Izi
You are better off collecting your bags at SVO2. I wouldn't trust those Russkies 1 inch. I don't mean they will pinch it, but their systems are pretty archaic. If you are going to wait long for your connecting Ekberg flight, stay up the Cafe - Restaurant end of terminal. Buy something to eat and there is good seating etc there. Then sit back and observe all the lovely sights. I sat there for 2 hours with my Laptop and got many inquisitive looks. Watch your weights on internal Russian flights as Neon says. They don’t sting you much, but I think the staff stick it in there own pockets. I got pinged twice, it only cost me 150 - 300 Rubbles. They don't seem to separate the weights of your main & cabin luggage. I have had big stand-ups with them but you are wasting your time, like talking to a brick wall !!
Maxi
I have 5 hours between flights. I chose that schedule deliberately. I wasn't sure how long this process is going to take from SVO 2 to SVO 1.
This whole thing sounds like it is fraught with problems. No seating, charges for overweight luggage, Mini buses, dragging my luggage over to another terminal.
Jo, joy, happy, happy.
All this done shagged out from a transatlantic flight. Nice!
The Russians really need to come into the 21st century.
I have some rubles ledt over from last time but I guess I sjould change some more in Moscow. Tout suite I think it sounds like I am going to need 'em.
Really....don't worry too much. You will be fine. I've never even spent a whole hour from the time my flight touched down at SVO2 until I arrived at SVO1 including passport control and baggage and transportation. It is true you may see some amazing things in SVO1, but of course you have been over there once already so it won't be quite so strange. I wish I could tell you some of the things I saw my first time!!
Not many people speaking English at SVO1, but the departure screens will switch between Russian and English. They also have some pay phones that will use a credit card if you want to call your lady to tell her you made it that far. You can exchange money in SVO2 just to the left of where you exit customs/baggage pickup. The rate isn't the best, but...
And you will have to drag that bag around for a while as they will not allow you to check in until about an hour and a half before your flight. I always have difficulty knowing when I can start to check in as it is all announced in Russian...I hate standing in line just to find out I am too early and I need to go back to the end of the line
Izi
No problems, just Russia and the way it works, or should I say not work.
But hey, if they came forward to our Western Standards etc, I don't think you and I would even be talking. It is precisely because of this backward structure of this part of the World, that we are benifting from.
So I am quit happy to have a few hassles. Actually, they probably think I am slightly nuts. I grin and smile and look completely happy with there military type PR. I actually even got a smile out of the customs lady when she finished, now that’s like winning Lotto (odds not the reward)
Hey, Izi,
Couldn't you just walk to the next terminal! What...it's two and a half miles. Shouldn't take you that long to walk two and a half miles.
Ice
Ice
Don't be daft. That is a long way with a suitcase or two any way it isn't expensive it is just a little bit of a nuisance. Wouldn't be too safe either trudging around with suitcases and no Russian.
It is a lot less distance if you run accross the runway. It wouldn't be much more than 1000mtrs. They would just think "here comes another love sick Puppy" and then probably shoot you !!!!
izi, I will be in moscow from the second of july, I will help you if you want :oP. You know 30USD should be able to arrange someone to pick you up and take you to the donestic airport
ID
Thanks for the offer but the minibus is only maybe 50 rubles, I'm on a budget :)) I'll make it ok. However if you want to have a cup of coffee the company would be very welcome. My flight is due to arrive at 11.15am 2nd July. I'll be between these 2 terminals for about 5 hours. If you have nothing better to do come and say hello.
Ha ha that is funny isn't it? I love it. Nothing intentional it just works out that way. I think it is great. I will find you ID and get some coffee of vodka or schnappes or something. When I met up with Toad I was shagged out and he wasn't much better. There wasn't a bar in sight so we just had a good chat for about 5 or 6 hours. It made a difference.
So yes I will absolutely wait for you. I guess you are doing the airport shuffle too so we can make it together.
izi,
how come i always get extremely nervous when you start talking about how you are going to approach Moscow airport and make it through it ? whew !!