Checking in for the Transaero code share
 

On Friday, I need to pick up my Russian visa at 4pm, then make a mad tube/HEX dash to LHR for the 18.30 flight to Moscow, BMI flight on Transaero metal.

Can someone who's done this before let me know:

- Is there any way to check-in online, via either Transaero or BMI? I am guessing not as this seems to be the case with code shares with these sort of airlines.

- Assuming no OLCI, what time can I check in? My plan is to first check-in at LHR (maybe 3.5 hours before), then go into London to collect my visa, then return, so I've already got my BP even if I'm cutting it fine.

- Assuming no OLCI, is check-in done at BMI desks, or Transaero desks at T1? If it's the latter, what time do they open and close?

- And finally, least importantly, does my *G get me lounge access? :)

Thanks in advance!

You can OLCI. You should be able to check-in at the site of the airline you have purchased your ticket from.

Yes.

OLCI, don't go to the airport. A person checking you in will at the least want to see your passport and most probably check your visa too.

Thanks.

Ticket is through my TA but will be bought under the BMI flight number. Will have both BMI / Transaero PNRs.... so the BMI site will work you think?

Yeah - I mean, I'm sure there have been times when I've not had a visa checked, but it definitely usually happens.

Ideally I'll OLCI, or if that's a no go, I'll try a kiosk.

The worst case scenario for me would be if check in had to be done at a Trasaero desk, which would probably open 2.5 hours or so before departure, and shut 45 minutes before (or when most pax have turned up)!

Please note that the BD OLCI requires you to enter your Russian visa number before it will issue a BP. I was just in transit at DME and didn't need a visa - was told that the only way to check in was at the airport in person.

Transaero does have online check in (under 'Registration') but it doesn't open for a few hours, so going to try that then.

I'm booked directly with them (via TA) rather than the code, but in J, which hopefully might ease the process slightly if things are tight.

Umm... There's a workaround for that. Input your UK passport number and then choose Russian as your nationality. They will check your visa at the gate anyway. If challenged at the gate just make puppy eyes on GA and say that it's probably been a system glitch or something. Works every bloody time. :)
By the way, just to set the right level of expectations, Transaero J is a dump.