Airport Processing Times in the NWO

[Adora]

So I'm travelling to Japan at Christmas, just FYI. What I need info on right at this moment is the amount of time it takes for processing the average international traveller in Western-style airports, since my plane's going to be touching down around 10pm Osaka time, and there's a strong likelyhood I'll be sleeping in the airport or an internet cafe because all the hostels/hotels in the area close at 10/11.

But if they can process me in 20 minutes, I might be able to make the reception desk at some goofy little hostel before they close check-ins.

So, any experiences with cattle-class processing?

[ChuckF]

20 minutes is wildly optimistic, especially if you have luggage to claim. It usually takes me 20-30 minutes to clear immigration at large international airports, and another 20 or 30 to get luggage. Huge airports also require a lot of walking time, so an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes is about right. Of course, they could be much more efficient in Japan, and use some crazy super technology to process you quickly.

It's weird that hotels close that early. Is there a hotel in the airport?

[Adora]

Not that I can find. Wikitravel says you can get blankets from the information desk though, and the airport lounge has some 9-hour package for 3800 yen which is sounding rather attractive. The major problem is just it takes about an hour on transport to get to Osaka and after spending 10 hours on a plane I'm not really going to want to up my chances of DVT even more and sit on a bus. I'd much rather sleep and relax and then wake up the next day ready to explore or, if needed, catch a bus, find my hostel and sleep some more.

Edit, or maybe not, since Google now informs me the lounge closes around 8-9pm.

Comfy airport seats it is, then!