YVR-NRT-HKG a few questions

[teriyaki]

Hey everyone, first post here!

I'm going to be travelling this route (YVR-NRT-HKG) on JL017 and JL735.

Actually this is my second time travelling this but, was hoping for some more tips from the seasoned crew here.

I'm not familiar with this "lounge" thing, how do they distinguish from who gets access. I'm in Y-class so I'm going to assume its not for people like me.

If thats the case, I've read that you get different "tiers"? How do you check your level and how do you upgrade yourself?

I know that both of these flights are going to be Boeing 744's. I've been going by seatguru for better seats but its not identifying much except for the back few seats and exit rows(usually reserved for babies I've heard?).

I also have the option of going through HND/NRT with a 10hr layover on the flight back. Is this advised? Is transportation between the airports included? How about the checked-in luggage, does it go through automatically or do you have to pick it up and check it in again at NRT.

Sorry about the overwhelming abundance of questions. I guess its better than making multiple threads about almost the same thing though right.

[ssw207]

Welcome to the world of mileage collecting!

If you are traveling in Economy without any JAL or Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status, the lounge will be out of the question. You will need to align yourself to an Oneworld airline's program that best suits your needs, and work your way up to the elite levels, which means flying lots and lots. Just remember to sign up for a mileage accrual program before you start your trip and have your mileage number on your passenger booking record.

But don't worry there are quite a few things to do at NRT even without lounge access. Luggage transfer within NRT is usually automatic, just make sure the check-in agent at YVR tags your bags to HKG, and if possible, issue you boarding passes for NRT-HKG.

10 hour layover in Tokyo or NRT-HND transit is not advised as it takes at least 90 minutes minimum to get from NRT to Tokyo downtown and there isnt enough time to enjoy Tokyo. Lugging your bags from NRT to HND would be a major pain. The best is to have a few days stay in Tokyo.

[JALPak]

Originally Posted by ssw207

If you are traveling in Economy without any JAL or Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status, the lounge will be out of the question. You will need to align yourself to an Oneworld airline's program that best suits your needs, and work your way up to the elite levels, which means flying lots and lots. Just remember to sign up for a mileage accrual program before you start your trip and have your mileage number on your passenger booking record.

This is not true. Passengers traveling on normal Y fare are eligible for lounge access. But I doubt the OP has a normal Y fare

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/lounge/japan/nrt/

By the way, JAL has announced JL735/736 will switch to 767-300ER in January. So double check you seat assignment if your flight is in Jan. JAL might have reassigned your seats already

[ssw207]

Originally Posted by JALPak

This is not true. Passengers traveling on normal Y fare are eligible for lounge access. But I doubt the OP has a normal Y fare

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/lounge/japan/nrt/

I stand corrected. A full Y might cost more than a deeply discounted Biz or Premium Economy!

[cscube]

Originally Posted by teriyaki

Hey everyone, first post here!

I know that both of these flights are going to be Boeing 744's. I've been going by seatguru for better seats but its not identifying much except for the back few seats and exit rows(usually reserved for babies I've heard?).

Some of the bulkhead seats are reserved for passengers with babies, 'cos that's where the bassinets are. Exit rows are for anyone who is not disabled, as they might be required to help out in case of an evacuation. I think there's also an age requirement; young children cannot take those seats.

I also have the option of going through HND/NRT with a 10hr layover on the flight back. Is this advised? Is transportation between the airports included? How about the checked-in luggage, does it go through automatically or do you have to pick it up and check it in again at NRT.

You will have to clear custom in HND and recheck bags in NRT, bags do not get tagged through cross the airports. You will also have to pay for your own transportation going from HND->NRT. Airport limousines run direct from Haneda to Narita - a door to door service, which takes about 75min and 3300Yen (tax included). However, if you were to store your luggage in NRT prior to visiting downtown Tokyo, then it takes another 90min and 3000+Yen (one way) to get back to Tokyo. Or, of course, you could drag your luggage all the way into Tokyo and have them stored it at the train station. I think it's a hassle to do that. As the other poster suggests, you're not going to have enough time to enjoy Tokyo either way. Unless you have an overwhelming urge to just "be" in Tokyo for six hours or you're meeting someone, I would save it for another trip. Or maybe you could pay a little extra (USD100?) for a proper stopover in Tokyo? Does your ticket allow it?