Agneisse

This seems very tight on separate tickets. Even if it's AA+JL, US based ticketing staff are not known for their flexibility to check bags through when not required by ticketing conditions. Keep in mind you need to meet the second airline's bag drop deadline too. So it's really ~2h30min to land, immigration, pick up bags, customs, go to departures for bag drop. Plus any delays on the way out eg late departure for whatever reason.

See relevant thread on FT AA forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-airlines-aadvantage/2084852-separate-tickets-2-partners-all-flights-aa.html

AlwaysAisle

You can confirm this information at AA forum. Unfortunately, AA's policy is not to through check bags on two separate tickets even if flights are OneWorld alliance. AA's policy is that they will not through check baggage on two separate tickets even if two flights involved are both AA flights.

ttuna3

Given the 0500 arrival and the 0830 departure, all in Terminal 3 it should be doable but maybe tight. There aren't a whole lot of arrivals that early in the morning and as I noted above the check in counters are essentially deserted if not still closed. Depending on the date the only AA(metal) flight that comes in that early is AA169 from LAX at 0445. Since the transfer is to CA that would still be a T3 to T3 transfer.

KelownaGuy

My wife and I are flying out of NRT terminal 2 and 3 on different airlines at the same time. Can one of us transit airside from terminal 3 to 2 to be able to access a lounge in terminal 2 together? It looks like you can easily transit airside using a shuttle bus for connecting flights, but not sure if you can for this purpose. Alternately, can we both check in at each terminal but clear security and customs at terminal 2 and then one of us transfer to 3 airside with the terminal 3 boarding pass?

CPH-Flyer

There are mixed reports on whether they check boarding passes at the inter terminal bus. However for lounge access, there is a general rule that would at least require same alliance, but in most cases same airline and some same flight to bring a guest. T3 in Narita is basically only low cost carriers, and be aware that there are not that many buses from T3. So I think the most likely flow will be to wave "see you later" landside and then meet again after the flights.

Elvasoshexai

Visiting Japan for first time next March for 6 days (2 adults 2 kids) and I'd like to spend time in Tokyo / Osaka / Kyoto.

Currently inbound flight is BKK-HND arriving 5:30PM. Departure flight is HND-ORD departing10:50AM. Both are on JL. I'm considering if it might be better to:

1. Try to fly to ITM once I arrive then go back to Tokyo later and stay until I leave
Or
2. Stop in Tokyo first, visit Kyoto/Osaka for later part, and then fly back to Tokyo for the departing flight from HND.

For #1, On JL site, it says approx 1hr 10min for international to domestic transfer at HND (JL-JL). I checked and latest flight from HND to ITM is 7:05PM on JL or 7:15PM on NH, so 1hr 35min to 1hr 45min. If I get a separate ticket, would this be too tight? Flightaware shows typically < 10min delay arrival
Would JL at BKK check any luggage I have through to ITM on separate ticket either JL or NH so I don't have to collect and re-check at HND? Or more likely I'd have to ask transfer desk in HND?

If #1 is a bad idea and I'm better off with #2, . JL site shows approx 70min for domestic to international transfer. For a separate ticket there are multiple early flights from ITM to HND on JL / NH, so I could possibly take the one that arrives 8:40AM which gives > 2hrs. Is this a safer connection or I'd still be better off going back for an overnight in Tokyo?

jib71

I think this is the way to go.
On the day of arrival, the time to to clear immigration and customs can vary. If you're staying in Tokyo that evening, it's no stress, whereas you might feel pressure if you have a domestic connection to think about.
On the day of departure, you can check in your luggage at ITM all the way through to ORD. Two hours is ample for the connection at HND.
I would recommend two days in Tokyo and four in Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka region). I'd consider a day trip to Nara during your time in Kansai.

Elvasoshexai

Thanks! For getting to Osaka/Kyoto mid trip, would it be best to take the shinkansen? Flying looks to be slightly cheaper, but I'm guessing having to arrive at airport earlier, timewise it would be a wash?

I was originally thinking of 3 days / 3 days split, but I'll take a look at adding in Nara and doing 2 day / 4 day split instead.

jib71

Flying should be considerably cheaper if you book in advance - and with a family, you're multiplying those savings. I prefer the convenience of the train - Departures every few minutes, center to city center, no security, no need to arrive early etc. If you have large luggage you should remember to reserve space for it on the train.

Some people have stated that they're less comfortable with trains because they come from a car-centric society. Personally, I find the train to be the least stress.

CPH-Flyer

JAL will tag your luggage to ITM as a domestic transfer, but it matters little as you always have to collect your luggage at the first point of entry to Japan, and take it through customs there and recheck it for the subsequent flight.

vv16888

I am going to Osaka through HND on two seperate tickets. If I only have a carry on, would I need to go through immigration or can I just go to the airline transfer desks. I am on AA into HND and NH to Osaka. Thank you.

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

You will need to go through Immigration at HND ( point of entry in Japan) , change terminals from terminal 3 to terminal 2 for the NH domestic flight and clear security. There is a transfer bus landside or you can get a free transit pass for the rail/monorail transfer at the landside info desk if you show your passport and domestic boarding pass

Regards

TBS

vv16888

Thank you so much. Did think about the terminal change.

kbooks66

Quick Question, if the search features weren't so bad maybe i could find it, I am trying to make the most of a quick trip to Japan this month. How early do need to get to Narita to get a bag or two checked and through security when flying on WestJet. The train I want to book arrives at the airport 2 hours before the flight departs (arrives at 4:30pm departs at 6:30pm).

I saw on JALs website they recommend 2 hours, but I don't know if that is just because JAL has a massive presence, unlike WestJet.

CPH-Flyer

Westjet does not have a presence in Narita. You'd be on a Westjet codeshare on a JAL flight, and two hours is plenty in advance. You'll have to check in with JAL.