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
Aug 27, 2022, 3:54 am
#616
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Radisson Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 3,623
2:20 doesn't inspire much more confidence than 2 hours.
In case you have to do immigration & customs - J pax will get priority/separate counters on arrival immigration - you will have to see which is the shortest line and/or get feedback from frequent DEL pax. G8 will will NOT get you priority on departure immigration or security (not sure how long the lines there will be at that time). You can however purchase priority check-in & baggage from G8.
You cannot go through transit security without getting your BP from the transit desk. Transit area is very clearly marked.
In case you have to do immigration & customs - J pax will get priority/separate counters on arrival immigration - you will have to see which is the shortest line and/or get feedback from frequent DEL pax. G8 will will NOT get you priority on departure immigration or security (not sure how long the lines there will be at that time). You can however purchase priority check-in & baggage from G8.
You cannot go through transit security without getting your BP from the transit desk. Transit area is very clearly marked.
I'm pretty sure the international transfer desks have opened in the transit area so you will have access to them. If all goes smoothly then 2 hours is enough time. But if you incoming flight is delayed or you have to go through immigration then you will be pushed for time.
My flight from Uzbekistan landed and there was a annoying guy right outside the jetbridge saying "TransitTransitTransit, TransitTransitTransit" and anyone who said they were transiting was told "Wait here."
Eventually some of us got fed up with the waiting and listening to him saying "TransitTransitTransit" over and over again and we just walked to the clearly marked transit area ourselves over his objection claiming he needed to escort us there.
When I got to the transit desk I was told the GoFirst staff was on the way and I'd have to wait for them to assist me. I heard other people being told "Your fight isn't for 5 hours and your airline staff won't be here for awhile."
I hear someone else told "SpiceJet? You need to go through immigration."
Anyway, a guy with a GoFirst lanyard appears and asks what flight I got off and I said Uzbekistan Airways and he said I needed to wait for the annoying TransitTransitTransit guy who works for Uzbekistan to come and do the paperwork approving me for transit. So I waited for the guy and he had to mark me off the Uzbekistan Airways list or something and then I could get the boarding pass from the GoFirst guy.
The whole process from landing to getting to my gate took about an hour and a half.
I don't know what the immigration/customs/check in/security lines are like at this airport at 5:00 a.m. but it's possible that, since I was flying business class and pretty much the first guy off the plane, it would have been faster just to go through immigration and customs, walk from arrivals to departures, check in at the airline desk in, and go through security.
I was fortunate to be the first person in line at the transit desk. I could see this process taking well over 2 hours if there's a line at the transit desk.
Last edited by jphripjah; Sep 24, 2022 at 3:29 pm
Aug 27, 2022, 4:55 pm
#617
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,596
Appears horrendous reading above; but I guess no different to arriving in JFK for the first time
Currently my friend is on UA 82 EWR --> DEL landing 09:30p and "connecting" to DEL --> MAA at 10am the next day through Vistara.
It was all booked on one ticket, but after customs is there any way to check luggage on Vistara ?
or does she need to stand outside with luggage till 7 am in the night
She is worried about DEL at night
Any recent info on International arrivals to Domestic transfers at DEL welcome!
https://www.newdelhiairport.in/passe...sit-passengers
This is useless and I think was written for domestic transfers
Options
1
Check in Luggage for UK at once after customs - is this even possible?
2
Stay in a lounge in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3
Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4
Get luggage exit - join line for Vistara from outside terminal - this is what she oes NOT want to do !
Any info or recent trips?
The last one I spoke to had a terrible time with transfers at DEL but had only a 8 hr delay to next flight and soon after exiting was allowed back in as the flight was late coming in and customs took a while so the layover was less
Currently my friend is on UA 82 EWR --> DEL landing 09:30p and "connecting" to DEL --> MAA at 10am the next day through Vistara.
It was all booked on one ticket, but after customs is there any way to check luggage on Vistara ?
or does she need to stand outside with luggage till 7 am in the night
She is worried about DEL at night
Any recent info on International arrivals to Domestic transfers at DEL welcome!
https://www.newdelhiairport.in/passe...sit-passengers
This is useless and I think was written for domestic transfers
Options
1
Check in Luggage for UK at once after customs - is this even possible?
2
Stay in a lounge in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3
Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4
Get luggage exit - join line for Vistara from outside terminal - this is what she oes NOT want to do !
Any info or recent trips?
