Mumbai lounge access

[browski]

Can someone help with this one? I am a Qantas Club member.

I have a QF Syd-Mumbai flight coming up and I then have a connecting flight to Dubai on EK a few hours later.

Is there any way to access to the Mumbai - Oberoi Hotels, Oberoi Clipper Lounge (the Qantas partner lounge), whilst I await my connecting flight?

 

[Damien]

You can try, but your chances are very slim.

QF normally give QP members a lounge access voucher on check-in. As you're flying EK to Dubai, I don't really like your chances.

 

[NM]

You are not entitled to use the lounge since you can only access a Qantas Club lounge when your next onward flight is a Qantas flight.

However, it is not unheard of for people to be permitted into the lounge as the discretion of the lounge agent in such circumstances.

 

[browski]

Thanks. It is the "discretion" that I'm hoping for.

 

[AlwaysUpThere]

Try calling the EK sales manager in Oz before you go - otherwise, travel EK all the way. Why go with QF and have a risky transit in the "diviest" airport I've ever been to? Even the lounge, which is nothing more than a glorified departure gate, can shield you from it.

EK are non-stop to DXB... MH, SQ, CX all provide good services to that region.

 

[browski]

Yeah, I could another airline to Dubai, but I have to stop in Mumbai on the return journey so I need to pass through there on the way over. Also, QF is the only direct flight to Mumbai from Syd. Also, most my FF points are with Krisflyer or Qantas so rather stick with Qantas for this one. Least I get lounge access when I depart from Mumbai later on the return leg.

Only 3 hours stopover, which in India time will feel about 12 years.

 

[Anna]

I haven't been to Mumbai since January 2004, but back then the so-called lounge access was more like a busy cafeteria with dreadful food that you had to pay for and no comfort at all, only tables and chairs to sit at. No windows either. I would have been more comfortable grabbing one of the reclining sun loungers to sit on - at least they had cushions, but they were in the public concourse so no privacy.

 

[Damien]

Only 3 hours stopover, which in India time will feel about 12 years.

Last time I was there, I had a 4 hour stopover to get from the domestic terminal to the international terminal. I went as fast as possible and got to the departure gate just as the flight was boarding.

The point being - it may seem like 12 years, but you'll won't have time to notice.

 

[EI]

I haven't been to Mumbai since January 2004, but back then the so-called lounge access was more like a busy cafeteria with dreadful food that you had to pay for and no comfort at all

It's still the same!

I find myself in Mumbai every 6 weeks, and know what you're going through! The wait time on my return flight is usually 4 hours from when I check in to when I depart, so getting comfortable is the key.

If you look like a business traveller, then you will get approached (ususally) and asked if you would like to buy lounge access. It's not worth the money!

My advice is to go to the bar at the far end of the departure lounge (at the bottom of the escalators, turn right) and buying a couple of beers and munching on peanuts. For the price you pay for the lounge access you can buy 2 large beers and eat free peanuts! It gets my money every time!

Have a good flight!

 

[browski]

EI, that sounds like very sage advice. I'm on to it.

GF

 

[clifford]

Just returned from BOM on SQ (via SIN). Why anyone would suffer QF (even though it's a direct flight, I don't know).

I was travelling bus class and was approached to go to the 1st class lounge (for a small tip). It wasn't really worth it in my opinion.

However, the bus class (Clipper) lounge looked quite reasonable, and for a small "bribe" I'm sure you can get access.

After all, that's how business is done in India.

 

[browski]

Yeah, after taking QF123 from Syd to Mumbai, I'm pretty sure that I will do my trip next month on SQ. The daily service on SQ makes date changes a bit easier too.

As for the lounge, I think I preferred sitting at the bar.

 

[browski]

Just returned from BOM on SQ (via SIN). Why anyone would suffer QF (even though it's a direct flight, I don't know).

Clifford, Just returned to BOM, this time on SQ, rather than QF via Sydney.

SQ flight was sheer joy - both legs. QF to BOM via Syd never again.