing 777-300/ER aircraft soon made its way across the local airport tarmac to its allocated main arrival contact gate situated by the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

 

Los Angeles International Airport (Japanese: ロサンゼルス国際空港; Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Los Ángeles; Chinese: 洛杉磯國際機場; Korean: 로스앤젤레스 국제공항) is a core American international airport at Westchester, Los Angeles, California, United States. Operated only by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), it is currently the central international airport serving the core Los Angeles metropolitan area, the fourth-busiest airport in the world and the second-busiest major airport in the United States of America (USA), with at least approximately 88.1 million travelers passing through the local airport complex in fiscal 2019. The airport currently serves as a central base for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

 

The airport was opened on 1 October 1928 as Mines Field Airport, serving as the main gateway to Los Angeles by air travel. From 7 June 1930, the city of Los Angeles purchased the airport to be a municipal airfield, with the major city council rebranding the central airport to its current name in 1949. From 25 June 1961, the Theme Building Space Age structure was formally opened within its complex, allowing the airport to be internationally recognized via the distinctive landmark. As of 1 October 2021, the airport complex has just nine passenger terminal buildings arranged in a U-shaped horseshoe layout, with inter-terminal shuttle bus services connecting between the terminals.

 

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after the seat belt signs were illuminated in preparation for the descent cum arrival into Los Angeles International Airport

Cruising above the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles

The flight route indication map on my front in-flight entertainment video screen indicating our cruising altitude over the coast of the North Pacific Ocean between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles

Cruising above the coast of the North Pacific Ocean as the aircraft begins to make its final approach into Los Angeles International Airport

Cruising above some local settlements of Los Angeles during the final approach into Los Angeles International Airport

Cruising past some Californian mountain ranges over some more local settlements of Los Angeles during the final approach into Los Angeles International Airport

Singapore Airlines Flight 012 ~ Afternoon Arrival Into Los Angeles International Airport

Making a left turn along the main airport tarmac towards the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) shortly after touching down into Los Angeles International Airport

An EVA Airways Boeing 777-35E/ER, registered B-16703, waiting to be pushed back from Gate No. 156 located in the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for her coming long early afternoon transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean and East China Sea back to the Republic of China (Taiwan) as EVA Airways flight BR 005 bound for Taipei (Taoyuan). This aircraft was notable for being painted in the "Hello Kitty Sanrio Family" special livery between September 2013 and May 2021

A Korean Air Boeing 747-8B5 Intercontinental, registered HL7638, being serviced at Gate No. 154 located in the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for her coming long early afternoon transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan back to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Korean Air flight KE 9008 bound for Seoul (Incheon)

Taxiing past the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on the way to our assigned arrival contact gate

An Asiana Airlines Airbus A350-941, registered HL8308, being serviced at Gate No. 148 located in the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for her coming long early afternoon transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan back to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) as Asiana Airlines flight OZ 201 bound for Seoul (Incheon)

An Air Tahiti Nui Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered F-OMUA, being serviced at Gate No. 132 located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for her continuing long transoceanic flight over the North Atlantic Ocean to France from French Polynesia as Air Tahiti Nui flight TN 008 bound for Paris (Charles de Gaulle) from Papeete

An All Nippon Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registered JA839A, being serviced at Gate No. 150 located in the South Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport in preparation for her coming long early afternoon transpacific return flight over the North Pacific Ocean back to the State of Japan as All Nippon Airways flight NH 005 bound for Tokyo (Narita)

Finally docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 130, located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport

The view of the Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300/ER Business Class cabin from my seat shortly after docking onto our assigned arrival gate, Gate No. 130, located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport

 

After taxiing through the large airport tarmac for approximately 10 minutes over to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), we eventually arrived at our assigned arrival contact gate, Gate No. 130, located around the North Concourse at 11.05 a.m. sharp. Once the seat belt signs had been turned off, we promptly unbuckled our seat belts and retrieved all our belongings from their respective stowage spaces before the major disembarkation process by Gate No. 130 could safely commence. We also checked the areas around the seats to ensure that nothing had been left behind on board.

 

The flight attendants securely armed the second major aircraft door open to allow the local disembarkation process at Gate No. 130 to commence. As we disembarked from 9V-SWU by the second front major aircraft exit door with our belongings, the flight attendants thanked us for choosing to travel with Singapore Airlines and wished us an enjoyable two-month main transpacific vacation in California, United States. We soon passed through the jet bridge situated at Gate No. 130 with the rest of our lighter baggage into the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).