The last one I spoke to had a terrible time with transfers at DEL but had only a 8 hr delay to next flight and soon after exiting was allowed back in as the flight was late coming in and customs took a while so the layover was less
Aug 28, 2022, 8:20 pm
#618
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Bangalore ->Delhi (Vistara) ; Delhi->Chicago (United); Chicago -> Phoenix (United) on single ticket. 2 hour layover in Delhi at night. Is it sufficient time for the transfer. Is my understanding correct the checked luggage will be automatically transferred over from Vistara to United and I will need to pickup in Chicago (not Delhi?).
Flying into India on United into Delhi at 9pm and the following day on Air India to Varanasi 10am. Does it make a difference whether it is ticketed separately or on a single ticket? Assuming I will still need to pickup the checked luggage in Delhi and transfer it manually to Air India for flight at 10am the following day. Similar questions as the above post on best options.
1. Check luggage into Air India after clearing customs - is it possible?
2. Stay at a lounge (was thinking of purchasing the one time United Pass) in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3. Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4. Get luggage, checkin Air India and stay at the domestic side lounge (does United Pass work)
5. Get luggage, exit, stay at a hotel close to the airport (any recommendations) and check in the following day on Air India (domestic side).
Thank you in advance
Flying into India on United into Delhi at 9pm and the following day on Air India to Varanasi 10am. Does it make a difference whether it is ticketed separately or on a single ticket? Assuming I will still need to pickup the checked luggage in Delhi and transfer it manually to Air India for flight at 10am the following day. Similar questions as the above post on best options.
1. Check luggage into Air India after clearing customs - is it possible?
2. Stay at a lounge (was thinking of purchasing the one time United Pass) in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3. Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4. Get luggage, checkin Air India and stay at the domestic side lounge (does United Pass work)
5. Get luggage, exit, stay at a hotel close to the airport (any recommendations) and check in the following day on Air India (domestic side).
Thank you in advance
Aug 28, 2022, 8:26 pm
#619
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,596
Update
- Booked a night at IHG EXPRESS DEL airport T3 Level 5 - 11k Rs, but well worth it instead of relying on UK changing flight times to earlier flight
Initially booked at IHG DEL airport but soon figured out that this was outside the airport itself - anyone else looking for this please recheck exact address - it should say Terminal 3 Level 5
- Booked a night at IHG EXPRESS DEL airport T3 Level 5 - 11k Rs, but well worth it instead of relying on UK changing flight times to earlier flight
Initially booked at IHG DEL airport but soon figured out that this was outside the airport itself - anyone else looking for this please recheck exact address - it should say Terminal 3 Level 5
Aug 30, 2022, 1:27 am
#620
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
Bangalore ->Delhi (Vistara) ; Delhi->Chicago (United); Chicago -> Phoenix (United) on single ticket. 2 hour layover in Delhi at night. Is it sufficient time for the transfer. Is my understanding correct the checked luggage will be automatically transferred over from Vistara to United and I will need to pickup in Chicago (not Delhi?).
Flying into India on United into Delhi at 9pm and the following day on Air India to Varanasi 10am. Does it make a difference whether it is ticketed separately or on a single ticket? Assuming I will still need to pickup the checked luggage in Delhi and transfer it manually to Air India for flight at 10am the following day. Similar questions as the above post on best options.
1. Check luggage into Air India after clearing customs - is it possible?
2. Stay at a lounge (was thinking of purchasing the one time United Pass) in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3. Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4. Get luggage, checkin Air India and stay at the domestic side lounge (does United Pass work)
5. Get luggage, exit, stay at a hotel close to the airport (any recommendations) and check in the following day on Air India (domestic side).
Thank you in advance
1. Check luggage into Air India after clearing customs - is it possible?
2. Stay at a lounge (was thinking of purchasing the one time United Pass) in the international terminal after clearing immigration and pick up luggage the next day?
3. Get luggage and somehow stay in the international terminal in a lounge?
4. Get luggage, checkin Air India and stay at the domestic side lounge (does United Pass work)
5. Get luggage, exit, stay at a hotel close to the airport (any recommendations) and check in the following day on Air India (domestic side).
Thank you in advance
Update
- Booked a night at IHG EXPRESS DEL airport T3 Level 5 - 11k Rs, but well worth it instead of relying on UK changing flight times to earlier flight
Initially booked at IHG DEL airport but soon figured out that this was outside the airport itself - anyone else looking for this please recheck exact address - it should say Terminal 3 Level 5
- Booked a night at IHG EXPRESS DEL airport T3 Level 5 - 11k Rs, but well worth it instead of relying on UK changing flight times to earlier flight
Initially booked at IHG DEL airport but soon figured out that this was outside the airport itself - anyone else looking for this please recheck exact address - it should say Terminal 3 Level 5
Last edited by superboi; Aug 30, 2022 at 1:29 am Reason: added link
Aug 30, 2022, 2:23 am
#621
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
The Holiday Inn Express within Terminal 3 is perfectly acceptable for international arrivals connecting onto domestic flights from Terminal 3 and my associates think the service is very good at it. And the views of the tarmac when having the included breakfast aren't bad from it. Due to the T3 departure requirement to use the hotel, that tends to favor the use of some airlines, Air India and Vistara in particular.
