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#884691 by wdcosta
03 Oct 2014, 15:28
Just wondering if anyone on here has been to GOA using VA. Heading off on the 1st of December and arrive in BOM at 23:55. Next flight is with Air India at 5.30am to Goa. Judging from the e-tickets both are in Terminal 2. Just needed abit of advice really. At this time of the morning, are restaurants and bars open within the terminal? Are their things to do to kill the time? Being part of PE, I heard you can use the business line for immigration, how does this happen. Do they give you a fast track ticket when exiting the plane like they do with immigration cards for the US? Also on our way back we have the same issue of being in the airport in the early hours of the morning. Do PE PAX get to use a lounge? I’m guessing not as this normally is a perk to UC Business and First passengers.
We’re flying out on a a330-300 I believe (3 cabin). Do you know if this has the latest IFE system? And any review’s regarding the plane? Seated in currently 20 A and C, though apparently the seat behind me doesn’t have a window, wondering if this could impact my seat as well, and considering moving back to the end where 24 A and C is…. Any advice much appreciated.
#885438 by sungod
14 Oct 2014, 17:39
i suspect you're out of luck with fast track or lounges, not been in BOM yet (going in january!) but it looks like it's open 24x7 so you should be ok for food/drink

i've flown into GOI umpteen times direct, though not recently, unless it's changed the facilities are minimal

there's a small restaurant on the upper level before going through security, this is by far the best place to while away time once checked in, but watch out for queues at security and allow enough time

you walk across the tarmac from/to the plane, no long walks in the terminal it's far too small

it can be pretty chaotic outside GOI, i always take enough rupees for a taxi and get one from the official taxi booth - prepay fixed price for your destination

for BOM i've been researching for our trip, comments i noted...

long long long walk from gate to immigration
immigration queues can be long (usual for india, make sure you fill in your landing card correctly)
loads of mosquitos in the terminal, so apply some repellent on arrival
international-domestic transfer can be long
lounges are basic, sometimes overcrowded
check in and security can be slow

over the years india taught me airport patience, the ability to queue in extreme heat, the vital importance of filling in all forms correctly, making sure all tags/stickers were in place, being friendly/polite to officials and obeying instructions no matter how stupid they may appear :)

if you haven't applied for visas yet, the process is a gentle introduction to indian bureaucracy

fwiw the lady i saw at vfs said they like you to apply about 6 weeks before travel, though due to other travel plans i'm doing it earlier (and crossing fingers that it goes ok)
#885441 by gumshoe
14 Oct 2014, 18:52
I can answer two of your questions:

PE passengers do not have access to airport lounges, no. They are reserved for UC passengers and those with Au status. VS sometimes allow PE passengers to pay for Clubhouse access at LHR but it's strictly subject to availability and in no way guaranteed.

The A330s do have the latest touch screen IFE, yes. I've never flown in PE on one but have you checked the seat ratings on here and on a site like Seatguru?

I don't know about arrangements at BOM but I'd be surprised if PE passengers get fast track immigration - that's normally an UC perk. You never know though.
#885467 by starquake
14 Oct 2014, 22:37
I can confirm I've used fast track in bom labelled business class lane both out and in of bom on vs premium economy tickets. Either I've made a mistake or airport doesn't care. I'd comment since move to new terminal inbound immigration is quicker. I did still see queues stopping whilst immigration workers had lunch as usual though.

So personally I'd recommend it - it does save up to 30 mins of queuing at times

The bom lounge can be paid into for 10 pounds if no priority pass. I would recommend it - food and drink now self serve and decent
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