Jan 6, 2022, 1:47 am
Last edit by: TheBagman
Terminal 3 at DEL handles all international flights as well as domestic flights of Air India, Vistara and Air Asia India.You can transit D-I, I-D, I-I and D-D.
I-I transfer desks are open as of August 2022.
Below are the details for transit within T3.
A. Domestic to international transit at T3:
If both your domestic and international flights are on a single ticket, your baggage will be checked through at the origin airport itself and you should get your onward boarding passes there as well.
At DEL there are 5 ways to get from arrivals to departures (one level up), listed here in order of least walking to most walking.
1. Domestic - intl transfer gate: After you deplane from your domestic flight (or get off the bus) and go down the escalator (or stay on the same level coming from a bus) there is a special facility for transit passengers in the hall with the copper hands on the wall (red gate in the image below). It leads directly to immigration counters and security check after which you can access departure gates, lounges etc. Service on this entry point are hit or miss, but will save you a lot of walking. There are AI and AF-KL agents roaming the queues and will fast track you if running late. However, this only works if you already have your boarding pass for your International flight, have checked your luggage through from your point of origin, and have less than 4 hours between your domestic and international flights. If you are on separate tickets, have more than 4 hours for your international flight, or the lines are too long try one of the other options below.
2. Transfer desk in the middle of the arrivals concourse: always crowded. Here you could theoretically drop your bags and take the lift up to the security or checkin desks. Its a night mare, never used it due to crowding.
3. The escalator & lift on the international end: collect your bags, turn LEFT when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a international onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up you get into a glass walled holding pen with yet another CISF checkpoint that will only let you ínto the checkin area if your flight is in 4h or less.
4. Escalator & lift on the domestic end: collect your bags, turn right when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a domestic onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up everything is cordoned off and you are shown out the terminal by the CISF guy sitting at the glass door to the checkin area you end up curbside and have to enter the terminal again.
5. Just walking out as if you want to go to Delhi: here you exit the terminal and pretend to be a regular pax arriving in Delhi. Once you exit there are walk escalators where you push your cart on and get transported to the departure level. Select one of the many gates where there are no major lines and enter the checkin area.
B. International to domestic transit at T3:
For Air India I-D flights where your domestic flight is from AI 010-399 or 900-999, you will follow the procedure for I-I transfers (see this for details). Otherwise follow the procedure given below.
For all other flights, you will go through immigration in Delhi. After immigration you have to collect your bags and go through customs. Then follow steps 3, 4 or 5 in the section above.
Security will generally not allow entry into the domestic terminal until T-4 (four hours before the departure of your flight).
Transit hotel: For overnight transit (int'l flight arriving at night and domestic connection departing following morning), the transit hotel within Terminal 3 (IHG Holiday Inn Express) is perfectly acceptable. And the views of the tarmac when having the included breakfast aren't bad. You need to have a domestic flight departing from T3 in order to use it. The T-4 restriction does not apply to use the transit hotel. But it goes for quite a premium in rates over what the other hotels in the area cost (if willing to exit the terminal building for overnight stays). To reach, turn right after Customs and look for the Holiday Inn Express help desk inside the terminal. Staff will escort you to the hotel and help with other formalities.
For other terminals:
T2 is a (long) walk from T3. Exit the terminal, turn left and follow the signs.
T1 is ~8km by road and takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There is also a shuttle bus outside the terminal which is free if you are a woman or have a boarding pass for an onward flight, and costs INR 25 otherwise. There are no airside connections.
C. International to International transfer
After landing look for the board saying "International Transfers" (DO NOT go through immigration).
1. If you are on a single ticket and already have boarding pass in hand with "DT" (Direct Transfer) printed on it, walk past the transfer desks and go through transit security. Then you can proceed to the departure lounges and gates. Note: if your boarding pass does not have "DT" printed on it, you need to talk to the transfer desk, otherwise the I-I security checkpoint will likely not let you through and send you back to the transfer desk.
