United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Questions about connecting through BOM

Travelling DEN to Trivandrum India (TRV) for a crazy 1.5 day business meeting. Would like to maximize comfort on the trip and will be going business class. I have never been to India or connected through one of the India airports and have a few questions.

1. Routing. I will probably be going there through BOM on UA (EWR-BOM). There are options to fly LH DEN-FRA-BOM but the non-lie-flat seats on LH scare me. Looks like I will need to overnight in BOM because there won't be any flights until early the next morning. What is a good airport hotel in BOM? Are there any hotels inside security or will I have to go out and come back in the next day? How hard or how much of a mess will that be?

2. Connecting. I see there are Lufthansa lounges. Will I be able to use the LH Business Lounge as a UA C passenger? Are the lounges convenient? Are they nice? How much of a pain is it to connect through BOM generally (i.e., passport control, security, distance to walk, etc). Likely connecting flight will be next day on Jet, AI or possibly Indigo.

3. Trying on united.com, I cannot seem to bring up the BOM-EWR return flight option. All return flights are either on LH or LX. The lack of lie flat C seats on LH makes the overnight leg from BOM to FRA seem problematic, although I can do the hop to Denver on LH in one stop. LX has lie flat, which seems attractive. Why can't UA 49 pull up online?

Alternative routing to TRV is UA through Dubai and Emirates from there (or UA to DOH and Qatar Airways from there). These will net me fewer PQM's though, as this trip will put me to 75k miles for the year, so I prefer as much *A as possible.

My motto has been, since I first went to India in 1965, 'no one should go to India for the first time.--after that, it's a piece of cake."

Connecting international to domestic in BOM offers several challenges--finding a suitable near-airport hotel. I can't help you on that, I've always been arriving to or departing from Mumbai itself. After the approx. 15 hours from EWR, a night in a bed, a shower and some rest will be very very useful.

Domestic flights leave from a separate terminal that can be reached by a transfer bus or a cab--arriving at night (the EWR-BOM arrives around 9 pm), there might be a best solution of arranging a pickup by a hotel that would then deliver you to the domestic terminal the next day.

The lounge for Lufthansa (and UA) is only for departing international pax, no access on arrival. If you buy a premium ticket on JET they have a very nice lounge in the domestic terminal. Jet does have a few jetbridge gates in the terminal, but most pax get to endure the chaotic arrangement of milling about in the terminal waiting area after security, then waiting for the call for the flight, walking outside and boarding a bus to ride to the plane. (On at least one occasion, the bus drove some distance from the terminal then doubled back and we boarded about 100 feet from where we had got on the bus.

If UA is not showing a BOM-EWR flight, change the date--possibly they are cutting back to less than daily frequencies, although every time I've been on EWR-BOM-EWR it has been packed 100%.

Oh, by the way, boarding UA in EWR for India (either DEL or BOM), I think it is fair to say that India starts at the boarding area. The UA staff at EWR, I suspect, regard pax from the subcontinent with a particular perspective since most every passenger will at least once ask for special treatment; and the application of boarding groups by number seems to be rather challenging.

Flyer 420
in Seattle, but dreaming of BOM

My motto has been, since I first went to India in 1965, 'no one should go to India for the first time.--after that, it's a piece of cake."

Connecting international to domestic in BOM offers several challenges--finding a suitable near-airport hotel. I can't help you on that, I've always been arriving to or departing from Mumbai itself. After the approx. 15 hours from EWR, a night in a bed, a shower and some rest will be very very useful.

Domestic flights leave from a separate terminal that can be reached by a transfer bus or a cab--arriving at night (the EWR-BOM arrives around 9 pm), there might be a best solution of arranging a pickup by a hotel that would then deliver you to the domestic terminal the next day.

The lounge for Lufthansa (and UA) is only for departing international pax, no access on arrival. If you buy a premium ticket on JET they have a very nice lounge in the domestic terminal. Jet does have a few jetbridge gates in the terminal, but most pax get to endure the chaotic arrangement of milling about in the terminal waiting area after security, then waiting for the call for the flight, walking outside and boarding a bus to ride to the plane. (On at least one occasion, the bus drove some distance from the terminal then doubled back and we boarded about 100 feet from where we had got on the bus.

If UA is not showing a BOM-EWR flight, change the date--possibly they are cutting back to less than daily frequencies, although every time I've been on EWR-BOM-EWR it has been packed 100%.

