Flying Delta From Newark, Nj To Bangkok

[kunrj]

After flying from Newark, NJ to Bangkok using EVA Air in April 2010, I did not expect that I would fly to Bangkok again so soon. However, I will be going to Bangkok again in two weeks. Due to the time frame, I was not able to get a ticket to fly EVA Air but I was able to get a round trip ticket from Delta. Delta bought NWA, so I expected that my trip would be like flying NWA. However, I haven't flown with NWA or Delta for 8 years so I am curious to hear from anyone if they made a trip from USA to Bangkok using Delta. I will be going from Newark, NJ to Atlanta. Then, flying from Atlanta to Narita, Japan before flying to Bangkok. I am sure I have to go through another security check at Naria, Japan. I would like to know how easy or difficult it is to go through the security checkpoint there. Do I need to take my PC out like what you have to do in the U.S.? What about taking off shoes? I did not have to do that when I went through the security checkpoint in Taipei. Any hints or tips that anyone might have will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

RJ

[WarpSpeed]

Curiously strange questions? Not sure how they effect your trip so much?? Taking off your shoes? Opening up your lap top?? Curious, are such things really so inconvenient as to require so much advanced notice or preparation for the average traveler?

[ukrules]

Why are you so worried, what are you smuggling in your shoes / laptop ?

[IMA_FARANG]

Well I'm an American by birth, but I ususally go out of my way to AVOID traveling on American owned and operated airlines. The standard of service and the courtesy shown to the passenger are just not up to the European or Asian airlines. But if you must go Delta, then I guess you must.

Yes, you should expect to be asked to take your PC out of the carrier and turn it on to show it is operational. Be sure the battery is charged before you leave. That's almost a sure thing.

Removing your shoes...I don't know. I was once asked to remove my shoes and belt on a Turkish airlines flight leaving from Istanbul,Turkey to Bangkok. However, that's an American thing, and I have often traveled on European airlines or Asian airlines, and only that once was I asked to remove my shoes. (AKA as the Richard Reid effect).

The liquids and toothpaste thing is a standard...no containers with over 100ml of liquid or paste allowed in carry on luggage. So expect that. For men that means no shaving gear, toothpaste, or after shave and such allowed. Afer getting off a 12 to 15 hour flight, expect to smell bad, have a five-o-clock shadow at best, and feel like warmed over cr_p...all thanks to some third rate loser wannabe terrorist dolt that never had a chance of sucess anyhow.

In my humble opinion, you will find yourself treated with more courtesy and consideration in your foriegn stopovers (such as Japan) than you will find in your American starting point.

[kunrj]

Thank you very much for your reply. I always believe that when traveling abroad, it is good to know what you are expected to do so that you don't spend time or cause problems to yourself or others. For example, if I am not expected to take off my shoes or take my PC out, why would I spend time doing that?

RJ

Well I'm an American by birth, but I ususally go out of my way to AVOID traveling on American owned and operated airlines. The standard of service and the courtesy shown to the passenger are just not up to the European or Asian airlines. But if you must go Delta, then I guess you must.

Yes, you should expect to be asked to take your PC out of the carrier and turn it on to show it is operational. Be sure the battery is charged before you leave. That's almost a sure thing.

Removing your shoes...I don't know. I was once asked to remove my shoes and belt on a Turkish airlines flight leaving from Istanbul,Turkey to Bangkok. However, that's an American thing, and I have often traveled on European airlines or Asian airlines, and only that once was I asked to remove my shoes. (AKA as the Richard Reid effect).

The liquids and toothpaste thing is a standard...no containers with over 100ml of liquid or paste allowed in carry on luggage. So expect that. For men that means no shaving gear, toothpaste, or after shave and such allowed. Afer getting off a 12 to 15 hour flight, expect to smell bad, have a five-o-clock shadow at best, and feel like warmed over cr_p...all thanks to some third rate loser wannabe terrorist dolt that never had a chance of sucess anyhow.

In my humble opinion, you will find yourself treated with more courtesy and consideration in your foriegn stopovers (such as Japan) than you will find in your American starting point.

[Spee]

OP wrote:

Then, flying from Atlanta to Narita, Japan before flying to Bangkok. I am sure I have to go through another security check at Naria, Japan. I would like to know how easy or difficult it is to go through the security checkpoint there. Do I need to take my PC out like what you have to do in the U.S.? What about taking off shoes?

The ATL-NRT leg is a biatch, about 14 hours. If in cattle class, the seat quality varies widely. Make sure you check sites like seatguru.com to make sure you have a decent seat.

Also, NRT is a consolidation point for all US flights headed to BKK. Your flight to/from BKK is likely to be packed, even in the seasonal and unrest down time. They might try to prevent from giving you a seat assignment until you are at the terminal, but if you persist, they will eventually give in and your chances of getting a decent seat are better (IMHO).

Their 747's old with crappy IFE. You're better off bringing your own.

I've been flying through Narita for the last 8+ years or so. Their security for international connecting flights has never changed. It's full discovery, almost as bad as in the US. Nothing new. Nothing anyone can do about it.

[craigt3365]

I have flown pretty much every airline between the US and Narita. Like mentioned above, the American airlines are the worst. And even if you book Delta, you might end up on another airline. I recently booked Continental and ended up on United, ANA and Thai Air. Go figure.

When you land in Narita, you have to go through a security check again. Pretty much like what you will do when you are at the airport in the US. Sometimes I have had to take off my shoes, sometimes not. Same as with different airports in the US.

I recently came back from the US. The flight was over 1/2 empty from Narita to BKK. Biz class had 1 person. Crazy...

[UberBraun]

I have been flying NWA (now Delta) from Orlando Florida to Bangkok for over 10 years now.  Going through Narita airport security can be slow, especially if you land just after another Delta 747.  But it is a no brainer.  Your laptop will need to be taken out for the x-ray, but not turned on.  Shoes can remain on, but you may be asked to remove your belt ( ???).  That's about it.  Enjoy your flight  :-)

[Microwave]

I'm not American, but I had to visit the USA last November for work. The security check at Narita involved standing in line for at least 30 minutes and possibly longer, I just don't remember. I do remember that the line moved quite slowly. No need to take off your shoes, but you'll have to take your computer out of your carry-on luggage. Be prepared to show your passport and boarding pass as well. The comment made about liquids is correct i.e. same as a domestic USA flight.

When i arrived in Chicago, my name matched the name of an evil twin bouncing around the Homeland Security computer database. I was escorted by 2 armed Homeland Security officials and taken to a room which had at least 30 other people already inside. After about 1 hour my name was called, I was asked the purpose of my trip and how long did I plan on visiting the USA. The official seemed satisfied with my answers and as I was being escorted out of the room to the baggage claim area, the Homeland Security official walking with me whispered to me, "just be glad your name isn't Mohammad Mohammad". No joke! I was shocked that an official of the USA government made this comment to me, and I'm still shocked. Truly bizarre!

I have to agree with other posters about the quality of USA airlines. I flew United Airlines from Bangkok - Narita - Chicago and back, I reckon I've been spoiled by the airlines in Asia.

[Pacificperson]

They do spot checks at times. I don't know why but I got pulled out and a very careful check at every layover between Guam and Florida on one trip. After the second or third set of baggage checks and pat downs, I began to feel like a marked man. This included Narita.

Microwave is right the lines can move slow at Narita and they run everyone through them. I would guess that the US Homeland Security is not through enough for the Japanese government.