Flights to NRT
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 45
Flights to NRT
I have 2 options, STL-ORD-NRT or STL-DEN-NRT. Both have about the same layover. ORD 3:27 and DEN 2.56. Of the two, which is the easier transition from domestic to international terminals/gates? PAX is traveling alone and is not a seasoned traveler, so ease of transition is most important.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: UA Plat 2MM. DL Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 12,752
I have 2 options, STL-ORD-NRT or STL-DEN-NRT. Both have about the same layover. ORD 3:27 and DEN 2.56. Of the two, which is the easier transition from domestic to international terminals/gates? PAX is traveling alone and is not a seasoned traveler, so ease of transition is most important.
all things considered, for the outbound, both are fine. If the passenger is in business, Ord will be the better experience because of the polaris lounge.
On the return den is an easier connecting airport.
#3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
I have 2 options, STL-ORD-NRT or STL-DEN-NRT. Both have about the same layover. ORD 3:27 and DEN 2.56. Of the two, which is the easier transition from domestic to international terminals/gates? PAX is traveling alone and is not a seasoned traveler, so ease of transition is most important.
I don't really know DEN so let someone else chime in.
Question: Will there be a return flight?
#5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,200
I have 2 options, STL-ORD-NRT or STL-DEN-NRT. Both have about the same layover. ORD 3:27 and DEN 2.56. Of the two, which is the easier transition from domestic to international terminals/gates? PAX is traveling alone and is not a seasoned traveler, so ease of transition is most important.
#6
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
Correcting myself as it seems the ANA flight leaves from ORD Terminal 1 so it's easy.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Hertz, Avis, National, Hyatt, Hilton, SPG, Marriott
Posts: 9,453
It doesn't get much easier than a UA to UA connection at DEN, and weather is generally better in Denver versus Chicago. DEN has better access to an Admirals Club, too (centerpoint of A concourse) via train as opposed to a long walk at ORD.
#10
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: UA Million Mile, Mileage Plus Premier 1K, SkyMiles Gold Medallion, AAdvantage Gold
Posts: 875
DEN is one of the best airports to connect at. Additionally, there is an Admirals Club in Concourse A, which is just a short train ride away. DEN is the better choice.
#11
Moderator: Budget Travel forum & Credit Card Programs, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYJ/YVR and back on Van Isle ....... for now
Programs: UA lifetime MM / *A Gold
Posts: 14,429
+5 (did I count right?)
I find Denver much calmer to connect than Chicago, and if inexperienced flier, I'd stick with all UA. Plus for a non frequent flier the DreamLiner would / could be a novelty (flew this in October BTW, though in Biz originating at YVR).
I find Denver much calmer to connect than Chicago, and if inexperienced flier, I'd stick with all UA. Plus for a non frequent flier the DreamLiner would / could be a novelty (flew this in October BTW, though in Biz originating at YVR).
#12
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SAN
Programs: 1K (since 2008), *G (since 1990), 1MM
Posts: 3,219
I would echo the vote for DEN. Just came through ORD (from LHR) a couple of weeks ago and, even as an experienced traveler, the connection was confusing. That may have been because we needed to catch the Sky Train and then go back through security.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
+100 for Denver, especially with the train out of service at ORD. When I picked up @CMK10 from ORD a few weeks ago, the traffic and lines to wait for a bus from T1>T5 and v.v. looked bad. Can't imagine what it's like during a heavy international arrivals bank. DEN, you'll simply exit the FIS and walk maybe 20' to the entrance to the checkpoint.
#14
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Haze gray and underway
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, HH Diamond, Marriott 'clink clink' Titanium
Posts: 1,784
DEN for several reasons. Better handling of weather conditions. Better access to Admiral’s club. Especially if no status and in self loading cattle class.
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Atlanta but Washington DC will always be home.
Programs: Marriott LTP, Hilton Diamond, Accor Gold, Hyatt Explorist,, Delta Plat,
Posts: 2,075
Given what the OP ha said, DEN, no question. Easy access to Admiral's club, airport tends to be less crowded (YMMV), airport is very very well signposted.