But this HIX 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.
The HIX T3 on Level 5 is what we use for those who are concerned about DEL safety/security during overnight stays on transit layovers at DEL.
But this HIX 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.
The HIX T3 on Level 5 is what we use for those who are concerned about DEL safety/security during overnight stays on transit layovers at DEL.
Last edited by GUWonder; Aug 30, 2022 at 2:28 am
Sep 3, 2022, 4:47 pm
#622
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284
I'm flying United into Dehli at 9pm Monday, then have a international connection to KTM at 2pm the next day on Vistara. This is on one UA ticket (separate PNR for Vistara). The flight to KTM is NOT one of the ones code-shared with United, in case that matters.
I have an eVisa and plan to exit the airport and stay in the hotel adjacent to the airport and spend a some hours in the morning around Dehli before returning to the airport.
My question is whether a (potential) checked bag at the origin will show up on the carousel in Dehli, or will it get interlined to Vistara? Note this is a "17 hour I-I overnight transfer". My plan was to ask the UA check-in agent as well.
The return path is identical but with a "5-hour same-day" transfer scenario, I am more confident from other answers that the interline will work here and I will not enter India to collect/drop a checked bag, but let me know if this is incorrect.
I've spent about 30 minutes searching this thread and others and can't find this scenario. Thanks in advance.
I have an eVisa and plan to exit the airport and stay in the hotel adjacent to the airport and spend a some hours in the morning around Dehli before returning to the airport.
My question is whether a (potential) checked bag at the origin will show up on the carousel in Dehli, or will it get interlined to Vistara? Note this is a "17 hour I-I overnight transfer". My plan was to ask the UA check-in agent as well.
The return path is identical but with a "5-hour same-day" transfer scenario, I am more confident from other answers that the interline will work here and I will not enter India to collect/drop a checked bag, but let me know if this is incorrect.
I've spent about 30 minutes searching this thread and others and can't find this scenario. Thanks in advance.
Sep 4, 2022, 12:06 pm
#623
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 319
I'm flying United into Dehli at 9pm Monday, then have a international connection to KTM at 2pm the next day on Vistara. This is on one UA ticket (separate PNR for Vistara). The flight to KTM is NOT one of the ones code-shared with United, in case that matters.
I have an eVisa and plan to exit the airport and stay in the hotel adjacent to the airport and spend a some hours in the morning around Dehli before returning to the airport.
My question is whether a (potential) checked bag at the origin will show up on the carousel in Dehli, or will it get interlined to Vistara? Note this is a "17 hour I-I overnight transfer". My plan was to ask the UA check-in agent as well.
I have an eVisa and plan to exit the airport and stay in the hotel adjacent to the airport and spend a some hours in the morning around Dehli before returning to the airport.
My question is whether a (potential) checked bag at the origin will show up on the carousel in Dehli, or will it get interlined to Vistara? Note this is a "17 hour I-I overnight transfer". My plan was to ask the UA check-in agent as well.
From the wiki on the above thread, your bag will appear on carousel at DEL, because your flight falls within two of the circumstances where bags will not be through checked (overnight and >12 hrs):
For a trip that includes one or more connection, we’ll check bags to the final destination on your ticket.You'll need to go to baggage claim and re-check your bags if:
- You chose to have a layover
- You make a connection that involves an overnight stay
- Your connecting flight departs more than 12 hours after you arrive at the airport
The return path is identical but with a "5-hour same-day" transfer scenario, I am more confident from other answers that the interline will work here and I will not enter India to collect/drop a checked bag, but let me know if this is incorrect.
I've spent about 30 minutes searching this thread and others and can't find this scenario. Thanks in advance.
I've spent about 30 minutes searching this thread and others and can't find this scenario. Thanks in advance.
Sep 6, 2022, 5:14 pm
#624
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 13
Advice wanted for domestic to international transfer at T3 New Delhi - Arriving at Delhi T3 by Vistara at 5 pm and have forward flight to AMS by KLM after 10 hours. Two separate PNRs so I am fully aware that I have to collect baggage from domestic flight and check in with the KLM counter and go through security etc.
My question about spending my 10 hours layover in Delhi T3. Should I spend at T3 Domestic Arrival Premium Plaza lounge after collecting my luggage and then head to international transfer area 4 hours before my KLM flight? Or will I be allowed into the landside T3 International Departure Premium Plaza lounge 10 hours before my international flight?
