Originally Posted by
dvs7310
Obviously know this is very risky and my bag may not make it to CGK in a timely manner but in this case I actually don't care, as long as I get it eventually. I know I can easily get it sent to CAI but that's the chokepoint, since I'm coming in and going out on the same plane, it's just over 2 hours. (I've done CAI many times, I'm very comfortable with 2 hours for that but don't want to wait for checked luggage as the timing is very unreliable there). I do have the option of just checking to DOH and leaving in hotel storage until I get back from CAI as I have long layovers both ways in DOH so I have plenty of time to get to a hotel to retrieve it BUT, big caveat I want to bring alcohol from Ireland which I can't take into Qatar. (this also precludes me from using Duty Free in DUB which really sucks since it's much cheaper than in town). If I have alcohol in my luggage my only choice is to sent it to CAI or CGK. (I know there is a scenario where I could stay in the transit area with my duty free, but it's 8 hours and saving 15 euro isn't worth it, but what I want is only available in Ireland, definitely want a bottle in checked luggage).
I do RTW tix all the time, typically three per year. I have a couple of comments, and hope that you find them helpful.
1. When I'm arriving and then departing on the same plane, as happens quite often (usually at MAD and CDG), I do not check luggage. I either leave it at a hotel in my origin that day (or at a Left Luggage facility such as exist[ed?] at LHR) or I take only a couple of carry-ons. Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but I have visions of my checked bags chasing me around the world but never quite catching up.
2. Eight hours on the ground at HIA in Doha isn't that hard or uncomfortable. I've actually done it loads of times, all overnights, typically ~midnight to ~8:30 a.m. I resign myself to getting little sleep that night, I'll sleep on the plane. Sometimes I get a sleeping chair (I usually use the ones just beyond and to the right of the luggage storage facility in Al Mourjan.). Yes, the lights are on, but I find the lounges quite comfortable and I have no problem sleeping in them.