I agree that for an 18-hour layover it is so much more comfortable and convenient if your travel companion just gets a transit visa so you can leave the airport.

BTW, you already got a very good response from another poster upthread, but here's the ANA policy on interlining: https://ana-support.my.site.com/enjp...ers000023028en

Any experiences with Intl to Intl connections at KIX (CX-> AY two tickets)? Is there a transfer security or does one have to immigrate?

There is a transit security option, but I don't know the hours. If Nagoya is any example, there will be very bored staff members waiting for the few connections that are actually coming.

Seems like KIX is a transfer paradise. Security had 2 lines open, 6 staff, no other pax. Highly recommended.

How is the afternoon 17:00 - 19:00 rush hour situation on the Keikyū airpot line from HND to Shimbashi station? I'm scheduled to arrive at 17:00 and hope to clear immigration by 18:00 barring any delays

Debating between taking the Keikyū line or the monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station then either transfering or grabbing a taxi to Conrad Tokyo. I will have two large suitcases with me, so leaning toward the monorail route due to dedicated luggage space

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

It is a good 10min walk from Shimbashi station to the Conrad Tokyo with a couple of escalators at either end.
The monorail as it starts from HND is likely to be quieter ( some luggage space is elevated off the ground ie you have to lift your suitcase into the storage area) but getting from the Hamamatsucho monrail platform to the taxi rank/ JR train / Oedo subway can take a few minutes with an elevator change ( or escalators)
A taxi from HND direct to the conrad is likely to be less than Y10000 ( even allowing for traffic) ( i've paid Y6,600 from the Conrad to HND) and more convenient especially with 2 large suitcases

Regards

TBS

Thank you! I appreciate the detailed response

As an alternative, you can take the Keikyu line to Daimon, and change to the Oedo line to Shiodome Station. Shiodome station is directly connected to the Conrad. The change at Daimon requires two escalators but is pretty easy. Though as far as I remember, Shiodome and Shimbashi is connected underground, so you don't have to go to the street level to walk.

With two heavy suitcases I'd probably avoid the Monorail. Hamamatsucho Station is not so suitcase friendly during the rebuilding. Only one small slow elevator to street level. Kind of well hidden.

Wasn't aware Hamamatsucho Station is under a rebuild

Good to know and I will look into the Keikyu > Damon > Oedo line route

Thank you for the feedback!

Sorry, a slight typo, Daimon, not Damon. But you have probably figured that out.

I have been searching and watching videos and still unclear on the Japan Domestic to International transfer at Narita. I see lots of international to International posts, but didnt catch any with my situation in my search

Greatly appreciate any insights

Booked flights through United
Ana Flight from Osaka ITM To Narita (Star Alliance)
United Flight from Narita to Denver - Non stop in Polaris

Both in Terminal 1

United booking has a 1 hr connection time

I can see due to times for ANA Wings ITM to Narita and only one stop from Narita to Denver, there are no other options. Assuming if I miss it, United will book me through LAX or SFO

Trying to guage the process from Domestic to International

Everything I read says we have to go through security, Immigration and Customs before getting on our International flight to Denver even though we went through security in Osaka ITM as Japanese Internaational and Domestic security reqquirements aare different

Immigration is supposed to befast with a passport or facial ID Check
Customs is a breeze by unless you want to declare something

I see in the videos people walking the secured part of terminal with a Blue Sign to International transfers, but no one shows or describes the process.

Some questions:
1) Is there a fast track security screen within the secured area, or do you have to go out into the main area and come back through the normal security line?
2) Do I have the immigration and customs checks correct?

I know buying both legs through United protects me as far as getting home (eventually) if the first flight is late
Normally I wouldnt do a 1 hour layover, but I would prefer to take the non stop to Denver.

Yes, you would need to go through security check and immigration at Narita. I don't think there is a special lane for domestic connections, just the regular, but it has been a while since I did it with ANA. There is Star Alliance Gold Track in Narita, and that is usually quick. Exit passport control is also quick these days, with facial recognition, I can't remember ever seeing waiting time after that came in to play.

With ANA, I'd say an hour would be comfortable, as boarding only starts 30 minutes or less before departure, but with United, and boarding being somewhat longer, you'll probably not get to board with the first groups of you have access to that. But you should be fine to make a 1 hour connection.

They will rebook you to something else if you miss it.

Thank you

There was a domestic to international transit facility in NRT T1 that spat people out close to the lounges at the south end of the terminal, but it seems to have been closed for some time, possibly since COVID. It still shows up on the ANA website (with a note that it's closed) and in the mobile app terminal map of NRT...

Does anyone have any suggestions / know of a 24-hour rate at a hotel around Narita? I land at 5pm and fly out at 7pm the next day, so a 24-hour rate would be perfect. I could choose the Hilton Narita, but with late checkout not guaranteed for elites these days I don't want to chance it.