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Routing through Delhi as a single woman with one checked bag and a first class (mileage upgrade) ticket - is a nightmare. You will get screwed by either the airline or the airport. Get a visa and go through the external line - at least there is interesting people watching. . . On my group trip, AA staff were so condascending, rude, and ill equipped to deal with passengers, it was the MOST HORRENDOUS experience I have ever had. I travelled extensively, and have had better service in developing nations' airports - with dirt runways, intermittent power, and no English. There is no excuse for AA staff's behavior.

What happened: After going through an elaborate transfer desk and security search, all transfer passengers were shuffled into a wing of the airport with no signs or employees from any airline. Just seats, a phone, and tea stand. No one from our flight had a clue what was to happen next - where to go or what to do. So we all got on the phone and tried to call the airline desk at the airport. I very proactively tried to get my luggage and go into the gate to wait for my flight - instead, I was given three incorrect telephone numbers to AA by airport staff (clearly trying to get me out of their face rather than do any actual work) and told to wait until I was called - some 3hours later.

The woman who 'helped me' grudgingly took my boarding pass and asked me to wait in a hallway until she 'found my bag' and got me another boarding pass. I was there for 3 MORE HOURS, before she returned with no explanation, no hurry, no baggage, and a boarding pass for a lower class seat. Now, I had cashed in ALL my miles for an upgrade - and she laughed derisively when I told her that I was confirmed in 1st class.

During my entrapment in this random airport hallway, all AA staff were rude and refused to even try to help me - the men leered at me, I was whistled at by AA staffers despite my conservative dress/appearance, and told to wait for '5 minutes' in the hall despite all my attempts to get information or service of any kind.

I understand that we make choices to fly with certain carriers based on price/availability/schedules and that customer loyalty is often an empty threat to an airline these days. . .but my business will never launch in Delhi because of AA staff and airport workers. I simply cannot ask my clients to deal with the misery I went through. I also will not be heading there anytime soon.