Originally Posted by
RTWSTARALLIANCE
I would like her to fly from the States directly to KIX. It looks like there will be a option for Japan Airlines in early June 2020 and maybe Hawaiian from HNL to KIX. But the later is under quarantine with arrivals from mainland. So at this time only leaves via NRT with test then "legal" movement to Kyoto. She has read you are actually followed to your ride to verify non use of public transportation. And lots of things are done in Japan and not talked about. So as of now private car service is the only choice for emergency travel. I did see a KLM flight via AMS into KIX. That is way too much work as she would be travelling under stress. Thank you all again.
Sounds like you should go for the JAL straight to KIX then.
And if that one doesn't work, I would seriously consider the KLM via AMS into KIX option as long transit is hassle-free at AMS and the pricing works for you.
To me that is more preferable to dishing out $3000 to have to sit in a car with a stranger for 6 hours after a long flight + inspection/testing.
Flying via Europe from W.Coast USA to Jpn seems insane. But timewise it's actually pretty equivalent to going to S.Africa. Traveling to S.Africa is pretty grueling, but it's manageable by flying Premium Economy and using a transit lounge in Europe for shower and few hours' rest. Would be even better if I got to sit up front. (but I'd imagine it's pretty roomy in all economy cabins right about now)
Put it this way... if the prices were a wash between flying Y straight to NRT then take the long Covid-approved taxi ride, vs flying J via AMS to KIX and get picked up by a friend, I'd definitely go for the latter.
But this is strictly my personal preference, and your wife may feel differently.
Another question you should keep in mind is that whether/not you can count on your booked flight operating.
If it's anything like domestic USA flight, you just never know. I had a flight recently that got officially cancelled only 3 days before (was taken off booking inventory few weeks before).
For international flight, I would think it depends on the carrier. With ANA, for instance, it sounds like they have a limited schedule that they will more or less commit to through the end of May but it's still up in the air after that.