NRT & 777 or HND & 787? in economy from SFO
Jan 17, 2019, 3:16 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: CO - Onepass Gold Elite--> UA - MileagePlus Gold Premier--> Silver --> AS - MileagePlan MVPGOLD!
Posts: 735
You don't mention the relationship between the 3 people. For example, if it's two parents and a younger child, the center section of 3 on 787 allows both parents to have aisle access with the kid in the middle. If it's you and your teenage son and his girlfriend, maybe fly the 77W and put them in the sweetheart seats in row 50 and seat yourself somewhere else. It all depends!
Jan 17, 2019, 3:47 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
I would also like to remind the OP that as an A3 Gold they (and their +1) flying on any * carrier will have access to whatever *Gold lounges are available at any airport regardless of itinerary. For instance, if you were to fly LAX to SFO on a separate domestic itin, you would have access to the UC as a A3 Gold (in addition to the wonderful *A lounge @ TBIT). The only people who don't have access to UCs on domestic only itins are as lowly UA Elites 
-James
Could someone comment on the immigration situation at HND/NRT? I've heard immigration at NRT can be a mess at times (i.e. 4 PM) but have had some issues at HND the last time I cleared immigration there. I suspect OP would have to clear immigration there before flying on to NGO? Will UA/NH check their bag through to the final destination or is a re-check necessary or does it depend by airport?
-James
-James
Could someone comment on the immigration situation at HND/NRT? I've heard immigration at NRT can be a mess at times (i.e. 4 PM) but have had some issues at HND the last time I cleared immigration there. I suspect OP would have to clear immigration there before flying on to NGO? Will UA/NH check their bag through to the final destination or is a re-check necessary or does it depend by airport?
-James
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 17, 2019 at 6:18 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Jan 17, 2019, 4:10 pm
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,400
OP goes through customs and immigration at TYO. I transited NRT; my bag was checked through to my final destination but I had to bring it from the customs area to the domestic check-in counter. At NRT, that was downstairs, near the exit from customs, so it wasn't much of a chore.
Jan 17, 2019, 4:36 pm
#20
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Here's my verdict based on the discussion we've had so far.
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
- The connection experience will be seamless for re-checking bags and getting on to your domestic flight
- There are more non-stops out of NRT than HND on a given day which gives you added protection in the event of IRROPS
- The cabin difference between 777 vs 787 isn't that huge, especially in Y flying E-. Your best hope for improving the cabin experience regardless of option would be choosing an emergency exit row seat (I believe the window ones are free?). Best seat on either of them would be the emergency exit near the restroom since you've got tons of space to stretch out to the point where you can leave your window seat without waking anyone up.
- Lounge situation is about the same at both airports, you'll have access to at both the domestic and international terminals
Jan 19, 2019, 9:16 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: TPE/KHH/LAX
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However, per the *A lounge finder are NH lounges in the domestic terminals of both HND and NRT! One other decision OP will need to consider is who they'll guest in with their +1! Decisions, decisions!
-James
-James
You don't mention the relationship between the 3 people. For example, if it's two parents and a younger child, the center section of 3 on 787 allows both parents to have aisle access with the kid in the middle. If it's you and your teenage son and his girlfriend, maybe fly the 77W and put them in the sweetheart seats in row 50 and seat yourself somewhere else. It all depends!
Neither is going to be the most comfortable flight you've ever had in your life, but I agree that the 787 is going to be better (read: "less bad") than the 777, as they're using the 10-across 777-300 on SFO-NRT.
That said -- whichever option you choose, pay close attention to whether or not you're going to have to schlep across Tokyo to make your connecting flight. UA will happily sell you SFO-NRT / HND-NGO or SFO-HND / NRT-NGO. It's obvious on the web -- "Please note your connection involves an airport change" but easy to miss if you're booking on the mobile site.
Some people may enjoy the idea of seeing some of the Tokyo countryside on the airport bus, or navigating the Tokyo train system with their luggage. Most people would probably rather just transfer at the same airport where they arrived.
That said -- whichever option you choose, pay close attention to whether or not you're going to have to schlep across Tokyo to make your connecting flight. UA will happily sell you SFO-NRT / HND-NGO or SFO-HND / NRT-NGO. It's obvious on the web -- "Please note your connection involves an airport change" but easy to miss if you're booking on the mobile site.
Some people may enjoy the idea of seeing some of the Tokyo countryside on the airport bus, or navigating the Tokyo train system with their luggage. Most people would probably rather just transfer at the same airport where they arrived.
OP will not be able to access any of these lounges regardless. One, because the question was about a Y flight without E+, meaning no status. Two, even on the off chance that OP is a United Club member, because OP asked about flying SFO->NGO. OP will go through immigration and customs at NRT/HND without ever being able to get into the lounge.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.
I would also like to remind the OP that as an A3 Gold they (and their +1) flying on any * carrier will have access to whatever *Gold lounges are available at any airport regardless of itinerary. For instance, if you were to fly LAX to SFO on a separate domestic itin, you would have access to the UC as a A3 Gold (in addition to the wonderful *A lounge @ TBIT). The only people who don't have access to UCs on domestic only itins are as lowly UA Elites
-James
Could someone comment on the immigration situation at HND/NRT? I've heard immigration at NRT can be a mess at times (i.e. 4 PM) but have had some issues at HND the last time I cleared immigration there. I suspect OP would have to clear immigration there before flying on to NGO? Will UA/NH check their bag through to the final destination or is a re-check necessary or does it depend by airport?
