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India is open to international tourism

India reopened for tourism on November 15, 2021. Leisure travelers from all countries are allowed to enter India quarantine-free. Fully vaccinated visitors are not required to provide a negative PCR test result, while unvaccinated passengers must present a PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

To enter India, you must have a valid passport, an Indian visa and a return/onward ticket. For tourism-related visits of 30 days or less, you can apply online for ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) prior to arrival.

Transiting through Indian airports is allowed for a period no longer than 24 hours. You should have an onward ticket and stay inside the airport’s authorized Transit Area.

Arriving in Mumbai

  • If you are flying to Mumbai from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airportChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport BOM, also known as Mumbai Airport. It is the primary airport serving the city of Mumbai and its surrounding areas. The second international airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport is currently being built in the city of Navi Mumbai — a suburb of the main city and about 40 kilometers from the first airport. It will become operational in 2024.

    Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport uses two terminals — despite being now part of one airport, the terminals are situated more than 5 km apart from each other (there are free round-the-clock bus services available for passengers). Terminal 1 (formerly: Santacruz Airport) is located in Santacruz suburbs and houses most of the domestic flights operated by the country’s low-cost airlines. Brand new Terminal 2 (formerly: Sahar Airport) is the international terminal, located in the Sahar Village area of the Vile Parle East suburb. The terminal contains four stories and has facilities such as duty-free stores, places to eat and drink, and a regional museum.

    The Mumbai Airport links to central Mumbai by road, suburban rail, and metro. Taxis are also available outside of both terminal buildings, with pre-pay counters located after immigration and baggage pick-up areas
    .

    These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into Mumbai. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result.
  • Once in Mumbai, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Air IndiaAir India ExpressIndiGoVistara, SpiceJetGo First, and AirAsia India. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
  • Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near Mumbai can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India Express, Batik Air, Flynas, and FlyDubai, and VietJet Air. If you have a layover in Mumbai and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.

Airports of Mumbai

Best airports to fly into Mumbai: Mumbai International Airport (BOM)
Mumbai has one international airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport BOM (also known as Mumbai Airport). It is located in the Santacruz suburb and stretches into the Sahar Village area of the Vile Parle East suburb. Depending on traffic, it takes 25 minutes to 1 hour to get to the city center by taxi. The second international airport, Navi Mumbai International Airport is currently being built in the city of Navi Mumbai — about 40 kilometers from the first airport.
Things to know before flying to Mumbai
Airlines flying to MumbaiAir Arabia, Air Austal, Air Canada, Air France, Air India, Air India Express, Air New Zealand, Air Seychelles, Air Tanzania, AirAsia India, Aksa Air, ANA, Alliance Air, American Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Badr Airlines, Batik Air Malaysia, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, EVA Air, Finnair, FlexFlight, Fly Baghdad, FlyDubai, Flynas, Garuda Indonesia, Go First, Gulf Air, Iberia, IndiGo, Iran Air, Iraqi Airways, Japan Airlines, Jazeera Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LOT, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Nepal Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, RwandAir, SAS, Saudia, Singapore Airlines, Somon Air, SpiceJet, SriLankan Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Trujet, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, VietJet Air, Virgin Atlantic, Vistara, Yemenia
Indian airlinesAir IndiaAir India ExpressIndiGoVistara, SpiceJetGo First, AirAsia India, Jet Airways, Akasa Air, Alliance Air, Star Air, FlyBig, IndiaOne Air
Airports in MumbaiChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) — also known as Mumbai International Airport
Navi Mumbai International Airport — under construction, expected opening date: July 2024
Regular price (roundtrip)✈ €550 – €700 (from Europe)
✈ $600 – $800 (from USA)
Flight hacks 40% — 80% off regular fare
Airline promotionsSee ticket sales & promos available for flights departing from June to August

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The cheapest time to fly to Mumbai

The cheapest time to fly to Mumbai is during the off-peak months: from May to September. The low demand from tourists during this summer/monsoon period compels airlines to offer substantial discounts to fill their vacant seats. Between May and September, several popular routes to Mumbai are priced 20-40% lower than during the high season.

However, the cheapest fares come with some drawbacks. The summer months of May to June can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching almost unbearable levels. Meanwhile, the monsoon months of July to September bring abundant rainfall to Mumbai.

