I am traveling to Russia with a group. I want to make my own international air arrangements to come home. My flight leaves 5 hours after the group flight and I save over 8 hrs. of travel time. The group will not provide an airport transfer.

I know my visa expires on the day of departure. What happens if the airport is closed because of weather, the flight is delayed or cancelled, the car breaks down on the way to the airport, etc. I understand from the Consular Web Site that the results can be draconian and some people have told me not to do it.

Is it sensible or safe to do it or too much worry and trouble.