Originally Posted by
Swanhunter
Have flown back from DEL twice in the last 2 months, once in F, once in J (and plenty of other times in the past 4 years). There is little appreciable difference in the ground service for either cabin, save for someone walking you to the lounge and ensuring you get a seat.
My approach would be:
* Arrive 2 hours before - this is enough time.
HA! Are you mad? If you arrive 2 hours prior to a departure at DEL, unless you have extensive experience navigating the airport like a Delhi Rickshaw on Steriods - you run a 50% chance of missing the flight - in ANY service level!
Not sure about the BA rules (have only done BA in Club World out of DEL once) - but on the AA side the ticket is CANCELLED at 90 minutes prior to departure. And unless you happen to know the station manager personally - chances are great that you might get stuck in one of the four initial queues (again - no matter if you fly Club or First) that you have to navigate even before getting to the check in counter. Should that happen - then you risk kissing your seat goodbye (at 89 minutes prior)!
I would HIGHLY recommend any sane person arrives 3.5 hours before - even when flying in prem cabins.
Originally Posted by
Swanhunter
* Find the BA agents near door D before you enter the terminal. Tell them you are travelling F. They will find you a porter.
* Queue to enter the terminal. Make sure you have a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket receipt to avoid delays. Also have your BP handy
* The porter will take you to the premium x-ray machine (hopefully you won't have to call for the station manager at this point like I did earlier this month after some woeful treatment at the hands of the security staff)
Yup - like I said - unless you know the exact process (which the OP is not likely to know) - give yourself 4 hours to get through the madhouse of DEL.
Or - in case your final destination is not DEL itself, then by all means try to avoid DEL altogether by connecting outside India (like in BKK, SIN, FRA, LHR etc.)
Good luck!