Oh, by the way, boarding UA in EWR for India (either DEL or BOM), I think it is fair to say that India starts at the boarding area. The UA staff at EWR, I suspect, regard pax from the subcontinent with a particular perspective since most every passenger will at least once ask for special treatment; and the application of boarding groups by number seems to be rather challenging.

Flyer 420
in Seattle, but dreaming of BOM

Listen to this very wise fellow FTer. Chaotic is an understatement. If you arrive at night, have the hotel arrange for a pick up/drop off even if you are going to sleep there for two hours. Stay at a known international chain - I'm saying this because if you are there for only 1.5 days, you don't have time/energy to waste. India is a beautiful place with all it's craziness, but one needs some time to adapt and go with the flow.

Safe travels...SWISS is my first choice btw.

Flyer420 couldn't have said it better.

That said, I agree with UrbaneGent ... SWISS Business would kick the butt off United. It would require one more flight (instead of DEN-EWR-BOM, you'd do DEN-ORD-ZRH-BOM), but EWR-BOM doesn't go every day. ORD-ZRH-BOM has a 3h morning stop in ZRH.

BOM-TRV is served by Air India, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. I'd go with the Jet flight ... their business class on 737s is akin to domestic First class seats with better service.

I've never flown the UA/CO BOM-EWR flight, but I imagine it's filled in J or with Premiers, since the times I've been in the LH lounge at BOM, the place has cleared out whenever they announce the UA flight boarding.


Edit: TRV should also be served by BLR, and FRA-BLR currently has the LH 747-8 with a new business class on its route most days.

I would recommend The Orchid hotel right next to the airport. There are no hotel options airside, and you'll have to clear customs anyway.

The Orchid can lay on a pick-up and drop-off with a ride of less than 5 minutes.

I concur completely on the "first trip to India" idea. Just relax and let it wash over you. Try to keep any "that's not the way we do it in the US" thoughts to a minimum. You'll be fine.

Enjoy!

As a regular India traveller, if it's at all possible to avoid BOM airport, I would do so, and especially on your first ever trip there. Any options via DEL?

As a regular India traveller, if it's at all possible to avoid BOM airport, I would do so, and especially on your first ever trip there. Any options via DEL?

Don't believe that's an option. EK does have some direct flights from DXB so maybe that would work.

BOM-EWR might be sold out.

LX is WAY better than UA. I thought there's a DEN ZRH flight.

Why don't you fly directly into Trivundumdumdum. (I can never pronounce it). :) I imagine this is a paid C tkt correct? You can fly to Dubai on UA & connect right away to one of EK's non stops into Trivundumdumdum (that way you get your mileage as far as DXB & get to a great 777 flight in EK C right to your final destination

As far as airport hotels in BOM, several excellent 5 star hotels are within 1-2 KM of the airport (Sheratin, Hyatt, etc.). Most if Thrn also offer VIP service w transfers & can help you navigate customs, etc at a nominal charge (Free if you arrive on EK)

BOM-EWR might be sold out.

LX is WAY better than UA. I thought there's a DEN ZRH flight.

No DEN-ZRH but LX's longer flights (West Coast) are w the 340, not the 333. I don't know about C but they have not put the new F on all of those planes yet (340's).. If they don't have the new C then I'd stay away from LX

No DEN-ZRH but LX's longer flights (West Coast) are w the 340, not the 333. I don't know about C but they have not put the new F on all of those planes yet (340's).. If they don't have the new C then I'd stay away from LX

I personally can't stand the UA 777s.

I personally can't stand the UA 777s.

Well Sir, that goes without saying. I didn't think I needed to state the obvious :D

.....but if you hate the 777, just wait for the 787, coming soon to an airport near you :p. I have a feeling you'll be begging for a 777 after a few flights couped up in that :)

As a regular India traveller, if it's at all possible to avoid BOM airport, I would do so, and especially on your first ever trip there. Any options via DEL?

What he said.

First rule when traveling through an Indian airport: Carry a PRINTED itinerary with you! They check for these at lots of terminal entry points before they let you in.

Business class in all Swiss A340's has new full flat seats in a staggered layout. Very, very nice. I'd take them over LH unless I knew for sure I was getting the 747-8.

Why don't you fly directly into Trivundumdumdum. (I can never pronounce it). :) I imagine this is a paid C tkt correct? You can fly to Dubai on UA & connect right away to one of EK's non stops into Trivundumdumdum (that way you get your mileage as far as DXB & get to a great 777 flight in EK C right to your final destination

As far as airport hotels in BOM, several excellent 5 star hotels are within 1-2 KM of the airport (Sheratin, Hyatt, etc.). Most if Thrn also offer VIP service w transfers & can help you navigate customs, etc at a nominal charge (Free if you arrive on EK)

This is a brilliant suggestion. OP should take heed. Avoiding the mess at BOM for a 1.5 day meeting is worth any price.

