Complete Guide to Boarding Domestic Flights in the U.S.｜What is the difference between Japanese and U.S. flights?

Basic flow of domestic flights in the U.S.

The following is a basic flow chart for domestic flights within the United States. First, we recommend that you purchase your ticket and complete online check-in prior to departure. Online check-in is usually available 24 hours prior to departure and is convenient for smooth procedures at the airport.

Upon arrival at the airport, the first step is to check in your luggage at the airline counter. In most cases, there are self-service check-in machines where you can also print your boarding pass. Then, if you have large luggage, head to the check-in counter.

Next is the security check. Security is very strict in the U.S., so all baggage and metal items you are wearing must be placed on a tray and passed through an inspection machine. In many cases, you will be required to remove your shoes, so it is a good idea to be prepared.

After the security check, head to your boarding gate. There are often restaurants and stores near the gate, so if you have some time before your flight, you can spend it here. However, you should be back near your gate by the time boarding begins.

When boarding, staff will check your ID and scan your boarding pass, so have them ready for immediate retrieval. Seat assignments can be made in advance, or in some cases, they will be assigned on the spot, so be sure to check.

On domestic flights within the U.S., snacks and beverages are provided as in-flight service. Please note, however, that unlike in Japan, in many cases these services are not free. Many airlines also offer Wi-Fi service and entertainment systems, so you can enjoy a comfortable flight.

The above is the general flow when using domestic flights within the United States. If you understand this basic flow, you will be able to travel without anxiety.

Check-in and security checkpoints

Check-in and security checks for domestic flights in the U.S. differ from those in Japan in several ways. First, online check-in is common for many U.S. airlines. This can be done through websites or mobile apps 24 hours prior to departure, and it allows for a smoother process at the airport. If you check in online, we recommend that you save your boarding pass on your smartphone or print it out and bring it with you.

When checking in in person at the airport, it is common to use a self-service check-in machine. At this machine, enter your reservation number and passport information, and receive your boarding pass. If you have baggage, go directly to the check-in counter.

Next, security checks are more stringent than those in Japan; they are managed by the TSA (U.S. Transportation Security Administration), and special care must be taken when handling liquids and electronic devices. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, and these must be packed in 1-liter sized clear zipper bags. In addition, large electronic devices (e.g. laptops) should be removed from the bag and placed separately on a tray for inspection.

In addition, some airports offer an expedited security service called "TSA PreCheck". This service is very convenient because it eliminates the need to remove shoes and belts, as well as laptops and liquids from bags. However, this service requires pre-registration and screening.

With the above points in mind, you will be able to enjoy your itinerary without anxiety, as you will be able to travel smoothly on U.S. domestic flights.

Checked baggage rules and precautions

The following is an explanation of the rules and precautions for checked baggage when traveling on domestic flights within the United States. First of all, it is important to check the baggage policies of the airline you will be traveling with on its website in advance, as they differ from airline to airline. Many U.S. domestic flights may charge an additional fee for checked baggage, so be aware of this as well.

As a general rule, there are size and weight restrictions on checked baggage. Typically, a single bag is required to be no larger than 62 inches (approximately 158 centimeters) and the weight limit is often 50 pounds (approximately 23 kilograms). If you exceed these standards, you may be charged an additional fee, so please make sure that your baggage fits within the regulations.

There are also items that are prohibited or restricted for security reasons. For example, large quantities of liquids and sharp objects are prohibited, so be careful not to put them in your suitcase by mistake. If you are bringing liquids, especially as souvenirs, it is a good idea to divide them into small portions and place them in zip-lock bags.

Furthermore, it is recommended that important and valuable items be carried as carry-on baggage, not checked in. This includes passports, cash, electronic devices, etc. It is always a good idea to keep your important items under your control so that you can feel secure in the event of an emergency.

Last but not least, please allow plenty of time for your activities at the check-in counter, as it is often crowded. In addition, you may be able to use the automatic check-in machines, which may make the procedure smoother, so please make use of them. By keeping these points in mind, you can enjoy your trip without anxiety.