Thanks for your help.
My question about spending my 10 hours layover in Delhi T3. Should I spend at T3 Domestic Arrival Premium Plaza lounge after collecting my luggage and then head to international transfer area 4 hours before my KLM flight? Or will I be allowed into the landside T3 International Departure Premium Plaza lounge 10 hours before my international flight?
Thanks for your help.
Sep 7, 2022, 5:27 am
#625
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
All you can do is use one of the arrival lounges (there are 3 in the arrival area: 2 PP and one rune by the airport). You can't go upstairs to checkin with KLM till about 4h before departure, and only then go airside where the lounges are.
Sep 19, 2022, 10:02 am
#628
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284
New Dehli connecting to Kathmandu experience
Experience report based on my trip as described in post #597 above. Note that I did not check any bags on this trip, which "helped" on the inbound.
The outbound went as expected.
The inbound was a bit more interesting, although ended up working out as expected.
The outbound went as expected.
- Had to check-in in-person at DEN to show proof of Indian e-Visa.
- When deplaning at DEL they had a person in the hallway telling people that all passengers had to get checked bags. eVisa printout worked fine, no issues or questions. Had to show BP for flight just completed.
- Next day checked in for Vistara in person and received that BP, no issues.
- Side note: when you enter the KTM immigration hall and can see the lines and desks, you actually need to turn hard left to see a desk on the wall where you need to pay the USD$ cash fee for the eVisa you applied for online.
The inbound was a bit more interesting, although ended up working out as expected.
- Was able to check-in online with Vistara and "received" three electronic boarding passes for KTM-DEL-EWR-DEN (the latter two flights being UA listed/operated). Allowing OLCI was a surprise to me because I knew you had to have a paper boarding pass for various "stampings" in this part of the world. Also this didn't go so smoothly as the OLCI gave me several choices for receiving the boarding pass. I could choose email (which I should have chosen) or add to my apple wallet. Unfortunately the Apple wallet sub-option gave three separate links, and after clicking and adding the first flight, the app went back to the home screen and I couldn't access the others. I decided not to risk messing with it since I had to get paper passes at the airport anyway.
- Side note: I was intending to change my DEL-EWR seat to be next to an expected empty middle seat, but after I did OCLI with Vistara/Amadeus, it locked me out of any changes to my UA flights. Old lesson remembered.
- At the KTM check-in desk, there was confusion because the desk person had no idea what was going on and believed I needed a new Indian eVisa despite that 1) Indian eVisas are double-entry and the visa stamp in my passport was clearly marked "1/2 entries", and 2) I was a I-I transit passenger anyway and didn't need an eVisa. She ignored my explanations and eventually a supervisor came over and mostly ignored my explanations and asked me if I had any checked bags, pushed some buttons and all my boarding passes printed out. I'm not sure which of the reasons got me through but they seem mostly convinced that since I had no checked bags they were ok with it.
- At DEL, I walked past the transfer desks as described by the wiki (since I had my BPs) and on to the I-I security checkpoint. There were two security guys and one other transit passenger, just the four of us in total. They checked my backpack and wanded me, but then the security guy with the ink stamp paused and said I had to go back because my BP didn't have the letters "DT" for Direct Transfer printed (or written?) at the top. I turned on my best confused-foreigner personality and offered up my other boarding passes. He saw that I came from KTM with the proper ink stamps all over it and mumbled "oh, hmm, Kathmandu", saw that I only had a 5 hour layover. He asked if I had any checked bags and then very cautiously decided to finally stamp by BP and let me through. While wiping the virtual sweat off my brow and repacking my bag, his supervisor guard wandered toward me and asked something like "You did talk to the transfer desks back there right?" and I falsely indicated affirmative and he decided to leave me alone. Perhaps they paid me more attention because they were bored.
- When boarding my UA flight at Gate 1, the first person looked at my Vistara BP, and seemed confused that I was an I-I transfer, asked me where I had come from, I answered and received the same "oh, hmm, Kathmandu" and let me by.
- At the BP scanner, I was gently rejected and had step to the side and show my BP and passport to the desk for re-checking. I was asked again if I had any checked bags and they again seemed happy the answer was zero.
- Side story: I used by Vistara paper BP in the TSA-pre line at EWR to see what would happen. It actually scanned but she said I was in the wrong line, so I feigned ignorance and pulled my phone out with the United BP w/TSA-pre that had shown up in my app at some point and got through. The Vistara paper BP did work to board my plane back to DEN.
Sep 19, 2022, 8:34 pm
#630
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN (ex-MCI)
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 284