Transit travel to/from India under the 'air bubble' agreements [ends 27 March 2022]
Feb 18, 2021, 12:50 pm
#736
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,345
I didn't say that at all. 
USDOT rules apply and so it's allowance of 1st carrier - unless codeshare and then marketing carrier applies. I suspect you get 2 bags with AI because AI has some kind of reciprocal agreements with UA & DL - but there is no way to know that for sure.
But it's still a useful thing for people to know.
USDOT rules apply and so it's allowance of 1st carrier - unless codeshare and then marketing carrier applies. I suspect you get 2 bags with AI because AI has some kind of reciprocal agreements with UA & DL - but there is no way to know that for sure.But it's still a useful thing for people to know.
Feb 19, 2021, 2:23 am
#737
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
The surprising thing was that the booking for both tickets were done from UA's website and the baggage allowance was shown in the itinerary on their website. This allowance changed depending on whether the domestic leg was on UK or AI and as the international legs were on the same flight (UA metal), that was surprising. As you note, usually on same ticket the intl leg allowance is allowed but this time, overall ticket allowance was changing between 1PC and 2PC's depending on whether domestic partner was AI or UK.
Ticket is for mom and she has no status and flying Y.
Ticket is for mom and she has no status and flying Y.
I didn't say that at all. USDOT rules apply and so it's allowance of 1st carrier - unless codeshare and then marketing carrier applies. I suspect you get 2 bags with AI because AI has some kind of reciprocal agreements with UA & DL - but there is no way to know that for sure.
But it's still a useful thing for people to know.
USDOT rules apply and so it's allowance of 1st carrier - unless codeshare and then marketing carrier applies. I suspect you get 2 bags with AI because AI has some kind of reciprocal agreements with UA & DL - but there is no way to know that for sure.But it's still a useful thing for people to know.
As PiperAtGatesofDawn has mentioned it is due to the DOT regulations which state that first carrier's allowance will apply. Since AI also flies to the USA they have a published allowance for India-USA which is 2*23 for economy. Vistara doesn't fly to USA direct so there is no published allowance and I am guessing they adopt UA's policy as a codeshare partner.
Feb 19, 2021, 2:27 am
#738
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
I figured out a workaround for Emirates btw. They won't/can't allow you to book a standard transit flight through the end of February as the air bubble continues through them (and will keep being extended) , but if you book a flight on a future date (even a few days later in March) for the same routing, you can call in to Emirates and they can then change it for free to a February date, though a fare difference may apply.
My initial options were two PNRs on one day in late February ($1600), or one PNR on the next day ($1300)--both as Economy Flex fares and one way. Instead I booked a day in March with an Economy Saver fare for $800. Called in immediately to change the date to late Feb, which they did with a fare difference of $100. I was told they could not take initial bookings for Feb same day flights due to the air bubble, but once it is booked and thus in their control, they can change a booking to be the same day.
So this works, and is yet another reason why everyone can avoid the AI lobby!
My initial options were two PNRs on one day in late February ($1600), or one PNR on the next day ($1300)--both as Economy Flex fares and one way. Instead I booked a day in March with an Economy Saver fare for $800. Called in immediately to change the date to late Feb, which they did with a fare difference of $100. I was told they could not take initial bookings for Feb same day flights due to the air bubble, but once it is booked and thus in their control, they can change a booking to be the same day.
So this works, and is yet another reason why everyone can avoid the AI lobby!
Interesting workaround! Although Emirates seems to be overpricing - United is offering ex-India fares in the $600-650 range for last week of Feb. Strange that Emirates is charging more even though flights are running empty.
Feb 19, 2021, 1:07 pm
#739
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
Feb 19, 2021, 1:09 pm
#740
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
As PiperAtGatesofDawn has mentioned it is due to the DOT regulations which state that first carrier's allowance will apply. Since AI also flies to the USA they have a published allowance for India-USA which is 2*23 for economy. Vistara doesn't fly to USA direct so there is no published allowance and I am guessing they adopt UA's policy as a codeshare partner.
Feb 20, 2021, 5:31 am
#741
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
I searched for DEL/BOM-EWR, DEL-SFO (all directs), BLR-EWR (1-stop) for next week (21-28 Feb). Lowest is $512 economy and even business is available on some days for ~$2000 (lowest cash fare on these routes).
Last edited by superboi; Feb 20, 2021 at 5:32 am Reason: added dates
Feb 20, 2021, 9:13 am
#742
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: EY
Posts: 852
I had the same doubt some time back and got the answer on the UA forum: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...lowance-2.html
As PiperAtGatesofDawn has mentioned it is due to the DOT regulations which state that first carrier's allowance will apply. Since AI also flies to the USA they have a published allowance for India-USA which is 2*23 for economy. Vistara doesn't fly to USA direct so there is no published allowance and I am guessing they adopt UA's policy as a codeshare partner.
