Japan Transit/Connection/Layover Master Thread
#1006




Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,081
If you can check in remotely (or even better, check all the way through at ORD, which will likely happen if you're checking bags through) and your flight has a pretty good on-time record, it should be fine. Coming from the US, you won't have any inspection, so it's just the time taking the bus. I would personally be comfortable making that connection.
I had an hour on two separate tickets coming back from BKK with checked bags and had to go through security inspection since it was inbound from SEA, and still made it to my terminal with 10 minutes to spare after 25 minutes of going through the security lines. I was in Y, but about 10 rows back from the door. That said, there's risk, so it'll come down to how much risk you are willing to handle and how fast you can be to get between terminals.
Also worth adding I was solo. If it's 2 people probably fine. If you have kids and lots of carry-on, or more than 3 people, I'd definitely move to a later connection if possible.
I had an hour on two separate tickets coming back from BKK with checked bags and had to go through security inspection since it was inbound from SEA, and still made it to my terminal with 10 minutes to spare after 25 minutes of going through the security lines. I was in Y, but about 10 rows back from the door. That said, there's risk, so it'll come down to how much risk you are willing to handle and how fast you can be to get between terminals.
Also worth adding I was solo. If it's 2 people probably fine. If you have kids and lots of carry-on, or more than 3 people, I'd definitely move to a later connection if possible.
#1007




Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Toronto
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite; Aeroplan 35K; United Premier Silver, AAdvantage Platinum Pro
Posts: 73
If you can check in remotely (or even better, check all the way through at ORD, which will likely happen if you're checking bags through) and your flight has a pretty good on-time record, it should be fine. Coming from the US, you won't have any inspection, so it's just the time taking the bus. I would personally be comfortable making that connection.
I had an hour on two separate tickets coming back from BKK with checked bags and had to go through security inspection since it was inbound from SEA, and still made it to my terminal with 10 minutes to spare after 25 minutes of going through the security lines. I was in Y, but about 10 rows back from the door. That said, there's risk, so it'll come down to how much risk you are willing to handle and how fast you can be to get between terminals.
Also worth adding I was solo. If it's 2 people probably fine. If you have kids and lots of carry-on, or more than 3 people, I'd definitely move to a later connection if possible.
I had an hour on two separate tickets coming back from BKK with checked bags and had to go through security inspection since it was inbound from SEA, and still made it to my terminal with 10 minutes to spare after 25 minutes of going through the security lines. I was in Y, but about 10 rows back from the door. That said, there's risk, so it'll come down to how much risk you are willing to handle and how fast you can be to get between terminals.
Also worth adding I was solo. If it's 2 people probably fine. If you have kids and lots of carry-on, or more than 3 people, I'd definitely move to a later connection if possible.
There's 3 of us, 2 adults and a newborn. We'll be gate checking a stroller as well so even if we're first off the plane we'll still have to wait for the stroller.
As you say, if I was solo I'd probably do it, but it's probably too risky this time.
#1008




Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,081
I don't really know if we'll be able to check in online, we've never had much luck checking in online for international flights, we usually end up getting dummy boarding passes and a message to see an agent at the airport.
There's 3 of us, 2 adults and a newborn. We'll be gate checking a stroller as well so even if we're first off the plane we'll still have to wait for the stroller.
As you say, if I was solo I'd probably do it, but it's probably too risky this time.
There's 3 of us, 2 adults and a newborn. We'll be gate checking a stroller as well so even if we're first off the plane we'll still have to wait for the stroller.
As you say, if I was solo I'd probably do it, but it's probably too risky this time.
That said, given that you have a newborn, and have to wait for your gate-checked stroller, that might create some issues and that would be enough for me to go for a later flight.
Good luck whichever way you choose!
#1009
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Diamond Metal (OWE), SK Gold (STE+, LTG), UA Platinum(*G),Marriott Titanium (LTP)
Posts: 26,594
Check in online isn't required, but if JAL will check you in through on OZ, then that works and you don't have to worry about getting your boarding pass in Japan. Otherwise you can go to the OZ counter in ORD and see if they are willing to check you in for the NRT-ICN leg. I've had luck with this between UA and ANA, but haven't tried with JAL and OZ.
That said, given that you have a newborn, and have to wait for your gate-checked stroller, that might create some issues and that would be enough for me to go for a later flight.
Good luck whichever way you choose!
That said, given that you have a newborn, and have to wait for your gate-checked stroller, that might create some issues and that would be enough for me to go for a later flight.
Good luck whichever way you choose!
#1010




Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,081
There is the tiny little difference that UA and NH are JV partners across the Pacific and in the same alliance in general, whereas JAL and Asiana are in different alliances and don't have any form of collaboration. JAL will most likely not be issuing a boarding pass or checking through luggage to a OZ.
#1011

Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: ANA Diamond, JAL JGC, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 276
Check in online isn't required, but if JAL will check you in through on OZ, then that works and you don't have to worry about getting your boarding pass in Japan. Otherwise you can go to the OZ counter in ORD and see if they are willing to check you in for the NRT-ICN leg. I've had luck with this between UA and ANA, but haven't tried with JAL and OZ.
That said, given that you have a newborn, and have to wait for your gate-checked stroller, that might create some issues and that would be enough for me to go for a later flight.
Good luck whichever way you choose!
That said, given that you have a newborn, and have to wait for your gate-checked stroller, that might create some issues and that would be enough for me to go for a later flight.
Good luck whichever way you choose!
ANA couldnt check me through to OZ for a flight to Seoul. They could do some of the preliminary checks for entry in Korea, and therefore didnt check entry requirements for Japan for me (which I prepared just in case).
I had to get my boarding pass at the gate.
#1012




Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: Toronto
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite; Aeroplan 35K; United Premier Silver, AAdvantage Platinum Pro
Posts: 73
I couldn’t check in online with OZ.
ANA couldn’t check me through to OZ for a flight to Seoul. They could do some of the preliminary checks for entry in Korea, and therefore didn’t check entry requirements for Japan for me (which I prepared just in case).
I had to get my boarding pass at the gate.
ANA couldn’t check me through to OZ for a flight to Seoul. They could do some of the preliminary checks for entry in Korea, and therefore didn’t check entry requirements for Japan for me (which I prepared just in case).
I had to get my boarding pass at the gate.
#1013

Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: ANA Diamond, JAL JGC, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 276
#1014




Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 2,081
#1015
Join Date: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
Transfer from ANA to ZipAir in Terminal 1
Hi fellow travelers, getting nervous that my booked flights might not work, and need some advice from you experts.
I am flying from Singapore home to Hawaii on the 25th, and have two unconnected flights:
NH802 (ANA flight to Narita arriving 14:25)
ZG002 (ZipAir flight to HNL leaving 19:30)
Both flights are Terminal 1. Now I have a carryon that is fine for ANA, but will need to be checked for ZipAIr since their carryon weights are crazy small. Thus I may need to check in to get my boarding pass once I arrive at Narita. Will I be able to gate check my bag airside with ZipAir?
I know some people have been caught up by this: zipair.net/en/important/60
but it seems to only talk about transferring from ZipAir to another airline (not the other way around like I am doing). So I am really hoping there is a way for me to get on ZipAir flight and check my bag Airside in T1.
Do I have a prayer here?
Mayur
I am flying from Singapore home to Hawaii on the 25th, and have two unconnected flights:
NH802 (ANA flight to Narita arriving 14:25)
ZG002 (ZipAir flight to HNL leaving 19:30)
Both flights are Terminal 1. Now I have a carryon that is fine for ANA, but will need to be checked for ZipAIr since their carryon weights are crazy small. Thus I may need to check in to get my boarding pass once I arrive at Narita. Will I be able to gate check my bag airside with ZipAir?
I know some people have been caught up by this: zipair.net/en/important/60
but it seems to only talk about transferring from ZipAir to another airline (not the other way around like I am doing). So I am really hoping there is a way for me to get on ZipAir flight and check my bag Airside in T1.
Do I have a prayer here?
Mayur
#1016


Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: TXL
Programs: US, LH, HH
Posts: 772
ANA lists the allowed total weight at 10kg, ZipAir at 7kg for free, but they sell an option to carry 12kg. With that it should be fine? Note that they say, you need to buy it 24h before departure.
#1017


Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 57
Looking at options to get home from Vietnam. Would I be safe booking separate award tickets on ANA and JL like below? Any issues trying to depart from SGN with separate tickets through Tokyo? I will not check any bags. Thank you!
NH 829 Business Class SGN-HND 6:55 AM Arrival (Lifemiles)
~5 Hour Transit
JL 10 First Class HND-ORD 11:45 AM Depature (AA miles)
NH 829 Business Class SGN-HND 6:55 AM Arrival (Lifemiles)
~5 Hour Transit
JL 10 First Class HND-ORD 11:45 AM Depature (AA miles)
#1018




Join Date: May 2007
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,120
Looking at options to get home from Vietnam. Would I be safe booking separate award tickets on ANA and JL like below? Any issues trying to depart from SGN with separate tickets through Tokyo? I will not check any bags. Thank you!
NH 829 Business Class SGN-HND 6:55 AM Arrival (Lifemiles)
~5 Hour Transit
JL 10 First Class HND-ORD 11:45 AM Depature (AA miles)
NH 829 Business Class SGN-HND 6:55 AM Arrival (Lifemiles)
~5 Hour Transit
JL 10 First Class HND-ORD 11:45 AM Depature (AA miles)
#1019
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Diamond Metal (OWE), SK Gold (STE+, LTG), UA Platinum(*G),Marriott Titanium (LTP)
Posts: 26,594
Hi fellow travelers, getting nervous that my booked flights might not work, and need some advice from you experts.
I am flying from Singapore home to Hawaii on the 25th, and have two unconnected flights:
NH802 (ANA flight to Narita arriving 14:25)
ZG002 (ZipAir flight to HNL leaving 19:30)
Both flights are Terminal 1. Now I have a carryon that is fine for ANA, but will need to be checked for ZipAIr since their carryon weights are crazy small. Thus I may need to check in to get my boarding pass once I arrive at Narita. Will I be able to gate check my bag airside with ZipAir?
I know some people have been caught up by this: zipair.net/en/important/60
but it seems to only talk about transferring from ZipAir to another airline (not the other way around like I am doing). So I am really hoping there is a way for me to get on ZipAir flight and check my bag Airside in T1.
Do I have a prayer here?
Mayur
I am flying from Singapore home to Hawaii on the 25th, and have two unconnected flights:
NH802 (ANA flight to Narita arriving 14:25)
ZG002 (ZipAir flight to HNL leaving 19:30)
Both flights are Terminal 1. Now I have a carryon that is fine for ANA, but will need to be checked for ZipAIr since their carryon weights are crazy small. Thus I may need to check in to get my boarding pass once I arrive at Narita. Will I be able to gate check my bag airside with ZipAir?
I know some people have been caught up by this: zipair.net/en/important/60
but it seems to only talk about transferring from ZipAir to another airline (not the other way around like I am doing). So I am really hoping there is a way for me to get on ZipAir flight and check my bag Airside in T1.
Do I have a prayer here?
Mayur
But Zip is a low cost carrier, so there will not be a transit desk to help you, and the staff will likely not be at the gate until they really need to, which will not be more than an hour before, it is too expensive for LCC operations to have staff idling at the gate to provide a service that they are not intended to offer.
As Zip does not officially offer connecting services, I do wonder if ANA accepts a connecting ticket on Zip as an allowed option? I would check that with ANA.
#1020
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 99
Can I fly two different airlines for connection?
Hi, I wondering if it's possible to fly JAL into Tokyo and then fly ANA (with 3 or 6 hour layover)? Preferably with checked bags but I get a sense that that will complicate things. I think the time between boarding of JAL flight until boarding of ANA falls under 24 hour transit rule.



