Thank you for the responses, guys! I'll get a visa and stay at a better hotel.
Originally Posted by
Keyser
the larger issue is how you plan on getting your luggage if you don't have a visa....
That's why I asked here. I didn't find it addressed on the HIX website. I had no idea what the setup is; it's possible that they send someone to collect luggage and take it to the hotel. Seems like these limitations should be stated prominently on the website -- can't do Intl-Intl transit with checked luggage, need printed boarding pass in hand.
Originally Posted by
maerim
Based on experience with JAL and ANA in Tokyo on many flights I agree with Keyser. Both are very careful and meticulous in Tokyo in checking if passengers have visas for India and I doubt if they will be different in other countries. It is easy and quick to obtain an e-Visa and just not worth the hassle. Apart from that flights can be rescheduled (or arrive late) and you could find yourself having to stay longer or shorter in Delhi.
I suppose it might be a situation similar to the 24/72/etc hour visa free in China -- looking it up in Timatic with India as stopover shows "no visa required." But of course plenty of people have issues with the 24/72/etc visa free in China (which is a lot more common and publicized), so you're right, it would likely be a massive undertaking to convince JAL of this plan.
Thanks again for the advice, Keyser and maerim!