2. If you have separate tickets or don't have your onward boarding pass in hand, you have to go to the transfer desk where the airline staff will check documents and issue your onward boarding pass. You cannot check-in online or get an e-Boarding Passes for international flights out of India. Check-in generally opens 4 hours before and closes 60-75 minutes before departure. Then go through transit security as in point 1.
3. There are no priority security lanes in transit security so it is advisable to keep adequate time (>2 hrs) between connecting flights even if you are in F or J.
4. If you have separate tickets, in addition it is advisable to hold an Indian visa or e-visa as you may be denied boarding at origin otherwise.
5. A transit hotel for overnight stays (up to 24 hours) is available after transit security.
I-I transfer desks are open as of August 2022.
Below are the details for transit within T3.
A. Domestic to international transit at T3:
If both your domestic and international flights are on a single ticket, your baggage will be checked through at the origin airport itself and you should get your onward boarding passes there as well.
At DEL there are 5 ways to get from arrivals to departures (one level up), listed here in order of least walking to most walking.
1. Domestic - intl transfer gate: After you deplane from your domestic flight (or get off the bus) and go down the escalator (or stay on the same level coming from a bus) there is a special facility for transit passengers in the hall with the copper hands on the wall (red gate in the image below). It leads directly to immigration counters and security check after which you can access departure gates, lounges etc. Service on this entry point are hit or miss, but will save you a lot of walking. There are AI and AF-KL agents roaming the queues and will fast track you if running late. However, this only works if you already have your boarding pass for your International flight, have checked your luggage through from your point of origin, and have less than 4 hours between your domestic and international flights. If you are on separate tickets, have more than 4 hours for your international flight, or the lines are too long try one of the other options below.
2. Transfer desk in the middle of the arrivals concourse: always crowded. Here you could theoretically drop your bags and take the lift up to the security or checkin desks. Its a night mare, never used it due to crowding.
3. The escalator & lift on the international end: collect your bags, turn LEFT when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a international onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up you get into a glass walled holding pen with yet another CISF checkpoint that will only let you ínto the checkin area if your flight is in 4h or less.
4. Escalator & lift on the domestic end: collect your bags, turn right when you exit the first set of doors after the baggage belt. At the complete end of the concourse a lonely CISF jawan polices that way up. S/he will check if you have a domestic onward ticket/BP or send you packing to the other ways. Once you go up everything is cordoned off and you are shown out the terminal by the CISF guy sitting at the glass door to the checkin area you end up curbside and have to enter the terminal again.
5. Just walking out as if you want to go to Delhi: here you exit the terminal and pretend to be a regular pax arriving in Delhi. Once you exit there are walk escalators where you push your cart on and get transported to the departure level. Select one of the many gates where there are no major lines and enter the checkin area.
B. International to domestic transit at T3:
For Air India I-D flights where your domestic flight is from AI 010-399 or 900-999, you will follow the procedure for I-I transfers (see this for details). Otherwise follow the procedure given below.
For all other flights, you will go through immigration in Delhi. After immigration you have to collect your bags and go through customs. Then follow steps 3, 4 or 5 in the section above.
Security will generally not allow entry into the domestic terminal until T-4 (four hours before the departure of your flight).
Transit hotel: For overnight transit (int'l flight arriving at night and domestic connection departing following morning), the transit hotel within Terminal 3 (IHG Holiday Inn Express) is perfectly acceptable. And the views of the tarmac when having the included breakfast aren't bad. You need to have a domestic flight departing from T3 in order to use it. The T-4 restriction does not apply to use the transit hotel. But it goes for quite a premium in rates over what the other hotels in the area cost (if willing to exit the terminal building for overnight stays). To reach, turn right after Customs and look for the Holiday Inn Express help desk inside the terminal. Staff will escort you to the hotel and help with other formalities.
For other terminals:
T2 is a (long) walk from T3. Exit the terminal, turn left and follow the signs.
T1 is ~8km by road and takes about 15 minutes by taxi. There is also a shuttle bus outside the terminal which is free if you are a woman or have a boarding pass for an onward flight, and costs INR 25 otherwise. There are no airside connections.
