International transfer in CAI - 2 separate tickets/itineraries
Nov 19, 2010, 1:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 14
International transfer in CAI - 2 separate tickets/itineraries
Hello everyone,
I am planning to book my parents on a creative itinerary from AMM to JFK that has them transferring from Royal Jordanian to Delta in CAI. The potential hitch is that I am planning to purchase the tickets separately, one for each leg.
Which leaves me wondering: How easy will it be for them to make an international transfer and check in with Delta upon arriving in CAI, without needing to clear customs and immigration? Will a 2h25min connection time be sufficient for them?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
I am planning to book my parents on a creative itinerary from AMM to JFK that has them transferring from Royal Jordanian to Delta in CAI. The potential hitch is that I am planning to purchase the tickets separately, one for each leg.
Which leaves me wondering: How easy will it be for them to make an international transfer and check in with Delta upon arriving in CAI, without needing to clear customs and immigration? Will a 2h25min connection time be sufficient for them?
Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Nov 19, 2010, 1:56 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: New Orleans (for now)
Programs: DL PM, WN, SC, various other programs of lowly status
Posts: 1,673
I have no experience with CAI but I can say that if for any reason they miss the DL connection, weather, mechanical, customs backlog, whatever, they will be on their own. Personally, I wouldn't risk it. I have friends who have been stuck with buying expensive walk up fares in just such scenarios. Yet they still do it when it saves them a bundle. Just depends on your comfort level, or theirs in this case and how much of a price difference it is.
Nov 21, 2010, 5:34 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Missouri
Programs: Delta DM
Posts: 154
I agree, this is risky for all the above reasons. The time they have could be enough - but only if everything goes well. They still must be stamped in as transit. I've done this when I've flown ASM-CAI-JFK and BEY-CAI-JFK. All are fast and even baggage claim is fast.
However, a very real risk is that they will be trying to check in about an hour and a half before departure. I can't comment specifically on Delta in CAI, but can tell you in general they are strict at check in. If ticket requires 2 hours advance for check in and they're a minute late, the desk could well be "closed" - and only available with payment of additional "fees," otherwise known as baksheesh or plain old bribes.
You can pay "fees" with a credit card, but it's billed by a local airport vendor, not the airline itself, so chargebacks are refused.
I'm always extremely cautious and expect no leniency or mercy in Cairo - from any airline. If it's your parents first trip to that region this arrangement may be very stressful and is probably best avoided.
However, a very real risk is that they will be trying to check in about an hour and a half before departure. I can't comment specifically on Delta in CAI, but can tell you in general they are strict at check in. If ticket requires 2 hours advance for check in and they're a minute late, the desk could well be "closed" - and only available with payment of additional "fees," otherwise known as baksheesh or plain old bribes.
You can pay "fees" with a credit card, but it's billed by a local airport vendor, not the airline itself, so chargebacks are refused.
I'm always extremely cautious and expect no leniency or mercy in Cairo - from any airline. If it's your parents first trip to that region this arrangement may be very stressful and is probably best avoided.
Nov 21, 2010, 7:45 am
#4
Suspended
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,621
Don't Do It
I agree, this is risky for all the above reasons. The time they have could be enough - but only if everything goes well. They still must be stamped in as transit. I've done this when I've flown ASM-CAI-JFK and BEY-CAI-JFK. All are fast and even baggage claim is fast.
However, a very real risk is that they will be trying to check in about an hour and a half before departure. I can't comment specifically on Delta in CAI, but can tell you in general they are strict at check in. If ticket requires 2 hours advance for check in and they're a minute late, the desk could well be "closed" - and only available with payment of additional "fees," otherwise known as baksheesh or plain old bribes.
You can pay "fees" with a credit card, but it's billed by a local airport vendor, not the airline itself, so chargebacks are refused.
I'm always extremely cautious and expect no leniency or mercy in Cairo - from any airline. If it's your parents first trip to that region this arrangement may be very stressful and is probably best avoided.
However, a very real risk is that they will be trying to check in about an hour and a half before departure. I can't comment specifically on Delta in CAI, but can tell you in general they are strict at check in. If ticket requires 2 hours advance for check in and they're a minute late, the desk could well be "closed" - and only available with payment of additional "fees," otherwise known as baksheesh or plain old bribes.
You can pay "fees" with a credit card, but it's billed by a local airport vendor, not the airline itself, so chargebacks are refused.
I'm always extremely cautious and expect no leniency or mercy in Cairo - from any airline. If it's your parents first trip to that region this arrangement may be very stressful and is probably best avoided.