Originally Posted by
Gazzerg
Planning on doing a couple of AUH - CGK trips in a couple of weeks. The second trip plan to head of to Bali for a couple of days. Arrriving at 13:30 on Sri Lanakan from Columbo, how long am I likely to need to transfer to an internal flight? I guess I will have to clear immigration first, so was figuring if I have a departing flight at 15:30 or later I'd be OK (assuming not late in arriving)... Maybe 16:30 would be better - thoughts / advice anyone?
There are a few different things to consider.
1. The walk from the plane. You will get your exercise. It is quite a distance. Can be done in 15 minutes at a brisk pace if you are first off the plane.
2. Have your VOA and your entry data filled out ahead of time. It is electronic only. VOA - have a copy of your receipt.
3. Customs/Immigration. This is the wildcard. It can be quick. Did it in under 15 minutes last few times. BUT, it can be well over an hour.
4. Checked Bags. Add 15-30 minutes.
5. Doc check leaving baggage claim. Usually pretty quick. 5 minutes. 10 if they are backed up.
6. Switch terminals. Domestic is usually out of T2. So you will likely need to go from T3 to T2. You can take the Skytrain. This is pretty reliable, but takes 15-30 minutes to get to it, up the escalator, wait for train, take train, down and back to T2.
7. Wait for checkin. Coach can have a wait sometimes.
So in a best case, assuming no checked bags, reasonable lines and needing to switch terminals, you are 60 minutes from landing to security in T2. Assuming your flight is on time, forms filled out ahead of time. lines reasonable, no checked bags, etc 2 hours is possible, but there are a lot of potential 'gotcha's'. I would feel better at 3+ hours. But, like others, I am risk adverse.