Interesting..

Is through check-in and BP issued for entire AMS-XMN-NRT at AMS/NRT? OR is it they check-in only per flight segment, and you need to collect BP at XMN -

You will have to do a new check-in (and recheck your luggage) at XMN.... unfortunately you only get boarding passes for the flight to XMN.
And most flights have a pretty long connection in XMN where you might not get entry to the international terminal until 2:30 before your flight departs. You will then have to wait in the terminal where there's little seating.

Many Thanks, RTW1.

Does that means XMN immigration stamps passport (+ issues some visa) and thus allowed to go out of the airport ? :D

Wonder how did MF qualify as a SkyTeam member with such an absurd transfer process at XMN...

The transfer is not that unusual.... a bit like connecting via the US, where you also need to go through immigration and recheck your luggage :-).

But yes, you will go through immigration and you will get a visa on arrival (for 24hrs) so you can leave the airport. If you book a stopover and continue on your (international) route you would also qualify for a 72hr visa on arrival...

China does not offer visa on arrival unless prearranged, but twov is SOP at all airports receiving international flights.

I don't understand why anyone would stick around xmn for 5 hours (more than enough time to get out and go somewhere interesting).

Thanks again..

Well, for US flights atleast through check-in (also online) is possible in most cases.

It's probably semantics... but upon arrival my passport was stamped with a "temporary entry permit" to stay in China until the next day. In my words that's a visa on arrival for 24 hrs.....

And really, a 5hr connection is not enough time do do anything meaningful. It takes at least 30-60 minutes to go though immigration (where they need to find your name on a paper listing and they cannot seem to read non-Chinese characters) and then pick up your luggage. And since you cannot check-in at that time you would need to store your luggage somewhere too. And you would still need to check-in when getting back, which also takes time.

So it might sound like a great idea to go out, in reality most would prefer a connection that is a bit longer to do any sightseeing.
They simply should improve the airport a bit for those connecting, that's why I probably won't be flying them anytime soon.

Yes, it is a sort of transit visa...and wouldn't dream leaving the airport for such a short time.

Any description on the arrival area at XMN - Washrooms, cafe, crowd, etc.. ?

I found the airport quite good..... it's a fairly decent size but not enormous, and it's modern.

The gate areas are pretty standard with some shops, but it's mostly tourist stuff they are selling. The international departure area is fairly small and is part of the departure terminal. We only got access to it 2,5 hours before our flight on the return (late at night with few flights) but could access it on our outbound flight. The main problem is that there is little to do at the airport. The departure terminal itself has hardly any seating so you are left with the restaurants. Those are decent but pricy (as is normal at most airports) and I didn't bother to find out what currencies they accepted or if they take credit cards.

Facilities are standard and clean. So overall a good airport, it's just that immigration and check-in can be a pain. But worst was waiting without any decent seats in the departure terminal. So for me to do it again would require a pretty good fare...

I cannot comment on any airline lounges, didn't see them but also wasn't looking for one since I flew economy and have only silver status with Skyteam.

Also the bus gate on departure to AMS was not really a great one....

Thank you so much for this. Looks not that bad...and makes me assume like 1970's type of transit at XMN.....:p