Bucharest OTP - Turnaround possible?

Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:28 pm
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Bucharest OTP - Turnaround possible?

I'm thinking of doing a run to Bucharest next year - but have no real reason to stay there... and am wondering whether it's possible to do a turnaround at Bucharest airport?

I've studied the map on their airport website but it's not clear if I could avoid immigration/security entirely, and if not, whether there would be time to clear and get back airside in time to catch the same aircraft back to London?
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:32 pm
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Originally Posted by bdmaus
I'm thinking of doing a run to Bucharest next year - but have no real reason to stay there... and am wondering whether it's possible to do a turnaround at Bucharest airport?

I've studied the map on their airport website but it's not clear if I could avoid immigration/security entirely, and if not, whether there would be time to clear and get back airside in time to catch the same aircraft back to London?
If your crediting to QF, there are loads of other Euro destinations which might be both cheaper as well as easier to do on a turn around (or perhaps interesting enough to make you want to stay overnight) and still give you the >600 miles status credits.
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:32 pm
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Veteran of 4 such ones this year.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...55#post8468955
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:38 pm
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Originally Posted by bdmaus
I'm thinking of doing a run to Bucharest next year - but have no real reason to stay there... and am wondering whether it's possible to do a turnaround at Bucharest airport?

I've studied the map on their airport website but it's not clear if I could avoid immigration/security entirely, and if not, whether there would be time to clear and get back airside in time to catch the same aircraft back to London?
It's possible (when you have no checked luggage) -- then you just have to reclear security and head to the gate itself.

Make sure not to go through passport control for that's a sure sign you have missed the (not-always-staffed-but-will-staff-as-needed) "transit" security WTMD that you must go through to go directly to the gates-area.

A lot of people here have done it many times and it generally worked just fine.
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:38 pm
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In fact, as a QF'er you might want to consider SKG (Thessaloniki) which is <1200 and earns even more SCs. SKG often has decent I class fares. Other options include LGW-SSH @ >2400 although be aware that this is a GB Airways route and their franchise is shortly being terminated.
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:39 pm
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Aah, but OTP is in a whole different league (along with CTA)

From QF:
London - Bucharest (stop) 1312 miles Zone 3

So YVR-Roach... you've turned around in OTP?
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 3:51 pm
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Originally Posted by bdmaus
So YVR-Roach... you've turned around in OTP?
As I said, 4 times this year thanks to the YVR-OTP fare. Onto the same KL plane that took me from AMS each time, and 3x with the same cabin crew.

OTP is small. It can't be more than a minute to walk from the door of the farthest jetway to transit security. And of course not more than a minute to walk back. Only holdback is if the gate agents BA uses are to busy to come get you through security (a BP isn't enough for whatever reason). Most I had to wait was <5 minutes for KL's ground handling staff.

Last edited by YVR Cockroach; Nov 5, 2007 at 3:57 pm
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 4:03 pm
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I should have guessed there would be an entire thread devoted to turnarounds and transits... :-)
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Old Nov 5, 2007, 4:19 pm
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Originally Posted by bdmaus
I should have guessed there would be an entire thread devoted to turnarounds and transits... :-)
There is
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Old Nov 22, 2015, 9:17 pm
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Anyone know if the OTP turnaround info from this thread are still valid?
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Old Nov 23, 2015, 12:59 am
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Originally Posted by texasflyer4
Anyone know if the OTP turnaround info from this thread are still valid?
Yes it is, there is also a bit more in:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...tinations.html

As you come off the aircraft and head towards passports, there is a side corridor which takes you to a security scan point with one member of staff (who may need rousing). You pass through that and then then you are back airside and able to go to the gate. OTP is decrepit in parts, but surprisingly efficient, so if you had to go all the way landside and back again then it should still be possible. Romania isn't in Schengen.

If you had this choice, Sofia would be better.
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