If you can bear the heat and rain, traveling Mumbai between May to September is a great way to avoid crowds and save money. Besides the cheapest flights, you will also enjoy great discounts on accommodation, tours, and ground transportation.

Fast-track your way through Mumbai airport with DigiYatra app

DigiYatra (DY) is a digital service that allows passengers to navigate through major airports in India (including Mumbai Airport) using facial recognition as their sole form of identification.

To use the service, passengers must be registered with DigiYatra and have their identity verified through biometric facial recognition technology (FRT). The passenger’s face is linked to their boarding pass, and they can quickly pass through all the airport’s checkpoints, including airport entry, security clearance and boarding gates, simply by showing their face.

India airport - using Digiyatra app
DigiYatra app: Faster movement to boarding gates with face recognition technology

To use it at Mumbai airport, you must download the DigiYatra app on your mobile device and create an account. When you arrive at the airport, scan your boarding pass or e-ticket to validate your passenger details. After validation, you can take advantage of paperless and contactless movement within the airport.

Currently, only Indian nationals can register and use the DigiYatra system.

Air India’s 25% discount for students and senior citizens

Air India makes it a bit easier for students and senior citizens to fly around India. Through its Concession Fares program, the airline offers a 25% discount on Economy Class fares for all domestic flights operated by Air India (including flights to and from Mumbai).

To qualify for this discount, students must be under the age of 26 and enrolled in a full-time course in India for at least one academic year. Senior Indian citizens must be 60 years of age or older.

To book a flight with a 25% discount, simply visit the Air India website, select a flight, and click the “Book Now” button. On the next page, select the “Student Discount” option and enter your student ID number. The discount will be automatically applied, and you can proceed to the payment page.

For seniors, the discount is applied during the booking process based on the date of birth provided.

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Flights to Mumbai from United States and Canada

  • There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Mumbai. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Mumbai, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. Direct flights from the US to Mumbai are about 14-17 hours long, depending on your point of departure: New York or San Francisco. All direct flights are served by only one airline: Air India. Currently, there are no direct flights from Canada to Mumbai.
  • Mumbai is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Mumbai with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta ATL, Dallas DFW, Denver DEN, Chicago ORD, Los Angeles LAX, Las Vegas DFW, Miami MIA, Seattle SEA, Houston IAH, New York JFK, and San Francisco SFO in the United States and Toronto YYZ, Vancouver YVR, Calgary LAS, and Montreal YUL in Canada. The most convenient layovers for connecting flights from the US to Mumbai are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, London, and Frankfurt.
  • The best airlines to fly to Mumbai from the US and Canada are: Air Canada, Air India, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
  • For long-haul flights, the type of aircraft you choose can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board – especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, WiFi, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin in general. When booking a flight to Mumbai, look for the airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as Airbus A350 (best choice), A380, A320neo, or Boeing 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.

Mumbai from US & Canada
plane ticket prices in 2023/24

Real-time economy class airfares to Mumbai from the US and Canada. See the top deals for flights departing from June to February:

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Trains beat flights for short trips

India has an extensive railway network that covers almost the entire country, and there are several train stations in Mumbai. Traveling by train is usually cheaper than flying for distances up to 500-600 kilometers (310-370 miles), which is considered a short distance in India. On average, train fares are priced at least 20-50% less than the cost of a one-way flight ticket.

However, it may not be a viable option if you’re in a rush. Even the fastest trains like the Rajdhani Express or Shatabdi Express will need 6-8 hours to cover a distance of around 500km – compared to just 1 hour and 30 minutes by air.

You can book a train ticket through the IRCTC website, at a local ITB (International Tourist Bureau) office, or in person at the Mumbai railway station. There are usually several classes with different levels of comfort to choose from: basic sleeper cars, open-plan carriages, air-conditioned coaches, executive class with larger seats, luxurious first class, etc.

Best airlines for domestic flights in India

India has a thriving airline industry, operating thousands of flights each week between a plethora of cities across the subcontinent. Mumbai is one of the major airports in India, and you’ll have no trouble finding local airlines offering domestic flights.

There are three full-service carriers (FSC) in India: Air India, Vistara, and Jet Airways. Additionally, there are more than 10 low-cost carriers (LCC), including IndiGo, GoFirst, SpiceJet, Air India Express, AirAsia India, Akasa Air, and Alliance Air.

