Hopefully this isn't hijacking the thread too much, but right after christmas, I'm looking at doing a MR to DEL on AA 292 and 293. Unfortunately, the only date the fare works means I have to turn right back around in order to get home in time for an obligation I have back in NYC. AA 292 is scheduled to arrive in DEL at 9:35pm, and 293 is scheduled to leave at 12:55am.

Is three hours enough time to get through customs, go back through security, and get back on the plane in time? I did do a bunch of forum searches, but there seems to be conflicting information about whether you need to go through customs or not. Some people describe going through a "transit" area in lieu of customs, aided by the airline folks (with the caveat they need to go get you your boarding pass) if you are connecting to an onward flight. Is this still true?

I'm just concerned that I'll have to go through customs, and go back through security, and not get on my return flight, which puts me completely out of luck for making my obligation in NYC. Any advice would be appreciated.