Haneda; Early Baggage Drop and Lounge Access?

[PaulyB]

I am checking in tomorrow (Friday) at Haneda for a domestic transit to Osaka with JL in J (Part of a OWA) on route to BKK. I already have seat allocation and will have checked in online.

I understand that I can do a machine baggage drop and wanted to ask:

1. Will it work about 90m before normal check-in
2. Will I then have access to the lounge that far ahead?

Hope you can help.
Thanks!

 

[Himeno]

It's been a long time since I used the HND T1 check in area, normally having used the connections check in counter in T3 after an international arrival (I think I've only used the T1 check in once, over 10 years ago).
I've never had any lounge access issues for being "early".

The JL website doesn't mention any limits other then the cut off time (check in 30 mins prior to flight) and the opening times each morning for the domestic terminals around Japan.

I assume you're going HND-KIX-BKK?

You'll need to use the north wing of HND T1, they won't deal with Osaka bound flights in the south wing.

 

[PaulyB]

I assume you're going HND-KIX-BKK?

Yes. Thanks for this. I am guessing we may be OK so it's good to hear your experience.

 

[blacksultan]

I am checking in tomorrow (Friday) at Haneda for a domestic transit to Osaka with JL in J (Part of a OWA) on route to BKK. I already have seat allocation and will have checked in online.

I understand that I can do a machine baggage drop and wanted to ask:

1. Will it work about 90m before normal check-in
2. Will I then have access to the lounge that far ahead?

Hope you can help.
Thanks!

Usually if you are entitled you can use lounge hours before your flight departs

 

[elanshin]

I understand that I can do a machine baggage drop and wanted to ask:

1. Will it work about 90m before normal check-in
2. Will I then have access to the lounge that far ahead?

1. Yes 90m is no problem.
Do note that sometimes you may be directed to the "special desk" at T1 to drop your baggage off. We had to do it twice with HND <> CTS.

2. No problems with lounge access.

I'd also wander around T1 and check out the stores there. Lots of fun souvenir and other food stores. Prices also don't attempt to rip people off.


Oh and JL has their own security check points iirc so you can get through pretty quickly. And don't stress too too much if you're running a bit behind time. Japanese airports are hyper effective. We checked in and bag dropped 19 mins before departure (not our fault, special check in line was huge full of urgent passengers) and everything made it pretty ok including luggage.

 

[PaulyB]

Thanks very much for all the info. It is a holiday tomorrow here and also the Limousine Bus only leaves from the hotel at 3.30. Pretty early for our flight.

@elanshin - is there an Apple store in there? I need a new charger for a watch. Sigh..... somewhere between here and Brussels!

​

 

[elanshin]

Thanks very much for all the info. It is a holiday tomorrow here and also the Limousine Bus only leaves from the hotel at 3.30. Pretty early for our flight.

@elanshin - is there an Apple store in there? I need a new charger for a watch. Sigh..... somewhere between here and Brussels!

​

I don't remember an apple store in there. Maybe take a look at a yodobashi or bic camera near wherever you're staying? They usually open around 10am, they should still be open right now if you're staying near one.

 

[PaulyB]

I don't remember an apple store in there. Maybe take a look at a yodobashi or bic camera near wherever you're staying? They usually open around 10am, they should still be open right now if you're staying near one.

Good oh. Yes - I can do that.

One final question - Am I able to use the automated baggage collection machines to do a multi city journey (HND-KIX-BKK)? Dont want the bags coming off at KIX! And/or is there anyone to assist given that I am there 90m before checkin. Sorry! So many questions....

 

[Fifi2207]

I don't remember an apple store in there. Maybe take a look at a yodobashi or bic camera near wherever you're staying? They usually open around 10am, they should still be open right now if you're staying near one.

Don’t think apple are “doing” airports now

 

[elanshin]

One final question - Am I able to use the automated baggage collection machines to do a multi city journey (HND-KIX-BKK)? Dont want the bags coming off at KIX! And/or is there anyone to assist given that I am there 90m before checkin. Sorry! So many questions....

Think of it like qantas domestic desk. Its practically open all day. A bit different to international check in desks.

You will actually probably be best to head directly to the special service desk as you'll need to get checked for your boarding pass all the way through to BKK. They'll process you and you can drop your bags with them there as well.