C. International to International transfer
After landing look for the board saying "International Transfers" (DO NOT go through immigration).
1. If you are on a single ticket and already have boarding pass in hand with "DT" (Direct Transfer) printed on it, walk past the transfer desks and go through transit security. Then you can proceed to the departure lounges and gates. Note: if your boarding pass does not have "DT" printed on it, you need to talk to the transfer desk, otherwise the I-I security checkpoint will likely not let you through and send you back to the transfer desk.
2. If you have separate tickets or don't have your onward boarding pass in hand, you have to go to the transfer desk where the airline staff will check documents and issue your onward boarding pass. You cannot check-in online or get an e-Boarding Passes for international flights out of India. Check-in generally opens 4 hours before and closes 60-75 minutes before departure. Then go through transit security as in point 1.
3. There are no priority security lanes in transit security so it is advisable to keep adequate time (>2 hrs) between connecting flights even if you are in F or J.
4. If you have separate tickets, in addition it is advisable to hold an Indian visa or e-visa as you may be denied boarding at origin otherwise.
5. A transit hotel for overnight stays (up to 24 hours) is available after transit security.
Delhi IGI [DEL] connection/departure experience reports
Sep 23, 2016, 8:19 am
#211
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
But yes, your domestic flight is a regular domestic-only flight.
Sep 24, 2016, 3:23 am
#212
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
Whoops - sorry, that was unintentional - I cut and pasted the subject. I've fixed it now :-)
Arr --> AI 120
Dep --> AI 441
PS: Also, I am assuming that most (all?) of the joint flights that you are referring to are on the same plane, so in many (or all) of them, the transit passenger will likely stay on the plane - correct?
Arr --> AI 120
Dep --> AI 441
PS: Also, I am assuming that most (all?) of the joint flights that you are referring to are on the same plane, so in many (or all) of them, the transit passenger will likely stay on the plane - correct?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27205284-post199.html
AI has a unique system where they operate flights inside India from the international section of the terminal. For example AI 156 is Air India's service from Moscow to Goa. So the aircraft from Moscow arrives in DEL and people wanting to go to DEL only deplane and go thru immigration. Pax to Goa deplane, go thur security and back into the international section of the terminal, and technically don't enter India in DEL. Then other passengers (like you) arrive on other international AI flights and do the same. AI 156 then departs from the international side with international pax who then go thru immigration and customs in Goa.
To make things even more tricky, domestic passengers can buy a DEL-Goa ticket on AI 156. They have to checkin at the international side and get a boarding pass with a big D printed on it. To enter the international section, they have a separate queue for domestic pax, where they bypass passport control and technically don't leave the country. In Goa, the pax with the big D can again bypass customs and immigration just by showing the boarding pass.
Flights AI 001-399 and 900-999 are such international flights.
To make things even more tricky, domestic passengers can buy a DEL-Goa ticket on AI 156. They have to checkin at the international side and get a boarding pass with a big D printed on it. To enter the international section, they have a separate queue for domestic pax, where they bypass passport control and technically don't leave the country. In Goa, the pax with the big D can again bypass customs and immigration just by showing the boarding pass.
Flights AI 001-399 and 900-999 are such international flights.
Sep 24, 2016, 3:24 am
#213
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
AI has a unique system where they operate flights inside India from the international section of the terminal. For example AI 156 is Air India's service from Moscow to Goa. So the aircraft from Moscow arrives in DEL and people wanting to go to DEL only deplane and go thru immigration. Pax to Goa deplane, go thur security and back into the international section of the terminal, and technically don't enter India in DEL. Then other passengers (like you) arrive on other international AI flights and do the same. AI 156 then departs from the international side with international pax who then go thru immigration and customs in Goa.
To make things even more tricky, domestic passengers can buy a DEL-Goa ticket on AI 156. They have to checkin at the international side and get a boarding pass with a big D printed on it. To enter the international section, they have a separate queue for domestic pax, where they bypass passport control and technically don't leave the country. In Goa, the pax with the big D can again bypass customs and immigration just by showing the boarding pass.
