Question on Ability for Quick Transit
 

I am planning my second RTW trip and am concerned about the ability to make a quick transit at a few airports. Specifically, is is possible (and practical) to make the following same day connections at:

1. DPS, CX785-CX784, 1:25 (layover time)
2. DEL, CX753-CX752, 1:55
3. HEL, AY832-AY891, 0:55
4. SXM, AA667-AA660, 1:19

I will be in "D" class but there is still the question of whether it is necessary to clear immigration & customs at the above airports versus utilizing transit facilities, if they even exist!

If I got it right you arrive HEL from LHR and leave for ARN/MAD, thus arriving from outside the Schengen area and leaving for a Schengen destination. This means you will have to go through immigration at HEL. However, assuming the flight from LHR is on time you should normally not have any problem making your connection. HEL is not a big airport and there is only one international terminal.

The DPS stop is a turnaround for the aircraft, so you definitely won't need to worry about a mis-connect due to late arrival.

I think you'll have to get to the front counter to get your boarding pass, so you'll have to clear immigration and customs. The customs line can be long if you are either one of the last pax to deplane or if another a/c has just arrived (sometimes only 2 - 3 inspectors are on duty).

If you see yourself running into a problem (i.e. you're at the back of the line), you may observe some pax ducking into an office immediately to the right of the counter, quickly reappearing and making it out the door-- thereby circumventing the line. Hint: it's a really good job for the officers who work in that office.

The airport itself is quite small-- when you exit customs (usually a breeze in contrast to immigration) you'll be outside, then just walk over to the departure hall, pick up your boarding pass and head up the escalator to the gate area. Although you have to go through immigration again to enter the boarding area, I have never seen a line.

You should also explain your situation to the purser (wears a purple jacket) in-flight prior to landing; she (I have never seen a male purser on CX) may be able to figure out a way to get your boarding pass to you at the gate and allow you to circumvent the above-mentioned formalities entirely.


[This message has been edited by HKG_Flyer1 (edited 12-30-2001).]

There is a transit sign at DPS, but I have never used it. Technically, they do have transiting flights (QF comes to mind), but it is Indonesia and it wouldn't surprise me too much if they will make you pass customs so that they can collect the exit tax. Think it's up to 75000 rupiah now. But though customs is on Balinese time (read: slow), you should be able to make it even if you have to go through.

I have just done a turn around at DPS two weeks ago. It is a piece of cake. You DO NOT have to go through immigration and if you have marked transit they wouldnt let you. There is a transit desk which is unmanned, ask any agent to call the Cathay agent by Radio. Agent will come, get your boarding pass and escort you to the aircraft with a smile. I had a problem at Hongkong airport immigration trying to reenter without a stamp from DPS I explained it as an airport meeting to the supervisor.
In Delhi do not even attempt to clear immigration You will never make it back in such a short time. Get the CX agent to issue a boarding pass. They are real angels and ever so nice if you are an elite flyer and say I love CX so much I want to go on flying with you http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by drbala (edited 12-30-2001).]

For CX flights, I think you can get boarding passes for both outbound and return at HKG. It's the same day. If they are under the same PNR, a CX agent is likely to ask you if you would need both.

I tried, but was given the above alternative. Worth asking though You might strike lucky. The HKG-DPS service has the new flat club class bed and usually they upgrade you to first class for the asking as it is technically a two class flight

I did a DPS turnaround in mid-October. CX Purser on HKG-DPS was aware of the situation and came to my seat to enquire why the unusual arrangement. On arrival in DPS I was met at the gate by CX agent and Balinese unformed security who had extensive questions about the transit/turnaround. Was taken to security checkpoint for xrays and pat down, questioned again and then was returned to gate area. CX agent took my ticket and told ne to wait at the gate. 15 minutes later agent arrived with different security person. Handed me my ticket and a return boarding pass to HKG and said new security agent would escort me to Business Class lounge bypassing customs and immigration. Had a drink and found my own way back to the gate for departure. Would hardly think this is the usual arrangement. Don't know if I triggered a security profile but the turnaround seemed highly supicious to CX and security. Same purser on DPS-HKG was not surprised and said it sounded like a security matter to her. FA's on return flight said they had never before seen anyone fly to Bali and back on the same day. Things have probably settled down by now.

You know, DPS is actually kind of interesting and some mileage runners might want to consider exiting the airport and staying overnight at one of the many beach resorts within an inexpensive 10-15 minute taxi ride from the airport.

Some will consider the above blasphemy, but II think it's worth considering.

Dupe.

[This message has been edited by HKG_Flyer1 (edited 12-31-2001).]

Actually, I really enjoyed a week in Bali on my last trip and will be staying for another week later on in April on a separate itinerary.

I found a later connection for the SXM segments so this is no longer a problem. Also checked the AY website and they indicate a 35 minute check-in time before closing the European flights so I just have to keep my fingers crossed or go night skiing if I mis-connect!

[This message has been edited by KIR@GCM (edited 12-31-2001).]

think about IST, instead of HEL.
though romanina, bulgaria, greece part of 'longhaul/middel east', turkey isn't http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif