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Mumbai Airport Passenger Reviews and Mumbai Airport Traveller Reports
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MUMBAI CHATTRAPATHI SHIVAJI AIRPORT customer review : 20 December 2011 by N Gagnebin (France) |
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Rating : 2/10 |  |
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The Arrival was alright. We got out pretty fast, it was surprising to have to check luggage at X-ray before
leaving the airport. The departure was a mess for everything: for showing ID to get inside the building, while
queuing at check-in, at immigration, passing first security check, at boarding gate and again scanning
luggage between boarding gate and plane. The fact that the airport has no single ATM after immigration
service is a problem, it is impossible to buy anything as non-Indians cannot pay with Indian Rupees in the
terminal - not to mention that Duty Free seems more expensive than buying things outside the Airport. BOM
was a very bad experience.
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MUMBAI CHATTRAPATHI SHIVAJI AIRPORT customer review : 22 November 2011 by H Nikhar (USA) |
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Rating : 1/10 |  |
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This airport is a complete disaster. Unorganized, uncoordinated. Have used this airport at least a dozen
times and each time it is getting worse. On arrival, you spend an hour for immigration and then a couple of
hours before you find your luggage. In my most recent trip, the luggage belt tripped 10 times. The luggage
belts are very small, probably good for the number of passengers coming out of a plane smaller than 737. But
still, for 747s and 777s they are using the same small luggage belts. Air conditioning is at its worst. For
departing passengers, the long lines start outside the building. You will spend around 3 to 4 hours in
different lines before you are able to arrive at the boarding area, again to find that there is no space to sit
until boarding announcement is made. It seems that most of the airlines' ground staff do not know a system
of organized boarding for travellers with infants or old people and business / first class. In short, you spend a
lot of time and energy on both arrival and before departure.
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MUMBAI CHATTRAPATHI SHIVAJI AIRPORT customer review : 18 November 2011 by J Clark (UK) |
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Rating : 2/10 | |
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The airport itself and its staff are awful. The security is arcane and unfriendly, all bags are thoroughly
searched even though I was coming from Heathrow and going on to Bangkok. They still give out tags for all
bags, for no reason any of us can fathom. The smoking section is at the back of a restaurant and the staff
there try to bully you into buying over-priced drinks. The WiFi didn't work, the seats were uncomfortable, the
staff in the shops knowingly and very obviously over-charged in currencies other than rupees. An airport I'll
try to avoid at all costs in the future.
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Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 21 October 2011 by J Gainz (UK) |
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Rating : 1/10 | |
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Transiting through Mumbai from Heathrow to Hong Kong and back was a horrible experience. Extensive screening by
abrupt staff, no communication as to what was happening. Three times my carry on bag was put through the scanner,
with no explanation as to why. Waiting times were bad, with seemingly no rhyme or reason to the organised chaos.
I would never go via Mumbai again.
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Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 17 October 2011 by D Murray (UK) |
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Rating : 1/10 | |
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Mumbai Airport was the worst experience in any Airport. They split us up into male and female for security, then
throw everyones stuff together in one tray (they only had one tray). I could have taken anyone's personal
belongings at the other side, they were out of sight for over 5 mins. They kept hold of one of our bags and made us
wait with a crying 2 year old for 20 mins and refused to tell us what the problem was. Turned out there was a
lighter in my bag! Airport is dirty, the buses are dirty.
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Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 11 October 2011 by Colin Lusty (Australia)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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Arrived in Mumbai recently from Bangkok on my way to Ahmedabad, immigration was quick as was luggage off the belt.
Went through customs without any hassel, however that's when everything went bad. Went to the transfer area to get
to the domestic terminal (was flying on with Air India), waited 45 minutes for the bus, it was filthy and already
full. Arrived at the domestic terminal went to find the Air India check in desks only to find them deserted. I
found an Air India office where a very helpful gentleman told me that my particular flight departed from the
International terminal. The man actually came with me as the security people did not want to let me re-transfer.
Got on the dirty crowded bus again after a security check-then on to the International Terminal. Eventually checked
in and being a domestic flight was able to by-pass Immigration and customs, but not security so I had my 5th
security check of the day. Got to the gate and they called the flight and guess what? we were put on a bus where we
were taken to a plane at the domestic airport-what an absolute debacle!
