ANA Airlines to Offer Women-Only Lavatories

Beginning March 1st, Japan-Based All Nippon Airlines (ANA) will offer women-only lavatories aboard most of its fleet. ANA says this change stems from numerous requests from passengers for this type of service. However, the airline will permit men to use the women's restroom in certain circumstances, such as an ill-feeling passenger. Read more.

United Passengers Injured On Flight to SFO

United Airlines reported today that a seven passengers aboard UA flight 886 were injured with the plane encountered severe turbulence Tuesday morning over the Pacific, while en route to San Francisco. The flight originated from Osaka, Japan. The airline reports none of the injured are considered serious.

People Pushers and Diving Into the Antarctic (Friday Fun)

Have two amusing videos for you today. The first, people pushers, comes from Japan, illustrating the rush to catch the train. The second, a Lonely Planet TV video of a man truly enjoying his vacation to the Antarctic. Enjoy!

United Drops SFO-Nagoya Next Month

United Airlines will discontinue nonstop flights between San Francisco and Nagoya, Japan effective October 25, 2008. The cut is part of the airlines' plan to reduce international flights by 7%. Passengers can still reach Nagoya on United by connecting though Toyko/Narita airport.

Travel adventure: The Magic 'Fish Spa'

Here's one to consider for your next trip.

Forget the lava rock or seawood treatment or the mineral water body detox - go straight for the what's hot in Asia; the 'Magic Fish Spa.'

"When placed in the spa, these fish can feed themselves on the dead cells of the human body, since they only consume such cells, leaving the healthy skin of the human body to grow. The whole process is reportedly free of pain. It won’t hurt and the bather might feel a pleasant tingling on his or her skin."
From Health-Sky.com More information on Doctor Fish from Wiki

Lightning Bolt Strikes Plane Taking Off

Check out this awesome video of a lightning bolt striking an airplane in Osaka.

LINK: High Voltage: Lightning Bolt Hitting Plane Taking Off in Osaka - Gizmodo


Then read viewer comments on how airplanes are not always susceptible to damage from lightning.

A Bidet coming to a lavatory near you

Japan-based All Nippon Airlines (ANA) announced yesterday they plan to introduce the first bidet in the air. Increasingly popular in Japan and a few other countries in the world, the Bidet will "refresh the parts other airlines cannot reach," said ANA's chief executive.

The Washlet will shoot warm water allowing passengers to clean themselves, as an alternative to traditional TP.

ANA is in line to acquire 50 of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes starting in May 2008. It is expected the Bidet will come installed on each of the planes.

ANA offers daily service from San Francisco to Japan, and last month initiated service on new 777-ER planes with optional premium onboard service.