For those seeking unparalleled comfort and high quality service at a reasonable price, Air India stands out as the best option. This government-owned carrier flies to all major airports in India. It offers roomy seats, delicious complimentary meals, and the greatest baggage capacity among all airlines (25 kg in Economy Class).

Flying in India. Low cost airline Akasa Air operate domestic Indian routes.
Akasa Air, new Indian LCC, promises sustainability, affordable prices, and great customer service

If you’re looking for cheap tickets, these are the four Indian LCCs we recommend:

  • IndiGo. The undisputed leader in the domestic market, offering flights to 76 domestic destinations. Despite low-cost pricing, it is renowned for punctuality, safety, and good customer support. However, it does not provide complimentary meals on domestic routes. IndiGo is the only Indian airline listed in World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines by Skytrax, securing an impressive 5th position.
  • SpiceJet. India’s second-largest low-cost carrier. They offer premium services such as extra legroom and priority baggage handling under their SpiceMax brand. The only drawbacks are a recent drop in on-time performance and limited access to their hotline.
  • GoFirst (formerly Go Air). Provides some of the cheapest domestic fares available in India. Additionally, they have a frequent flyer program known as Go Club with free upgrades to “Go Business” (front row with the middle seat left empty). Customer support is limited.
  • Akasa Air. A new airline, entered the Indian market in 2022. Currently, it flies to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Chennai. According to customers, it offers great value on airfares, punctuality, quieter cabins with comfortable seating, and great customer service.

Know your time zone

When checking flights and airport transfer times, ensure you know the local time zones. The departure/arrival times on your plane ticket to Mumbai and on the boarding pass are based on the time zone of the departure/arrival airport – this also applies to the connecting (layover) airports.

India has only one time zone, despite being a large country that stretches almost 3000 kilometers and nearly 30 degrees longitude. It observes Indian Standard Time (IST) all year, which is UTC+05:30 time zone. As a result, clocks in Mumbai are 5 and half hours ahead of London and 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of New York. IST does not have an associated daylight saving time.

Mumbai airport customs rules

Flying to Mumbai from overseas? Make sure you know the limits for bringing in certain items.

India is serious about the duty-free concession – alcoholic drinks such as spirits, wine, or beer cannot exceed 2 liters per person, and you can carry only 100 cigarettes (or 125g of tobacco). In addition to personal items, you may also carry items up to a value of ₹15,000–50,000 ($190–$620), depending on your origin. While there is no currency limit for foreign currencies, it does need to be declared if it is above the amount of $5,000.

If you exceed the mentioned limits on items, head to Red Lane at the Mumbai airport to declare your goods.

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Flights to Mumbai with stopover

Direct flights to Mumbai are, of course, much less hassle than flights that require one or more connections. However, they tend to be more expensive. In a trade-off between convenience and cost, the best option is often to opt for a flight with one layover.

So if you’re looking at a long-haul trip with at least one connection, rather than simply transiting an airport, why not take this opportunity to plan a longer stopover? A stopover is a prolonged layover — more than 24 hours — and it won’t only break up your long journey but will also become a legitimate part of your vacation. If you’re prone to severe jet lag, a one or two-day stopover would help minimize its adverse effects.

When booking flights, many airlines allow you to include a free stopover en route to your final destination in Mumbai. Those flights are usually cheaper than non-stop (direct) flights, and you can often choose your stopover at no additional cost — just by looking for multi-city flights with longer layovers.

Big cities in Asia and Pacific are known for their rich culture and history — making them a great idea for a stopover during a longer journey. Here are a few suggestions for a stopover while en route to Mumbai.

Some airlines openly advertise stopovers and offer significant discounts and travel perks for passengers to break up their trips: free luxury hotel stays, complimentary domestic flights, or exclusive rates for activities. Start checking for stopover deals to Mumbai with government-owned airlines (as they are looking to attract tourists to give the country economic benefits) — such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. Almost every airline’s website has multi-city search functionality, often hidden inside the one-way/return/multi-city switch.

A well-chosen stopover will not only turn one vacation into many but also save you several hundred dollars in airfare. The available stopovers to Mumbai will depend on your initial destination (Europe, North America, Asia, etc) and the airline you are flying with. For most airlines, the best free stopover offer will be at their main hub.