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 6 October 2011 by Peter Mason (UK)
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |
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This airport was used to transfer between flights operated by Jet Airways. Male and Female passengers are
separated. To progress from one flight to another both your boarding pass (which has to be in "old style"
envelope size - a web check-in print out is unacceptable) and a designated tag attached to each of your hand
luggage must be stamped at the security point. There are numerous individuals, working serially, involved who will
each either stamp or check your documentation. Probably around 50% of all the hand luggage has to be opened
and is fully checked, often by the one individual security person, causing severe delays and queuing. In probably
around 25% of cases your passport will also have to be closely examined and a small removable sticker attached
for (many) further examinations. Having understood the process on the outward leg, preparing for the return leg
(for example not checking in on line and printing a boarding pass) allowed for a smoother process.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 4 October 2011 by S Sankar (UK)
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |
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BOM-LHR and LHR-BOM on BA biz class. It took 10 mins from aircraft to exit upon arrival as immigration was
efficient with lots of open counters and the customs are much more relaxed than in previous years. Even at LHR
T5, ten mins from aircraft to exit is impossible. On the return, check-in took 2 mins, immigration was again fast
and efficient and security quick. The shops are certainly overpriced. The Galleries Lounge was comfortable. Sure,
boarding the aircraft is a pain as there are two more minor security checks and two boarding card checks but all in
all, it didn't sour my experience and I recognise the vast improvements made in the last 5-10 years.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 9 September 2011 by S Krishna (Bahrain)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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One of the worst airports for travelling. I agree that it is being expanded and upgraded for a better tomorrow
but one of the worst airports in ground staff facilities, inter terminal transfers and the ever present - I don't care
attitude.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 5 September 2011 by K Ambrose (USA)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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The airport looks haggard and old. No proper signs to direct international passengers whether at arrivals or
departure terminals. The shuttle service is awful, we waited more than 45 mins for a bus to turn up along with
scores of other frustrated passengers, and then a mad rush ensued. Security check in the international terminal
took much longer than usual with multiple security guards barking out orders. This airport is a mockery especially
when it is a major port of entry for foreign tourists to India.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 30 August 2011 by S Bergna (Switzerland)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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Impossible to enter the terminal more than 3 hours before flight. Queues to get in. Things went a little bit better
inside. Not modern or nice at all but it works.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 16 August 2011 by H Ramanan (USA)
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Customer Rating : 3/5 |
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The loading area is extremely crowded. Check-in is average, but I was there at midnight. The bathrooms are a
problem, they smell bad and are poorly maintained. Separating international and domestic airports was not a
clever idea, those in transit are assured a very slow and painful journey from one to the other. I've been through
twice, and almost missed my connection in Amsterdam. I knew there was a chance there would be delays, and
scheduled a long layover.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 22 July 2011 by Harry Burlaque (USA)
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |
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Mumbai air terminals are far from international standards. No internal connection between the international and
domestic terminals. The bags need to be checked out and depending on the airline, you may have to carry the
baggage to the other terminal by yourself in a dingy bus. This bus makes about one trip per hour; and puts you
out of the secure area, so be prepared to be screened again by the airport security. The domestic terminal has
loud shrill announcers on the PA system. Between the loud security-check operations and the loud announcers
there is no quiet spot anywhere in this domestic-terminal. If you are flying internationally out of Mumbai airport be
prepared for some heavy-duty paper work and lines. Be sure you get hold of all necessary forms to be filled in
before lining up for the immigration.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 29 May 2011 by J Broome (Philippines)
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Customer Rating : 2/5 |
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The airport is under a great deal of renovation airside. If leaving Mumbai International then
airside is okay, nothing special but compared to such as Manila or even the old Delhi airport
its okay. But arriving is terrible especially where the plane is always parked a bus ride from
the old/dirty/hot and unpleasant arrival terminal. Immigration does not seem too bad these
days but baggage handling is terrible. Long delays, several flights may use the same belt even
though 3 or four belts are not in use. Flying to Mumbai means that you cannot avoid this
airport but be warned and be prepared for delays!
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 26 May 2011 by Steve Pearson (USA)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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This one is by far the most terrible airport I've ever set foot in and even in two years of
"construction", it continues to be an awful experience. Just pick any aspect of this airport.