As PiperAtGatesofDawn has mentioned it is due to the DOT regulations which state that first carrier's allowance will apply. Since AI also flies to the USA they have a published allowance for India-USA which is 2*23 for economy. Vistara doesn't fly to USA direct so there is no published allowance and I am guessing they adopt UA's policy as a codeshare partner.
Feb 20, 2021, 4:01 pm
#743
Join Date: May 2009
Programs: AA EXP HH GOLD EY GOLD
Posts: 340
COVID TESTING on arrival at DEL
Anybody transiting via LHR or originating in UK has to undergo mandatory COVID PCR Test at Del. Process is quite streamlined now and in all fairness very decent. You are given a quadruple copy of Passenger Information Form on board and once you land, you are directed to an area where reg tables are set up and they keep your passport. From there your next stop is to pay and/or register for Lounge and Test. Then you are directed to Lab desk where they enter you into Lab reg system and then comes test with both nasal and mouth swabs.
You are then assigned a preset seat number and waiting game begins. There were 3 loungers all the way back of the lounge and highly recommended. Lounge has restrooms but I didn't use them, so can'tsay much about it. The lounge staff comes with boxed breakfast. Veg option had Upma, muffin, some crisps, box of mango juice. There was another option to have scrambled eggs. They do provide hot tea and coffee along with a water bottle for everyone.
The test results are taking approximately 4-5 hours and they release entire flight at once but spaced in groups of 10-15.
And if someone tests positive, 3 rows back and front of the passenger have to undergo mandatory quarantine.
Your passports are returned along with a hard copy of test report with 14 day home quarantine stamp. There is a portal for soft copy but none of the people I knew were able to access soft copy.
After clearing Immigration and Customs, you are directed to another desk to show your test report and then you are on par with citizens of Delhi and free to go your way
This seemed manageable for 1 flight but there was a meeting at 11:30 am on Feb 19th to chalk out the operations as this testing requirement is proposed to be extended to Middle East Carriers from Tuesday onwards.
Hope it helps and gives you an idea to plan for at least 6-7 hrs for your connecting flights.
You are then assigned a preset seat number and waiting game begins. There were 3 loungers all the way back of the lounge and highly recommended. Lounge has restrooms but I didn't use them, so can'tsay much about it. The lounge staff comes with boxed breakfast. Veg option had Upma, muffin, some crisps, box of mango juice. There was another option to have scrambled eggs. They do provide hot tea and coffee along with a water bottle for everyone.
The test results are taking approximately 4-5 hours and they release entire flight at once but spaced in groups of 10-15.
And if someone tests positive, 3 rows back and front of the passenger have to undergo mandatory quarantine.
Your passports are returned along with a hard copy of test report with 14 day home quarantine stamp. There is a portal for soft copy but none of the people I knew were able to access soft copy.
After clearing Immigration and Customs, you are directed to another desk to show your test report and then you are on par with citizens of Delhi and free to go your way
This seemed manageable for 1 flight but there was a meeting at 11:30 am on Feb 19th to chalk out the operations as this testing requirement is proposed to be extended to Middle East Carriers from Tuesday onwards.
Hope it helps and gives you an idea to plan for at least 6-7 hrs for your connecting flights.
Last edited by DELANRDFW; Feb 20, 2021 at 4:10 pm
Feb 20, 2021, 10:28 pm
#744
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,345
New testing rules effective from 23rd Feb - everybody arriving in India has to mandatory have a Covid test. Only exception - emergency travel due to death in the family. UK, EU & ME countries have additional hurdles....
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guideli...ls17022021.pdf
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guideli...ls17022021.pdf
Feb 21, 2021, 5:33 am
#745
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
New testing rules effective from 23rd Feb - everybody arriving in India has to mandatory have a Covid test. Only exception - emergency travel due to death in the family. UK, EU & ME countries have additional hurdles....
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guideli...ls17022021.pdf
https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guideli...ls17022021.pdf
I can envision a lot of frustrated arrival pax.
Last edited by ft4lyf; Feb 21, 2021 at 10:11 am
Feb 21, 2021, 10:02 am
#746
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: KrisFlyer Gold, Marriott & SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, ShangriLa Jade, Enterprise Plat, Taj Gold
Posts: 3,345
Now that's one easy way of stopping people from taking the ME3!
Feb 21, 2021, 10:10 am
#747
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
Feb 21, 2021, 4:48 pm
#750
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 150
you don’t need to wait for a result for ME and Europe. You test and exit as per the SOP. For UK, Brazil and South Africa you have to wait for a result and then exit upon receiving a negative result. Big difference in terms of waiting at the airport