Is getting around Narita Airport easy?
So I'm going to Japan for 10 days in September and I will be landing at Narita Airport. I'm a little nervous I may not find my gate or check in counter. Is it easy to find my gate and is there people there that will direct me to my proper gate at the airport when I go back home to New York since it's a big airport and do most people there speak English?
It's an entirely different experience than a US airport. All of the people working the ticketing counters stand outside of their positions waiting for customers. When I went through there, I was told to be at the airport "at least 30 minutes" before my flight. I'm used to getting to the airport 2 hours early in the US. Security took less than 2 minutes. It's exceptionally well organized and efficient. And there are plenty of people who speak multiple language there to help you.
Airports are the same all over the world. The signs are all in English. The gates are marked by numbers. It will be exactly like the airports in New York, except a lot more efficient.
Yes, English is the language of air travel. Just think how hard it is for people who don't speak English!
Is getting around Narita Airport easy?
If you can decipher JFK then Narita is much easier.
do most people there speak English? English is well understood. No idea if the minute you are there most will speak English.
The signs are in English and Japanese. Many many do speak English.
Try to have your last sleeping night near the Airport. No need to be rushing a long distance aiming to be last on board. There's a large shopping area to keep you occupied while waiting for your flight home.
Suggest after you arrive and pass your Customs inspection before heading off on your adventure take a few minutes and explore the departure level. To ease your concerns.
Narita Airport is not difficult if you keep your eyes and ears open. Lots of sign to tell you where to go. If you are concerned, you should look at the facilities and map of the airport before your departure.
You also don't give any attention to getting to/from the airport - that is often a bigger concern - you can take the Narita Express train, Keisei, limousine bus or Access Narita 1000 yen bus. The last option is the cheapest, but you don't say where in Tokyo or elsewhere you want to end up.
BTW you'd be incredibly foolish showing up just 30 minutes before your flight - for domestic flights it would be seriously pushing it. For international flights you run the big risk of having the flight closed on you before you can check in and get to your gate. Things are efficient, but if everyone showed up 30 minutes before take off, the planes would all be very late - give yourself time to get to where you need to, with ample time to spare.
It's a little disorienting a first, but it's not terribly different than any other airport. There are plenty of English signs and attendants who speak English, so you won't have to worry about language issues
Changing flight there's a bit of a problem. They recheck you twice before boarding. But not a big problem. So have a hour or more between flights.
- Is shoes off at airport getting less popular? When was the last time you were asked to remove normal trainers when travelling in Europe? Hasn't happened in years, boots is understandable but simple sneakers?
- How do ex Presidents fly around? How do ex Presidents e.g. Presidents Clinton, Obama etc., get around. Does the US Air Force fly them around or do they travel by commercial airlines or private jet? Thanks for the "sensible" answers. @Pilsner Man what is the significance of "buckwheat" or am I just thick. Not from US.
- I'm flying from idaho to Punta Cana, Dominica Republic. Can I effectively get my gun through New York Airport without getting hassled? We know that DR can get pretty sketchy sometimes and definitely want to bring my handgun. But New York obviously isn't fond of anything that starts with g and ends in uns. My overlay is there for a couple hours. Has anyone effectively got their checked bag with gun through without getting feds pulling you out of an airplane?
- Going through immigration and costums at narita airport nervous never traveled abroad before how easy is it? I'm going to Japan in September and I have never travelled abroad I will be at terminal 1. What is it like going through immigration and costums. I have all the proper information as well. I know they finger print you and you sign a form on the plane. I'm flying from lax airport. I'm a but nervous. Will it be a breeze i'm landing at 7 pm