Flying into/out of Chennai
Apr 19, 2014, 4:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: Qantas
Posts: 1
Flying into/out of Chennai
Am due to transit via Chennai next Saturday/Sunday.
In from BKK with Thai and out to FRA with Lufti - both in Business.
I've seen varying reports on ease of getting around Chennai airport Anna terminal.
Any advice please?
In from BKK with Thai and out to FRA with Lufti - both in Business.
I've seen varying reports on ease of getting around Chennai airport Anna terminal.
Any advice please?
Apr 19, 2014, 9:35 pm
#2
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Apr 20, 2014, 3:30 am
#3
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welcome to ft aledroberts....how long do you have between the two flights????
Apr 20, 2014, 2:18 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 151
agree- your transit time and whether this is an overnight connection would really change things.
The Chennai international terminal is really not a fun experience, in my opinion. Some tips:
1. if you have a long/overnight connection, book a hotel room at one of the nearby hotels that has a shuttle to pick you up/drop you off. There is really nothing to be done at the airport on either side of security
2. if you do leave the airport, have a printed copy of your itinerary as you will need that to re-enter terminal
3. do your best to either bring food with you or get out of the airport. I made this mistake and ended up eating cup-o-noodles as the only food I could find available
4. don't expect anything better in the lounges. I was have been to two lounges there, neither one was great or had any significant food.
sorry I sound down on the airport there. The domestic terminal is actually much nicer than the international, but unfortunately you will not be able to access that. Just minimize your time in MAA and you will be fine. When you get to your J seat to depart you will be happy again.
The Chennai international terminal is really not a fun experience, in my opinion. Some tips:
1. if you have a long/overnight connection, book a hotel room at one of the nearby hotels that has a shuttle to pick you up/drop you off. There is really nothing to be done at the airport on either side of security
2. if you do leave the airport, have a printed copy of your itinerary as you will need that to re-enter terminal
3. do your best to either bring food with you or get out of the airport. I made this mistake and ended up eating cup-o-noodles as the only food I could find available
4. don't expect anything better in the lounges. I was have been to two lounges there, neither one was great or had any significant food.
sorry I sound down on the airport there. The domestic terminal is actually much nicer than the international, but unfortunately you will not be able to access that. Just minimize your time in MAA and you will be fine. When you get to your J seat to depart you will be happy again.
Apr 20, 2014, 11:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,158
You may need to check with both airlines as there are a few questions:
- can you check thru luggage?
- will you be able to get the BP for the LH flight in BKK?
I cant remember seeing a transfer desk in MAA. You may need to clear immigration (you have a visa for India), pick up your luggage and walk over to the new terminal to CI.
- can you check thru luggage?
- will you be able to get the BP for the LH flight in BKK?
I cant remember seeing a transfer desk in MAA. You may need to clear immigration (you have a visa for India), pick up your luggage and walk over to the new terminal to CI.
Apr 21, 2014, 3:11 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Printed itineraries aren't necessary any longer, you can show them the ticket on your phone or ipad and that's fine. You do need to show ID that matches the ticket to enter the terminal though.
Yes, overnighting isn't an option at the terminal .. but TG arrives at 11:40 PM on Saturday while LH departs at 1:50 AM. Two hours ten minutes for an international to international transit .. what you do is exit the plane and grab the nearest LH staffer (there's going to be some in the gate area), tell them you're on an international transit and they'll walk you through it.
I believe this includes your physically identifying your bags on the ramp once the're offloaded from TG ..
Yes, overnighting isn't an option at the terminal .. but TG arrives at 11:40 PM on Saturday while LH departs at 1:50 AM. Two hours ten minutes for an international to international transit .. what you do is exit the plane and grab the nearest LH staffer (there's going to be some in the gate area), tell them you're on an international transit and they'll walk you through it.
I believe this includes your physically identifying your bags on the ramp once the're offloaded from TG ..