Russia - Connection questions, DME and OVB, S7/BA....

I have a reservation on hold that requires two connections, one in DME and one in OVB. I've never flown S7 or connected in these airports. I have some questions.

For the first flight, I will fly BA from LHR to DME and then connect to OVB on S7. I only have 2 hrs at DME. I have been to DME some years ago and remember it being a fairly large airport, I've never connected at DME. Is a two hour connection possible, or too tight? I will be travelling in J with one checked bag that I will need at my final destination.

I have a connection at OVB, both inbound and outbound flights are on S7. How is the business class lounge at OVB? Does S7 handle their transfers efficiently at OVB?

Also, as my flights orginate in LHR I won't be able to lock my luggage, I know some airports are notorious for theft, not sure about DME and OVB. Any information on this subject will be appreciated.

Is it worth getting a Russian visa and heading to town? I'll have 7 hours between flights. I have travelled to Saint Petersbugh and Moscow and I'm wondering if Novosibirsk has any worthwhile sights to visit. I get the impression, it's a huge city, a rail hub and has little in the way of tourist sights.

The flight I am booked on from OVB to DME is operated by Globus not S7. I am booked in business class, am I better off changing this to fly S7? Is there a significant difference between S7 and Globus?

Any help or advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

2 hrs connection is doable, though tight. You will need to clear immigration, claim your baggage, and then clear customs; DME is prone to long lines at immigration, so that may take up to 1,5 hrs (hopefully less if, as a J passenger, you lose no time disembarking). Then you may need to check in again, or at least to drop your bag, and rush to the domestic part of the airport.

Lately when traveling through DME, I have had no experience of theft, though once my bag came dirty.

Your question about visa I fail to understand. If you're a visa national, you'll need a visa anyway to clear immigration at DME, DME-OVB is a domestic flight.

Globus is S7 subsidiary mostly operating charter flights, and they have lots of old aircraft. I personally like old aircraft but for some that might be a drawback.

Novosibirsk is a "young" city, it was founded in 1903. So expect no old nice houses and buildings, mostly socialist architecture. However it has its own sort of charm. The Ob river is impressing with its hugeness. In winter it may be chilling cold however. Buses from OVB run to the central railway station hourly.

Many thanks for your detailed reply, achp.

I am aware that DME - OVB is a domestic flight. AA has made my reservation and has told me I don't need a visa if I am in Russia for 24 hours or less. However, based on your reply it sounds like I do need a visa.

I had intended to check my luggage to my final destination (ALA) when I check in with BA at LHR.

I don't need a visa if I am in Russia for 24 hours or less.This only applies if you're transiting from an international flight to another international flight without changing airport.

And unfortunately I don't think it is possible to check your bag through to final destination. In the case of international-to-domestic transit customs must be cleared at port where you enter Russia.

I doubt that international-to-domestic-to-international scenario was foreseen and necessary arrangements made for it. So expect to claim your bag in DME.

Thank you for your help, achp.

I doubt these flights will be feasible. It would have been good if I could have flown on OW airlines as I have my status with AA, but I'll look for better flight connections and rework my ticket.

Thank you for your help, achp.

I doubt these flights will be feasible. It would have been good if I could have flown on OW airlines as I have my status with AA, but I'll look for better flight connections and rework my ticket.

Good decision.

BTW, OVB biz lounge is sufficient. Quiet, free coffee/tea/light snacks. Never crowded.