Flights to Mumbai from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe

  • There are no direct flights from Europe to Mumbai — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. Direct flights from Europe to Mumbai are about 7-9 hours long. Only some of the largest European hubs have a nonstop connection to Mumbai - among them are Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munch, Helsinki, London, Paris, Warsaw, and Zurich. Those flights arrive at the main Mumbai airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport BOM and are operated by Air India, Air France, Finnair, KLM, LOT, and Virgin Atlantic.

    If you are opting for a connecting flight from Europe to Mumbai, the most convenient (and the cheapest) options are flights with a layover in one of the biggest Indian hubs: DelhiDEL or Bengaluru BLR
  • Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Mumbai include Air France, Air India, British Airways, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, LOT, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
  • Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Mumbai from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Use European low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Eurowings to fly to the hub, then save hundreds of euros by taking a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination.

    We recommend checking prices for flights to Mumbai from these European airport hubs: London LHR and Manchester MAN in the United Kingdom, Frankfurt FRA and Munich MUC in Germany, Paris CDG and Nice NCE in France, Amsterdam AMS in the Netherlands, Madrid MAD and Barcelona BCN in Spain, Rome FCO and Milano MXP in Italy, Brussels BRU in Belgium, Copenhagen OSL in Denmark, Oslo OSL in Norway, Stockholm ARN in Sweden, Zurich ZRH in Switzerland, Lisbon LIS in Portugal, Vienna VIE in Austria, Warsaw WAW in Poland, Prague PRG in Czech Republic, and Dublin DUB in Ireland.

European airports with the cheapest flights to Mumbai

Find the lowest prices for flights to Mumbai Airport in Mumbai from the major airports in Europe — London, Dublin, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Stockholm, Geneva, Helsinki, Zurich, and others.

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Can't finda good deal?

Europe to Mumbai, up to 80% off.

40% – 80% off

How to book SuperDeals?

At the Air Traveler Club, our go-to solution for finding cheap airfares to Mumbai is Google Flights. Every time we send SuperDeals to our 110,000 members (see some examples), we include links to Google Flights so that each deal can be booked immediately.

Google Flights then showcases various options for booking the deal: you can almost always book directly with the airline (by cutting out the middleman) or – alternatively – with an OTA that offers the same flight at a similar price. Once you have chosen your booking option, you will be redirected to the external website where you can finalize your ticket purchase.

One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar that appears underneath the booking options. It provides a visual representation of the price in comparison to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline) – indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher.

Booking deals with Google Flights: price history
A visual representation of the flight price. In this example, the SuperDeal saves more than 50% compared to the regular fare.

If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”) don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly – 40% to 80% – cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.

If you are not Air Traveler Club subscriber yet, you’re missing out on SuperDeals (we often send deals to Mumbai). Sign up now to start saving 40–80% on flights. It’s free!

For more details on how to book deals on Google Flights, check out this video:

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Last-minute flights to Mumbai. The real cost of convenience.

Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Mumbai almost always never works out. The convenience of being able to book a flight on the fly is a dangerous game of chance, and you will most likely end up paying significantly higher than booking in advance.

Last-minute flight cost spike
Late booking penalty: The flight prices rise as departure draws near. Last-minute flights are almost always more expensive than booking in advance.

The common perception may be that airlines decrease ticket prices to fill empty seats as the departure date approaches. However, the truth is that airfares depend on demand. Based on years of research and current customer data, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. They are also well aware that people are willing to pay a premium for flights they need to take immediately. To make the most money, the airline will sell its cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of business travelers and others who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.

Occasionally, airlines can put some seats on sale to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates around peak travel times tend to sell out quickly.

Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Mumbai is 2-8 months before the takeoff.

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Domestic air travel from Mumbai

Most domestic routes in India are operated by local airlines. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata from Mumbai Airport, you’ll be flying with one of these domestic air transport companies: Air IndiaAir India ExpressIndiGoVistara, SpiceJetGo First, and AirAsia India. In most cases, it is the best (the fastest, the most convenient, and the cheapest) way to travel around the country.

If you plan to fly domestically from Mumbai check the latest prices here, then book your flight ticket online.

Flights to Mumbai from Australia and New Zealand

  • Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Mumbai. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australia/New Zealand to Asia are operated by large regional carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.

