Cairo Transit on a mileage run [merged CAI turnaround]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Miles &Smile Elite, Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 232
Cairo Transit on a mileage run [merged CAI turnaround]
Hi guys...need some advice
If taking a flight into Cairo and returning same day there is just about 1 hours turn around for the aircraft . Will that be possible ? Either on LH or LX or TK , how is transit in CAI ? In many countries I know transit pax don't even go to passport check just you go through transit security and back again into departure floor/same terminal, so by the time you land and the new boarding you are there. But I am afraid in CAI this might not be possible. Any advice ? Has anybody done this successfully? Btw ...travelling eventually in Business Class.
If taking a flight into Cairo and returning same day there is just about 1 hours turn around for the aircraft . Will that be possible ? Either on LH or LX or TK , how is transit in CAI ? In many countries I know transit pax don't even go to passport check just you go through transit security and back again into departure floor/same terminal, so by the time you land and the new boarding you are there. But I am afraid in CAI this might not be possible. Any advice ? Has anybody done this successfully? Btw ...travelling eventually in Business Class.
#2
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: England
Posts: 411
Hi guys...need some advice
If taking a flight into Cairo and returning same day there is just about 1 hours turn around for the aircraft . Will that be possible ? Either on LH or LX or TK , how is transit in CAI ? In many countries I know transit pax don't even go to passport check just you go through transit security and back again into departure floor/same terminal, so by the time you land and the new boarding you are there. But I am afraid in CAI this might not be possible. Any advice ? Has anybody done this successfully? Btw ...travelling eventually in Business Class.
If taking a flight into Cairo and returning same day there is just about 1 hours turn around for the aircraft . Will that be possible ? Either on LH or LX or TK , how is transit in CAI ? In many countries I know transit pax don't even go to passport check just you go through transit security and back again into departure floor/same terminal, so by the time you land and the new boarding you are there. But I am afraid in CAI this might not be possible. Any advice ? Has anybody done this successfully? Btw ...travelling eventually in Business Class.
I was on a 1h LH-LX transit earlier this year, which is exactly the MCT for T3-T3 I-I connections. For some reason they couldn't print my LX BP in FRA, and my LH flight arrived half an hour late. The transit agents initally refused to help me and almost wouldn't let me through, and only budged when the LX station manager got involved and sent someone with my BP. They made me literally run to the gate and I boarded just before STD - by which time the aircraft had gone mechanical and had us grounded at the gate for another hour, which, along with my status, was probably the reason why they decided to still let me board in the first place.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Point Place, Wisconsin
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold
Posts: 14,505
Returning on the same aircraft you arrived on in CAI is no longer possible with an airside transit through the transit desk. (LX->LH is still possible though).
With LH->LH you will need to buy the Egypt visa, enter through immigration, obtain your BP at the LH desk and then proceed again through departures.
With LH->LH you will need to buy the Egypt visa, enter through immigration, obtain your BP at the LH desk and then proceed again through departures.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: England
Posts: 411
Returning on the same aircraft you arrived on in CAI is no longer possible with an airside transit through the transit desk. (LX->LH is still possible though).
With LH->LH you will need to buy the Egypt visa, enter through immigration, obtain your BP at the LH desk and then proceed again through departures.
With LH->LH you will need to buy the Egypt visa, enter through immigration, obtain your BP at the LH desk and then proceed again through departures.
It should still be possible with LX - you can purchase same-day LX236/237 roundtrips on swiss.com. LH's ex-FRA flight doesn't do same-day turnarounds, so that might be a problem (same with all LH-LX connections) - although still within the TWOV timeframe of 12h.
[KVS Availability Tool 6.7.0/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
Code:
08DEC11 / 1003 UTC
National Turkey (TR) /Embarkation Germany (DE)
Transit Egypt (EG) /Destination Germany (DE)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
[Visa Information - Transit] Egypt (EG)
[Information For Normal Passports]
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets for a max.
transit [[TIRULES/R32]] time of 12 hours.
- Passengers are allowed to leave the transit area but not the
airport. (No hotel accommodation available at Cairo
Airport).
Egypt (EG)
Vaccination against yellow fever required if arriving within 6
days after leaving or transiting countries with infected
areas, including the countries mentioned below.
In Africa: Angola, Benin (Rep.), Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cameroon, Central African Rep., Chad, Congo (Brazzaville),
Congo (Kinshasa), Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia,
Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan (south of 15 degrees N.),
Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.
In America: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname,
Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.
Persons without valid yellow fever certificate, if required,
are subject to quarantine.
Exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination:
- Children under 1 year.
