May 21, 2020, 5:59 pm
Japan Transit/Connection/Layover Master Thread
Jul 24, 2022, 9:40 am
#916
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: KUL
Programs: Salaryman One World Sapphire
Posts: 236
Quick question, if I were to book a KUL>NRT>KUL within the same day (Arrive into NRT and leave within the same day) for mile running purpose, would I get into trouble where Check in desk in KUL will deny me as visa-free travel is non existent currently. I believed my trip would be treated as Tokyo bound pax instead being transit to 3rd country? Please correct me if I am wrong.
Also will KUL ground staff print out the NRT>KUL boarding pass (assuming above went well during check in)?
I would be flying JL for this purpose if this info helps. Also will be only doing hand luggage.
**Edit: Reading through older post it seems like this is not possible, is it still the same of now???**
**If so would KUL>BKK>NRT>KUL routing workable with them under the same ticket?**
Also will KUL ground staff print out the NRT>KUL boarding pass (assuming above went well during check in)?
I would be flying JL for this purpose if this info helps. Also will be only doing hand luggage.
**Edit: Reading through older post it seems like this is not possible, is it still the same of now???**
**If so would KUL>BKK>NRT>KUL routing workable with them under the same ticket?**
A note that there is no black and white about this is to be do-able (i guess up to the staff to allow or deny boarding on the departure day). But I will stick to KUL>BKK>NRT>KUL routing for now since Japanese ruling on "third country"is very grey.
Last edited by minizian; Jul 24, 2022 at 9:58 am
Jul 24, 2022, 6:17 pm
#917
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
I connected on separate tickets via NRT twice this week without any problems. Outbound JAL First to Thai First (1h50 connection) was the easiest as there was no security and I was escorted by a JL rep all the way from my inbound plane to Bus Shuttle Gate. 70. Today's return Thai First to JAL First (2h30m connection) was not as pleasant as there was no escort and I had to clear international connection security with hundreds of others. I just had carry-on bags which made it doable.
Jul 24, 2022, 7:54 pm
#918
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,171
I am thinking doing the same thing as you. Thai First to JAL First via NRT on 2 separate tickets. Do you know will Thai Airway Agent at BKK refuses to check through my baggage to my final destination (SFO)? Unfortunately I am unable to have carry on bags only since this is 3 weeks trip? If Thai Airway agent refuses to check through my baggage, can I show my baggage tag to JAL agent at BKK to have them retag my baggage at NRT?
If they can't check your luggage through to JAL, you will be denied boarding as long as the Japanese borders are shut, as it would require you to enter Japan to pick up your luggage.
Jul 24, 2022, 8:39 pm
#919
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 39
When I arrived a few weeks ago I was taken off the plane first (before any announcements were made) as there was someone waiting for me to escort me to processing (I am GS with United). They told me that the airport chooses who gets off first based on the backup (if any) in processing (there are typically still far more transit passengers than those arriving to stay). If the processing area is clear then arrivals get off first -- if it is backed up then transit passengers go first... This was Narita terminal 1...
Jul 24, 2022, 10:45 pm
#921
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,318
Jul 25, 2022, 8:06 am
#923
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
I am not sure what Thai's rules are about checking through to non-alliance carriers, to Star Alliance carriers they are stellar at it though. If they can't check your luggage through to JAL, you will be denied boarding as long as the Japanese borders are shut, as it would require you to enter Japan to pick up your luggage.
Jul 25, 2022, 8:13 am
#924
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
My wife was like that but has completely changed. Unless your trip includes severe climate changes, I would recommend thinking about carry-on only and large 2nd purse/backpack, pack for just 4-5 days and use hotel laundry facilities to wash, rinse, repeat. Yeah, you may tire of seeing the same outfits over and over, but we've found that it's really easy and you never have to worry about lost luggage.
Jul 25, 2022, 10:30 am
#925
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
This. I would be reluctant to try to check bags on that routing for that reason. Even without checked bags, it took the TG F agent at BKK five minutes to check me in and issue my BP. At one point, he asked me if I had my Covid test results. He gave up on the test thing after I showed my vax card and told him that I don't need a test to travel to the US.
Jul 25, 2022, 10:43 am
#926
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: LAX
Programs: UA
Posts: 1,534
Thank you and I guess I will just go for Jal business class from BKK to NRT. I actually have ANA business class ticket from NRT to US. Will TG check my baggage through on 2 separate tickets? But do you think is it worth to give up JAL F for TG first? I did fly with TG F (LHR-BKK) few times before pandemic.
Jul 25, 2022, 10:53 am
#927
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Thank you and I guess I will just go for Jal business class from BKK to NRT. I actually have ANA business class ticket from NRT to US. Will TG check my baggage through on 2 separate tickets? But do you think is it worth to give up JAL F for TG first? I did fly with TG F (LHR-BKK) few times before pandemic.
Jul 25, 2022, 5:59 pm
#928
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
No problem with a TG to NH connection on separate tickets since, as angetenar and CPH-Flyer noted, they are both Star Alliance. TG First fares from BKK-NRT (and back) are very reasonable ($1,700 one way) so I would definitely consider TG First over JAL J. Plus you won't have to change terminals in addition to eliminating any checked bag concerns.
Jul 25, 2022, 6:08 pm
#930
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
I just able to book ANA F from NRT-LAX (5pm flight) and however the TG F will only arrive at 3:45pm which leaves me only 75 minutes connection time. Just wondering what is the MCT at NRT? And is it too risky if TG flights got delay since it will be 2 separate tickets? Thank you!