Anything at all. It is all a miserable experience. Rude security staff, disgusting bathrooms,
dirty terminals, and constant terrible smell. With all the corruption that goes on in India, I
wouldn't be surprised if the new terminal turns out to be just as bad as the existing terminal
is.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 20 April 2011 by Rohan Suvarna (USA)
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Customer Rating : 4/5 |
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Recently visited Mumbai and was pleasantly surprised by my experience for arrival and
departure with an infant. Was visiting with my 6 month old daughter so was a bit apprehensive
about it. Arrival was a breeze without any queue. Had to wait for an hour for the bags,
hopefully they improve the baggage handling facilities and remove the hanger ons nearby the
baggage claim looking to make money. n departure it was again a pleasant experience with the
official letting us the First class line for Immigration because of the infant. Also, for
infants there is a totally separate counter for security check which allows one to have enough
time to security check all the additional items ie strollers, ormula and water bottles without
being hurried by other people. Had plenty of empty seats in the airport to wait for the
flight. Was leaving from Continental flight which leave for Gate 1,2 which have an additional
security check. This process could be improved as after the check the area to wait for the
flight is very small and gets filled up with people.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 15 March 2011 by L Beispiel (Switzerland)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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One of the worst airports in the world. You can't enter the airport terminal before the check-
in counter for your flight opens 3 hrs ahead. Therefore, you have the choice of standing
outside as the few seats are reserved for the "security staff". You are not allowed to sit
there! Nevertheless, you have the option of entering a "visitor lounge" (which is a part of
the terminal that is separated from the terminal by a glass window) for a fee of 60 INR. The
are only seats in this lounge. Maybe the airport director needs a new car or house... Once
you're inside the airport you have to go through a lengthy check-in procedure. Very few self
check in machines. The counters are well staffed, but as checking in 3 pax takes +/- 7
minutes, you can imagine the mess after that 15 people joined the queue. Once you pass this,
you have to go through immigration (quite swift) and the pass the lengthy security check.
Should you forget to have your luggage tag stamped by the security agent, you'll be denied
boarding, as this stamp is checked again at the gate. Probably some kind of occupational
program for police force. Conclusion: plan enough time or choose another gateway to India.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 8 February 2011 by C Coleman (UK)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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The security staff are officious and rude to the point of being abusive. We were charged 2080
rupees for two drinks in the "Buzz bar". The signage is appalling and none of the toilets that
I used had a single handbasin that had a water supply, so people were washing their hands at
the drinking water tap. My boarding pass was checked over and over again by the rudest
security staff I have ever encountered. They also have a system whereby your hand luggage must
bear a label that is then checked and stamped and marked over and over again so that it is
rendered illegible. I would love to visit Goa again, but if it means using Mumbai airport, I
simply will not go. I would advise any traveller to avoid this airport whatever they do.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 25 January 2011 by R Choudhury (UK)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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If possible, avoid the Airport especially on a transit flight. Luggage transfers can be of a
worry and known to get misplaced. Smoking is allowed in a certain restaurant however an order
from the menu may be required. Some airline lounges are a great relief & the designated
airport lounge for the national carriers is not up to the standard. There are other plenty
international airports better than Mumbai.
Mumbai Chattrapathi Shivaji Airport customer review : 12 December 2010 by S Jellin (USA)
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Customer Rating : 1/5 |
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BOM is a disaster, even in it's newer state. First problem is the lack of signs and
communication for international transit passengers. You follow one sign that basically takes
right outside the building where you stand and swelter in the Mumbai heat waiting to be
allowed in. Secondly, once you're in, there are no seats in which to rest while waiting for
your flight check-in desk to open. Then, they have this great rule that even if you have a
multiple entry visa and are travelling on the same itinerary, you need to go to a special
immigration office and wait while they take the longest photocopies in the world of your
documentation. Then, after they separate men and women in security; they put these bizzare
tags on your hand luggage and stamp them. They are secured with but a string which makes they
easily lost. And god help you if you are connecting to the domestic terminal in short order.
The process has to be the most inefficient and uncoordinated thing I have ever seen in an
international airport. Also, be prepared. You will go through no less than 4-5 security
screenings; no matter what you're doing in the airport. And they don't move at any other speed
than slow in BOM. In terms of cleanliness, I was surprised by how clean the restrooms were in
the international terminal, however the domestic terminal is revolting. There was even a well-
fed rat that ran across the terminal floor as we sat and languished for hours with nothing to
do waiting for our flight. Avoid BOM if you can at all costs.
