Mumbai Connections

[rlarosa]

Hi All,

I'll shortly be booking flights to Mumbai via Singapore, and from Mumbai I'll need to connect to a flight to Goa. Flying to Mumbai SQ then probably Jet Airways.

I've never been to Mumbai, so would appreciate any hints or tips on whatconnection time I should leave, what transport is like between terminals etc (couldnt find anything on their website!).

Also for any Velocity members out there - I know I can access Krisflyer lounges in Singapore as Velocity Gold, but in Mumbai there's only a *A lounge. I'm guessing I'll be out of luck there??

Thanks!
Rob

 

[somebol]

Hi All,

I'll shortly be booking flights to Mumbai via Singapore, and from Mumbai I'll need to connect to a flight to Goa. Flying to Mumbai SQ then probably Jet Airways.

I've never been to Mumbai, so would appreciate any hints or tips on whatconnection time I should leave, what transport is like between terminals etc (couldnt find anything on their website!).

Also for any Velocity members out there - I know I can access Krisflyer lounges in Singapore as Velocity Gold, but in Mumbai there's only a *A lounge. I'm guessing I'll be out of luck there??

Thanks!
Rob

It is not easy transferring between terminals in mumbai. It can be confusing given the lack of signage / information.
* Once you clear customs do not exit the terminal (once you exit you will not be allowed back in), there are separate exit(s) for domestic transfers. Look for signs or ask directions from the concerned airline rep.
* Make sure you are headed towards the right transfer station (there are two at either end of the terminal), don't bother asking the cops ask the rep of the domestic airline you are flying with.
* Once at the transit point, you may obtain your dom BP and check in luggage (optional, you could do this at the dom terminal as well) before proceeding to the bus which will take you to the dom terminal.
* Be prepared to queue for a while waiting for the bus.
* No need to tip anyone, the bus driver/attendant will hassle you for tips but be firm and do not tip.
* The whole transfer process could take around 2 hours so be prepared.
* This is an Indian airport, so expect multiple security checks... often
* You MUST have baggage tags attached to all VISIBLE carry on bags including laptop bags, camera bags etc.

Allow at least 4 hours between flights to be on the safer side.

Apart from jet you can also consider LCCs like spicejet (best lcc in India), Indigo & goAir.

India is an amazing country once you get used to it, so enjoy your time there.

 

[RB]

Rob, I have used both airports but not done the transfer. I am adding a link from FlyerTalk that I believe will assist in answering your question. Emjoy the chaos of the Mumbai airports-once inside it is OK


Mumbai airport transfer question - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[SeatBackForward]

I agree with the top to not ask police/security for help, they are not there for that. Best bet is to ask the Airline Reps who will be wearing identification. and be patient, nothing happens in a hurry in India.

 

[Fantic125]

Both replies above are pretty well spot on.
If you do check in at the transit point and get your domestic boarding pass, once you arrive at the domestic terminal you will still need to go to the check-in counter there and get your boarding pass stamped before you can go through security.

As you go through security (there are seperate queue's for men and women) you will need to remove LAG's and all electronic items from your bag (including camera's, phones, ipods, etc).

You will need to carry your boarding pass with you through the scanner as after a quick frisk they will stamp it. When you collect your carry-on bag(s) after the scanner check to make sure each tag has been stamped by security. As you board the plane the security guards at the gate visually check every bag is tagged and stamped. If it's not, you will be removed from the boarding queue and all your items searched.

Enjoy India. It's an interesting place.

 

[dajop]

Echo comments above. Also make sure you have printed copy of your itinerary. Electronic will not suffice.

I can remember doing the airside transfer a few years ago from intl to dom, aside from the check in and waiting etc it actually took about 45 minutes to complete the journey, once on the bus. 25 minutes of this was sitting in the middle of the airport waiting whilst planes taxi-ed in front of us. Interesting aside, once given the OK to proceed, despite being within the confines of the airport, it was still classic India with buses, luggage trolleys and other assorted vehicles all racing to vie for the front of the pack, it certainly didn't proceed in an orderly manner like you would expect inside most airports.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Interesting aside, once given the OK to proceed, despite being within the confines of the airport, it was still classic India with buses, luggage trolleys and other assorted vehicles all racing to vie for the front of the pack, it certainly didn't proceed in an orderly manner like you would expect inside most airports.

