Spiff

Bummer. That thread is indeed more recently updated than my most recent visit to DEL.

GUWonder

LeMeridien generally charges for transport. Charging for transport is something also generally done by the other Starwood properties in and around DEL although there are some exceptions most of which are specific rate-affiliated inclusions of free transport in one or both directions.

mikeef

Just got off my second (and final) ORD-DEL run. A few things worth noting:

Once again, the customs agent in DEL was slower than molasses. Then, he decided that I didn't look like my passport picture, so he called another customs agent in on the act. The other agent agreed. I told him that it was me and he needed to just return the passport to me. He did. Later on, I met a woman in line at the gate who had the same issue.

The lounge is still a pit. They are still doing construction on it, meaning that it is smaller than usual.

While boarding, the GA boarded Groups 1 and 2, after which he boarded J and F. Since I had no luggage, I wasn't particularly concerned with overhead space, but it would have been nice to get on the plane and settle in.

Mike

dstan

Do you mean he actually boarded Groups 1 and 2 first or did he just start them down the jetway for the AA security process, with J/F ultimately boarding the aircraft first? If the former, then that would certainly be a new twist!

Storm9

Probably the former. As that is what happened to me.

hillrider

When I went through DEL, they "boarded" J/F last. They processed gate "security" for everyone else first, who found themselves stuck in a jetway for a while which was quite hot as the A/C had broken down. J/F was called last but was allowed to board first, bypassing everyone standing in the jetway. Given the circumstances, it was outstanding service.

mikeef

He actually boarded them first, which got them to the jetbridge security and on the plane first. None of us in line had ever seen that before.

Mike

dstan

Me, too. That seems like the standard protocol at DEL.

It does sound like mikeef's experience was, indeed, different and quite contrary to the way things are supposed to work. Unless there was some delay in prepping the J and F cabins, perhaps someone just forgot to stop Groups 1 and 2 at the end of the jetway.

DrivingRain

On my return from DEL in J on 5/1 we went through the gate last, but I did not see anyone (i.e. coach passengers) in or around the jetway as I went through security and boarded. But I did see some in the coach section of the plane when I boarded...though not a lot.

wndrer73

I was with Mike on this flight, even had a chance to chat a couple words with him

It was a little bit of both actually --- by the time we boarded there was already a long line inside the jetbridge as they padding down everyone again, but they opened new tables for the First/Business pax and we could go from there. But yes, as Mike said many of the group 1/2 pax were already on the plane.

dstan

I'd suggest shooting an email to Customer Relations to inquire what the proper protocol should be. Perhaps some 'retraining' is required at DEL regarding who is supposed to board first (as opposed to who enters the jetway first).

The published order is F/J, then EXP, then PLT, then the remainder of Priority AAccess, then the remaining Groups:
http://www.aa.com/aa/pubcontent/en_U...ityaaccess.jsp

mikeef

Nice to meet you!

Mike

mikeef

A few of us up at the gate were chatting about it, and we figured that there were so many people in coach that they decided to get coach moving and would start separate lines for F and J once they were partway through coach. It never works out that way, of course, since everyone simply goes to the next available desk.

This was my third trip to DEL in the past few years and my second in a month, and I've just decided that the best way to deal with it is to go with the flow (which is very difficult for me, since I am an anal SOB). I've given up on trying to figure out this airport.

Mike

DELANRDFW

I was on AA293 ex DEL on May 11 in J, they just asked all PAX with Priority Access on their BP to board first and rest is same as others mentioned...long line on jetbridge fr secondary patdown and then divided in two lanes further down the bridge, Gen Boarding/Priority Access.
I did a quick turnaround 05/09-05/11. Left ORD on time and landed almost an hr ahead of sch on May 10th, cleared Health Desk prior to immigration in 2 min, Immigration in a jiffy and proceeded to Radio Cab beyond customs, paid INR 200(~$4) for cab to Radisson Hotel. There I ordered a nice sandwich/tea and freshen up a bit/changed in restroom. Took the Black Yellow can INR150 (~$3) about 10:15 pm IST and at airport in 10 min. Checked in no time and proceeded to what they call a Lounge. No questions asked at immigration desk. Landed at ORD 20 min late due to late dep from DEL, weight issues, had to unload some cargo. No questions asked by CBP at ORD.

In order to be fresh, I took a shower at ORD prior to boarding for DEL (05/09) and then again on return(05/11)

So a quick turnaround to DEL for a pure MR is OK as long as you have low expectations, sturdy butt, good deodrant/cologne and you already have an Indian VISA, else getting a VISA will add to the cost(~$65-150) of MR.
In all the whole trip was ~$905( including parking/cab fare/hotel food) for 37398 EQM (DFW-SNA-ORD-DEL-ORD-DFW)
If anybody needs any more info, feel free to PM

Garp

I believe I was on the same return flight from DEL after spending a week in DEL, BLR and BOM.

This was my first visit to India but based on my experience the "go with the flow" model can be applied throughout the country, not just to DEL airport.