Connecting in KWI
Apr 6, 2008, 1:56 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: A few here and there
Posts: 207
Connecting in KWI
HI,
I am thinking of taking a trip to Sri Lanka in December of this year. One of the flight options is on United through KWI.
Has anyone been to the airport? Do I need any special visa before getting there? Is it worth making a stop?
Thanks,
I am thinking of taking a trip to Sri Lanka in December of this year. One of the flight options is on United through KWI.
Has anyone been to the airport? Do I need any special visa before getting there? Is it worth making a stop?
Thanks,
Apr 6, 2008, 11:02 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: in transit
Programs: Delta DM, *A Plat
Posts: 322
If you're a UK or U.S. citizen (or a number of others of course) you can get a visiting visa at the airport. It takes a bit of time and involves taking a number and waiting in line. If you are just transiting you won't need one, I believe. But why not spend a few hours or a night in Kuwait City if you've never been?
Apr 6, 2008, 11:18 pm
#3
Moderator, Hilton Honors
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: on a short leash
Programs: some
Posts: 71,422
No visa needed for transit. If not flying Kuwait Airways, transit is not completely straightforward (the other transfer desk was unmanned when I had a 1 hour turn at KWI, causing some problems in getting myself checked in).
(See my trip report.)
(See my trip report.)
Apr 8, 2008, 1:36 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: UK
Programs: reformed ex basic Member
Posts: 3,148
have found that if transfer desk is unmanned, a few questions in the appropriate carrier lounge (there are two to choose from) normally helps ruslte up assistance. it's a small airport with not much to do.. but realtively easy process
May 21, 2008, 9:01 am
#5
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 1
Firstime I'm connecting at Kuwait airport next month. I'll have around 6 to 7 hours in the airport between my flights. I'm travelling with my wife and 2 kids (6 year and 1 year old). Will the KWI airport be nice to spend that time or is it a good idea to book the airport hotel for thoese hours. Airport hotel is asking about $140. I can spend this money if the airport stay is going to be horrible. Please advice.
May 24, 2008, 12:08 am
#6
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,740
Hi,
Firstime I'm connecting at Kuwait airport next month. I'll have around 6 to 7 hours in the airport between my flights. I'm travelling with my wife and 2 kids (6 year and 1 year old). Will the KWI airport be nice to spend that time or is it a good idea to book the airport hotel for thoese hours. Airport hotel is asking about $140. I can spend this money if the airport stay is going to be horrible. Please advice.
Firstime I'm connecting at Kuwait airport next month. I'll have around 6 to 7 hours in the airport between my flights. I'm travelling with my wife and 2 kids (6 year and 1 year old). Will the KWI airport be nice to spend that time or is it a good idea to book the airport hotel for thoese hours. Airport hotel is asking about $140. I can spend this money if the airport stay is going to be horrible. Please advice.
May 24, 2008, 12:53 am
#7
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: ICN / 평택
Programs: AA, DL Gold, UA Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 8,714
My experience at KWI is that all of the good stuff is not on the airside portion of the airport, hence, you will need some kind of entry VISA. Otherwise, there are a few coffee shop type places but that is about it (no airport bar, either, for obvious reasons.) In the landside portion, there are numerous diversions, including food, shopping, Starbucks, etc. It is a very nice airport, but airside it is somewhat limited.