VS355 BOM-LHR 15 MAR 14 (Premium Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Premium Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

A delayed TR - as with a busy month just didn't get around to it.

On arrival at BOM T2 (new terminal) for first time on a return at 11pm. It had only opened 2-3 weeks prior, so was "interesting" experience. Queues to get into airport as non-regular travellers not used to the circus of Mumbai airports didn't have documents ready causing a massive line outside terminal on all doors - 11pm is peak Mumbai airport travel time. With mosquitos all around - and the deet not keeping them away, paid a airport staff a quid in rupees to bribe me to front of queue.

Upon arrival at desk enquired on using miles to upgrade - was on an upgradable fare class so worth a try - but was denied... with the classic "we're having to downgrade 2 from u/c to p/e" line from the crew, as oversold. Disappointed as it was my fathers 60th birthday party the Sat night, and I definitely sleep better in UC, so was hoping for a good sleep, but it wasn't to be. As it turned out a colleague in Y on same flight was offered the voucher offer, and a overnight stay to delay his return. He said No, as he had a family event too. I feel sorry for whoever was offloaded, as it was likely more than a few people. Check-in staff were the best I've experienced outside UK it has to be said, friendly and genuinely interested in giving a great experience to passengers.

Security was however the usual mumbai circus, and its now security then immigration, which is actually an improvement, and the security lines were long. They did decide to look at every single item in my bag one by one though - so it took 20 mins to clear. At immigration chanced my arm at the business queue - PE usually confuses them... and it worked. Actually went though the diplomat line by mistake which amused me, as the guy didn't complain - and it was quick... ... Spotted a *lot* of regular Y travellers in the business line though - I'd say this is a common queue avoidance strategy as the mumbai people didn't seem to check ticket class if you look the part.. and when on business I usually am in a very smart suit to avoid it getting creased too badly when travelling. All airport staff assume I'm business or first usually without asking (Mumbai as a city is way too image obsessed in my opinion - but it can work to your favour in situations like above)

The post-security area is not finished yet. Duty free is kind of open for some items, as is a small food court. No electronics, and many retailers building shop fronts now. There is some amazing architectural statues and features to see which are finished - especially on route to the lounges, so follow signs for that as you may miss then (even if you dont have lounge access, DO IT). They are NOT on routes to gates. Currently there are mosquitos even in the airport, so make sure lots of deet applied before getting to airport.

Onto - the clipper lounge, as I'm only a VS Silver at moment so no access to the "all carrier" combined business lounge - at mumbai no airline has it's own lounge now - which has annoyed a few airlines apparently. But anyway the lounge is a massive improvement on the old one (which limited you to one beverage for a strange reason) - self-serve drinks are now unlimited, and food is excellent... No wifi though, and in bowels of building so my personal iphone had no signal - though the work brick managed it.. which reminds me why I keep it It's about 10 quid to get in if you don't have a PP... well worth it imho- Especially as the airport doesn't have a bar open currently.

Upon boarding, had my ticket checked .... 4 times on way to plane from VS gate agent. Mumbai is now truely a world class airport, but 4x security checks really is a joke. It wasn't just me either - all passengers getting the treatment..

Strangely sat next to same chap I was sat next to on way out (works for a different firm too). Both me and him got name recognition by cabin crew upon boarding due to silver status... Both out and in in fact this occurred, but I'm not doing a TR for outbound... interestingly He was a VS AG also - maybe they just like AG more than AU for name checks.

Now, the food is in PE was a MASSIVE improvement on my last 2 trips. Upon take-off - had a chicken calzone - indian style, but very edible. That plus some snacks and chocolate. Cabin crew kindly fetched me some gentleman jack from U/C bar as a favour, as I told them I liked it - I know I shouldn't ask but it really does help send me to land of nod. Then to sleep in the PE seat - which I personally find very comfortable.

Woke just before landing to a choice of a cooked veg breakfast or an indian veg breakfast. That causes CC some confusion as to which was Indian veg.. and which was veg. (as both just said Veg). Eventually sorted, and food served. This wasn't as nice as the calzone, but was a massive improvement on the tiny breakfast with tiny croissant served last time - the bread choice was also excellent and not undersized.

