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Disembarking in Mumbai

firenz

By firenz,
in Oceania Cruises

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firenz

firenz

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I am trying to arrange air travel to Jaipur following disembarking from our cruise in Mumbai (April 29). What would be a safe time to book our flight? I'm not sure how smoothly the process goes or if they will accommodate an early flight. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Paulchili

Paulchili

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Is the ship overnight in Mumbai? That would make a big difference.

I would not plan on an early flight as traffic is not predictable and the airport is chaotic (at least it was last time we were there a few years ago).

JMO.

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Paulchili

Paulchili

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Thanks so much for replying! I hope they will let us off early. There's an early non stop that we'd like to be on. I'll contact Oceania and ask.

 

Since the ship will be cleared on arrival the day before, you should have no problem leaving as early the next morning as you wish.

Just make arrangements with the ship and arrange for private transfer as taxis may not be available very early in AM.

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robbie21

robbie21

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We came through the Mumbai airport about a year ago (arriving from Jaipur and departing to Bangkok a few days later). I doubt that the procedures have changed but you should probably check with someone with more current knowledge.

 

It is a lovely modern airport but you should be aware that security in all airports in India is very rigorous and time consuming. There are actually two security checks. First you have to line up and show ID (passports and tickets) to the military staff at the entrance to the terminal building. You will be mixed in with families with very large amounts of luggage - first come, first served. This can be quite a long line and slow. As soon as you get inside your luggage will be x-rayed. Sometimes there is a delay here, too. After you actually enter the terminal you check in (another long line), get your boarding pass and check your luggage. You then proceed to the "regular" airport security where you once again stand in line to get your carry ons x-rayed and you are searched. Note that women must go to a separate line where they have a modesty screened area and are searched by women. Women must have all their own carry ons, boarding pass and id. Be prepared for this so you are not sorting paperwork and bags while standing in the entry way.

 

The point of all this is to allow lots and lots of time :D. Very similar procedures were found in Delhi, Varanasi and Jaipur.

 

Robbie

 

PS I just remembered that the taxi driver had to stop and show his ID and paperwork before entering the terminal parking area. Short line here though - at least when we were there.

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PaulMCO Holiday Sharing Rare

PaulMCO

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Security at the port is an issue to as you may require transport to the gate. When we were their Taxis could not enter the port area - shuttle to the security point. You might want to double check. I would also get O's OK (via special services) if you wish to depart early.

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firenz

firenz

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Thank to all who took the time to answer. I wouldn't care so much except that I booked the Oberoi in Jaipur. And with their rates, I want to get there early enough to get my money's worth!

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robbie21

robbie21

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Thank to all who took the time to answer. I wouldn't care so much except that I booked the Oberoi in Jaipur. And with their rates, I want to get there early enough to get my money's worth!

 

Understand completely! You will love the Oberoi. Lovely place and the service is excellent - all their hotels are top notch and worth it. I hope you have time to enjoy the hotel. Dinner on the terrace is a great experience.

 

I am a bit paranoid about missing planes but I would plan to be at the airport around 2 hours ahead of scheduled departure so that I don't have to get in a dither about it. The Mumbai airport is a nice place if you have to kill a little time. Jaipur airport is not as plush.

 

Robbie

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firenz

firenz

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Spoke to our travel agent today. She said we can get off as early as 3:00 a.m. That leaves lots of options for a plane to Jaipur. Feeling much better about the cost of the Oberoi now!

Any thoughts on domestic airlines in India? Not too many with good reviews

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Paulchili

Paulchili

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Any thoughts on domestic airlines in India?

 

Good luck :D

I would book with Air India or Jet Airways as you cannot be sure that smaller airlines will be around when you actually will travel.

We had booked a flight from Delhi to Agra and a year later we had to drive that route as the flight no longer operated.

Also, look up Kingfisher airline - they were big time operators not that long ago :)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingfisher_Airlines

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commodore2010

commodore2010

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Good luck :D

I would book with Air India or Jet Airways as you cannot be sure that smaller airlines will be around when you actually will travel.

We had booked a flight from Delhi to Agra and a year later we had to drive that route as the flight no longer operated.

Also, look up Kingfisher airline - they were big time operators not that long ago :)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingfisher_Airlines

 

Agree with Jet Airways. I have also flown on IndiGo. Both well run airlines.

I would not fly Air India. They cancel flights at a drop of a hat not to mention the several fights on board between cabin crew. Just nuts.

 

If I remember correctly drive from Delhi to Agra was only 3 hours on that new highway. One hour to just get out of Delhi. lol.

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Paulchili

Paulchili

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If I remember correctly drive from Delhi to Agra was only 3 hours on that new highway. One hour to just get out of Delhi. lol.

 

We did this trip before the new highway - most of it in the dark and driving in the lanes of opposing traffic passing cars, bicycles and cows, getting back to the correct side in nick of time - just before a crash.

At some point I just closed my eye and hoped for the best :D

Not sure which is safer - flying or driving in India :D

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RJ2002

RJ2002

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Choice of Jet Airways is a smart one. We traveled to India a couple of years ago, and our TA selected Jet for all of our intra-India flights. We did end up changing one Jet flight to Air India for better timing and routing, which thankfully went OK. However, the aircraft interior was in terrible shape and dirty. Jet was a much more pleasant and professional experience.

 

The earlier comments about security at the airport are indeed correct. Expect a thorough security screening process. We spent about 15 minutes at the final security check when one piece of our hand luggage got scanned about 4 times, and we had to empty out the entire bag, as well as the smaller bags inside the larger bag.

 

Having said all that, India is an amazing experience. Enjoy!

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RJ2002

RJ2002

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I think arranging a private car transfer from the port to the airport is wise. The scene outside of Indian airports and rail stations can be quite chaotic. In our travels there, we had someone meet us inside the terminal and rail stations and escort us to and from the car.

 

You might want to check the Mumbai forum on tripadvisor for some suggestions:

 

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g304554-i4228-Mumbai_Bombay_Maharashtra.html

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commodore2010

commodore2010

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We did this trip before the new highway - most of it in the dark and driving in the lanes of opposing traffic passing cars, bicycles and cows, getting back to the correct side in nick of time - just before a crash.

At some point I just closed my eye and hoped for the best :D

Not sure which is safer - flying or driving in India :D

 

We hired car and drove (had a driver) for a week and a half going around India. No doubt flying is safer. The first day in the car I was scared sh*tless. I lost count at how many CLOSE calls to head on collisions with HUGE trucks. You can't explain it, you have to experience it.

 

By the third day it was just part of the show. The hired drivers over there are pretty amazing. India is just an amazing experience for all of your senses. HAHAHAHA......

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Paulchili

Paulchili

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We hired car and drove (had a driver) for a week and a half going around India. No doubt flying is safer. The first day in the car I was scared sh*tless. I lost count at how many CLOSE calls to head on collisions with HUGE trucks. You can't explain it, you have to experience it.

 

By the third day it was just part of the show. The hired drivers over there are pretty amazing. India is just an amazing experience for all of your senses. HAHAHAHA......

 

Very true. There is nothing like experiencing India first hand - a total sensory overload :D

Any simple descriptions do not do it justice.

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