Originally Posted by
jib71
I don't see a 5pm arrival from TSA to HND. I see NH852 (codeshare BR 2176) landing at 5:45pm or 5:30pm. Is that your flight?
How many people are in your group?
Yes, my mistake - we are landing around 545 on NH 852 and we will have 4 people - 2 younger adults, 2 elderly.
One person can deal with JAL ABC on behalf of the whole group. But I don't think that you can act as a proxy to take people's "accompanied luggage" through customs. You might reduce your time at the desk by filling out the forms online in advance - assuming that you know how much luggage everyone will have:
https://www.jalabc.com/delivery_serv..._delivery.html
If you have more than one person in your group who can get around independently, it might make sense for one person to deal with JAL ABC while the rest of the group makes its way to Shinagawa. If the person dealing with the luggage is held up, they can get on a later train.
Might be worth requesting a wheelchair assist from the airline to expedite the elderly passengers' journey from deplaning through immigration.
My guess is that you'll face some scrutiny if present yourself at customs with several people's suitcases.
I am not sure how customs will know whose bags they are, but I think the wheelchair idea is probably the best option as I assume they can move much faster than just walking and I know the walk from arrival can take a long time depending on our gate. If they get priority handling through immigration and customs, that should cut a lot of time and is probably the best answer if we can convince the elderly passengers to accept the wheelchair service.
Booking in advance is a good idea on a Friday evening and it is the only way you'll seat a large group together. (Hence my question about the number of people in your group). If you have friends in Japan who can make reservations for you that might be the easiest option. Alternatively, I believe that it's possible online (in Japanese) through JR Central's Smart-Ex service or through a travel agency with a hotel and Shinkansen package.
In a group with some elderly passengers, I think you're unlikely to get to Shinagawa much before 7:30 PM if your flight lands at 5:45 PM. (Hence my question about arrival time).
I will use the SmartEX app to book the tickets - not sure how to pick up the tickets from the app, I assume I scan a code at the ticketing office? I think with the app, I can book a 815PM train, then if everything goes faster than expected, I can pull the reservation time earlier if seats are available....but it sounds like the bottom line is:
1. use the wheelchair service on arrival
2. pre-register with JAL ABC for bag service
3. plan for a train between 8-830P and move it earlier if the option is available