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International to Domestic transfer: HYD or MAA?
I am traveling from ORD-AUH-India by Etihad. Once there I need to make a domestic connection to some 9W flight to Bhopal. Options seem to be as follows:
1. DEL. Arrive 10:30PM, depart next day 2:20PM, about 11 hour connection. Scratch that? 2. BOM. Arrive 3AM, depart 550AM, less than 3 hour connection. Probably not a good choice? I understand that terminals are far apart although traffic at that time should not be an issue. 3. HYD. Arrive 3AM, depart 10AM (7 hour connection). Any suggestions what to do at the airport? 4. MAA. Arrive 4AM depart 8:30 AM (4.5 hr connection). Which of these options would be best in your opinion? Just based on numbers, I am leaning towards MAA, but don't know MAA or HYD and wonder if the latter, being a more modern airport, might be a better choice. BTW, options 3 and 4 take me to BHO at the same time by the same flight (starts in MAA and makes a stop in HYD). Only difference is time spent in flights and airports, and which airport. |
Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17310001)
I am traveling from ORD-AUH-India by Etihad. Once there I need to make a domestic connection to some 9W flight to Bhopal. Options seem to be as follows:
1. DEL. Arrive 10:30PM, depart next day 2:20PM, about 11 hour connection. Scratch that? 2. BOM. Arrive 3AM, depart 550AM, less than 3 hour connection. Probably not a good choice? I understand that terminals are far apart although traffic at that time should not be an issue. 3. HYD. Arrive 3AM, depart 10AM (7 hour connection). Any suggestions what to do at the airport? 4. MAA. Arrive 4AM depart 8:30 AM (4.5 hr connection). Which of these options would be best in your opinion? Just based on numbers, I am leaning towards MAA, but don't know MAA or HYD and wonder if the latter, being a more modern airport, might be a better choice. BTW, options 3 and 4 take me to BHO at the same time by the same flight (starts in MAA and makes a stop in HYD). Only difference is time spent in flights and airports, and which airport. |
Originally Posted by PVDtoDEL
(Post 17310135)
Both airports are rather boring, but I'd suggest HYD - the airport is modern, and it's not hard to find seating that is infinitely more comfortable than sitting in an economy seat...
Once you exit, you may want to proceed to the Novotel (just a few blocks away) and maybe grab a breakfast buffet there, before returning to check-in for your BHO flight. |
few things to consider:
1. you need the BP to transfer air side, if not you have to come out and check-in back, there is NO transfer desk in HYD 2. in Indian airport, the security may not let you back in the airport in less then 3 hrs of flight departure and the CISF kind off close the Domestic terminals after the last flight leaves and open back in the morning - which may result in you siting in cold outside in the parking ( Personal experience :mad: ) 3. if you are not doing through check-in of bags in the same PNR , indian carriers are doing away with the extended allowance for international passengers. |
Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17310001)
2. BOM. Arrive 3AM, depart 550AM, less than 3 hour connection. Probably not a good choice? I understand that terminals are far apart although traffic at that time should not be an issue.
Originally Posted by Whizkid
(Post 17310706)
3. if you are not doing through check-in of bags in the same PNR , indian carriers are doing away with the extended allowance for international passengers.
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Originally Posted by Whizkid
(Post 17310706)
few things to consider:
1. you need the BP to transfer air side, if not you have to come out and check-in back, there is NO transfer desk in HYD |
Given that you reach HYD at 3am, and first domestic departures are around 5am, I don't think you shall have any problems with CISF when trying to enter the domestic side of HYD.
There is also a Plaza lounge where you can have a nap/shower if so you wish to. From what I remember of MAA, its was still under renovation with not much seating/eating in the domestic area. |
Appreciate all the responses.
Originally Posted by Mr. Bean
(Post 17310860)
[BOM 2 hr 50 min connection] is quite do-able if you want to get to BHO a few hours earlier.
Glad to hear everyone's advice that HYD is to be preferred to MAA.
Originally Posted by jetche2004
(Post 17310691)
...HYD...Once you exit, you may want to proceed to the Novotel (just a few blocks away) and maybe grab a breakfast buffet there, before returning to check-in for your BHO flight.
BTW, I looked into Business Class (award with AA miles), but those seats are not open in early December for any airline any connection from ORD to India. I realize this is short notice but I didn't think early December was such a popular travel time. Later, 3rd week which I thought is busier, would have been available. :confused: |
Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17312226)
If the transfer is do-able, I might prefer this. I was just concerned about the domestic terminal being several miles away. Although traffic would not be an issue, there may be flight delay or long lines at immigration. More like fear of unknown as I mostly transfer at DEL and am not familiar with BOM.
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Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17312226)
Appreciate all the responses.
If the transfer is do-able, I might prefer this. I was just concerned about the domestic terminal being several miles away. Although traffic would not be an issue, there may be flight delay or long lines at immigration. More like fear of unknown as I mostly transfer at DEL and am not familiar with BOM. Glad to hear everyone's advice that HYD is to be preferred to MAA. Thanks. This will work in many ways: After about 30 hours of economy class food, and no better prospects in the domestic flt "operated by Jet Konnect", I'll be ready for one good meal. This will also help pass time which, thanks to the 7 hour connection, I'll have a lot of. BTW, I looked into Business Class (award with AA miles), but those seats are not open in early December for any airline any connection from ORD to India. I realize this is short notice but I didn't think early December was such a popular travel time. Later, 3rd week which I thought is busier, would have been available. :confused: India to US peaks just following christmas through Jan 15th. You may be able to make the connection in BOM, but it sure wont be fun. MAA, BLR, DEL and HYD are much more easier. |
Originally Posted by snod08
(Post 17312429)
December 11-25 is the most highest peak travel season for USA to India.
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even though i hate transferring through bom, given your choices i would go with option #2....
transferring through bom in less than 3 hours is normally tough but at that time in the morning it will be very easy....plus you get to your destination the quickest.... |
Originally Posted by Keyser
(Post 17312961)
even though i hate transferring through bom, given your choices i would go with option #2....
transferring through bom in less than 3 hours is normally tough but at that time in the morning it will be very easy....plus you get to your destination the quickest.... |
Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17314200)
Although I have flown from/to BOM many times, never connected there. I don't mind "ruggedness" but wouldn't want to miss my connection, because the next one is something like 13 hours later.
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Originally Posted by aktchi
(Post 17314200)
Although I have flown from/to BOM many times, never connected there. I don't mind "ruggedness" but wouldn't want to miss my connection, because the next one is something like 13 hours later.
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