firenz Posted October 28, 2017 #1 Share Posted October 28, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 28, 2017 #2 Share Posted October 28, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 29, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted October 29, 2017 The ship is in Mumbai overnight. I wonder if it will make a difference if we want to get off really early. I hate to lose a day flying to Jaipur. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 29, 2017 #4 Share Posted October 29, 2017 If the ship is in port overnight, you can get off the ship as early as you wish. That way you may beat the rush hour traffic. Just let them know of your plans ahead of time and you may have to carry your own luggage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 29, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted October 29, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 29, 2017 #6 Share Posted October 29, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie21 Posted October 29, 2017 #7 Share Posted October 29, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PaulMCO Posted October 29, 2017 #8 Share Posted October 29, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Acrusa Posted October 29, 2017 #9 Share Posted October 29, 2017 We are on the same cruise but making a 1 pm flight to LHR and on to JFK. How far is the port to the airport? Sent from my SM-J320V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie21 Posted October 29, 2017 #10 Share Posted October 29, 2017 We are on the same cruise but making a 1 pm flight to LHR and on to JFK. How far is the port to the airport? Sent from my SM-J320V using Forums mobile app Maybe 15 or 18 miles. Time distance at least an hour depending on traffic which is always bad.[emoji4] Sent from my SM-G900V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 30, 2017 Author #11 Share Posted October 30, 2017 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 30, 2017 Author #12 Share Posted October 30, 2017 PS The process at the airport sounds really time consuming. Would you have to be there three hours ahead to make your flight? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbie21 Posted October 30, 2017 #13 Share Posted October 30, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 31, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted October 31, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 31, 2017 #15 Share Posted October 31, 2017 (edited) 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 Edited October 31, 2017 by Paulchili Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commodore2010 Posted October 31, 2017 #16 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Good luck :DI 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted October 31, 2017 #17 Share Posted October 31, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted October 31, 2017 Author #18 Share Posted October 31, 2017 Finally made a decision. Booked a non stop Jet Airways 6:00 a.m. flight. There was no perfect choice. Whew...one more piece of this trip planned. Again...thanks for all your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJ2002 Posted November 1, 2017 #19 Share Posted November 1, 2017 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted November 1, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted November 1, 2017 Now, my only concern is getting out of the port. I know taxis are not allowed inside. . Any suggestions for that and hiring a reliable car service to get us to the airport? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJ2002 Posted November 1, 2017 #21 Share Posted November 1, 2017 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firenz Posted November 7, 2017 Author #22 Share Posted November 7, 2017 Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
commodore2010 Posted November 8, 2017 #23 Share Posted November 8, 2017 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...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulchili Posted November 8, 2017 #24 Share Posted November 8, 2017 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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