(sorry everyone... my report sort of fell apart)
I know that JL isn’t oneworld yet, but for the last 6 trips (3 years) I’ve been able to use my PLT/EXP card to check in at the JL C line with no problems (and Priority luggage tags to boot), and this time was no exception. The VN agents (who handle checkin for all airlines) were very professional. I was sent to a different counter to pay my Vietnam departure tax (currently included in the price), and upon returning the agent at the exit row seats I had requested.
To get to the departures area at SGN, you go through a screening area (bags xrayed). There are then xrays/metal detector before entering a glass box/holding area for the gate, which is divided up into sections according to row number… these don’t mean much in the scrum following the call for boarding. There is a separate C section next to the door, and at least that’s enforced. If you want to get ahead of everyone, just hang out by the double doors on the far end of the holding area (or start going there when someone with a radio stands next to the doors). Shortly after departure at midnight, a bev/snack service starts and lights are turned off within 45 minutes, to maximize sleeping time on the 5h35 flight.
Unfortunately, you are basically forced awake (lights and loud announcements) about 1 ½ hours before landing for breakfast. And no, it’s not worth it. (Your choice of fish porridge or porridge with fish).
Arrival in NRT was nothing special. The crowd followed each other to immigration, we went to the other side where no one was. Got through no problem… we then checked our carryons at the luggage check near the train station (but a couple stories up). We’re now ready to visit drizzly Narita City.
– Took the JR train for about $4 each way (attendant barely spoke English).
– Walked down the path towards the big Shinto temple… apparently we arrived on a religious holiday, so there were many who walked with us, down the gauntlet of shops. Very interesting to bear witness to.
– Stopped by a market that had freshly cooked fried chicken and potato/meat croquettes… delicious, and only 100 yen each!
– Experienced a full religious service.
– Walked back up to have ourselves some tasty Ramen Bayashi (great noodle soup and cheap/fun bottle openers).
– Stopped by the 100 yen store for random and unique (and cheap!) Japanese trinkets.
– With the aide of a non-speaking policeman, we rode the train back to NRT (trick I learned on the way back was to take the Green Car
)
– Checked in and made our way to the AC (remember, it’s still the old AC), where we showered and napped for a little bit.
– At the appointed time, I walked my friends to their KE flight to LAX.
– I spent the rest of the time at the AC (couple more hours), then boarded AA170 to LAX. Standard J service, nothing special (though it was a rough ride for takeoff and the first 2 hours, and service wasn’t started until then).
– Highlight of my arrival into LAX was that the premium tags actually worked (and it was interesting that in SGN I received JL premium tags, but my bags arrived with the highlighter orange AA premium tags).