I find the return rush from some of the popular destinations during these peak holiday times to be scarier, notably Guam. I still cringe when I remember the lines for check-in stretching most of the length of the terminal. These lines continued on at the baggage security check (where one had to hand over one's boarding pass with the luggage to be checked, and wait for your name to be called after your bag was cleared to pick up your boarding pass), and at the security check. The only saving point was that there were/are relatively few elites among these travelers which allowed me and my family to bypass most of these lines.

Back on topic, I try to time things to arrive at NRT two hours (maybe adding on an extra 30 minutes during peak season travel) before my flight and have never had a problem. But then again, I like to be able to visit the NW lounge and grab a cup of noodles before the flight.