Flights AI 001-399 and 900-999 are such international flights.
To make things even more tricky, domestic passengers can buy a DEL-Goa ticket on AI 156. They have to checkin at the international side and get a boarding pass with a big D printed on it. To enter the international section, they have a separate queue for domestic pax, where they bypass passport control and technically don't leave the country. In Goa, the pax with the big D can again bypass customs and immigration just by showing the boarding pass.
Flights AI 001-399 and 900-999 are such international flights.
^^^^^
Oct 18, 2016, 3:47 pm
#214
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: United Plat, SPG/Marriott/Hyatt Gold
Posts: 17
International to Domestic on different carriers
I've looked through historic posts in this thread but couldn't find anything recent that addresses this scenario. Here is my situation -- would appreciate your advice:
1. Arriving into DEL Terminal 3 at 18:50 on Asiana 767 (from Incheon)
2. Want to get to HYD that night, preferably on a Star Alliance carrier
3. Air India 839 departs DEL at 20:55. I can either take that flight or a budget carrier (IndiGo) later that evening.
4. I am a US Citizen and will have a couple pieces of checked luggage
5. I have booked the Asiana itinerary already -- nothing domestically in India though which is why I am asking for help.
6. I will have my wife and 2 children in tow, but they are seasoned travelers and fast
Questions:
1. Will I be cutting it too close (just over 2 hours from intl arrival to domestic departure)?
2. Assuming I will need to retrieve my luggage and go through domestic security, do I need to exit the airport and re-enter or is everything connected in Terminal 3? I've also heard that some Air India domestic flights leave from the "International" terminal -- how do I confirm if that applies to my flight?
3. Is there anyway to link my current Asiana itinerary with my to-be-purchased domestic Air India itinerary? I am hoping that if I can do this, they will at least know I am running through the airport trying to catch my flight.
Ideas?
1. Arriving into DEL Terminal 3 at 18:50 on Asiana 767 (from Incheon)
2. Want to get to HYD that night, preferably on a Star Alliance carrier
3. Air India 839 departs DEL at 20:55. I can either take that flight or a budget carrier (IndiGo) later that evening.
4. I am a US Citizen and will have a couple pieces of checked luggage
5. I have booked the Asiana itinerary already -- nothing domestically in India though which is why I am asking for help.
6. I will have my wife and 2 children in tow, but they are seasoned travelers and fast
Questions:
1. Will I be cutting it too close (just over 2 hours from intl arrival to domestic departure)?
2. Assuming I will need to retrieve my luggage and go through domestic security, do I need to exit the airport and re-enter or is everything connected in Terminal 3? I've also heard that some Air India domestic flights leave from the "International" terminal -- how do I confirm if that applies to my flight?
3. Is there anyway to link my current Asiana itinerary with my to-be-purchased domestic Air India itinerary? I am hoping that if I can do this, they will at least know I am running through the airport trying to catch my flight.
Ideas?
Oct 18, 2016, 4:57 pm
#215
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,018
I've looked through historic posts in this thread but couldn't find anything recent that addresses this scenario. Here is my situation -- would appreciate your advice:
1. Arriving into DEL Terminal 3 at 18:50 on Asiana 767 (from Incheon)
2. Want to get to HYD that night, preferably on a Star Alliance carrier
3. Air India 839 departs DEL at 20:55. I can either take that flight or a budget carrier (IndiGo) later that evening.
4. I am a US Citizen and will have a couple pieces of checked luggage
5. I have booked the Asiana itinerary already -- nothing domestically in India though which is why I am asking for help.
6. I will have my wife and 2 children in tow, but they are seasoned travelers and fast
Questions:
1. Will I be cutting it too close (just over 2 hours from intl arrival to domestic departure)?
2. Assuming I will need to retrieve my luggage and go through domestic security, do I need to exit the airport and re-enter or is everything connected in Terminal 3? I've also heard that some Air India domestic flights leave from the "International" terminal -- how do I confirm if that applies to my flight?