-James
-James
Could someone comment on the immigration situation at HND/NRT? I've heard immigration at NRT can be a mess at times (i.e. 4 PM) but have had some issues at HND the last time I cleared immigration there. I suspect OP would have to clear immigration there before flying on to NGO? Will UA/NH check their bag through to the final destination or is a re-check necessary or does it depend by airport?
-James
Here's my verdict based on the discussion we've had so far.
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
- The connection experience will be seamless for re-checking bags and getting on to your domestic flight
- There are more non-stops out of NRT than HND on a given day which gives you added protection in the event of IRROPS
- The cabin difference between 777 vs 787 isn't that huge, especially in Y flying E-. Your best hope for improving the cabin experience regardless of option would be choosing an emergency exit row seat (I believe the window ones are free?). Best seat on either of them would be the emergency exit near the restroom since you've got tons of space to stretch out to the point where you can leave your window seat without waking anyone up.
- Lounge situation is about the same at both airports, you'll have access to at both the domestic and international terminals
Jan 20, 2019, 9:16 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ Diamond/*G, IHG Diamond Amb, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,239
Here's my verdict based on the discussion we've had so far.
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
You should pick the NRT service from UA:
- The connection experience will be seamless for re-checking bags and getting on to your domestic flight
- There are more non-stops out of NRT than HND on a given day which gives you added protection in the event of IRROPS
- The cabin difference between 777 vs 787 isn't that huge, especially in Y flying E-. Your best hope for improving the cabin experience regardless of option would be choosing an emergency exit row seat (I believe the window ones are free?). Best seat on either of them would be the emergency exit near the restroom since you've got tons of space to stretch out to the point where you can leave your window seat without waking anyone up.
- Lounge situation is about the same at both airports, you'll have access to at both the domestic and international terminals
Jan 20, 2019, 1:50 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,665
Absolutely not, NGO from Tokyo (either airport) by air is primarily for international connections, not domestic. Everyone domestic takes the Shinkansen train since it's under 2 hours downtown to downtown. You'd be correct to almost any other domestic flight in Japan, but not NGO due to the very short distance.
Actually during Obon, the domestic terminal in NRT will be far more pleasant than HND (or any other national holiday for that matter). While I despise the 77W on UA in Economy (whether E+ or E-), I think I'd rather this flight considering your destination of NGO rather than HND. The 787 is a much more comfortable plane despite the seat size being almost the same, but NRT for a domestic connection is so much more desirable.
Also, not sure when the last time you've came into Japan is from North America, but they've really streamlined the process for foreigners now. There are kiosks to do your photo and fingerprints now in a bank similar to the US, so it shaves off a significant amount of time at the actual counter of the immigration officer. Nothing has changed with customs unfortunately after you pick up your baggage, it's still a 100% check of your customs form, with periodic questioning and baggage search. We're one of the only advanced countries in the world who still won't implement a "Green Lane", so that one does get a bit backed up at peak times, but it's far far worse during peak arrivals at HND than NRT. Even the US has done away with that system now for the most part.
Ah, good point. HND terminals are not next to each other so a ride on the shuttle bus is needed.
Yeah, no lounge for me, not when traveling with a 4 years old.
NRT tends to be messy around afternoon when all TPAC flights arrive from North America. HND on the other hand is less crowded due to the fact that it is a predominantly domestic terminal, and most international flights depart/arrive early morning or late night. Still, I will be traveling near the Obon holiday in mid-August, so that could be a nightmare for domestic airports though.
Yeah, no lounge for me, not when traveling with a 4 years old.
NRT tends to be messy around afternoon when all TPAC flights arrive from North America. HND on the other hand is less crowded due to the fact that it is a predominantly domestic terminal, and most international flights depart/arrive early morning or late night. Still, I will be traveling near the Obon holiday in mid-August, so that could be a nightmare for domestic airports though.
Also, not sure when the last time you've came into Japan is from North America, but they've really streamlined the process for foreigners now. There are kiosks to do your photo and fingerprints now in a bank similar to the US, so it shaves off a significant amount of time at the actual counter of the immigration officer. Nothing has changed with customs unfortunately after you pick up your baggage, it's still a 100% check of your customs form, with periodic questioning and baggage search. We're one of the only advanced countries in the world who still won't implement a "Green Lane", so that one does get a bit backed up at peak times, but it's far far worse during peak arrivals at HND than NRT. Even the US has done away with that system now for the most part.
Jan 20, 2019, 6:28 pm
#25
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Japan/Thailand
Programs: AS, UA
Posts: 1,201
Probably not as convenient as NRT, but it's still very fast and easy, without the crowds of HND-originating domestic passengers.
Jan 20, 2019, 6:50 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: HND, NRT
Programs: UA Gold (1K 2016–2023 by miracle extensions; RIP 1K status), 1MM
Posts: 220
There is a small lounge in the domestic waiting area at NRT, but, again, see point #1 . I assume there's a similar lounge in the domestic terminal at HND, but I've never been there.