I am considering flying SFO-NRT-BKK in November. The outbound leg is no problem because I am staying a week in Tokyo before flying to Bangkok. However, the return trip would be flying BKK-NRT on ANA and NRT-SFO on UA with a 1 hr layover in NRT. Is this enough time between flights? Also, will ANA transfer my luggage to the UA plane? The reason for using ANA is because UA doesn't have many flights between BKK and NRT.

I don't think you will have any time problems. The ua gates are down the escalator from the security check.15 min max in security.They can probably interline your bags at BKK just ask and tell them your final destination.

no problems unless your plane is late, if it's the same ticket the bags will be checked all the way...

agree with previous posts...you should be fine as the gates are very close together.

Sixty minutes is more than the minimum connecting times. And NRT ground and ramp services are notoriously efficient, which means that your bag has an even greater chance to make the connection than you do.

When you check in at BKK, ask ANA if they can issue you a UA boarding pass. They should be able to do so.

I'm not sure why you wouldn't book your flight all the way to BKK and back on United. Yes, ANA has superior service. Are you trying to avoid an early morning departure? Considering your name, this may be the case. The United flight does depart BKK 1.5 to 2 hours earlier, but for the stress you might endure connecting, why not just stay on UA?

I figure it this way: Even an 0830 departure means I have to be there at 0630, which means that I'm still going to lose some sleep getting there. So why be both sleepy and stressed, when I could be unstressed and merely sleepy?

1 hour is really tight though.

With the long walk and boarding starting 40 to 45 minutes out, it's just so-so doable.

Sitting in the NRT ANA lounge at the moment. NRT is very good, they get people and baggage out on time. Your real concern should be BKK. If you get to NRT on time you're all set. If your BKK flight is late then there's nothing ANA can do. BKK does not have the same reputation for on time performance. I'd say the that the 1 hour is a risk.

One hour may be enough time but if you're running late from BKK it may be a tight connection. NH does an excellent job with bags etc but you still have clear security again. At least the gates are going to be relatively close..and no terminal changes are involved.
I'd personally take the earlier UA flight as it would give you more time for connecting in NRT....

Thanks for all of the informative posts! The reason why I was considering ANA was
1) The UA + ANA flight is $400 cheaper than the all UA version. ANA has some really good deals for NRT-BKK (34000Y).

2) UA only has one flight per day for NRT-BKK and the times aren't to my liking. ANA has 4 flights per day with much better times.

UA
6:30PM NRT - 11:45PM BKK
6:35AM BKK - 2:15PM NRT

I'm going probably go with UA+ANA and take my chances. Is there a special security line for Premier when I arrive at NRT?

If UA had kept their 7pm NRT-SFO flights (that were canceled earlier this year), then my life would be less stressful.

When I was last at NRT, there was an agent holding a sign indicating a special security line, I believe for Gold, C and F pax.

I agree, it would be nice to have 2 UA NRT-SFO flights a day.

Would be nice.... I am thankful we have ONE!!!!! ^ Oh and I think you mean BKK right?