What to do in a foreign airport? HELP ME!?

Question

My sister and I are going to vietnam tomorrow. It is not a non-stop flight. We have to stop at Narita Airport, Narita, Japan..and wait 3hrs there...So...after we arrive in narita airport.....Do we just wait in the waiting room for 3hrs then jump on another airplane without going through any inspection such as custom check, passport check ETC? or Do we have to go through "Passport Control" , Custum check ETC and then wait in the waiting room for 3hrs???

Im clueless...

and im 18 3/4 years old...my lil sis is 12 and PLEASE HELP ME ASAP cuz TOMORROW IS THE FLIGHT!!!

Answer 1

If you have to go through customs/passport check, you won't have any other choice but to do that after getting off the plane.  I imagine that you probably will.  Most airports have a particular terminal for arriving international flights, and everyone departing those flights has to go through customs/passport check.  So you won't have a choice.

Then you'll wait for your next flight, and you'll have to go through customs again in Vietnam.

You can ask your flight attendants to confirm this if you're still concerned.  But that is usually how it works.

Answer 2

You'll stay in the departure/transit area at Narita, and will not have to clear customs, passport control or immigration, but will have to go through another security screening to get to the departure area from the arrivals area. Check the message boards or ask to find out which terminal your flight to Vietnam departs from. There is a short shuttle train and shuttle buses if you need to switch terminals, which you most likely will have to do. Once you're in the correct terminal for your Vietnam flight check to see where your gate is. You don't have to sit in a waiting room, you'll have the whole departure area to spend time in, with shopping, restaurants and other things to do. Three hours is plenty of time, don't worry, you'll be fine.

Answer 3

when you arrive at the layover ask the flight attendent what to do and where to go. most of the time there is someone from teh airport waiting when you get off the flight to direct transfers ( i can't say for japan because ive never been - but everywhere else i've been has been like that).

most likely you will have to go through a metal detector security again. 3 hours is good time. it wont be so long because it will take you 45 min to get situated and then you basically just have an hour and a half to kill. usually they board again before. you'll be fine and if youre nervous ask questions the flight crew is always very helpful.

Answer 4

I have no idea what security is like over there,

but if it's just like any other airport you should try to find where your next gate is, if you have trouble just ask someone who works at a little store or something. once you find your gate just relax. maybe walk around a little, get something to eat. they will probably check your passport and what not but I'm not sure.

Answer 5

Ahh I love Vietnam. I went there last summer and we had to stop in Korea. From what I remember, I think we just sat and waited, checked out a few stores in the airport. When it was time to board, I think we showed our tickets and our passports, and that was pretty much it.

If you're unsure, then you should just wait until you get to Japan. There's ALWAYS a customer service desk or something similar to it where someone speaks English and will be able to help you. :) Have fun in Vietnam!