- Transit passengers not leaving the airport and continuing
their journey by the same aircraft.
[Visa Information - Destination] Germany (DE)
[Information For Normal Passports]
Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for the period of intended stay.
- Passports must be signed by the bearer. Passports without
signatures [[TIDFT/DE/PA/VA/ID39038]]
Visa required, except for Nationals of Turkey, travelling to
provide services in Germany and holding special permission
issued by a German embassy, proving status, for a max. stay of
2 months.
Minors:
- Minors aged up to/incl. 15 years of age may be included in
the passport of a parent or guardian, provided
[[TIDFT/DE/PA/MI/ID22061]]
Additional Information:
- Valid visas in full passports or travel documents are
accepted, provided accompanied by the new passport or travel
document issued by the same authority.
- Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to
cover their stay and documents required for their next
destination.
- This country is a Schengen Member State [[TIRULES/R33]]
Warning:
- Visitors not holding return/onward tickets or evidence of
continuing journey by other means of transport, could be
refused entry .
Germany (DE)
No vaccinations are required to enter Germany from any
country.
CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - SOUTH AFRICA: COP17/CMP7, DURBAN, 28
NOVEMBER TO 9 DECEMBER 2011
Last edited by -Heathcliff-; Dec 8, 2011 at 3:12 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 504
I was on a turnarround with LH to/from FRA in October and I can say that this 12hr rule does definitly not apply. I already had my BP printed in FRA, so I went straight to the transit desk after landing. However, they told me that I will have to buy a visa and can not remain in the departure area any longer than 3hrs before the flight. I told them that I already have my BP issued and that I would go to the lounge. But there was no room for discussion, I was then literally escorted to the Visa counter.
I guess a 1hr turnarround (not connection) would have worked though
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Miles &Smile Elite, Star Alliance Gold
Posts: 232
thank you all guys for your contribution. You did confirm what I was suspicious about. I was in Cairo not long time ago and already as just arriving and departing it was a lengthy and time consuming experience.
I guess the best thing would be to allow plenty of time or just to stay overnight in a nearby airport hotel.
again thank you all for the advices.
I guess the best thing would be to allow plenty of time or just to stay overnight in a nearby airport hotel.
again thank you all for the advices.
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Point Place, Wisconsin
Programs: LH HON, BA Gold, EK Gold
Posts: 14,505
Care to elaborate?
It should still be possible with LX - you can purchase same-day LX236/237 roundtrips on swiss.com. LH's ex-FRA flight doesn't do same-day turnarounds, so that might be a problem (same with all LH-LX connections) - although still within the TWOV timeframe of 12h.
[KVS Availability Tool 6.7.0/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
It should still be possible with LX - you can purchase same-day LX236/237 roundtrips on swiss.com. LH's ex-FRA flight doesn't do same-day turnarounds, so that might be a problem (same with all LH-LX connections) - although still within the TWOV timeframe of 12h.
[KVS Availability Tool 6.7.0/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]
Code:
08DEC11 / 1003 UTC
National Turkey (TR) /Embarkation Germany (DE)
Transit Egypt (EG) /Destination Germany (DE)
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW
[Visa Information - Transit] Egypt (EG)
[Information For Normal Passports]
TWOV (Transit Without Visa):
Visa required, except for Holders of onward tickets for a max.
transit [[TIRULES/R32]] time of 12 hours.
- Passengers are allowed to leave the transit area but not the
airport. (No hotel accommodation available at Cairo
Airport).
Egypt (EG)
Vaccination against yellow fever required if arriving within 6
days after leaving or transiting countries with infected
areas, including the countries mentioned below.
In Africa: Angola, Benin (Rep.), Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Cameroon, Central African Rep., Chad, Congo (Brazzaville),
Congo (Kinshasa), Cote d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia,
Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan (south of 15 degrees N.),
Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.
In America: Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Peru, Suriname,
Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela.
Persons without valid yellow fever certificate, if required,
are subject to quarantine.
Exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination:
- Children under 1 year.
- Transit passengers not leaving the airport and continuing
their journey by the same aircraft.
[Visa Information - Destination] Germany (DE)
[Information For Normal Passports]
Passport required.
- Passports and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
for the period of intended stay.
- Passports must be signed by the bearer. Passports without
signatures [[TIDFT/DE/PA/VA/ID39038]]
Visa required, except for Nationals of Turkey, travelling to
provide services in Germany and holding special permission
issued by a German embassy, proving status, for a max. stay of
2 months.
Minors:
- Minors aged up to/incl. 15 years of age may be included in
the passport of a parent or guardian, provided
[[TIDFT/DE/PA/MI/ID22061]]
Additional Information:
- Valid visas in full passports or travel documents are
accepted, provided accompanied by the new passport or travel
document issued by the same authority.
