trashhauler

I did a search and didn't come up with anything about D/H out of DEL. I've never done it before and I'm deviating to boot. So, it looks like I'm on my own. Any pearls of wisdom that you guys might have to make this process easier, would be greatly appreciated. Should I wear my uniform or not? If I do, do I do through the crew line in immigration? I've heard horror stories so I'm trying to avoid said horror. Thanks in advance for any info. Cheers

2cylinderdriver

Not a big deal overall, but I suggest reading the airport briefing page for DEL found on the flight planning center. There is some good info on that page. I hope you are flying business/first it will make your trip much better through the airport and the wait at the gate will be in a more tolerable in the airline lounge usually.

R1200RT

Man just use some of that 200% you've been getting and charter a plane.

A'che

Haven't checked the gouge in a long time, so I don't know what the Company is putting out about DEL. Here is my $.02:

I took the D/H only once and I did not deviate from the scheduled pairing (FWIW: the agent didn't provide much in the way of assistance!). In hindsight, the experience wasn't too bad. Give yourself plenty of time -- period. Think about this when you set up your GT at the hotel. We had torrential rains the night I flew out so it took them a while to find me a car/driver and afterwards, traffic was horrendous. You will also want plenty of time to maneuver through the "mess" you will surely find upon arrival. DEL is special place: there are no signs; there are no lines; and people are EVERYWHERE! No one seems to have a clue as to what is going on and the scene when you step out of the car is utterly chaotic. I highly recommend you wear your uniform to the airport. This gives you some credibility with the police/security folks and will help expedite your passage through security/customs. You can change into civies (in the first class lounge) on the other side. The lounge is shared by several airlines and even though it's rather smoky, feels like an oasis from the churn outside. They have most of the usual Pu-Pu's and drinks (be careful of the handmade items) and since I got there early, and was happy to have a little time to relax on the secure side. IMO, Delhi is not the sort of place you want to be rushing around, trying to catch a flight. It was a long day for me (DEL-BKK-HKG) but the FC ride on TG made up for most of it . Hope you have a smooth, safe trip.

adqrip

If you are uniform then you can get into the terminal easily, if you are in casual clothes, take a print out of your ticket (e-mail copy from travel will do) to get you in the door. Army dudes with automatic rifles at the door, don't seem to have a sense of humor & have not heard about electronic tickets....Also wear your ID if in casual clothes, my last trip the RFO deviated & the agent said he would meet him regardless, just to give him a time to meet & outgoing flight number.

cheers, rip

JC Dude

1. Arrive early.
2. Find a Cambata Aviation representative. Makes getting through customs and immigration much quicker.
3. Very important, get a bag tag even for your carry on. You must have a tag for someone to stamp after passing through security screening. this is a big deal to the guy whose only job is to stamp it.
4. if you can go to the lounge great. If not stand near a fresh smelling store until boarding time!!
5. No need for a uniform. Just an ID and e-ticket printout.

USMCFDX

JC Dude is spot on, that is how I do it. I have even been allowed in without an e-ticket print out. Just show company ID and tell the guard I have an e-ticket.

NoHaz

I didn't print my e-ticket which caused the armed guard eating pistachios to give me the Heisman until a gate agent found a computer and printed my ticket. The coach check-in "line" is a moving mob so be prepared to maneuver as you would to board a Chinese elevator. A few good coffee/tea shacks around, even got a discount once barista confirmed I didn't need a receipt.

PicklePausePull

My Two Cents:

Agree that you do not need to wear your uniform. It just makes you a target! And right now the Pakistani terrorists like shooting Americans and Brits!

When you arrive on the inbound leg, make sure you get a STAMPED copy of the landing permit. No Stamp...No exit through Immigration; not even with Ciabata as your guide.

Speaking of Ciabata, I never seem able to find them. They just show up after I've already proceeded into line. I've gone through fine without them. Only time I needed them was when my landing permit was not stamped. They had to go retrieve the original stamped permit from their office, which is a mystery to me where that is located. As someone else said, the signage in Dehli is sparse.

The first class lounge is after immigration and before you get in line for the final security check. Another caution: Every piece of luggage and your ticket MUST have a security stamp on it. No Stamp...no get on the airplane. The gate agents actually look for this stamp on your luggage and ticket before letting you proceed to boarding. Make sure to look at your luggage tags and ticket for this stamp as you pick up our belongings through security.

Food: I would not eat anything in that disgusting excuse for an international terminal. I would not even fly on any carrier out of India unless it were in business or first class. This is one thing that MUST change in the next contract! Good idea to bring a good amount of towelettes off the airplane. Use them liberally in India.

NoHaz

kinda like LA