Help with DEL international connection
 

Hello,
I have to travel to India for a cousin's wedding. The wedding is in DEL, and then on to CCU for a reception. I have bought tickets for US to DEL return, but now need help for the domestic section.

Normally I travel with my husband and kids, but this time it will be just me. I arrive really late in DEL, and the rest of my family in India won't get there till the next morning. I would really like to get a hotel near the airport, but am hesitant to brave going outside on my own in an unknown city at 1 am. Any feedback on either the onsite airport hotel or the risks of cabbing it alone to nearby hotels that late?

The bigger question I have is related to the return trip. The reception is on Saturday night, and my flight back from DEL is at 11:30 pm on Sunday. What would be the best CCU-DEL flight to get? I was planning on a 5pm - 8 pm flight, which should give me enough time to change airports and catch the international segment.

However, I was reading online that all three prospects - SpiceJet, Indigo and Air India are frequently late and cancel flights. I want to minimize this risk as much as possible - when should I plan to fly out of CCU, given I will be flying on a ticket unrelated to the international flight?

Any help will be deeply appreciated. Thanks!
DG

the eaton hotel is in the airport terminal so you won't have to venture out....however, it will be the most expensive of the lot....

there are tons of hotels within 5 minutes from the airport....i like the four points by sheraton personally....it would be perfectly safe to go to these hotels....if you would like to play it extra safe then just ask the hotel to pick you up in one of their chauffeured cars....

if you book with either jet or air india then you don't have to change terminals....3 hours would be plenty of time to change flights....

flights are very rarely cancelled....delays are frequent but they generally tend to not be longer than 20-30 minutes....

Only book Jet or AI for CCU-DEL. AI is often delayed, but will rebook you to an earlier (also delayed) flight without issues if you show that you have a flight to connect to. Monitor the flight situation on the day of departure (look for the incoming AI/9W flights if they are on time) and be prepared to head to the airport earlier than planned.

There are many hotels 5 minutes from the airport in a development called Aerocity. The Four points is good but a bit farther and for a very late arrival, closer is better in my opinion.

I would suggest Red Fox which is cheap but comfortable western style - but there are others. They offer a package with r/t transfer. Typically the driver would be waiting for you after you exit arrivals (inside the arrivals hall) but they don't always show up and this requires a call or for you to take your own cab. Many drivers for the luxury hotels in the arrivals hall will be willing to do this for you - as they have for me several times when my phone didn't work and the driver didn't show.

To book a car if necessary, use one of the transport desks inside the arrivals hall (to your left). You will typically get an older car but they tend not to have an issue with such a short ride - the taxi companies outside (e.g. Meru) often do.

No worries, the process is easy and safe.