Originally Posted by
br2k
So, I've been thinking about a mileage-run type itinerary like this - XXX - CAI - BOM and then immediately BOM - CAI - JFK (where I actually need to go from XXX to JFK but the detour is for mileage run purposes). CAI - BOM arrives around 1:50am and BOM - CAI departs at 2:50am.
- Does anyone know if I'll be able to stay airside and go back on the same aircraft?
- Ideally this should be done without bags, but if I do have a bag to check - would MS even check a bag on such a circuitous route (i.e. back to itself)?
Your problem is not about the intricacies of Mumbai airport: it's more that you are very unlikely to be allowed to board the BOM flight without a visa.
The airline's system might well tell it that you can make a transfer without a visa to a third country, but you are not doing this. Flying back to the same country is not recognised as an international transfer.
I don't think the aircraft's one-hour turnround gives you nearly enough time to effect a transfer, even if you were to make onto the flight, and even if the authorities at BOM accepted you as an international transfer.
Forget it, or get a visa and plan a stay in Mumbai. It's a great city to visit.