I would like access to them in Narita, not really at DFW. We land late in Dallas, it would be nice to get off the plane and just head to the Grand Hyatt.

Actually, AA has a policy about this. I know because I've done overnights in SFO twice now to get the early HNL flight. One time I got there midday and had to reclaim my bag. The other I got there at night and didn't. Basically, they say that there is a specific time that if you stay longer than that then you must collect your bags. I believe the cutoff might be 12 hours, but I can't say for sure. I just know that the flight with the shorter layover they would not shortcheck but the one with the longer layover they were required to. Of course YMMV, but AA does have an official policy in place on this. The computer will not let them check it through if your time on the ground is more than x hours.

I had a 10 hour layover at DFW (yes it is my home 'port, but I didn't have time to go home.) AA would not let me check my bag through to my final destination.

I had to claim it and recheck it in the morning.

Really this is not such a big deal and getting in and out of the Grand Hyatt is very easy with the AA check in counter more or less under the hotel. The Grand Hyatt is in Terminal D. If you arrive at a different terminal, you need to take an airport shuttle bus to the Grand Hyatt. That won't take more than 15 minutes. If you land at Terminal D, it is a walk and an elevator ride. It takes a very brief time to check into this fine hotel.

The Grand Hyatt restaurant is absolutely outstanding, but if you are too worn out for that, room service is above average.

The Grand Hyatt is a great place to rest up for your continuing journey. In the morning you can go downstairs and check in to AA and then go back to the hotel's restaurant for breakfast or at least a coffee and muffin.

The staff at the Grand Hyatt are really tuned up to deal with people like us. Someday I would like to be there long enough to really get a rest. Perhaps a long weekend.

Fair warning: I could not set the fancy alarm clock in the bedroom. Not a clue!

In the morning I telephoned for a bellman who took me and my luggage all the way to the AA check in and even did the machine check in for me! I did as above and went back up into the hotel for a nice breakfast. Nicest trip departure I can ever remember having!

It looks like a wonderful place. Thank you for your insight.

10 hours could be the magic number then. On one flight I had more than 12 but on the other, I had a little over 8. So 10 sounds reasonable. I know there's a cutoff, but I don't know the exact number. AA wasn't a huge help when I asked this question either. The reservations agents had no clue about the rule and told me just to carry on a change of clothes just in case. I did pack a carryon but at the airport, they told me I had to reclaim because of the time I was in SFO.

Wouldn't it be nice if such rules were published so no guesswork would be involved?

oldpenny, I am glad I am not the only person who cannot set that alarm clock. I thought I must be technologically retarded. Had to call for a wake up call instead of using the clock.

You are welcome! It is a wonderful place, a truly nice bunch of people work there. I do hope you have time for a nice dinner. Check the hours of the dining room on the WEB site. It will really cheer you up!

I don't know why AA wouldn't let me check my luggage all the way. I was too worn out to argue.

The Grand Hyatt is very, very quiet. I had my own alarm clock (suggest you have yours as well). I was so comfortable I could have slept for days.

This thread went traveling. I hope the OP can find it.

Go it!