May 21, 2020, 5:59 pm
Japan Transit/Connection/Layover Master Thread
Dec 7, 2022 | 3:03 pm
#1321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Diamond Metal (OWE), SK Gold (STE+, LTG), UA Platinum(*G),Marriott Titanium (LTP)
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834 must be the SGN flight. But T2 international is currently not in use, so all international flights are to and from T3. Should T2 international come back in to operations, the transfer will be airside.
Dec 7, 2022 | 3:26 pm
#1322
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 12
The problem is according to AMEX/JAL there are no other flights to be rebooked on at the moment, the only option is to cancel for a refund and rebook both sides of the round trip ticket (at great expense as I booked these many months ago). I am leaning towards taking the chance for now.
Dec 10, 2022 | 8:06 pm
#1323
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 139
Im flying JFK-HND (JL 5) and HND-SIN (SQ 635) on separate tickets next week. Ive got about a 5 hour layover and have my QR codes through the Visit Japan website. Is it worth me going through customs/immigration (admittedly I want to get a passport stamp) or could I stay airside since Ill have my onward boarding pass and no checked luggage?
Dec 10, 2022 | 8:10 pm
#1324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Diamond Metal (OWE), SK Gold (STE+, LTG), UA Platinum(*G),Marriott Titanium (LTP)
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Im flying JFK-HND (JL 5) and HND-SIN (SQ 635) on separate tickets next week. Ive got about a 5 hour layover and have my QR codes through the Visit Japan website. Is it worth me going through customs/immigration (admittedly I want to get a passport stamp) or could I stay airside since Ill have my onward boarding pass and no checked luggage?
Dec 11, 2022 | 12:28 am
#1325
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,699
Im flying JFK-HND (JL 5) and HND-SIN (SQ 635) on separate tickets next week. Ive got about a 5 hour layover and have my QR codes through the Visit Japan website. Is it worth me going through customs/immigration (admittedly I want to get a passport stamp) or could I stay airside since Ill have my onward boarding pass and no checked luggage?
Not sure if that's novelty enough for you
https://www.iace-usa.com/en/jrpass/qualification
Dec 11, 2022 | 12:21 pm
#1326
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 139
Visitors to japan, you get an entry sticker with qr code (and i think they still do an exit stamp, not quite sure).
Not sure if that's novelty enough for you
https://www.iace-usa.com/en/jrpass/qualification
Not sure if that's novelty enough for you
https://www.iace-usa.com/en/jrpass/qualification
Dec 11, 2022 | 3:37 pm
#1327
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,699
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/egate.htm
Dec 12, 2022 | 6:03 pm
#1328
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Narita Sakura lounge access
Hope somebody can help. Transiting (International) through Narita on JAl Feb 1/23. Will be in Terminal 2. Can I access the Sakura Lounge while staying airside? As in not having to "enter' japan? Appreciate any advise.
Dec 12, 2022 | 6:13 pm
#1329
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: LAX/SFO
Posts: 521
That as it may, I just think it should be a more efficient process. Those who are connecting should deplane first due to tight schedule. This time I decided to deplane right away. They had a bunch of airport staff holding scanners asking people for their QR codes. Needless to say some folks can't find their codes (lack of wifi, or whatever) and that created a long line in the jet bridge and beyond etc. I just told them I am connecting and they let me through.
Dec 12, 2022 | 6:20 pm
#1330
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 10,049
Sakura Lounge access depends on your class of travel, airline status etc.
Dec 12, 2022 | 7:20 pm
#1332
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
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Transit channel means you avoid customs and immigration. There might be a security screening. Not sure if that applies to passengers arriving from US airports. Once in the departures area, you can access the airline lounges.
Dec 12, 2022 | 7:42 pm
#1333
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 13
Thanks! Will be arriving from Vancouver Canada. Great to hear there is a Transit Channel. No problem with going through security, just didn't want to have to "enter Japan", unless I chose to, just to access lounge. Could possibly decide to enter Japan as have 12 hr layover, just researching all options.
Dec 14, 2022 | 7:19 pm
#1334
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 62
Hi, I hope I’m in the right place! I’m about to get FF tickets on United/Star Alliance returning to EWR from Osaka (HND) for fall 2023. I’m unsure whether to get tickets transiting through Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). I have a choice of 3 flights, with 2 flights having 2+hour layovers and 1 having a 3+ hour layover. Not sure how easy it is to go from domestic to international in either of these airports and whether 2+ hours is enough.
So, which of the following 3 flights would you recommend:
1) ANA/United: ITM>HND>EWR, dep ITM @ 3pm, 2hr 10 min layover at HND, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris
2) ANA/United: ITM>HND>EWR, dep ITM @ 2pm, 3hr 10 min layover at HND, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris (same international flight as above )
3) ANA/United: ITM>NRT>EWR, dep ITM @ 2pm, 2hr 10 min layover at NRT, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris
So, which of the following 3 flights would you recommend:
1) ANA/United: ITM>HND>EWR, dep ITM @ 3pm, 2hr 10 min layover at HND, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris
2) ANA/United: ITM>HND>EWR, dep ITM @ 2pm, 3hr 10 min layover at HND, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris (same international flight as above )
3) ANA/United: ITM>NRT>EWR, dep ITM @ 2pm, 2hr 10 min layover at NRT, then nonstop flight to EWR in United Polaris
Dec 14, 2022 | 7:30 pm
#1335
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
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Posts: 26,598
Narita is easier as domestic and international is in the same terminal. But as the luggage will be transferred it is in both cases a reasonable smooth and simple transfer. HND does have inter terminal busses from airside domestic to the international terminal. But you'd still need security and immigration check at the international terminal.