Mumbai Airport

Couple of flights taken out of Mumbai in the last few months. Spicejet early morning flight to Kochi was out of terminal 1B. Terrible queues at Spicejet counters. Security check even longer. Got there very early but only got to departure gate with 5 minutes to go for boarding. Other flight on Jet to Ahmedabad also from terminal B. Also early morning. Jet check in fast and efficient. Flight was parked at terminal 1A so much better security and much nicer terminal. All flights on time.

What a shambles I view myself as a seasoned traveller and my connection through Mumbai domestic- international has to be the worse experience ever. My domestic flight was late arriving (45 mins) and although I was told to identify myself to the ground staff which I did but to what avail I'm unsure. I had to transfer by bus from the domestic terminal to the international one which comprises of: 1) wait in a line for a transfer bus and have my bags screened (apparently I’d been fast-tracked and hadn't had to wait on a ticket to join this line). 2) Sat on the bus for 15 mins while it loaded the bus finally left the domestic terminal at midnight next flight left at 1am. 3) The bus then acts as a tour bus for the airport it seems having to wait for planes to pull out of gates etc. 4) Once the bus arrived at the international terminal we had to wait I had to go back through security and go to the check-in desk again. At this point it was 12.20 the check-in guy told me that I was too late for the flight but a bit of persuasion and pointing out that it was due to the issues at the airport/late flight meant that they fast tracked me through the system process was also quite smooth from that point but i realize that was due to the fact that I had no luggage to check and flying business class. 5) Once through security (jumped the queue due to kindness of other passengers) raced through the terminal to departure gate. 6)It was then another bus to board the airplane (past where I just gone 30 mins before). Would recommend using other Asian airports for connections in that area.

If you are lucky enough to be travelling in Business/First there is a separate immigration desk so you do not join the longer lines. Airside: some shops still insist on prices in US dollars which are triple the prices for the same product in rupees in adjacent shops. Alcohol remains very expensive (£4 for a small Kingfisher beer). Smokers: there are now two designated smoking rooms within the terminal so do not go to the 'Celebrations' bar where they mislead you into believing it is the only place you can smoke after insisting you buy a very over-priced beer (£7).

I'm a regular flyer through Mumbai airport though I normally arrive here and fly out of Bangalore back to the UK. I do this trip 10 times a year. The Indian system is a pain but it's very clever and simple. No stamp on your hand baggage and you cannot board the aircraft until it's been screened. Also only allowing people with their names on the manifest to enter the building whilst not completely foolproof adds to the layer of security. I have never found the staff rude or unhelpful anywhere in India. They are respectful probably because I am respectful to them. I live in Cyprus and it depends who's on duty as to how thoroughly they check. I forgot to put a nail-file in my checked baggage and it passed through Cyprus security unnoticed. Russia has strict security as well with virtually everything removed at some airports. Anyway I wish our people at Heathrow were a little sharper.

My flight for BKK was at 2.30 am. Immigration was less than 15 min security check took around 15 min. Airport is not beautiful but efficient and I did not have any problem while departing and after arrival. Duty free is limited and mediocre.

I went through Mumbai airport on a recent visit to India travelling with Jet Airways. I was aware of Mumbai's fearful reputation and was apprehensive about have to transit through it. However I was pleasantly surprised. No queue at immigration bags turned up fairly quickly and customs wasn't a problem though bags are screened incredibly often. Our transfer to the domestic terminal was quite smooth as well though the bus does go on a tour of the airport facility. The domestic terminal was remarkably clean and facilities were fine given that it was early hours of the morning. We had to change some sterling to INRs but that too went okay and we had no trouble with the exchange desk. Our only problem came at security in the domestic terminal where my husband's bag was retained. He was carrying our personal camera equipment and his diabetic medication. Our cameras were removed and the bag re-scanned. The security officer came over with the bag asked if he used insulin and immediately stamped the bag as cleared. We had to wait around 2 hours for our connection to Bangalore but again this wasn't a major issue. However despite this it would be my last choice of airport to go through - its not entirely up to international standards yet but hopefully it will get there.

Coming from BRU to BKK (and later from BKK to BRU) the transfer was a mess! Not organised men and women separated (almost lost my wife and 2 daughters) at security. Security staff (very rude!) checked my hand luggage twice and left it for 15 minutes unattended. Do not lose your stamped hand luggage label because if so: you must do the whole security procedure again. And that will cost you another 30 minutes at minimum! While going in the plane 4 people in a row (one military) will check your boarding pass. Sorry: thanks to Mumbai Airport we did not get a warm welcome in India!

Have had my share of horrible experiences at this airport but looks like I was lucky this time. Arrived a bit earlier for the night flight and the Delta Sky Priority check-in was instant. Just 5 minutes waiting at customs and no more than 10 minutes to get through security. An unexpected touch of heaven! Shopping area is greatly improved and the Clipper lounge was actually not too bad at all. Obviously this airport is not yet up to global standards but I have had worse times here. Hope my luck continues.

The airport overall is good it can do better but is not as bad as the reviews given by others. The airport is very clean and the bathrooms were pleasant. Proper management was evident and the service was great.

Absolute mess. Rude staff baggage handlers asking for money unscientific and repeated checks on baggage overpriced food. Transfer from international to domestic terminus - had to wait for one hour for the bus no responsible person to inform about when the next bus is expected. Been through this airport twice in the last two years and things are no different.