Wake up and final packing check at your Wigan apartment; gather passports, boarding passes, pet health certificate, Percy’s leash and travel crate, and the small travel kit for Gallus, Yona, Sandbar, Ocellus, Smolder, Silverstream, Thorax, Ember, Gruff and Seaspray.
Light breakfast together — porridge or toast and tea/coffee — and give Percy a short walk around the block so he’s comfortable before the trip; load carry-on essentials (snacks, chargers, medications, pet comfort toy).
Taxi pick-up from Wigan apartment to Wigan Airport (pre-booked taxi that accepts pets); driver helps load luggage and Percy’s crate into the vehicle for the 25-35 minute transfer to the airport.
Arrive at Wigan Airport terminal; locate airline check-in desk for your Japan-bound flight, present pet documentation and arrange kennel transfer with the airline staff; confirm departure gate and boarding time.
Check-in and drop off checked luggage; airline staff completes the pet handover or checks Percy into the accepted pet transport area as required, and you receive the receipt and instructions for pet collection on arrival in Japan.
Security screening and last-minute duty-free or grab-and-go shop (grab bottled water, pet travel treats, and a sandwich from WHSmith or M&S Simply Food) while keeping an eye on the flight monitor for gate changes.
Relax near the departure gate; feed Percy a small snack and offer water, use airport seating to settle the family and pets before boarding; do a quick restroom and comfort break.
Boarding begins for your flight; follow airline instructions for families and passengers with pets, stow carry-ons, and place Percy’s comfort blanket in the carrier for familiar scent during the flight.
In-flight: settle in for the long-haul flight to Japan; engage the children with downloaded movies or activity books, rotate short walks in the aisle when safe, and check Percy’s comfort periodically if the airline allows cabin access for small pets.
Meal service and quiet time on the aircraft; offer Percy a little water and a chew toy, and use noise-cancelling headphones or calming music for the children to encourage rest.
Stretch legs in the aisle when allowed and take turns walking the cabin; refresh passports and arrival forms for Japan, ensuring you have the pet receipt and any required customs paperwork ready for inspection.
Prepare for arrival: gather carry-ons, make sure all pet documents are to hand, and confirm meeting instructions for the airline’s pet handling staff at the arrival hall; brief the family on the immigration and customs process.
Arrive at Japan airport (Narita/Haneda as applicable); disembark and follow signs to immigration and baggage claim, then proceed to the designated pet collection area where airline/airport staff will deliver Percy and his crate after veterinary/inspection clearance.
Complete immigration and customs, pick up checked luggage, and reunite with Percy; take a short stretch and a quick comfort walk in the airport’s pet relief area if available.
Exchange currency at the airport if needed and book a taxi to the Swanson Hotel (use the official airport taxi stand or a pre-arranged hotel car); confirm the driver is comfortable transporting pets — many Japanese taxis accept small-to-medium pets in crates.
Board taxi to Swanson Hotel; during the drive, brief the children on the short arrival plan, point out late-night views, and let Percy rest comfortably in his crate with a favorite toy.
Arrive at Swanson Hotel; hotel staff assist with luggage and confirm your reservation and any pet-friendly room arrangements; capture a quick family photo at the hotel entrance to commemorate arrival.
Check into your room, settle Percy into the prepared pet area (place crate, water bowl, and a familiar blanket), and unpack essential items to make the room comfortable for the family and pets.
Light late-night snack or room-service order from the Swanson Hotel restaurant (try a simple Japanese onigiri or a warm bowl of ramen if available) while reviewing plans for the first full day in Japan.
Short walk outside with Percy for a quick bathroom break near the hotel entrance, then a calming bedtime routine for the children and pets to recover from jet lag.
Lights out and rest; set alarms and leave out a small water bowl for Percy, with a plan for a gentle first morning — breakfast at the Swanson Hotel and a nearby pet-friendly park visit to help everyone adjust.