3. Is there anyway to link my current Asiana itinerary with my to-be-purchased domestic Air India itinerary? I am hoping that if I can do this, they will at least know I am running through the airport trying to catch my flight.
Ideas?
1. Arriving into DEL Terminal 3 at 18:50 on Asiana 767 (from Incheon)
2. Want to get to HYD that night, preferably on a Star Alliance carrier
3. Air India 839 departs DEL at 20:55. I can either take that flight or a budget carrier (IndiGo) later that evening.
4. I am a US Citizen and will have a couple pieces of checked luggage
5. I have booked the Asiana itinerary already -- nothing domestically in India though which is why I am asking for help.
6. I will have my wife and 2 children in tow, but they are seasoned travelers and fast
Questions:
1. Will I be cutting it too close (just over 2 hours from intl arrival to domestic departure)?
2. Assuming I will need to retrieve my luggage and go through domestic security, do I need to exit the airport and re-enter or is everything connected in Terminal 3? I've also heard that some Air India domestic flights leave from the "International" terminal -- how do I confirm if that applies to my flight?
3. Is there anyway to link my current Asiana itinerary with my to-be-purchased domestic Air India itinerary? I am hoping that if I can do this, they will at least know I am running through the airport trying to catch my flight.
Ideas?
AI flights depart from the same terminal as Asiana. STick to AI.
Indigo departs from T-1 AFAIK...so, rule out Indigo...as the terminals are not really "connected".
Procedure upon landing in DEL:
Clear passport control; Retrieve bags; CLear customs; Walk to domestic check-in; then re-check bags; then re-clear security; then, get to gate;
For info about which AI flight is "domestic" or "international"....see the post just above yours... i have quoted that info from another poster.
Separate PNR's cannot be linked. There is no such thing as "linking" PNRs. Sometimes notes can be made on PNR's. However, the chance of an AI employee seeing that note and waiting for your arrival is extremely small.
I would overnight in DEL; and get a flight the next morning.
Oct 19, 2016, 8:42 am
#216
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: United Plat, SPG/Marriott/Hyatt Gold
Posts: 17
Just a quick confirmation (if you know) -- If I go ahead and book the 8:55 pm flight (2 hours after Intl arrival) and miss the flight, AI generally won't automatically rebook me on the next day's flight, right? Basically, I'll have to buy tickets for that flight and essentially double pay? I know discretion of the airlines is important here but I have no recent experience with Air India...
Oct 19, 2016, 8:53 am
#217
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Just a quick confirmation (if you know) -- If I go ahead and book the 8:55 pm flight (2 hours after Intl arrival) and miss the flight, AI generally won't automatically rebook me on the next day's flight, right? Basically, I'll have to buy tickets for that flight and essentially double pay? I know discretion of the airlines is important here but I have no recent experience with Air India...
MCT is 2 hours 30 mins, so OZ won't even be able to interline check you in for the AI flight. Given that checkin closes 45 mins before departure, I would definitely overnight in DEL unless you're traveling with no checked bags.
Depending on how expensive tickets are right now, you could also perhaps buy a ticket for the evening flight as well, as an insurance policy if you manage to exit customs faster than expected.
Oct 20, 2016, 12:08 pm
#218
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,125
I really appreciate your very clear response! I'll take your advice and probably just spend the night in the Holiday Inn Express in the airport and take the first flight out next AM. It sucks because if AI had a flight leaving just 30 minutes later I'd do it.
Just a quick confirmation (if you know) -- If I go ahead and book the 8:55 pm flight (2 hours after Intl arrival) and miss the flight, AI generally won't automatically rebook me on the next day's flight, right? Basically, I'll have to buy tickets for that flight and essentially double pay? I know discretion of the airlines is important here but I have no recent experience with Air India...
Just a quick confirmation (if you know) -- If I go ahead and book the 8:55 pm flight (2 hours after Intl arrival) and miss the flight, AI generally won't automatically rebook me on the next day's flight, right? Basically, I'll have to buy tickets for that flight and essentially double pay? I know discretion of the airlines is important here but I have no recent experience with Air India...
