13 hour Turnaround in SVO
 

I am contemplating a MR and looking for comments on a 13 hour layover that should fall under the non-visa transit rules. I am looking to confirm that this would be visa free, and also to hear any thoughts on staying in the airport for that time. I understand that there is an airside Novotel...

TPA-CLT-LHR-SVO on Aeroflot arrives at 1625
~13 hour overnight
SVO-AMS-DTW-TPA on Delta leaving at 0545

These are independent bookings and unrelated reservations. Basically I am using an otherwise unused return from a previous run, and linking it with a new flight for a DL MQM run now.

(While we are at it, I am at $600 for the DL SVO-AMS-DTW-TPA. If anyone can get me anything better ending in TPA, MCO, MIA, suggestions would be appreciated. :) )

Yes, the itinerary is fine and you are within the rules here, even if it sounds ridiculous to a normal person (but, hey we are on FT after all). The agent at LHR may question you, but you are fully within your rights to fly...so if they challenge you, then just ask them to use Timatic.

The only airside hotel in SVO is the Sky Express, it's a bit pricey and you pay on an hourly basis (minimum of 4 hours + extra for each additional 2 hours). If you have PP, perhaps the best option is to chill in that hotel for 6-8 or so and then do some lounge hopping.

http://www.v-exp.ru/en/price/preiskurant-e/

I think Novotel is an option for no-visa transit

i thought so as well, however I did see some word about this not being the case more recently and confirming with the hotel directly they have said no.

From Novotel SVO:
Thanks for the feedback, all.