Thanks, that's what I figured.
Then I can change my itinerary and connect to Japan on the outbound. I have a NH award JFK-PEK on AirChina arriving at 4.10AM.
There are 3 flights PEK-HND departing at 8.20-8.25 - AirChina, ANA, and JAL.
I can buy revenue on AirChina, or awards on ANA and JAL.
All 3 seems to depart from T3.
I would imagine if I am connecting to AirChina flight, I can check in at JFK and transfer airside without going through immigration.
Is it possible to transfer airside for ANA and JAL?