 

After flying with an airline company on any flight, the airline shall receive an overall holistic score report. If the same flight has a brief stopover at another airport before continuing on to its final destination, the score report shall be issued by the end of the second sector (i.e., if traveling on Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), the company will receive the final report after the second flight sector from Tokyo (Narita) to Los Angeles). This grading system is updated every three to four years due to rising competition levels between major airlines. The entire airline scoring report has five main components, consisting of the seating, in-flight catering, in-flight service, aircraft cleanliness and legroom space.

 

Each main component weighs 20 points, thereby tallying up to a total of 100 points. To attain an overall pass, an airline must obtain an aggregate overall score of at least 50%, thus implying an 'Acceptable' grade or higher. The top two grades, 'Outstanding' and 'Exceeds Expectations', are quality passes and 'Acceptable' is a borderline pass. 'Fair' and 'Poor' are also classified as below passes, with the lowest grade being 'Dreadful', which means that the airline has failed to satisfy the prerequisite for the minimum grade. The purpose of such an airline grading system is to help me securely determine whether the airline I have traveled with is worth flying on for a particular route.

 

As of 1 December 2021, the airline grading system for my overseas trips will be as follows, with this newest version taking effect from 1 January 2021:

 

Outstanding: 80% or above (Airline has an excellent rating and performance) 

Exceeds Expectations: 65% ~ 79% (Airline has a good rating and performance) 

Acceptable: 50% ~ 64% (Airline has an adequate rating and performance) 

Fair: 35% ~ 49% (Airline has a fair rating and performance)

Poor: 20% ~ 34% (Airline has a poor rating and performance) 

Dreadful: Below 20% (Airline has failed to meet the prerequisite for the minimum grade)

 

Singapore Airlines Flight 012 Score Report

 

Seating: 18 / 20 

In-flight Catering: 17 / 20 

In-flight Service: 17 / 20 

Aircraft Cleanliness: 17 / 20 

Legroom Space: 18 / 20 

Total: 87 / 100 

Grade: Outstanding

 

On adopting an overall point of view, Singapore Airlines has attained a total aggregate score of 87% for the in-bound transpacific trip from Singapore to Los Angeles via Tokyo (Narita), which leads to the score grade of the highest level, 'Outstanding'. Despite turbulent global natural disaster times, we saw good standards of on-board service delivery and professionalism among the crew members, who all ensured that we were comfortable and served good food through the course of the flight. It would be nice to see other in-flight services (i.e., in-flight duty-free shopping) resume once the pandemic shows signs of subsiding. A job very well done, Singapore Airlines! You truly are 'A Great Way To Fly'.

 

Part 3 ~ The Journey To The Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive

 

After disembarking from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore via Tokyo (Narita) at Gate No. 130, we passed through the main airport terminal passageway connecting securely to the major Customs and Border Protection (CBP) post-arrival immigration checkpoints concourse located within the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). The major terminal passage from Gate No. 130 over to the Federal Customs and Border Protection (CBP) post-arrival immigration checkpoints took not more than approximately five minutes.

 

Approaching the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrival immigration checkpoints at exactly 11.15 a.m., we headed to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) overseas visitor section, an exclusive arrival immigration checkpoint section that was reserved for foreign visitor arrivals from certain countries to enter the United States without any need for a VISA. Once our turn to pass through ESTA immigration came by 11.25 a.m., we safely got out our red passports and main copies of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) trip documents to be checked by all the immigration officers, which took approximately 10 minutes

.

 

Upon clearing the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrival immigration checkpoints at 11.35 a.m., I proceeded to check which baggage belt number our bulky check-in baggage would soon arrive at. According to the baggage information panels, all large check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore via Tokyo (Narita) would arrive at Belt No. 5. With that moment, we went to grab three trolleys before proceeding over to Belt No. 5 to securely collect all of our larger check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore via Tokyo (Narita). We then passed through another Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security point to ensure that we were not carrying any controlled or prohibited items.

 

Taking the escalator up to the passageway leading to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrival immigration checkpoints at Gate No. 130 located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport

One final belly view of 9V-SWU resting at Gate No. 130 located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport after arriving from her long morning transpacific flight over the China Seas and North Pacific Ocean from the Republic of Singapore via the State of Japan as Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore via Tokyo (Narita)

Walking through the passageway leading to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) arrival immigration checkpoints from Gate No. 130 located in the North Concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport

 

After claiming our larger check-in baggage from Singapore Airlines flight SQ 012 from Singapore via Tokyo (Narita) by Belt No. 5 and passing through the local United States Federal Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints, we were finally in the major post-arrivals and meeting concourse of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) safely by around 11.55 a.m.. Waiting in the main arrivals and meeting level was my mom's Russian friend residing in Los Angeles, Aunt Elena Storm, who soon warmly welcomed us to California with open arms and offered to assist us with our baggage trolleys.

