KTM to DEL on AirIndia connecting DEL to SYD via SIN on SQ

[M@rcoPolo]

Hey there

I managed to secure 2 x Suites saver awards on SQ from DEL to SYD via SIN next May - happy days

Never been to DEL so I have a couple of questions...

1. I will fly in from KTM to DEL on AirIndia, I have yet to purchase these tickets (very cheap anyway so I'll just buy them). I understand SQ codeshare with AI but I cannot price the KTM to DEL itinerary on SQ website... would have been nice to have both tickets in & out of Delhi issued by SQ just in case the flight from KTM is delayed, although with over 4 hours layover it should be pretty safe. Is there a way to get the KTM to DEL issued by SQ as a codeshare or at least link the 2 itineraries in case there's a delay?
2. Do AI and SQ interline luggage so that I can check-in bags from KTM all the way to SYD?
3. How's the SQ lounge in DEL? I've heard it's quite average, any other options (e.g. AMEX / Priority Pass) in DEL?

Thank you

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hey there

I managed to secure 2 x Suites saver awards on SQ from DEL to SYD via SIN next May - happy days

Never been to DEL so I have a couple of questions...

1. I will fly in from KTM to DEL on AirIndia, I have yet to purchase these tickets (very cheap anyway so I'll just buy them). I understand SQ codeshare with AI but I cannot price the KTM to DEL itinerary on SQ website... would have been nice to have both tickets in & out of Delhi issued by SQ just in case the flight from KTM is delayed, although with over 4 hours layover it should be pretty safe. Is there a way to get the KTM to DEL issued by SQ as a codeshare or at least link the 2 itineraries in case there's a delay?
2. Do AI and SQ interline luggage so that I can check-in bags from KTM all the way to SYD?
3. How's the SQ lounge in DEL? I've heard it's quite average, any other options (e.g. AMEX / Priority Pass) in DEL?

Thank you

Generally code-shares will only be issued when connecting to or from the main carrier, and all flights are on the one ticket. In your case the KTM-DEL as a separate ticket will likely be ineligible for the code share because SQ doesn't have own traffic rights between the two countries. Had they all been on one ticket that may have been fine... but you can't combine award and revenue tickets.

You can put a note in the PNR of separate tickets - but the note isn't a 'flag'. Someone looking at the second booking won't necessarily see the link unless they look for it. And no reason for them to really look for it. The link may be helpful for the through check of baggage - but you can achieve the same thing by presenting the two tickets at check-in anyway. Through bag check and/or through passenger check will be dependent on whether the service is available at KTM, and/or whether it is available through DEL and/or whether AI can do it (at KTM). Hopefully someone with experience exKTM will be able to advise.

If it can't be done, you might want to see if you need a visa for India.

Lounges - I dunno how good/bad the SQ one is. The AI one was so-so - comfortable enough seats, average service, limited food (hot and cold), a couple bottles of alcohol at the bar. The first and business class sections were the same, just no-one in the F section.

The priority pass one next to the AI lounge looked like a carbon copy of the AI lounge but with more people.

 

[M@rcoPolo]

Thanks for the info & tips MEL_Traveller

You mention the need for a visa for India - I will need to apply for a e-Tourist Visa as we'll stop in DEL for a few days before flying to KTM but hopefully I won't need another one (e-Tourist Visas only allow a single entry) on the way back... surely if I'm connecting internationally I won't need to clear customs even if they cannot interline our luggage, right? :shock:

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the info & tips MEL_Traveller

You mention the need for a visa for India - I will need to apply for a e-Tourist Visa as we'll stop in DEL for a few days before flying to KTM but hopefully I won't need another one (e-Tourist Visas only allow a single entry) on the way back... surely if I'm connecting internationally I won't need to clear customs even if they cannot interline our luggage, right? :shock:

That's why you'll need to check... if for some reason they can't through check your bags, you'll need to claim your luggage and head through to the departures hall for check-in. I'm not aware that DEL offers the same service as say SIN where the transit desk will go collect your bags for you and check them on the next flight. If this is the case, you'll need to check if a visa is required (ie to enter India a second time).

You'd hope *A could through check to *A without an issue - but there are some major exceptions... for example Lufthansa can't through check to Air China at Shanghai, even on the same ticket. Arriving LH pax have to collect their bags and wait for air china to open to drop off their bags and get a boarding pass.

FWIW AI214 doesn't have a great on time record - at least for the last 10 days on flightaware. Although it hasn't been more than a couple hours late: https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AIC214

 

[ap_spd]

SQ Lounge Delhi is very average in my opinion. The food is good
Being *A Gold, I think u can go lounge hopping to SQ and AI both. Should be easy to pass time. I think there are some paid lounges and transit hotel as well inside the airport.