Difference between Boarding Procedures and Seat Assignments

The following is an introduction to check-in procedures and seat assignments for domestic flights in the U.S., focusing on the differences from Japanese carriers. First, online check-in is common for U.S. airlines. You can check in for your flight 24 hours in advance via their website or mobile app, and you can also make your seat selection at this time. On the other hand, many Japanese airlines allow you to select your seat in advance, thus enabling you to secure your preferred seat earlier.

For boarding procedures, self-service kiosks are commonly installed at many airports in the U.S., and boarding passes are generally issued using a self-service check-in machine. This system facilitates smooth procedures. On the other hand, Japanese airlines also strive to provide courteous service at manned counters, providing peace of mind for those who prefer face-to-face assistance.

Another format that can be seen on U.S. domestic flights is "open seating. This is a system in which passengers are free to choose any available seat, rather than a specific seat number, and is used by some low-cost carriers. In this case, you should go to the boarding gate early. In contrast, many Japanese carriers use a fixed seat number system with advance reservations, giving you the option to choose according to your own preferences.

In addition, one point that differs from Japan is "group boarding". This is a system in which each boarding area is prioritized and each group is called in turn. Therefore, it is necessary to wait while checking your group number and order. Because of these differences, Japanese travelers may feel a little confused at times. However, once you get used to the system, you will be able to board efficiently.

These are the check-in procedures and seat assignments for U.S. domestic flights and Japanese carriers. Each airline has different features, so please choose the one that best suits your travel style and needs.

In-flight Service and Entertainment

This section introduces in-flight service and entertainment on U.S. domestic flights. American airlines offer different services than Japanese airlines, and understanding their characteristics will help you enjoy a comfortable flight.

First, regarding in-flight service, many U.S. domestic flights offer limited free food and beverage items on short-haul flights. Generally, only soft drinks and snacks are free, and further meals and alcoholic beverages are often available for a fee. However, on long-haul flights and in premium class, a more extensive meal menu may be offered, so it is recommended to check before boarding.

Next, let's talk about entertainment. These days, many airlines offer personal screens and Wi-Fi service. However, even in this respect, they differ from Japanese airlines in that some content, such as movies and TV programs, may be available for a fee. In addition, some airlines are increasingly offering a style of entertainment from your own device by downloading a dedicated application. For this reason, it is advisable to make the necessary preparations before departure.

In addition, magazines and newspapers are available on some flights, but Japanese-language versions are not expected to be available, so if you prefer Japanese-language content, feel free to bring your own. In many cases, headphones must be purchased separately or brought by yourself.

As you can see, there are some differences in basic in-flight service and entertainment on U.S. domestic flights, so be sure to prepare what you can yourself in advance. If you plan accordingly, you will have a more pleasant flight experience.

Service Comparison with Japanese Airlines

When comparing the service on U.S. domestic flights with that of Japanese carriers, several differences become apparent. First, Japanese carriers are generally regarded as having higher quality service. In many cases, the crew's customer service attitude and the quality of the food and beverages served on board are examples of the meticulous attention to detail that can be felt. In particular, the availability of Japanese-language services is a great source of reassurance for Japanese travelers.

On the other hand, on U.S. domestic flights, services may be simplified in order to reduce costs. For example, short-haul flights may not offer in-flight meals or complimentary entertainment services. However, the fares are often less expensive, making them suitable for budget-conscious travelers.

There is also a difference in seat assignments. Japanese carriers often allow seat selection at the time of reservation, making it easier to secure a seat of your choice. However, on some U.S. domestic flights, seat selection is not available without paying an additional fee.

Furthermore, while flights to/from Japan offer a wide variety of Japanese-oriented services, such as entertainment programs and Japanese food menus in line with Japanese culture, such special support cannot be expected on domestic flights within the United States. Therefore, it is advisable to prepare for your own enjoyment (e.g., e-books, music player, etc.).

In general, each has different strengths, and it is recommended that you choose the one that best suits your itinerary and needs. If you understand the characteristics of each, you can enjoy more comfortable air travel.