But amid Boeing delivery delays and high operating costs, some airlines may just have a leg up because of fun collaborations and unique flights.
After all, why book a boring flight when you could have a fun one?
By partnering with Pokémon Air Adventures, major Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers themed flights only a few airlines have. Recently, I boarded one for my three-hour flight from Taipei to Tokyo.
Since the planes fly throughout the airline's network just like any other aircraft, there's no price premium, and the fares are like those of any other flight. I paid around $500 to $700 for my round-trip ticket.
Here's what my themed flying experience was like.
There was no indication of anything special during check-in.
The check-in process was quick and easy.
Andrew Chen
Although I had looked ahead online and learned that our flight would be operated by a Pokémon aircraft, I suspected a lot of passengers had no idea what they were in for when they were checking in.
As I walked toward the gate, I caught my first glimpse of the colorful aircraft with Pokémon on both sides.
The bright colors of the Pokémon jet stood out among the row of planes at the terminal.
Andrew Chen
ANA has two different Pokémon aircraft that operate regional flights within Asia and some long-haul flights from Japan to North America and Australia.
Our aircraft was a 246-seat Boeing 787-9 named the Pikachu Jet NH. ANA's other Pokémon-themed plane is a 212-seat Boeing 777-300ER called the Evee Jet NH.
I noticed the Pokémon theming as soon as I stepped onto the plane.
ANA's regular boarding music was replaced with Pokémon music.
Andrew Chen
The first sign of the Pokémon theme was the music from the franchise playing on the plane during boarding.
The headrest covers featured Pikachu.
The headrests had an image of Pikachu floating with a bunch of balloons beside an airplane.
Andrew Chen
It was hard to miss the adorable headrest covers with Pikachu on them, even though they were done in a subtle blue to match the airline's colors and seat upholstery.
There was also a subtle reminder of the Pokémon theme outside the window.
I had a nice wing view for the flight.
Andrew Chen
Looking outside, I noticed that there was a balloon design painted on an inner part of the plane.
Given its location, it seemed like it was especially meant for passengers to see.
I was surprised that the flight attendants had themed uniform pieces.
The apron had Pokémon imagery all over it.
Andrew Chen
As the cabin crew came around to start the in-flight service, I noticed that they were wearing Pokémon-themed aprons.
Drinks were served in special cups that, once again, featured Pikachu.
The smaller cup was for hot drinks, and the larger one was for cold drinks.
Andrew Chen
There were different designs for the hot and cold drink cups.
As is the norm on many full-service Asian airlines, a meal was served even though the flight was only three hours.
Passengers were served a meal on this flight.
Andrew Chen
The tray came with a hot entrée, two side dishes, a container of fruit, and a bag of snack mix. I found the meal to be quite tasty.
Toward the end of the flight, the crew handed out envelopes with souvenirs inside.
I got a wooden luggage tag with Pikachu on it.
Andrew Chen
Perhaps to avoid waste, I noticed the flight attendants asked each passenger if they wanted a souvenir packet.
Inside my envelope was a sticker, a "boarding certificate" with information about the aircraft, and a wooden luggage tag.
Looking around at my fellow passengers, it appeared that the sticker and luggage tag came in a few different designs.
The crew had a large stuffed Pikachu that they brought around to children on the flight.
Young passengers — and those young at heart — were given the opportunity to take a photo with the stuffed Pikachu.
Andrew Chen
Despite not being a child, I managed to snag a quick photo of the plushie after a flight attendant noticed that I was taking pictures of the souvenir items.
Our flight arrived at a remote stand, which allowed everyone to see the plane from the ground.
I noticed many passengers turned around to look at the plane as they stepped off of it.
Andrew Chen
Airport staff tried to encourage people to get straight onto the buses that would take us to the terminal, but many people stopped to take pictures of the plane.
Overall, the themed service items, free souvenirs, and colorful paint job made for a fun and unique flight.
I'd be excited to board a themed plane again.
Andrew Chen
I'm always on the hunt for unique flying experiences, so I was impressed with the extensive thought that was put into each step of the journey.
The outside of the aircraft was nicely adorned with characters from the franchise, and the airline offered a nicely themed onboard experience.
I wouldn't actively seek out this flight experience after having done it once already, but I would definitely be excited if I saw a Pokémon plane at my gate again.
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