DEL to SFO non-stop AI173 is now extended to Bangalore as well: BLR - DEL - SFO
AI is using same flight number (AI173) for both BLR to DEL, and DEL to SFO legs. However, BLR to DEL is on a Airbus A321 and DEL to SFO is on Dreamliner. There's a 2.5 hrs transit at DEL.
I have a few questions:
a) Has anyone tried this route? Please share experiences.
b) Does the immigration happen at BLR for SFO-bound passengers? Or, does it happen at DEL (if so, is 2.5 hrs sufficient for that)?
c) Can baggages be checked-in at BLR through to SFO, without needing to collect and re-check at DEL?
Thanks in advance.
Edit:
I called up AI helpline and got these answers:
b) Immigration happens at DEL airport for SFO-bound passengers arriving from BLR.
c) Bags can be checked-in through at BLR and can be collected at SFO directly.
But I see contradictory news reports about immigration, which says immigration happens at BLR itself:
http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-i...galuru-1245985
http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/201...bangalore.html