Why don't you fly directly into Trivundumdumdum. (I can never pronounce it). :) I imagine this is a paid C tkt correct? You can fly to Dubai on UA & connect right away to one of EK's non stops into Trivundumdumdum (that way you get your mileage as far as DXB & get to a great 777 flight in EK C right to your final destination

As far as airport hotels in BOM, several excellent 5 star hotels are within 1-2 KM of the airport (Sheratin, Hyatt, etc.). Most if Thrn also offer VIP service w transfers & can help you navigate customs, etc at a nominal charge (Free if you arrive on EK)

I have done the BOM connection on several occasions and never has it been my first choice option. You do have to leave security and transfer between the domestic and int'l terminals (airport runs a shuttle, or take a taxi or other transfer), then check in and reclear. The BOM-EWR flight is fine (not great), it's an ex-CO crew and bird so decent IFE and BF seating.

I would avoid the internal indian connection if you can manage it. If you want to maximize your time on UA, fly to KWI or DXBand take the KU/EK connection.. Or just take EK, EY, QR or SQ as your overwater carrier and connect directly into TRV.

On another note, if you have trouble with the city name, split it into two words: Thiruvan Anthapooram.

If the most important factor to you is miles, you can do DEN-SFO/LAX-SIN-TVR on UA/SQ.

I'd easily fly another 5 hours to avoid the UA 777s, (I hate them more than others here).

You'll also get a normal lounge on the way, though not sure if biz pax get a shower in SIN.

I would also avoid connecting in BOM if possible, although if it's an overnight connection, it's probably not significantly different than any other airport that doesn't have a hotel in the terminal.

DEL does have transit hotel (http://www.newdelhiairport.in/eaton-smart.aspx) that might meet your needs, if your domestic leg is on one of the full service carriers.

As mentioned there are a number of hotels near BOM. I stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott which was a notch or two above a US Courtyard. I think many of the hotels offer room rates that include airport transfers, I would definitely pre-arrange that. And even though distances may be short in the area around BOM, the traffic can be quite slow at virtually any hour, so plan (and set your expectations) accordingly.

I've flown EWR-BOM in Y 5 times in the past year and a half - and yes, as others have said, the flight has been full every time with people gate checking bags like crazy. I like the flatbed CO seat myself, and the fact that you avoid connections and get to where you need to go (or in your case, almost there).

Upon arrival in BOM, it's not so horrible, just bus it from the plane to immigration and then customs. When leaving customs, it can be a little daunting with all the people waiting outside with signs - just be patient and look closely for your pre-arranged driver/car.

A hotel in the area I stayed at before that was good was the Intercontinental Lalit hotel. I believe now, unfortunately, they dropped their relationship with Intercon and are now part of the Lalit family of hotels in India. Either way, it is the closest airport to the international terminal and offers car service to pick you up.

Never flew domestic out of BOM, so can't help ya, but you can just then take the flight the next morning and have the hotel drop you at the domestic terminal.

On the return, you will have access to the LH lounge with a C ticket or *G and Y ticket. The LH lounge is small, but has some decent finger food and drinks. As is typical with flights to the US, there is another security check at the gate, so ditch the liquids and be prepared to queue once again. Also, as others have said, make sure not to arrive more than 3 hours ahead of your flight departure, and have a printed itinerary to show the guards - if either of those is not met, they won't even let you into the airport.

All things considered, if this is your first time in India, I'd follow chinatrader's advice and see about connecting in the ME instead. Well, anywhere except Jeddah... I just home a few hours ago after a 37 hour trip SIN-RUH-JED (South Term)-JED (North Term)-FRA-EWR. The worst part of it was the connection in JED, which makes BOM look like an organized, well lubricated machine.

Until the new terminal is finished, you should AVOID connecting at BOM. It is a nightmare, by my own experience (several years ago) and that of others:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/india-based-airlines/1280562-connections-indian-airports.html

I agree with the posters who suggest either:
DEN-IAD-DXB-TRV (last leg on EK)
or
DEN-SFO/LAX-SIN-TRV (last leg on SilkAir).

