swiftaw

Hi, going to Japan next week for the first time. Flying back on UA 882 that departs NRT at 5:15pm. Having never been to Japan, I am unfamiliar with departure procedures (is there exit passport checks?) so I was wondering how early I should arrive on the Narita Express from Tokyo?

Also, anything else about flying UA out of NRT that I should know?

Thanks.

warrenw

Yes you will have to go through security and immigration at Narita. 2 hours at the airport should be fine. Make sure to grab some sushi next to gate 33, they're well known.

dvs7310

Do you have Star Alliance Gold, and will you be checking bags?

Me personally, I arrive at NRT about 1:10 to 1:20 before departure time. The Business/*G lanes for check in are very quick and there is a *G security lane as well. The main difference, if it's really busy on your departure day, you'd have some queue at immigration where I can use the automated gate, so add another 10 minutes or so... but in general, you can cut it to a minimum if desired if arriving by train (they are always on time) to Narita. Lounges (both NH and UA) are nothing exciting, so don't go out of your way to allow extra time for them.

swiftaw

Yes, I'm UA Gold, which means I'm also *A G. We will probably be checking bags.

2stepbay

Besides the Narita Express out of Tokyo Station, there is also Skyliner, which I board at Nippori Station. Personally, I prefer Skyliner for comfort. Ride is about 40 minutes and cost is about 2700 yen.

For a 7p flight, I usually arrive at Terminal 1 around 4:30. Check-in counters are on level 4 (take the elevator on ground level rather than escalators: much faster.) Once past Security and Emigration, United Club is about a 5 minute walk (past duty free shops) near Gate 27. On average, train exit to Club usually takes me about 30 minutes. Depending on your departure gate in that terminal wing, walk to gate can be up to 10 to 15 minutes.

If you are planning on a meal before departure, know that the food in the United Club is rather subpar. By contrast, on Level 5 there are a wide assortment of restaurants with much better fare. However, those restaurants are only accessible prior to check in/security etc on Level 4.

nanyang

Immigration can get quite busy these days thanks to massive growth in inbound tourism. Last time I flew with UA from there (Apr-16 I recall), queue for immigration must have been close to 30min - security and everything else is fast.

I like to get to the airport as late as possible, but as for NRT, might try and be there 2h before the flight.

t325

Do those restaurants take plastic? Flying out of NRT tomorrow and don't want to have to hit up an ATM to eat at the airport because I'm just about out of yen. I know credit card acceptance in Japan is hit or miss, but I would hope the airport would be an exception.

And please define subpar for the club food. What should I be expecting?

gusd

If you have some time, you may want to walk to the ANA lounge, food is much better there. They even have a noodle bar that makes food to order.

2stepbay

Yes...CC accepted.

United Club = bland finger food and non-alcohol and and alcohol drinks, coffee etc. Haven't tried the ANA lounge in NRT, however, I did use the ANA lounge in Kumamoto. There, the food was quite superior to United's offerings in Narita. So it follows ANA's Narita lounge would be quite a step-up from United's fare.

t325

Can I access the ANA lounge? I just have UA Silver status but flying business to DEN.

gusd

If you have United Club membership, then yes. See 6. under Ana Lounge here.

ETA: Sorry, I missed that you are flying business. Then you have access even without UA club membership, see 2. on the same page above.

drewguy

UC had sushi the last time I was there - nothing special (basic nigiri - Tuna, salmon, shrimp; plus cucumber rolls), but definitely presentable and better than the ANA club's non-fish options.

zombietooth

The ANA club has better internet than the UC, and I find it more peaceful, so I go there instead.

t325

Hmm, on second thought, I might have to hit the McDonalds at NRT because after a week of eating Japanese food, I am dying for something unhealthy, greasy, delicious and American

N104UA

Is 1.5 hours enough time for a TG to UA connection at NRT?