 

With the welcome greetings exchanged, Aunt Elena then escorted us out of the major arrivals and meeting lobby and crossed the large airport terminal roads connecting over to the multi-level parking lot located adjacent to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). As we safely headed to the main multi-level parking lot garage, we also informed Aunt Elena that we would be spending the next 11 days of the two-month transpacific vacation at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive to plan things out.

 

As we arrived at the elevator lobby at the multi-level parking garage, Aunt Elena agreed that she was directly looking forward to the coming day outs with us. Taking the closest elevator up to the fourth floor parking area, we soon saw that she was driving a black EmpireCLS Cadillac Escalade that she had borrowed from her private main limousine company, realizing that we would have some larger baggage. Although Aunt Elena did have a smaller black Honda Fit car for her own private use, it would certainly be too small for all our baggage to fit in.

 

I was quickly mesmerized by Aunt Elena's black EmpireCLS Cadillac Escalade company limousine as I had never seen such a large major limousine vehicle of its size before. Aunt Elena also took the chance to help us load all of our baggage into the rear trunk of her company limousine while I returned the baggage trolley to a nearby trolley storage area. As soon as everything had been loaded in, we departed Los Angeles International Airport by precisely 12.10 p.m. sharp for an early afternoon limousine highway trip duration of half an hour across the major state highways of both Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) and Interstate 110 (I-110) to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive situated around the center of South Olive Street in downtown Los Angeles.

 

Walking through the arrivals and meeting area of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport shortly after being greeted by Aunt Elena

The vehicular pick-up and drop-off roads located along World Way outside the arrivals and meeting area of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Approaching the elevator lobby of the multi-level parking garage located adjacent to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

The exterior view of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport from the first floor of the multi-level parking garage on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Aunt Elena's black EmpireCLS Cadillac Escalade company limousine parked on the fourth floor of the multi-level parking garage located adjacent to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Finally departing the fourth level parking lot of the multi-level parking garage located adjacent to the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing the busy vehicle pick-up and drop-off area located along World Way outside the arrivals and meeting area of the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling through the congested and busy roads of World Way adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport Terminal 7 on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Making a right turn towards South Sepulveda Boulevard along Californian State Route 1 (SR 1) along World Way close to Los Angeles International Airport Terminals and 8 on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the first stretch of South Sepulveda Boulevard along Californian State Route 1 (SR 1) after exiting World Way close to Los Angeles International Airport Terminals and 8 on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

About to cross a highway tunnel underneath the main airport tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport along South Sepulveda Boulevard of Californian State Route 1 (SR 1) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Making a right exit towards Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) from South Sepulveda Boulevard of Californian State Route 1 (SR 1) after departing from Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the first stretch of Century Freeway and Glenn Anderson Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) after departing from Los Angeles International Airport on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing some industrial warehouses in El Segundo along the Century Freeway and El Segundo Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the Century Freeway and El Segundo Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) close to the railway tracks of the Los Angeles Metro Rail C Line on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling parallel to the Los Angeles Metro Rail C Line along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing Hawthorne/Lennox Station served by the Los Angeles Metro Rail C Line along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing Hawthorne Municipal Airport along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Crossing a suburban neighborhood road on Crenshaw Boulevard, Hawthorne, along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing 24 Hour Fitness (Hawthorne Branch) along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing Vermont/Athens Station served by the Los Angeles Metro Rail C Line along the Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Crossing the carpooling flyover road leading to the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) from Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Approaching the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) from Century Freeway of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing some housing areas in South Broadway, Los Angeles, along the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) just aft of South Broadway, Los Angeles, on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

About to bypass Slauson Station served by the Los Angeles Metro Busway J Line in West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles, along the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing more housing areas in South Broadway, Los Angeles, along the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the at-grade section of the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) towards downtown Los Angeles on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Downtown Los Angeles coming into view as we travel along the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Making a right exit turn towards James M. Wood Boulevard and West 9th Street in downtown Los Angeles from the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Overlooking the JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles L.A. Live from the roads of James M. Wood Boulevard and West 9th Street in downtown Los Angeles from the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the local roads of James M. Wood Boulevard and West 9th Street in downtown Los Angeles from the Harbor Freeway of Californian Interstate 110 (I-110) on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Bypassing The Capital Grille (Los Angeles Branch) along the local street roads of West 9th Street close to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Traveling along the local street roads of West 9th Street close to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Making a right turn along South Olive Street leading to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon

Finally arriving at the main entrance to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive

 

After a routine main afternoon limousine highway trip of approximately half an hour over the highways of Californian Interstate 105 (I-105) and Interstate 110 (I-110) from the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at Los Angeles International Airport, we finally reached the front main entrance area of the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive securely at 12.40 p.m. sharp. A staff porter came out with a large baggage cart to assist us with our baggage while we safely got out from Aunt Elena's black EmpireCLS Cadillac Escalade company limousine.

