Delta will begin shuttle flights between KIX and NRT on March 27, thus allowing much easier access between the US and Osaka. Here is information, including arrival and departure times.

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...-delta-v2.html

This is good. It's timed perfectly with connecting flights. But DL seems to pull the plug real fast on new routes involving Jpn (SEA-KIX, SEA-HND, SLC-NRT, etc). I hope this one stays around.

Anyways, we need more nonstops from North America to KIX. DL's SEA-KIX probably failed because they couldn't sell seats. But is the landing fee generally still the big issue there? I wonder how UA's SFO-KIX flight is doing.

What I heard is that corporate headquarters in Japan is still heavily concentrated in Tokyo area. Where corporate travel demand brings in paid full fare economy and paid business class demand. Hence, many airlines still want to fly into NRT/HND.

When I lived at L.A. for 12 years, Singapore Airlines started LAX-SIN non-stop using A350. The Los Angeles Times interviewed Singapore Airlines head of North America regarding that new non-stop flight. One question asked was what Singapore Airlines are going to do with SIN-NRT-LAX flight. The guy from Singapore Airlines said NRT flights happen to have highest paid business class and paid first class occupancy rate in entire Singapore Airlines� route system. Singapore Airlines had no intention of terminating SIN-NRT-LAX flight.

Yes, Kansai area does have corporate demand but not as much as Kanto area. In Nagoya there is Toyota but Toyota alone does not bring enough demand to keep NGO flights for airlines. What I heard is that compare with NRT/HND, KIX and NGO have far less corporate demand and more heavy on discount fare tourist demand. Where KIX and NGO end up not as attractive for airlines compare with NRT/HND.

Situation with DL is that although having a hub at NRT which was inherited from NW, DL does not have an alliance partner in Japan so have to do own Japan domestic segment such as NRT-KIX. Where AA/BA/CX/QF etc. can have JL handle domestic connection at NRT, and LH/SQ/UA etc. can have NH handle domestic connection at NRT.

You know, I am old enough to remember PanAm doing NRT-ITM using 727-200.

In fact, I don't understand why DL wouldn't originate in ITM like Pan Am did.

Would certainly be more convenient for many! The flights are set up to clear immigration at KIX, not NRT. Maybe that was a factor.

Has anyone taken this shuttle? I will use it this summer for a trip to Seattle. I wonder if there is enough time to get something to eat at NRT before boarding. Arrival time from KIX is 2:50pm and departure from NRT is 4:40. I assume that we go through immigration at KIX and arrive at international airside in NRT Terminal 1. Is there time to go to the Delta lounge or a restaurant? Along that line, anything good to eat airside of Terminal 1?

The link in my original post answers most of my questions. Except for whether there is anything good to eat airside in Terminal 1.

Nothing special that I'm aware of firsthand. I've heard the sushi place is pretty good, but I've never been in there myself. Dining options are just very limited airside at NRT. And in the afternoon, places get so busy. I've never been to DL lounge at NRT. But if it's like UA Club, it'll be better than the US ones with more food (but not great food) and free drinks. So I'd just eat/drink at the lounge if u have access and then maybe grab snacks at a store to take onto the plane.

Thanks. Delta lounges at NRT are some of the best in system. Seems like we've got time. This connecting flight from KIX works well for me, as I live in Osaka area but originally from Seattle. Alas, it will probably go away.

I didn't know this was a new thing...I used to take the Delta NRT-LAX connecting flight years ago. Are they reinstating the route?

One time I used this flight was on connection from JFK. The flight from New York arrived late and I was sure they would rebook us in some way, but they held the KIX connecting flight for us. After getting off the first flight we were rushed to the KIX connection and getting on it could see it almost already full...with passengers who came on other Delta flights, and were sitting on the plane for god knows how long just waiting for us! I guess Delta doesn't have much flexibility for passengers who get stranded between Tokyo and Osaka.

interesting, I live near SEA but originally from Jpn.

Yeah, but then DL will probably resume SEA-KIX for you a couple years from now (only to pull the plug a year later lol).

We're probably twins separated at birth living mirror lives.

JAL and ANA will often do this for customers who arrive late at NRT and need to go on to Osaka (or wherever). I don't think I've ever had a connecting flight out of NRT for ITM or KIX leave on time, as they always seem to hold it for late arrivers. Easier for the airlines that lodging them in Tokyo overnight and trying to get them out the next morning.