We were a little worried about how things would go on arrival in DEL, but this too was a fantastic experience.
Arrival Experience at DEL
Normally on arrival, as Ulti, the DEL staff always have someone to receive you at the gate. So I knew someone would be there and was thinking of requesting them to help with Nova. But, AF was a step ahead of me. As soon as we walked out of the jet bridge, a senior staff member was waiting for us. He verified all the documents that would be needed. There were two other staff members as well, one was the regular Ulti escort, and another was a more senior staff member who was there to assist with Nova's arrival clearance. The gentleman informed these two staff members of what documents had to be shown, and where to go for Nova's clearance.
Me and my wife are able to use the eChannel in India, so we were at the baggage belt within 10 mins. At this point the duty manager for the evening came over to us as well, and told us that a staff member was assigned to ensure safe unloading of Nova and direct delivery of her to us. Our bags were also already on the belt by this point. The duty manager kept in touch with the person handling Nova, and told us that within 5 mins, she will be out as well. And, he was right! Just a couple of moments later Nova was wheeled out to us at the baggage belt. She arrived directly through the terminal, rather than on the oversized baggage belt. They quickly helped us cut the zip ties so we could be reunited with her and give her some water.
Just about 15 mins before landing, the flight crew had given us a large bottle of water and a big pack of ice cubes so that we could rehydrate Nova if needed. We poured out water in her bowl, and she drank some, but her bowls were not completely empty either. So, she had managed to hydrate herself at a controlled pace during the flight. The staff on board were truly fantastic (though, honestly, this applies to every AFKL staff we encountered).
We were then led to the customs desk, where the AF staff made sure they quickly scanned her microchip, checked the documents, made entries into a register and we were on our way to the car.
The same person who was assigned to help deplane her, also accompanied us to our car, wheeling her in the crate.
I'd be happy to answer any questions, or concerns, anyone might have. But safe to say, AF and their staff, are truly caring and gentle with a pet. It is not easy for any pet parent to decide to let their pet go into the hold, but if there was ever a need, then we wholeheartedly recommend AF. This entire experience was A+.