 

We also informed Aunt Elena that we would be getting our family vacation rental vehicle the next day, and she agreed to directly come and meet us by four o' clock upon understanding that the main vehicle pick-up time would be scheduled for six o' clock in the evening. With that instant, we promptly thanked Aunt Elena for her private limousine ride services before she went home to get some rest and proceeded over to the major check-in reception counters in the serviced apartment reception lobby. Although the standard check-in time would commence from around four o' clock in the afternoon onwards, the reception staff was able to give us an early check-in time.

 

Upon safely completing the main serviced apartment check-in procedure, we received our room key cards at one o' clock. The serviced apartment check-in reception staff informed us that we would be assigned to Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor for the 11-day stay with them. He then informed us that all of our large baggage would be directly brought to our Room No. 2801 later on. With the check-in procedures completed, we thanked the check-in reception staff for his main services and immediately caught the closest elevator to the 28th floor, eventually reaching our assigned Room No. 2801 at 1.10 p.m..

 

Our unit consisted of a single master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, a queen-sized twin bedroom with an adjacent bathroom next to it, a washing room, a kitchen and a living and dining area. A small balcony area was even adjacent to the master bedroom, which we would use to cook some food in the open air on some days of our coming 11-day stay. Once we had securely received all our baggage, we spent some time unpacking our amenities and setting up our electronic devices to be charged before having a well-earned nap after our long transpacific flight over the North Pacific Ocean.

 

The main entrance to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon shortly after we had arrived

The interior of the serviced apartment lobby on the first floor of the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's early afternoon shortly after we had arrived

The interior view of the kitchen and dining area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

The view of the city of Los Angeles from the living room area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

The view of the outdoor balcony from the living room area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

The view of the master bedroom, where my mom and I would sleep, in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

The view of the queen-sized twin bedroom, where my younger brother and I would sleep, in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

An additional view of the city of Los Angeles from the living room area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

An additional interior view of the kitchen and dining area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

The interior view of the living room area in our assigned Room No. 2801 on the 28th floor at the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive on a bright and clear winter's mid-afternoon

 

After spending the rest of the early afternoon unpacking our belongings and having a well-earned nap, the clock was safely showing 8.30 p.m.. Given that there were no food items in the main kitchen area, my mom decided to send both my younger brother and I to a nearby supermarket in town to purchase some necessary groceries. As a security precaution, she also reminded us that we had to accompany each other at all costs when going out at night during our time in downtown Los Angeles.

 

With that moment, my younger brother and I grabbed a portable shopping bag and promptly grabbed our room key cards before catching an elevator down to the first floor and walking through the lively street areas of South Olive Street and South Grand Avenue. Soon enough, we finally arrived at a local supermarket brand chain, known as Whole Foods Market (Downtown Los Angeles Branch), by around 8.45 p.m.. While shopping for our required groceries there, we purchased some basic items in preparation for the next coming days (i.e., eggs, bacon, salad, bottled water and liquid soaps).

 

Upon purchasing our main groceries from Whole Foods Market (Downtown Los Angeles Branch), we walked across the streets of South Olive Street and South Grand Avenue in the right direction leading to the Level Apartments Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive, eventually reaching back by precisely 9.10 p.m.., Storing everything into their respective main kitchen spaces and having a warm night shower, my mom even reminded us that we would be getting our rented car the next day. With everything safely settled and our electronic devices set up to be charged, we soon turned in by around 10.30 p.m. for a well-earned good night's rest.

 

This officially brings the first main sector of this two-month long transpacific overseas vacation up to California, United States, for the Christmas and New Year festive breaks in December 2021 & January 2022 to a formal conclusion. As with other existing blog reports on this site, questions and / or comments are more than welcome via the comment box located below. The remaining 13 sections of this main transpacific vacation trip report will be published as soon as all the highest quality photos and / or videos have been selected for them. Please be patient as this requires a considerable amount of both time and effort to publish them securely.