One idea is to buy the AI dirt cheap flight to HYD for both times. If you don't manage the connection your loss is likely to be $50x4 (depending on date/time) - and if you do make it the same amount. It will not be difficult to secure a hotel at about the same rate on the day of. You can do with an app on your phone or use the hotel desk in arrivals (which is basically a guy using makemytrip). Be aware that once you leave the international arrivals area it is near impossible to return and access the hotel desk.
Also, see if AI can provide you with a boarding pass for the HYD flight and be pushy checking your bags if there are long lines.
If you do decide to stay in Delhi I would take a later flight (not the earliest) the next day as this will be much more stress free.
Oct 26, 2016, 3:33 pm
#219
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 16
Hi, I would love to gain some helpful advice in planning my transit in delhi.
I currently have a QR flight to DOH booked which takes off at 9:45 AM. I need to reposition myself from PEK on a separate ticket. I don't plan to check in any luggage.
As I've read many times in this thread, I should get my BP for the QR flight at the transfer desk. Will I be issued the BP anytime of the day or just three hours before QR's departure? Also it seems like Eaton hotel is now rebranded as HI express. Do I need a boarding pass to stay in the HI express?
I currently have a QR flight to DOH booked which takes off at 9:45 AM. I need to reposition myself from PEK on a separate ticket. I don't plan to check in any luggage.
As I've read many times in this thread, I should get my BP for the QR flight at the transfer desk. Will I be issued the BP anytime of the day or just three hours before QR's departure? Also it seems like Eaton hotel is now rebranded as HI express. Do I need a boarding pass to stay in the HI express?
Oct 27, 2016, 6:19 am
#220
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 16
I would love to receive some advice for I to I transfer in DEL please. I have already booked QR flight to DOH that takes off at 9:45 am. However, I need to position to DEL from PEK on a separate PNR. I don't have any checked luggage.
As noticed multiple times earlier in this thread, I should be able to obtain my BP at the transfer desk. Is the transfer desk operated by individual airlines? Or is it operated by the airport authority? Will I be able to check in more than 3 hours before my QR flight departure? If I can't obtain the BP until 3 hours prior to departure, can I stay in any airside hotels?
Thank you very much for your reply!
As noticed multiple times earlier in this thread, I should be able to obtain my BP at the transfer desk. Is the transfer desk operated by individual airlines? Or is it operated by the airport authority? Will I be able to check in more than 3 hours before my QR flight departure? If I can't obtain the BP until 3 hours prior to departure, can I stay in any airside hotels?
Thank you very much for your reply!
Oct 27, 2016, 8:39 am
#221
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
You can get the BP from the transfer desk if the staff for the QR flight are present/available. I think you can stay in the airside hotel without the BP. Just contact the HI and ask.
Nov 3, 2016, 9:44 am
#223
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 29
Transferring from domestic Jet Airways flight Air France on separate ticket so I need to pick up a new boarding pass in DEL. Can you get an Air France BP at the transfer desk or do I need to go up to the Departure Hall? Any idea what time the Air France desk opens? Thank you.
Nov 4, 2016, 1:39 am
#224
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
You will end up in the general checkin area anyway when arriving as 9W domestic pax. AF opens 3-4h before departure.
Nov 5, 2016, 11:02 pm
#225
Join Date: Aug 2016
Programs: American Airlines, United, Delta
Posts: 5
KTM to DEL to Jodhpur
Hi all, I am flying on Air India from Kathmandu to Jodhpur via Delhi on business flights:
AI-214 - Kathmandu - New Delhi
AI-475 - New Delhi - Jodhpur
There's a 4 hour connection time in Delhi. Do I need to pass immigration and go through security again in Delhi or do I do that at Jodhpur?
Thanks
AI-214 - Kathmandu - New Delhi
AI-475 - New Delhi - Jodhpur
There's a 4 hour connection time in Delhi. Do I need to pass immigration and go through security again in Delhi or do I do that at Jodhpur?
Thanks