Returning to India

Nattusbs · Nov 28th, 2007, 03:29

Here we go, the time is finally there.

Confirmed Lufthansa seat departing SFO on Dec 31st afternoon arriving Hyderabad (non-stop direct from Frankfurt) on Jan 1-2 midnight. My parents live in Hyderabad so that is nice - plus I get to meet Nattu soon. This ticket is now paid for and confirmed.

Logged onto IRCTC website and registered.

Checked out availability on their website for Falaknuma Exp (SC to KGP) for a few journey dates and found that 2A was available for Jan 7th. So, I quickly made the reservation and did the online payment. It was rather easy, although I would like to share my experience:

1. In the registration, I used my US home address (with parents PIN code of address since it is 6 digits as opposed to 5 in the US). I thought that since the credit card I will be using was US that would be better.

2. I used E-ticket option and was able to print it after payment was made and confirmation of reservation. Pleasantly surprised to get an email from IRCTC with link to ticket purchased.

3. Do not use the back button of the browser, or else the session is lost and one needs to start from the beginning.

4. When I checked for availability, I could use General quota or Foreigner quota. However, when I wanted to book on the particular train, there was no option for Foreigner quota, the only option presented was Ladies quota. I am not sure if foreigner quota is only on certain trains and not all of them.

5. When the screen for payment came, I decided to use my AMEX card, since that was apparently a secured link to AMEX rather using a MC or VISA card that would be handled by ICICI bank processing. All went smoothly in the first attempt for making payment.

Once I get to IIT or Hyderabad first, I will apply for PAN card and also see about buying a SUV (present choice is Tata Safari 2.2 Dicor).

Cheers

Nattusbs

capt_mahajan · Nov 28th, 2007, 08:01

Nattusbs, welcome back to India.

the opoponax · Nov 28th, 2007, 08:03

Just FYI, Nattsubs, I used my American ZIP to no ill effect.

machadinha · Nov 28th, 2007, 08:29

Nattusbs -- Have a a safe flight and a fine home-coming

What's that about SUV's btw, what happened to the sidecar?

Woof!

Nattusbs · Mar 17th, 2008, 07:10

Machadinha

I must have missed seeing your last post. The point about SUV at that time was if I were to buy it in Hyderabad and drive to KGP with Nattu. Things have since changed. I am still in the US, am planning on making a trip to IIT-KGP next month so that I can "officially join" by the deadline of the end of the month, request a "leave of absence" for the summer (since there is no teaching in the summer), return back here to sell the house during the peak summer season and then finally move back.

On next months trip I am actually thinking of booking through the British Airways website since I can get a LAX-LHR-CCU (Kolkata) return fare for about $1430. The Hyderabad airport (new one) is causing a lot of heartache, especially the commute since the 30 km of road is not fully ready - rumour has it that it takes 2 hours each way from the city center. The new airport authority is putting pressure on the government to shut down Begumpet airport so that airlines are forced to use the new airport (cash flow for the private-public enterprise). If I do this then I will take the train from KGP to HYD and then Back to Howrah.

I have forgotten the difference between WL and RAC - can anyone clarify please?

Cheers

Nattusbs

PS: I might still get the Bullet with the sidecar in KGP!!!!

Nattusbs · Mar 17th, 2008, 07:49

Found this link by doing a search of RAC on IM:

RAC Status on Trains

Cheers

Nattusbs

PS: Can we make the link a sticky since it clarifies very nicely (as usual by Steven_ber with pictorial) the difference between RAC and WL?

Ignite · Mar 17th, 2008, 08:49

Hi Nattusbs, congrats on your return trip to India, and hope you have good luck with everything, especially selling your house! How come your flying from SFO if you live in Costa Mesa? BTW, I live in Fullerton, just about 15 miles from Costa Mesa

I was just at South Coast Plaza yesterday afternoon too!

wonderwomanusa · Mar 17th, 2008, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nattusbs

I am still in the US, am planning on making a trip to IIT-KGP next month so that I can "officially join" by the deadline of the end of the month, request a "leave of absence" for the summer (since there is no teaching in the summer), return back here to sell the house during the peak summer season and then finally move back.

Oh, now, that's an interesting plan; I'll be interested to hear more details.

Nattusbs · Mar 17th, 2008, 10:51

Ignite

I am not flying from SFO. Actually LAX.