- Visitors are required to hold proof of sufficient funds to
cover their stay and documents required for their next
destination.
- This country is a Schengen Member State [[TIRULES/R33]]
Warning:
- Visitors not holding return/onward tickets or evidence of
continuing journey by other means of transport, could be
refused entry .
Germany (DE)
No vaccinations are required to enter Germany from any
country.
CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - SOUTH AFRICA: COP17/CMP7, DURBAN, 28
NOVEMBER TO 9 DECEMBER 2011
You will need to buy the visa.
The last time I tried to do an LH->LH direct turnaround with 1h in CAI I nearly missed the flight. I was detained by the immigration staff and the LH station manager had to get me out of there. He also held the flight for me for ca. 5-10 mins.
If I had known that all they were after is the $15 for the visa I would have purchased it from the start...
As I mentioned, they do not like the direct turnarounds on the same aircraft. A combination of arriving LX and departing LH for example is ok. Then you can go to the transit desk.
I have a couple of tickets ex-CAI for 2012 but have now rerouted them to LX F inbound to CAI and LH or MS out of CAI.
(I don't fancy the NEK cabin on this sector)
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Worldwide
Posts: 12,949
[KVS Availability Tool 6.8.1/Diamond - TIMATIC: Expert Mode: TIRULES/R32]
Code:
R32) TWOV .... Transit Without Visa (TWOV): Passing through an international transit area of the airport in order to board a connecting (or to proceed by the same) flight, without entering the country (i.e. clearing immigration). Unless stated otherwise, passengers wishing to TWOV must: - be en-route to a third country (e.g. itinerary TYO-LON-TYO is not considered TWOV); - prove that they will continue their journey within the prescribed period (e.g. hold onward tickets); - have documents required for entry into the country of destination and for transit through countries en-route; - remain in the transit area (airside). TWOV is not intended for those holding stand-by tickets, e.g. airline staff or other passengers travelling on industry discount. CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - SOUTH AFRICA: COP17/CMP7, DURBAN, 28 NOVEMBER TO 9 DECEMBER 2011 08 Dec 2011 / 14:16 [UTC]
#10
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: England
Posts: 411
Although if you really wanted to, you could probably try and get your visa from your local embassy before arrival, in which case the turnaround as sold on swiss.com might work as well. Wisely, LH won't even let you purchase such tickets for its MUC flights on LH.com.
(I don't fancy the NEK cabin on this sector)
Good point, I missed that - the same provision that complicates mileage runs via PVG.
#11
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Programs: LH FTL, BA Bronze
Posts: 830
Turnaround at CAI in 90 minutes?
I need to position myself for some excellent business class deals ex CAI. I'm planning to arrive at 02:20 on LO 115 and depart at 04:00 on LH 585. Is this doable? Do I have to go through any shananigans like immigration? Do LOT and LH arrive/leave from the same terminal? My other option is to play it safe and not depart until 9.30 but then I'd need somewhere to stay for the night. Is there any accommodation airside? Assuming LH are using the Egyptair lounge which is open 24 hours, would this lounge be an option? Does it have a snooze area or reclining chairs at least? Thanks, ps
(I tried to find all this information on the Cairo Airport website but it's useless.)
(I tried to find all this information on the Cairo Airport website but it's useless.)
#12
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Germany
Programs: LH FTL, BA Bronze
Posts: 830
Thank you for merging, mod! Having read all the advice above I've decided to turn around in WAW instead, from where there are excellent deals as well. Not quite as cheap but I'm happy to pay 200 Euro more to avoid CAI.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
The staircase/lift is next to the transfer desk, and there's only a security check to go through.
The Egyptair lounges are fine, with comfortable seating, wifi, food and (non-alcoholic) drinks, and views of the apron. OK, the food will not win prizes, but if you are hungry it's fine
It's an airside turnround to return to the origin airport on the same aircraft that can be troublesome in many airports.
#14
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Garden of England
Programs: LH HON, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 407
Ian, I am happy that you found CAI to be an easy and painless airport for direct turnarounds. Mind you, I would never recommend doing it after I tried it once and was more than lucky to catch my return flight.
With the OP only paying what is a rather small price difference of € 200,--, flying out of WAW seems to be the much better choice, imho.
With the OP only paying what is a rather small price difference of € 200,--, flying out of WAW seems to be the much better choice, imho.
#15
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: LH SEN, SPG Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 1,021
This would be onward travel on a separate ticket, not turnaround. Sorry to go OT.