I fixed my post above to indicate that I will be transiting international via HND instead of NRT. But from what you say, I can’t make the HND-KIX connection without going through immigration. Obviously throws a wrench into my plans but appreciate the information.

I should add that once inside HND, there's no real check on how long you spend in the transit area. I had two tedious 14 hour overnight transits at HND and there was no trouble sleeping in the transit area - there's quite a few people at night and the security checks are minimal and unobtrusive (usually a single officer checking with a torch to make sure no drunks). The 24 hour rule quoted (if there is one) would therefore be only for the check in staff to ensure.

You can't fly HND KIX without entering Japan, that's a domestic flight. That would be like flying LAX SFO.

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There is one, and it will be verified at check-in.

Trying to find any way I can get to Seoul via Tokyo. Was thinking of booking Zipair flight 23 LAX-NRT which arrives in T1 and then depart same day T1 Ethiopian 673 NRT-ICN. However Zipair is telling me that I will need to go through immigration upon arrival into NRT. Is there any way to transit between international flights within T1?

Called NGO airport and spoke in English. They spoke good enough english. After some initial confusion they said to ask JAL for some kind of "transit pass" that would allow one to go to the capsule hotel or other nearby hotel perhaps.

Calling JAL is going nowhere...but hold music.

May just change my flight and give up on this one (Hello, ExpertFlyer - EVA. Too bad ExpertFlyer doesn't do JAL) or fly coach direct to avoid this mess. I really would like to fly the JAL Sky Suite though, never flown that before.

How about SQ 11 from LAX landing at NRT at 5-50 pm with the 9 pm connection on Ethiopian - both are Star Alliance members so luggage should be checked through.

Your Zip Air advice must be on account of the lack of through check in. If you dont have check-in bags no immigration needed for that itinerary.

This itinerary is only valid for passengers who qualify for entry into Japan.

thanks! what's your date?

Called JAL about SEA-NRT-NGO-TPE and the rep told me I would be unable to fly domestically NRT-NGO unless I had a visa.

WHich makes the NGO overnight question, moot, if I can't even get there. Ok..well this blows up this plan!

Unfortunately so many LAX-NRT nonstops land in the mid-late afternoon, making you unable to board the Asiana 1:20 pm to ICN. I wonder why it's that way for NRT because HND has a 5 am arrival on ANA, but you unfortunately can't shuttle between HND and NRT.

Yeah, it pretty much leaves you with Ethiopian as your only option; and luckily United, ANA, Singapore - all Star Alliance partners, should be able to through check your luggage to ICN from LAX.

Will be flying Ethiopian NRT-ICN on June 22nd.

Problem solved. Able to change to avoid internal Japan flight. SEA-NRT-TPE.

NRT-TPE in economy. SEA-NRT in Sky Suite.

You mentioned your travel is in August. During August you can do the same day transit at NRT on SEA-NRT-TPE. My original post is a moot point. :)

I shared my experience earlier with ZipAir. If you can enter Japan, then no problem and can sterile transit with a small hassle while deplaning. If you can’t enter Japan, best to book a refundable same day transit on ZipAir, then cancel and proceed to your intended flight. ZipAir is quite militant with onward flight also being on ZipAir,