Wonderwoman, I shall tell you more details as they unfold when we meet for dinner in 10 days time with DZI

Cheers

Nattusbs

Ignite · Mar 17th, 2008, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nattusbs

Confirmed Lufthansa seat departing SFO

Oh ok cool, yeah after this I was just a little confused. But hey, good luck on your journey!

Nov 28th, 2007, 03:29	#1
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 332	Returning to India Here we go, the time is finally there. Confirmed Lufthansa seat departing SFO on Dec 31st afternoon arriving Hyderabad (non-stop direct from Frankfurt) on Jan 1-2 midnight. My parents live in Hyderabad so that is nice - plus I get to meet Nattu soon. This ticket is now paid for and confirmed. Logged onto IRCTC website and registered. Checked out availability on their website for Falaknuma Exp (SC to KGP) for a few journey dates and found that 2A was available for Jan 7th. So, I quickly made the reservation and did the online payment. It was rather easy, although I would like to share my experience: 1. In the registration, I used my US home address (with parents PIN code of address since it is 6 digits as opposed to 5 in the US). I thought that since the credit card I will be using was US that would be better. 2. I used E-ticket option and was able to print it after payment was made and confirmation of reservation. Pleasantly surprised to get an email from IRCTC with link to ticket purchased. 3. Do not use the back button of the browser, or else the session is lost and one needs to start from the beginning. 4. When I checked for availability, I could use General quota or Foreigner quota. However, when I wanted to book on the particular train, there was no option for Foreigner quota, the only option presented was Ladies quota. I am not sure if foreigner quota is only on certain trains and not all of them. 5. When the screen for payment came, I decided to use my AMEX card, since that was apparently a secured link to AMEX rather using a MC or VISA card that would be handled by ICICI bank processing. All went smoothly in the first attempt for making payment. Once I get to IIT or Hyderabad first, I will apply for PAN card and also see about buying a SUV (present choice is Tata Safari 2.2 Dicor). Cheers Nattusbs

Nov 28th, 2007, 08:29	#4
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,149	Nattusbs -- Have a a safe flight and a fine home-coming What's that about SUV's btw, what happened to the sidecar? Woof! __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Mar 17th, 2008, 08:49	#7
Ignite Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The City of Angels Posts: 506	Hi Nattusbs, congrats on your return trip to India, and hope you have good luck with everything, especially selling your house! How come your flying from SFO if you live in Costa Mesa? BTW, I live in Fullerton, just about 15 miles from Costa Mesa I was just at South Coast Plaza yesterday afternoon too! __________________ You can either be a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

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Nov 28th, 2007, 08:01	#2
capt_mahajan (in charge of navel affairs) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 9,741	Nattusbs, welcome back to India.

Nov 28th, 2007, 08:03	#3
the opoponax Maha Guru Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Brooklyn, via New Orleans Posts: 1,054	Just FYI, Nattsubs, I used my American ZIP to no ill effect.

Mar 17th, 2008, 07:10	#5
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 332	Machadinha I must have missed seeing your last post. The point about SUV at that time was if I were to buy it in Hyderabad and drive to KGP with Nattu. Things have since changed. I am still in the US, am planning on making a trip to IIT-KGP next month so that I can "officially join" by the deadline of the end of the month, request a "leave of absence" for the summer (since there is no teaching in the summer), return back here to sell the house during the peak summer season and then finally move back. On next months trip I am actually thinking of booking through the British Airways website since I can get a LAX-LHR-CCU (Kolkata) return fare for about $1430. The Hyderabad airport (new one) is causing a lot of heartache, especially the commute since the 30 km of road is not fully ready - rumour has it that it takes 2 hours each way from the city center. The new airport authority is putting pressure on the government to shut down Begumpet airport so that airlines are forced to use the new airport (cash flow for the private-public enterprise). If I do this then I will take the train from KGP to HYD and then Back to Howrah. I have forgotten the difference between WL and RAC - can anyone clarify please? Cheers Nattusbs PS: I might still get the Bullet with the sidecar in KGP!!!!

Mar 17th, 2008, 07:49	#6
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 332	Found this link by doing a search of RAC on IM: RAC Status on Trains Cheers Nattusbs PS: Can we make the link a sticky since it clarifies very nicely (as usual by Steven_ber with pictorial) the difference between RAC and WL?

Mar 17th, 2008, 10:51	#9
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 332	Ignite I am not flying from SFO. Actually LAX. Wonderwoman, I shall tell you more details as they unfold when we meet for dinner in 10 days time with DZI Cheers Nattusbs

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