Unrelated note, I love that the bag checks drop off belt/scale are on the exact same height as the floor. Just roll your suitcase on, no heaving it onto a conveyor.

 

[PaulyB]

There is so much to love about Japan, I must admit. That kind of thoughtfulness is a good example. Although I nearly had palpitations checking in online just now. Getting the messages
1: @ NOTICE: Least preferred seat has been assigned.
2: © Seat 7C: No movable arm rest.

...until I realised they were the same thing (different messages for different flights) and I don't recall the arm rests moving in J. (Never thought about it before!!)

 

[PaulyB]

Thanks for all the advice. Checkin at counter smooth and early into the entry into the Sakura lounge.

I am truly shocked though. No food!!! I just never expected that. It’s a glorified waiting room. Maybe it’s just a domestic lounge and international is different?

And at this airport one has to walk for ages to find any food that is not sweets and cakes and can be brought back in.

I am probably sounding very ungrateful but it was something I never expected at a major hub for the resident airline.

 

[Himeno]

Thanks for all the advice. Checkin at counter smooth and early into the entry into the Sakura lounge.

I am truly shocked though. No food!!! I just never expected that. It’s a glorified waiting room. Maybe it’s just a domestic lounge and international is different?

And at this airport one has to walk for ages to find any food that is not sweets and cakes and can be brought back in.

I am probably sounding very ungrateful but it was something I never expected at a major hub for the resident airline.

The JL domestic lounges have always been sparse on the food options, more akin to the snack only food of the AA domestic clubs. They did make changes due to Covid and given that the international lounges are still requiring ordering food via QR code at your table (which has made some people think there is no food), they may not have reverted back to even the sparse options they had in the domestic lounges pre covid.

 

[PaulyB]

They did make changes due to Covid and given that the international lounges are still requiring ordering food via QR code at your table (which has made some people think there is no food), they may not have reverted back to even the sparse options they had in the domestic lounges pre covid.

Sparse indeed. There are 3 types of beer, soft drinks from a machine, some nuts, coffee machine, a whiskey and Saki and that is nearly it. If you are coming for a domestic flight, bring food with you! There is no problem bringing it in. Make sure you bring cutlery too.

 

[encryptededdy]

snack only food of the AA domestic clubs

I feel even before covid there was less food in a Sakura lounge than a US domestic lounge. Only the DP lounge had onigiri, bread, etc.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

And we complain about our QFd lounges being a need for "refreshing".
Thanks for the info.
7C with it being a J cabin, you got the JLd configured A350/767/777?

 

[PaulyB]

And we complain about our QFd lounges being a need for "refreshing".
Thanks for the info.
7C with it being a J cabin, you got the JLd configured A350/767/777?

The QANTAS experience has - by comparison- been excellent on this OWA journey. And yes - suddenly their main lounges at least are looking really good. I don't think I will be doing another OWA anytime soon tho. I aged years in the rotten booking process and the inefficient flight options

Re the plane - no it is 787-8 (788) according to my JL app.

 

[elanshin]

Sparse indeed. There are 3 types of beer, soft drinks from a machine, some nuts, coffee machine, a whiskey and Saki and that is nearly it. If you are coming for a domestic flight, bring food with you! There is no problem bringing it in. Make sure you bring cutlery too.

Whilst that may be the case, the general food available in the terminal is plentiful and i feel better than our domestic terminals. I also find they don't have "airport tax" prices. I remember buying a whole bunch of snacks and food at T1. But theb again I'm a sucker when they say "limited to xx_ per day".

 

[PaulyB]

7C with it being a J cabin, you got the JLd configured A350/767/777?

Actually it was the oddest seating. Not a flat bed which made it a strange experience sleeping. Sort of 3/4 slope and seating without privacy screen, etc. A 2 2 2 configuration.

 

[PaulyB]

Whilst that may be the case, the general food available in the terminal is plentiful and i feel better than our domestic terminals. I also find they don't have "airport tax" prices. I remember buying a whole bunch of snacks and food at T1. But theb again I'm a sucker when they say "limited to xx_ per day".

You are certainly right about the prices. At T1 though we had to travel pretty much to the end of the terminal to find a selection of restaurants. But the food was worth it!