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
Nov 14, 2017, 7:07 am
#347
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,162
Nov 29, 2017, 5:58 pm
#349
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
Just did a domestic to intl transfer within T3 and found the process completely bizarre. We were on separate tickets so after collecting our bags and exiting, there wasn't a single "international transfers" sign - we just saw the "domestic transfers" sign on the right. However I did note that after arrival while walking to baggage claim there were signs to an "international transfers" area. Could we have gone backwards with our checked luggage and used those desks? If so, why are they located BEFORE baggage claim, not after? Why does DEL make it such a confusing process to get upstairs? We finally found an employee who said just walk to the end and turn left, there will be a lift to get upstairs, and sure enough there was. So we get upstairs and turns out this lift opens into a "holding pen" area, from where we had to show our documents again to enter the actual check-in area. So weird I can't even wrap my mind around it. India really never ceases to amaze. Really incredible to me that there's a grand total of two small elevators linking the arrivals and departures area. So unbelievably stupid.
Also, DEL's website has a dedicated page to inter-terminal transfers, but why no mention at all about how to transfer within T3?
Also, DEL's website has a dedicated page to inter-terminal transfers, but why no mention at all about how to transfer within T3?
Nov 29, 2017, 6:16 pm
#350
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
Just did a domestic to intl transfer within T3 and found the process completely bizarre. We were on separate tickets so after collecting our bags and exiting, there wasn't a single "international transfers" sign - we just saw the "domestic transfers" sign on the right. However I did note that after arrival while walking to baggage claim there were signs to an "international transfers" area. Could we have gone backwards with our checked luggage and used those desks? If so, why are they located BEFORE baggage claim, not after? Why does DEL make it such a confusing process to get upstairs? We finally found an employee who said just walk to the end and turn left, there will be a lift to get upstairs, and sure enough there was. So we get upstairs and turns out this lift opens into a "holding pen" area, from where we had to show our documents again to enter the actual check-in area. So weird I can't even wrap my mind around it. India really never ceases to amaze. Really incredible to me that there's a grand total of two small elevators linking the arrivals and departures area. So unbelievably stupid.
Also, DEL's website has a dedicated page to inter-terminal transfers, but why no mention at all about how to transfer within T3?
Also, DEL's website has a dedicated page to inter-terminal transfers, but why no mention at all about how to transfer within T3?
Basically, they did not plan appropriately for a international to domestic transfer or v.v on different e-tickets.
The few lifts cannot be logically explained !
Nov 29, 2017, 6:24 pm
#351
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
Those international transfer's are for situations where they are on the same itinerary / e-ticket and baggage is thru checked to final destination. As you were on separate ticket's, you had to pick the bag's and then basically had to re-enter the terminal as a new pax.
Basically, they did not plan appropriately for a international to domestic transfer or v.v on different e-tickets.
The few lifts cannot be logically explained !
Basically, they did not plan appropriately for a international to domestic transfer or v.v on different e-tickets.
The few lifts cannot be logically explained !
Nov 29, 2017, 10:51 pm
#352
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PDX
Programs: Don't think it matters...
Posts: 5,240
Its a PITA then.
Nov 30, 2017, 7:36 am
#353
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
While I don't have data, I do feel majority of the DOM - INTL transfers would be on same tickets / itinerary where the bag's would be checked in to end destination. Because of limitations on domestic baggage allowances, people prefer that but ofcourse there are many many instances when the price differential between two separate tickets and one with codeshare etc on same itinerary are high enough or they are no appropriate connecting flights and so people need to buy separate tickets.
Its a PITA then.
Its a PITA then.
Nov 30, 2017, 9:31 am
#355
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AA PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,405
True, in practice it works pretty easily, but couldn't they have at least placed a sign for "international departures" or something similar? "Domestic connections" is clearly marked (even though they use the same departure hall), so I don't understand why they wouldn't make it clear where international passengers should go. Again I agree once you find the lift it's an easy process, but still.
Dec 10, 2017, 4:00 am
#356
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 32
So let me add my 2 cents having just about completed a International -> Domestic transfer in T3 @ DEL.
In short, plan for lots of extra time with your connection if you are transferring between a non-AI international flight to any domestic flight.
For AI international flights that connect to a AI domestic flight serviced by an "international" gate (i.e. AI 126 to HYD), unless your flight to DEL was on AI, you must clear immigration, pick up your checked bags (if applicable) and check in again. If your flight to DEL was on AI, then you can clear immigration at your final destination (as long as your AI domestic flight departed from an "international" gate) and save a lot of time.
All in, plan for at least 90-120 minutes minimum assuming you have *G status so you can skip ahead to shorter queues at check-in and security (and know exactly where to go to navigate the Byzantine process).
Oh and don't get your hopes up either on the AI lounge: as I sit here, it's 80 degrees with lukewarm beer with the pleasant soundtrack of table saws in the background, and no available showers. On the positive side, the pigeon flying around adds a touch of natural beauty to the experience.
