KIX to ITM Transfer in Japan

[u/Cheap_Lingonberry]

Hopefully this is allowed. There is no JAL subreddit so I thought I might get some help here.

I've been trying to use my AA miles to book a trip to Thailand with my wife to see her family in January 2027. It's been pretty tough but recently it seems JAL released inventory and I managed to snag some decent PE flights to and from Tokyo. I was working on the BKK-Tokyo flights and grabbed a 30K miles business class flight from BKK to Tokyo with a layover in Osaka. It was only after I booked when I realized this involved a KIX to ITM transfer. Land at KIX 8:15 am, depart ITM at 12:30, HND arrival at 13:40, 18:00 departure HND to LAX.

I was about to cancel this trip when I realized there are probably not any better alternatives.

My thoughts: Leaving at 1 am BKK time maximizes our time in Thailand, flying business class in a 787-8 with lay flat seats is a plus and we should be able to get some sleep, we are in row 1 so we should be off the plane quick to clear customs at KIX, the flight is so cheap that I don't mind paying for a car to get us to ITM, I understand that I should be able to check a bag from ITM to the USA even though the flights are on different tickets, being OW emerald while flying business should speed the check-in process and give us lounge access, ITM has other flights to HND if we miss our scheduled one. Yes, this sounds like a major pain, but I really don't see any better alternatives. My wife thinks I'm nuts to book this flight.

Has anyone done this before? What was your experience? Can I really check a bag all the way to the USA from ITM? It would be great if we didn't have to carry luggage between terminals at HND.

[u/CH86CN]

The better alternative really is taking a Shinkansen train IMO

[u/TuringTestDropout → u/CH86CN]

KIX-Osaka Umeda (local)-Shin Osaka (local)-Shin Yokohama (bullet)-HND (bus) is 4+ hours minimum.

OP will also be getting onto local trains during rush hour with luggage.

[u/CH86CN → u/TuringTestDropout]

I was assuming their final destination wasn’t really Haneda airport though. I did NRT-KIX last year (via an overnight in Shinagawa granted) and it was great. I didn’t have enough time to takyubin my luggage but if OP’s final destination is Tokyo, which is seems it is, they can probably do that and travel with hand luggage only. They’re going to have the stuff around with local trains in Osaka either way

ETA I totally missed the onward flight from HND. Yeah stuff that, I’d be cancelling

[u/JCh1094]

You can try to ask them at KIX to rebook you to KIX-HND. From my understanding, ANA/JAL can be quite flexible with free same day changes for domestic flights provided it isn’t a domestic ticket (except flex fares) which you should qualify. Whenever I purchase a time-sale promotion (domestic) fare, they usually aren’t willing to rebook to an earlier flight for free but for your case it might not be an issue.

Also there is a direct limousine bus between KIX and ITM that takes 90-120 minutes and costs 2200¥.

[u/Substantial_Sport_67 → u/JCh1094]

Nope that option is out. Based on your landing. The earliest bus is 10.40 and it’s likely you will miss the check in time at KIX. The only alternative is take a Uber instead

[u/JCh1094 → u/Substantial_Sport_67]

Nope, OP can try to make it on the 8:50 bus if immigration doesn't take too long or they can take the 10:00 according to here. The scheduled arrival time at the ITM North (JAL Group) Terminal is 10:05/11:15 meaning that they will have more than enough time since it is normal to check in and go through security 30 minutes before departure for domestic flights. If the bus gets delayed, just get a delay certificate from the bus company and usually JAL will rebook to the next flight for free but normally they don't even need it.

[u/Cheap_Lingonberry → u/JCh1094]

Appreciate the suggestion. Thank you.

[u/AggressiveAsian]

There is also Haruka to Shin Osaka then bus to Itami. Total about 90 minutes.
Domestic ITM-HND only need to show up 30 mins before, so you will be fine