BuildingMyBento

Are you referring to that pointless chit you get after scanning your boarding pass?
​​​​​​Does the domestic security for NH at HND make you scan your bp right as your about to go through the checkpoint?

bmwe92fan

Are you referring to the "chit" that is required to be submitted for business travel in Japan for proof you were there? Have you ever seen the ticket places in Shimbashsi / Ginza that sell JP flight tickets? Do you live in Japan and pay others to travel for business? Trust me -- as someone that has run a business in Japan that worthless "chit" isn't worthless...

Here is how the scam works -- company pays for refundable ticket to destination -- traveler purchases much cheaper non-refundable ticket and sells the refundable ticket and pockets the difference on their expense report.... We've fired many employees for this scam -- those chits help businesses keep people honest....

In Japan -- most everything has a purpose -- even if it's not so obvious and seems stupid to others....

BuildingMyBento

Most everything has a purpose? Wrapping a croissant in three bags has a purpose? Having to tell a computer screen I'm done paying with cash has a purpose? Preventing resident foreigners from entering the country during a pandemic while allowing native Japanese to enter has a purpose?

Your continued defense of Japanese customs is indefensible, particularly as a foreigner ... 'tis why I only like seeing the country from a tourist's lens these days. Although I did live in Japan, it was many years ago.

uanj

Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport - Star Alliance

There's a Star Gold Track run by ANA for domestic flights. It's never had any back-up when I've gone through.

lsquare

Is there one for international as well?

uanj

Incredibly and unfortunately no. And security for international departures out of HND can really get backed up. Do you have an APEC card? There is an APEC lane which will be much faster when the regular lanes are backed up.

lsquare

I'm glad I asked you then. No, I don't and I do want to get one in the future. Why wouldn't international departure have expedited security? Makes no sense.

uanj

Just my guess: the migration of foreign airline flights from NRT to HND T3 has been spectacularly fast (for Japan), however, it occurred during the pandemic. Traffic evaporated overnight. Like elsewhere the rebound in international arrivals has been faster than anyone expected so airports may not have enough staff, particularly at Haneda T3. I cannot imagine what it would be like if Chinese outbound tourism resumes its previous level.

There are actually two zones in T3 where you can clear security for international flights. I haven't seen the second zone in operation the couple of times I went through this year. Earlier this month security was so backed up it was like 7 lines feeding into the beginning of the tensa barrier section which is supposed to be the beginning of the Disneyland-esque queue. That's why I think they don't have enough staff. To their credit they were processing people very quickly so the lines kept moving but it took a good hour. My colleague does not have an APEC card so I stuck it out with him.

There are two NH lounges airside in T3 but like security only one was open. It went from busy to standing room only. I would not be surprised if they were turning people away at that point.

I am sure ANA would love to build a Star Gold Track somewhere in T3.

Pseudo Nim

Actually there never was a fast track for HND. It’s really weird. JAL has one, but it’s not even Oneworld - it’s literally JUST JL. LH F also gets an escort (by a NH agent who will explain to you that NH doesn’t have that service, lol).

HND is and always has been, weird, for premium passengers. That said I’ve literally never had a long security wait so is don’t know if it’s such a huge deal - was always just an oddity to me.

uanj

Look at the progression of HND. 15 years ago the only non-charter international flights I can think of out of HND were to Taiwan. About 10 years ago the authorities started allowing limited long haul out of HND and there have been periodic increases over the years with the addition of a new international terminal (T3), more taxiways and an additional runway. In the last 4-5 years there has been a significant increase in foreign airline flight routes. Lounges and premium access channels have not been on the top of the priority list it seems. DL fans were livid that DL moved all their flights to HND before opening a proper lounge.

Pseudo Nim

Yeah HND was always the joke airport, until they no longer were (well, with the lounges / premium checkin exception). What always confused me is that NRT had a curfew while HND didn't, which is an odd thing considering it's in the middle of the city.

joejones

I assume you're talking about JL's Class J, which is just a larger seat so the service is indeed the same as Y. But JL domestic F and NH domestic "Premium Class" both offer actual meals. And frankly, if you buy a bento at the airport and take it on the plane with you, you will have a better in-flight meal than most domestic F passengers in the US.

FindingFoodFluency

There's an infamous backstory to Narita's construction; in short, NIMBYs keep the curfew going.

I wish Haneda had a kuuben shop, much like the Tokyo station ekiben shop with bento from throughout the country. (actually, does it? It wouldn't seem so far-fetched.)

Pseudo Nim

Hahaha, yeah, I am aware. I always wave at the guy when I land. Not that he cares.

travelinmanS

Where is the APEC line at HND Int’l departure security? I’ll be running the gauntlet in a few days on my way back to Shanghai so if it’s an option I’d love to be clued in. Thanks!