In short, plan for lots of extra time with your connection if you are transferring between a non-AI international flight to any domestic flight.
For AI international flights that connect to a AI domestic flight serviced by an "international" gate (i.e. AI 126 to HYD), unless your flight to DEL was on AI, you must clear immigration, pick up your checked bags (if applicable) and check in again. If your flight to DEL was on AI, then you can clear immigration at your final destination (as long as your AI domestic flight departed from an "international" gate) and save a lot of time.
All in, plan for at least 90-120 minutes minimum assuming you have *G status so you can skip ahead to shorter queues at check-in and security (and know exactly where to go to navigate the Byzantine process).
Oh and don't get your hopes up either on the AI lounge: as I sit here, it's 80 degrees with lukewarm beer with the pleasant soundtrack of table saws in the background, and no available showers. On the positive side, the pigeon flying around adds a touch of natural beauty to the experience.
Feb 14, 2018, 11:54 am
#357
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 377
I have a flight out of Delhi on Finnair DEL-HEL-SPU at 10:30 a.m.
We will be in Jaipur for 3 days beforehand and have no desire to rush any sightseeing in at Delhi. We’d like to maximize our time Jaipur within reason , while not jeopardizing our flight out of DEL. Because of this and to save transportation hassle in Delhi, I plan on using some IHG points to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Terminal 3. However, Holiday Inn’s website does not explain a domestic-international connection when the flights are far apart. I have to assume that it won’t be possible to check in to our Finnair flight on arrival from a Jet Airways flight from Jaipur to Terminal 3 Delhi.
Also, I’m torn between taking the train from Jaipur or the jet airways flight. Does anyone have an opinion on this? And if we did decide to take a train that arrived the night before out Finnair flight, would it even be possible to enter the hotel inside Terminal 3?
We will be in Jaipur for 3 days beforehand and have no desire to rush any sightseeing in at Delhi. We’d like to maximize our time Jaipur within reason , while not jeopardizing our flight out of DEL. Because of this and to save transportation hassle in Delhi, I plan on using some IHG points to stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Terminal 3. However, Holiday Inn’s website does not explain a domestic-international connection when the flights are far apart. I have to assume that it won’t be possible to check in to our Finnair flight on arrival from a Jet Airways flight from Jaipur to Terminal 3 Delhi.
Also, I’m torn between taking the train from Jaipur or the jet airways flight. Does anyone have an opinion on this? And if we did decide to take a train that arrived the night before out Finnair flight, would it even be possible to enter the hotel inside Terminal 3?
Feb 17, 2018, 2:29 am
#358
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,820
Trying to assist my wife on planning her first trip to India.
Flight home would be BOM-DEL-YYZ, all one ticket, unfortunately in Y and Mrs. Mapleg has no status.
What would suggest is an appropriate connection time in Delhi? (This would be late Friday evening.)
Her coworker is suggesting a flight with only a 1:40 or 2:35 connection time, which I feel is far too short, (and that’s not even taking into consideration the on time performance of the domestic flight is poor.)
Thoughts? (Mine are forget about that idea and stay one more day in Mumbai and fly home direct in PE (it's not a 7 day a week direct service)
Flight home would be BOM-DEL-YYZ, all one ticket, unfortunately in Y and Mrs. Mapleg has no status.
What would suggest is an appropriate connection time in Delhi? (This would be late Friday evening.)
Her coworker is suggesting a flight with only a 1:40 or 2:35 connection time, which I feel is far too short, (and that’s not even taking into consideration the on time performance of the domestic flight is poor.)
Thoughts? (Mine are forget about that idea and stay one more day in Mumbai and fly home direct in PE (it's not a 7 day a week direct service)
Feb 17, 2018, 9:12 am
#359
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,673
Trying to assist my wife on planning her first trip to India.
Flight home would be BOM-DEL-YYZ, all one ticket, unfortunately in Y and Mrs. Mapleg has no status.
What would suggest is an appropriate connection time in Delhi? (This would be late Friday evening.)
Her coworker is suggesting a flight with only a 1:40 or 2:35 connection time, which I feel is far too short, (and that’s not even taking into consideration the on time performance of the domestic flight is poor.)
Thoughts? (Mine are forget about that idea and stay one more day in Mumbai and fly home direct in PE (it's not a 7 day a week direct service)
Flight home would be BOM-DEL-YYZ, all one ticket, unfortunately in Y and Mrs. Mapleg has no status.
What would suggest is an appropriate connection time in Delhi? (This would be late Friday evening.)
Her coworker is suggesting a flight with only a 1:40 or 2:35 connection time, which I feel is far too short, (and that’s not even taking into consideration the on time performance of the domestic flight is poor.)
Thoughts? (Mine are forget about that idea and stay one more day in Mumbai and fly home direct in PE (it's not a 7 day a week direct service)
Feb 18, 2018, 12:54 am
#360
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,820
Thanks...I thought there was both security and emigration control? Can that not take a bit if time? Guess am a bit paranoid as seems plenty of tales of long lines upstream in this thread.