Originally Posted by
AlwaysAisle
To go through the transit security at KIX, all you need is a confirmation (e-ticket) of your onward flight, does not have to be a boarding pass. After the transit security, you can get a boarding pass at the departure gate of China Airlines flight.
I am sure you are aware, but under two separate tickets, neither Japan Airlines nor China Airlines are obligated to accommodate you if you missed the connection at KIX due to flight delays, etc. China Airlines' check-in cut off seems to be 60 min, which means after arrival at KIX you need to clear transit security and get to the departure gate in 40 min. if you do not have a boarding pass for China Airlines flight. I think 40 min. is doable, but I would like to have a little more cushion in case of delay.
Another thing I am not sure about. When you check-in at JFK, as far as AA is concerned your final destination is KIX. There have been posts here of people doing transit under two separate tickets successfully. But there is the possibility that AA at JFK will insist that you need all documents to enter Japan, even though you are transiting at KIX under two separate tickets.
Thank you - this is all really helpful. I think the last point isn't that big of a deal because we are planning on actually visiting Japan for a few days on the way back. But yes - the risk of a misconnect is concerning but I'm hoping for the best and think we can check in online for China Airlines. To put it on the same ticket wouldn't be possible due to a dearth of connecting options, not to mention skyrocketing the potential price. Thank you and I'll be back to update with anything I find that could be useful for others!