I flew on a major airline's Pokémon-themed plane. The unforgettable experience didn't cost extra — and it came with souvenirs.

Andrew ChenJul 7, 2024, 19:03 IST

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has two Pokémon-themed aircraft.Andrew Chen

Japanese airline All Nippon Airways operates two colorful Pokémon-themed jets.
During my flight on the Pikachu Jet NH, I found themed music, cups, and crew uniforms.

Despite seeing record-breaking travel, many airlines are struggling to turn a profit right now.

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

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

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 headrest covers featured Pikachu.

The headrests had an image of Pikachu floating with a bunch of balloons beside an airplane.Andrew Chen

There was also a subtle reminder of the Pokémon theme outside the window.

I had a nice wing view for the flight.Andrew Chen

I was surprised that the flight attendants had themed uniform pieces.

The apron had Pokémon imagery all over it.Andrew Chen

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

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

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

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

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

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 went on the world's newest private jet, an $81 million Gulfstream G700 with its own bedroom for Qatar Airways' deep-pocketed customers

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I flew on a major airline's Pokémon-themed plane. The unforgettable experience didn't cost extra &mdash; and it came with souvenirs.