Originally Posted by
pig on the wing
I often jumpseat to Japan to visit my inlaws. Very simple but I have a few suggestions: Firstly, email the ramp in NRT in regards to your inbound and outbound flight. 2ndly, let the crew know you are jumpseating for personal travel rather deadheading--a capt got worried that I wasn't on the gen dec. 3rdly, if you are taking the shinkansen (bullet) trains, you can get a pass for a very discounted rate--do a search for JR trains in japan for the link.
Immigration is a breeze both inbound and outbound--all you need is your ID but a printout of your jumpseat confirmation would be a good idea too.
The ramp is well versed with us who travel over there!
Ganbattekudasai!
POTW - Domo summimasen!
Couple of other questions for you....
Have you tried jumpseating on other carriers (i.e. pax) besides FDX?
If so, logistically easier or more difficult --- which would you recommned?
Also, I live on the east coast --- getting to MEM or IND is easy for me with A300s to both twice a day, which domiciles have you found it easiest to get to NRT --- MEM, LAX, ANC?
Finally, are the JR passes they sell in the US still good for "1 week" only?
I had guests who visited me in Japan in the late 80s purchase those before they arrived, but they only seemed like a "good deal" if you were in fact taking the Shinkansen somewhere --- if you were riding mostly local trains during your visit it still seemed cheaper to purchase tickets a la carte.
Thanks,
DLax