You won't get miles on the last legs, but you'll maintain your sanity.
I took the IAD-DXB-India flight myself last winter, and it was easy. No shower at the LH Senator lounge, but there is a hotel gym with nice shower rooms.

Alternatively, try DEN-EWR-DEL. However, DEL-TRV doesn't run frequently. There is a hotel in the airport.

If you absolutely have to go via BOM, then you need to realize that international and domestic terminals are far from each other. You might want to stay at a hotel near the domestic side of the airport so that you'll have an easy trip in the morning. I have stayed at the Leela in the past, and it was outstanding. Make sure that your hotel arranges airport transportation for you.

Thank you all, terrific responses. I don't have to go through BOM, so perhaps I will try to avoid it.

The only issue with going through SIN is that SilkAir only flies to TRV on the day before and the day after the day I actually want to get there. My meetings are on a Monday morning, so I want to get there on Sunday and SilkAir only flies SIN-TRV on Saturdays and Mondays.

I'm sure TRV is fine and everything but I really don't want to be there any longer than I have to. If I take the Saturday flight that means leaving the US on Thursday given time changes.

I may take the SIN route home as that will put me on the SIN-NRT-LAX A380 in C and I will get home the almost same day I leave (more or less, as the SilkAir flight out of TRV is at 1030pm and is a redeye). The SIN-LAX A340-500 nonstop is booked up the day I would want to travel, unfortunately.

Looks like I will go through DXB.

Just wanted to update this thread with what actually happened. I booked DEN-IAD-DXB-TRV (first 2 legs UA, last EK). IAD-DXB is 13 hours, filled with people who looked like US military contractors and maybe a few business folks. Boarding was a nightmare at IAD as we had one of the C gates that have very little space between the gate door and the main walkway.

I stayed in the DXB transit hotel as my layover time was 12 hours. This let me catch up on sleep, start transitioning to the time zone, get some work done in private.

The DXB-TRV flight was fine, but not an EK777 -- instead at A330. So no new business class seats. I found the A330 seats, which were recliners, to be too tall, meaning I felt like I was sitting on them, not in them. I'm a big dude and the tray table would not go down across my legs. Not a ton of legroom, but C was only about 1/5 full.

TRV airport is tidy and clean.

The flight home was TRV-SIN-NRT-IAD-DEN. First leg on Silkair, last 3 legs on UA. Layovers of 1.5-2 hours at each stop. Silkair C seats were terrible but the service was fantastic, and the food was probably some of the best airline food I've had in a while. Not sure why I got booked through IAD on the way home, the price must have been cheaper as I normally like to fly through SEA on the way home from NRT. It added about 4 hours to what was already a staggeringly long trip home (32 hours from airplane door in TRV to airplane door in DEN). It may be better to go back the way I came for the next go around, as it looks and feels shorter.

The SQ Krisflyer lounge in Terminal 3 was really nice and offers showers. I didn't need one but nice to know it's there for next time.

UA's 777 C seats are a tough sell to me. They are very narrow and while I had window seats on both SIN-NRT and NRT-IAD (and therefore managed to avoid the middle 4), they are just not comfortable for sleeping compared to the C seats in the 767, which I believe are wider (or at least feel wider).

No delays, no issues, easy trip from a flight standpoint. Service was average UA C service -- nothing spectacular but nice not to have to endure Y. I highly recommend the connection through DXB for those mimicing this trip.

Just wanted to update this thread with what actually happened. I booked DEN-IAD-DXB-TRV (first 2 legs UA, last EK). IAD-DXB is 13 hours, filled with people who looked like US military contractors and maybe a few business folks. Boarding was a nightmare at IAD as we had one of the C gates that have very little space between the gate door and the main walkway.

I stayed in the DXB transit hotel as my layover time was 12 hours. This let me catch up on sleep, start transitioning to the time zone, get some work done in private.

The DXB-TRV flight was fine, but not an EK777 -- instead at A330. So no new business class seats. I found the A330 seats, which were recliners, to be too tall, meaning I felt like I was sitting on them, not in them. I'm a big dude and the tray table would not go down across my legs. Not a ton of legroom, but C was only about 1/5 full.

.

Glad to know someone finally followed my advice :D. Glad DXB worked out well for you. That's a great transit hotel in T-3 & T-1 so good thing you used it. I forgot EK uses the 330's now on some of the India & Pakistan flights. Sometimes you luck out w the 3 cabin 330 but I agree, those C seats are very strange (they are the oldest in the fleet). EK is getting rid of those 330's so hopefully, if you need to make this trip again it will be on a 773 or 772