Just before landing the entertainment system had untimely issues, just as I was watching last episode of broadchurch having had a marathon on way out of 6 of the 8 episodes, watching one on takeoff.... and one during breakfast - it failed - plane wide, and didn't recover. Please don't tell who done it - as I intend to watch it on lovefilm/netflix when available. Cabin crew made apologies, and it was only down for 30 mins of a 10 hour flight, overall I can't complain.

Another great flight with great CC who were friendly and quiet as appropriate for a night flight - but still with a friendly touch you just dont seem to get as regularly on other carriers. Reminded me why I fly VS overall. It's just a shame I had to fly BA 3 times last year on routes VS flew preventing me getting AU. This flight actually renewed me for silver, and I'm 5 points shy of Gold at this point this year annoyingly.... Frustrating as eck given I'm not flying on VS again for a short while - away on business routes VS don't fly (or partners) for next 5 months sadly, by which time i'll need 11 for gold.

The good news is the Mumbai route was again completely full on return journey - if VS keep this up as regularly as I have experienced in past they should be very very happy with the route I imagine (2 out of my last 3 flights have been fully booked, with the 3rd near full - in every cabin).

I'm back in Nov & Dec - so will report on any changes at that time.

[buns]

Thanks for the interesting TR

I think this is the first time I have read about "bribing" airport staff Coupled with Y pax using the business lane, it s no wonder that your ticket was checked 4 times

I think I will give the Airport a miss for the time being - but your advice about using plenty of Deet, I am sure will be greatly appreciated by fellow V Flyers.

Good to see the on board crew being helpful - hopefully a trend that will continue

Thanks once again

buns

Mumbai airport sounds absolutely awful but good to hear the crew and the flight delivered a solid PE offering .

If you are just short of gold - could you do some little red sectors cheaply?

Well, with 35 TP's for the year - ie needing one additional PE return, it isn't worth it in the short term. If it was one point or two we'd be off to edinburgh for a weekend on hotel points

Unfortunately it's actually VS's fault in part - they were not at all price competitive on 2 trips last year, forcing my hand in choosing BA - well, unless I had chosen to fly Y, which I pretty much refuse to on business now. I had some other trips on BA due to just not really being possible on DL/VS.

It's offset anyhow by me now having enough miles for 2xG's - so my personal hols next year will be in UC anyhow.

Thanks for the interesting TR

I think this is the first time I have read about "bribing" airport staff Coupled with Y pax using the business lane, it s no wonder that your ticket was checked 4 times

Y passengers in business lanes in Mumbai are common actually - some may be legit, some not, but they never are challenged. (same lane is used for some indian residents with special identity permits you see), so it can be legit at times. Business lanes on entry are actually longer than economy, so it's worth not using on entry to Mumbai (or was on this inbound leg)

4 times was just on the airbridge to plane! Total checks hit a new record. Entry to airport, VS (as expected) at checkin. Security (expected - though twice here - with a man to also stamp your bag), Immigration (expected). Then again at lounge, on entry to near gate area, at Gate, and 4x on airbridge. At least I only got the hand luggage scanned once this time, the record is 3x in Mumbai.

Virgin actually escort UC passengers from kerbside with their own staff (from the one experience in UC on this route) to avoid the queues on airport entry from my previous experiences.

And I wouldn't let it put you off - Mumbai is a great city to visit, I've had great times there, and the food there is truly world class - and its also really cheap. The huge chasm between rich and poor however really is evident throughout the city, which is in part the downside. Parts of Mumbai now becoming like London.

The airport is now a proper international class airport that WILL put many others to shame once they finish the post security shopping areas and de-bug it I'd note they are adding the airport to the metro over coming years - though I would personally not advise use of it as a non-resident given drivers/cabs are so reasonably priced.

I would add that with the new airport they have greatly reduced paperwork levels to leave Mumbai (and arrive) compared to trips in 2013. It was previously more than annoying.