I take the ORD-KIX flight somewhat frequently, so here ya go:
Originally Posted by Voyager0927
1. Do I run the risk of significant delays in BOS or ORD on a Sunday morning in late March? I suppose that if weather in BOS or ORD looks inclement, we could arrive at BOS early and try to make the 0800 or even the 0700 to ORD.
2. My connection in ORD is approx. 90 minutes. Is this enough time to safely make our trans-pac flight (with checked luggage) and enjoy the RCC? Or are the 500 miles not worth the hour less of connection time?
3. Which RCC in ORD would be the best place to kill 45 minutes or so?
4. How early does a 1P in E+ really need to board a trans-pac?
5. I reserved the aisle-window in Row 17 both ORD-KIX and KIX-ORD. It is the bulkhead at the front of the E+ cabin on a B777. Good idea?
6. Should I use the RCC at KIX or is there another *A club that would be better?
7. Are there any other perks or special features to look out for when doing this run?
Your help is greatly appreciated!
1. ORD is ORD... I have had the ORD-KIX flight leave 1.5 hrs late for reasons other than weather. Most of the time, it has left on time for me.
2. 90 minutes is plenty. I dont know how much you plan on "enjoying" the RCC as it it pretty busy. I forget the terminal names, but the RCC in the same terminal as the flight is the nice one..
3. see above
4. I always board when C or Premier* seating goes in. Mostly, I am in C, so it hasn't been too big a deal to sit there an extra 20 minutes. It is nice to have good access to your overhead stuff though, so that would be a good reason to get in early.
5. I am not a huge fan of bulkheads.. you will have a slightly narrower seat (which may be noticable on a long flight). Additionaly, you might end up wanting to store stuff in the back of the seat in front of you. If you are a bulkhead fan, go for it, but I would usually go a row back. Another thing to keep in mind is that when you head west, the sun stays up, and they will request (and then tell) you to put your window shade down. Technically, you dont have to, but they get huffy if you say no.
6. There is no RCC, but the "Asuka" lounge is shared with NW and another couple airlines. It is on par with many other RCCs ive been in.. Although not as large. That is in the international terminal where the return flights will originate from. If you are in the domestic terminal, ANA has a signet lounge.
7. United's international checkin lines are on the 4th floor. The KIX terminal can be somewhat confusing your first time there because JAL and ANA checkin on floor 2, bags are on floor 1, food and shops on 3 and then international on 4.
The flight can be real full or pretty empty, so your experience can vary greatly. I don't think I have ever seen it full (I often have an empty C seat next to me) so don't get hopes up of an op up. It is also a pretty long flight, so unless you plan on sleeping or watching ALL the movies, bring something to do.