United Chicago-Tokyo Narita flights: October 24 guide

United plans to restore daily nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo Narita on October 24, 2026. UA867 will fly from Chicago to Narita, with UA868 returning to Chicago. The service is announced and bookable, but it has not started operating yet.

*Original AI-generated OpenSim editorial illustration. It is not a photograph of a United flight, a literal route map or a view from either airport.*

The short answer: United's first Chicago departure is planned for October 24, with the first Narita departure on October 25. The route is scheduled daily on a Boeing 787-8. Check the local time on your ticket because Chicago's daylight saving change moves the displayed Chicago departure and arrival times after the first week.

The route is scheduled to start October 24

United's route announcement says daily, year-round Chicago O'Hare to Tokyo Narita service starts October 24. Narita Airport lists the first Japan departure on October 25 because the westbound flight crosses the date line and arrives the following day.

Narita's launch notice says the schedule is subject to government approval and can change. The service is still at the pre-operation stage, so recheck the live flight before relying on it.

This is a return to Narita for United's Chicago service, not the first nonstop flight between the cities. ANA and Japan Airlines already serve Chicago and Narita. United also has a separate daily Chicago to Tokyo Haneda flight, so confirm both the airport code and flight number before booking transport in Tokyo.

A reservation proves that a flight is on sale, not that the first flight has operated. Recheck the flight in United's app before paying for a fixed rail ticket, airport transfer or separate onward flight.

Planned UA867 and UA868 schedule

All times are local. Narita Airport's launch notice shows the initial 11:40 Chicago departure and 15:50 return arrival. The published winter schedule shows both Chicago times one hour earlier after the United States leaves daylight saving time on November 1. Tokyo does not change its clocks.

United expects to use a Boeing 787-8. Narita's notice lists 28 business seats, 21 premium economy seats and 194 economy seats, but an aircraft swap can change the seat map or onboard features. Treat the aircraft shown in the live reservation as provisional.

Narita and Haneda are different airports

Narita uses the code NRT and sits outside central Tokyo. Haneda uses HND and is closer to many central districts. United's Chicago flights will serve both airports on different flight numbers: UA867 and UA868 use Narita, while UA881 and UA882 use Haneda.

Choose Narita when its fare, timing or onward connection works better. Narita can also be useful for some same-airport Asia connections. Choose Haneda when the shorter ground trip matters more and the fare and schedule fit.

Do not book an onward flight from the other Tokyo airport as though it were a terminal change. A Narita to Haneda connection requires entering Japan, collecting any bags that cannot be checked through, traveling across the metropolitan area, checking in again and clearing security. Separate tickets add more risk because the second airline may not protect a missed flight.

Terminals, check-in and bags

United uses Terminal 1 South Wing at Narita. The airport places international check-in on the fourth floor. At O'Hare, confirm the current terminal and check-in location on the itinerary and airport screens because assignments can change before launch.

United check-in opens 24 hours before departure. The airline says minimum check-in, bag-drop and boarding times vary by airport and destination. Arrive early enough for document checks and security rather than treating online check-in as an airport-arrival time.

Checked-bag fees and allowances depend on the ticket, cabin, status and operating airline. Use United's bag fee calculator and read the baggage line on the issued itinerary. If an ANA or another partner flight appears on the same ticket, ask at the first counter where the bag is tagged and keep the receipt.

Passengers entering Japan before a domestic connection must complete immigration and move into the public area. Narita's international-to-domestic connection guide tells passengers to follow the terminal-specific check-in and security process. Do not assume a through bag removes those arrival steps.

Connections in Chicago and Narita

For a United domestic flight feeding UA867 at O'Hare on one ticket, the bag may be tagged through to Narita, but inspect the tag and boarding passes. Leave a realistic connection margin for a terminal walk, security instructions and any schedule change.

On the return, travelers entering the United States normally complete the required arrival formalities at their first U.S. airport. Follow the instructions attached to the itinerary for baggage collection and recheck. A connection sold on one ticket gives the airline options when a delay causes a misconnection; two separate tickets usually do not give the same protection.

Narita has international and domestic connections across several terminals. Check the operating carrier and terminal for the onward flight. If the connection is on a separate reservation, allow time for entry requirements, baggage, a terminal transfer and a fresh check-in.

Entry documents and transport from Narita

Entry permission for Japan depends on nationality, passport, purpose and length of stay. Use Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa guidance and the rules for the passport used to travel. A transit may still require entry permission when the itinerary changes airports, uses a domestic flight or requires baggage collection.

Narita Airport lists JR and Keisei rail options. The official rail guide shows the Narita Express serving Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya and Shinjuku, while Keisei services reach Nippori and Ueno. Terminal 1 is about a five-minute walk from Narita Airport Station. Check the route and last train for the actual arrival time instead of choosing solely by a headline journey time.

Mobile data for Tokyo and onward travel

A Japan eSIM fits a trip that stays in Japan. The current catalog includes fixed and daily data options, with the allowance, validity and top-up status shown on each plan card.

An Asia 12-area eSIM also includes Japan and can suit an itinerary continuing to covered destinations such as South Korea, Singapore, Thailand or Vietnam. Check the complete country list against the actual trip before purchase.

OpenSim plans provide mobile data on the ground. They do not replace United's inflight Wi-Fi, change visa rules, protect a missed connection or guarantee that an airport app will work. Install before departure when practical and keep the airline itinerary available offline.

Ten questions about United's Chicago-Narita flights

When does United start Chicago to Tokyo Narita flights?

The first Chicago departure is planned for October 24, 2026. The first Narita departure is October 25 because of the direction and local date.

Will UA867 and UA868 operate every day?

Yes. United and Narita Airport both describe the route as daily and year-round. Check the live date because the service has not started yet.

What times do the flights depart?

UA867 initially leaves Chicago at 11:40 and arrives at Narita at 15:15 the next day. UA868 leaves Narita at 18:00 and initially reaches Chicago at 15:50. The published winter schedule moves the Chicago clock times one hour earlier after daylight saving ends.

Does the United flight arrive at Narita or Haneda?

UA867 arrives at Narita, NRT. United's separate UA881 flight from Chicago uses Haneda, HND. Read the airport code before arranging transport.

Which Narita terminal does United use?

Narita Airport lists United at Terminal 1 South Wing, with international check-in on the fourth floor.

Is the Boeing 787-8 guaranteed?

No. United expects to use a 787-8, but airlines can substitute aircraft. Recheck the seat map and flight details before departure.

How early can I check in?

United opens check-in 24 hours before departure. Airport deadlines vary, so use the deadline for the specific flight and arrive earlier for international document and bag checks.

Will my checked bag transfer to a Japan domestic flight?

Do not assume that it will. Ask at the first counter, inspect the bag tag and follow Narita's immigration, public-area, check-in and security process for an international-to-domestic connection.

Can I connect from Narita to a Haneda flight?

It is possible with enough time and the required entry permission, but it is an airport transfer across the Tokyo area. Separate tickets make a missed connection harder to recover from.

Should I choose Narita or Haneda from Chicago?

Compare the total fare, local arrival time, Tokyo destination and onward connection. Narita may fit a same-airport Asia connection, while Haneda is often more convenient for central Tokyo.

What to check before October 24

Recheck UA867 shortly before the planned first departure. We will update this page if United changes the launch date, timetable, frequency, flight numbers, aircraft, terminal or route status, or after independent confirmation that the first service operated.

The schedule and aircraft details come from United's announcement, Narita Airport's route notice and the published winter timetable. Airline and airport pages support the terminal, check-in, bag, connection and rail guidance.