I'm still amazed how Aircraft in India manage without air-horns.

 

[rlarosa]

Thanks for all the useful info guys - I knew someone on here would know what they were talking about!

Cheers

 

[cmon0005]

Rather then directly transfer to Domestic flight (as it is a nightmare and nothing is simple), I'd suggest upon landing stay at a nearby hotel for a nice rest for say 6-7 hours then fly out to Goa.

It'll save you lots of hassle and give some time to catchup on sleep.

 

[Fantic125]

Depends to a certain extent upon arrival time into Mumbai. Certainly if arriving in late afternoon / early evening it would make sense to get a hotel in Mumbai overnight then get a morning flight to Goa.

The flight to Goa is only an hour or so, but once you arrive at Goa airport, collect your bags, get a taxi and drive into Panjim (Panaji) it will be about another hour on top of your flight. The airport at Goa isn't the most modern facility in the world and gets a bit chaotic, particularly at the tail end of a number of flights and transfers.

 

[cmon0005]

Or you could possibly fly into DEL Delhi's new integrated airport is fantastic then take a 2 hour flight to Goa..

 

[browski]

Yeah, your anticipated routing is not really a good idea. Scrap the idea of flying SQ (nothing wrong with SQ) and scrap the idea of flying via BOM. Even if you fly your projected SQ option, your minimum total travel time will be 24hrs 40min. For that travel time there are 3 better options.
Here's why:
1. 2 of the 3 flights on SQ arrive into BOM in the evening and there are no connections til the next day to GOI - so that means an overnight in BOM. The other SQ flight (which arrives AM into BOM) requires a 6 hours (middle of the night transit) in SIN.
2. As a general rule never use a domestic connection where and International connection is available.

So here are your 3 best options:

1. Take the 7.35am CX (QF/OneWorld partner) flight from SYD-HKG-DXB and arrive at 8.50pm. Then take the 10.50pm Air India (Star Alliance) flight and arrive GOI at 3.15am. Total travel time 24Hr10min. Shorter journey and no India domestic connection chaos.
2. Fly the 6.00am EK flight from SYD to DXB and Arrive 2.30pm. Then take the 10.50pm Air India (Star Alliance) flight and arrive GOI at 3.15am. Total travel time 25Hr45min
3. Fly Qatar Airways onestop from MEL-DOH-GOI. Depending upon your departure date, the QR Perth flights may also have commenced. I've flown this routing but beware that the DOH connection is very bad - so I enjoyed a stopover in DOH instead.

..........and Option 4. If you really want an authentic Indian experience, then opt for the train from Mumbai-Goa - one of the world's 10 best rail journeys.

 

[SeatBackForward]

..........and Option 4. If you really want an authentic Indian experience, then opt for the Train from Mumbai-Goa - one of the world's 10 best rail journeys.

Just as a caution, this route often gets cancelled in Wet Season due to landslides. Happened to me once, but the next day train still ran, was nearly completely empty, which is a very rare site onboard an Indian train.

 

[dajop]

Or you could possibly fly into DEL Delhi's new integrated airport is fantastic then take a 2 hour flight to Goa..

BLR could work just as well, minimises backtracking, but probably requires an o/n at BLR.

 

[Fantic125]

BLR could work just as well, minimises backtracking, but probably requires an o/n at BLR.

I've usually flown SQ502 (SIN-BLR) or KA152 (HKG-BLR) and both arrive at BLR around 2am so an overnight stop would be on the cards. I haven't tried the airport hotel at BLR (I think there is one) but to get to a decent hotel in the city takes around 40 mins so you don't end up with much sleep anyway. At least in BOM a decent hotel is only 10~15 mins away at that time.