    Direct flights and flights with one layover to Mumbai are available from all major airports in Australia – Sydney SYD, Brisbane BNE, Melbourne MEL, Perth PER, Adelaide ADL, Cairns CNS, Gold Coast OOL, Canberra CBR, and in New Zealand – Auckland AKL, Wellington WLG, Christchurch CHC, Queenstown ZQN, Dunedin DUD.
  • In terms of cost-savings, we recommend flying from Australia and New Zealand to a major Asian hub and then booking a flight to your final destination in Mumbai with a regional budget airline. Among the low-cost airlines that fly into Mumbai are Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air India Express, Batik Air, Flynas, and FlyDubai, and VietJet Air.

    Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Mumbai. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia.

Prices of flights to Mumbai from Australia and New Zealand

Real-time economy class fares to Mumbai from major airports in Australasia — from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand.

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Best way to upgrade to Business Class for cheap

A growing number of airlines are auctioning upgrades to their business class seats. Once you book your economy ticket to Mumbai, you can offer to pay a bit more in an attempt to get a premium seat. 2-3 days before your flight, an airline will send you an email with a link to their website where you can place a “blind” bid. Alternatively, you can go to the website directly and check if your seat qualifies for an upgrade by providing the Booking Reference number.

There’s usually a minimum bid amount. If you win the auction, you’ll be informed via email, and your seat will be upgraded.

Cheaper business class flight online bidding for upgrades
Virgin Australia auctions off upgrades to Business Class as a way to sell otherwise unused seats at the front of the plane

How to choose the right bid amount? Just check the airline website for the regular cost of a business class seat to Mumbai, then subtract what you paid for the economy fare. Place your bid for around 10% to 30% of that price. The alternative strategy is to bid slightly above the competition. If, for example, the minimum bid is $500, try to bid $550-$600, as most people will offer the baseline amount required.

The more available business class seats the airline has on your flight, the lower bid can be successfully used. Check the airline’s daily schedule for flights to Mumbai – if there is more than one flight on your chosen route (more available seats), you can safely bid close to the minimum required amount.

Among the airlines that allow bidding for seat upgrades are: Air Canada (AC Bid), Air New Zealand (OneUp), Cathay Pacific (Upgrade Bid), Etihad Airways (Bid To Upgrade), Fiji Airways (Bula Bid), Garuda Indonesia (BidUpgrade), Hawaiian Airlines (Bid Up), LATAM (Cabin Upgrade), Lufthansa (Bid Upgrade), Royal Jordanian (Go Crown), Qantas (Bid Now), SAS (SAS Upgrade), Singapore Airlines (mySQupgrade), SriLankan Airlines, and Virgin Australia (UpgradeMe).

How much is Premium Economy to Mumbai?

Heading for a long-haul or overnight flight to Mumbai? The premium economy could be a worthwhile investment, ensuring you arrive rejuvenated.

Positioned between economy and business class, premium economy provides enhanced comfort (5–7 inches of extra legroom, wider seats with 2–3 extra inches recline, adjustable headrests and leg rests, larger personal TV screens) and extra perks (superior meals, larger baggage allowances, priority boarding, access to airport lounges). It’s a favored option for those seeking comfort without the cost of a full-fledged business-class ticket.

The majority of Asia Pacific carriers now feature premium economy class. According to Skytrax’s World’s Best Premium Economy Class Airlines Awards, the best premium economy is offered by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, ANA, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.

However, the Best Premium Economy Class Airline Seats Award recognized Emirates as the top contender. Their premium economy class, currently available on A380 aircraft, exudes a business-class ambiance and occupies the front of the main deck of the superjumbo.

Premium Economy class cabin on Emirates
Emirates Premium Economy Class on A380. Seats in a 2-4-2 layout come with 40 inches (102cm) of legroom with cushioned leg rests, 19.5 inches (49.5 cm) of width, and 8 inches (20cm) of recline. Enhancements include a wider range of dishes and beverages on the menu, a 13.3-inch HD TV with Bluetooth headphone compatibility.

Premium economy class fares typically range from 25% to 100% more than standard economy tickets on the same flight. For instance, a round-trip economy ticket from the US to Mumbai might be priced around $700, whereas a premium economy ticket on the same route could be $1,000 to $1,500. In contrast, business class tickets for an identical itinerary may run between $3,000 and $5,000 or higher.

When booking closer to the departure date, premium economy is generally only 10–30% more expensive than standard economy fare. If premium seats aren’t filled, airlines might offer discounted upgrades at check-in.

To find the current prices of premium economy tickets to Mumbai, use our search form (choose “Premium Economy” in the cabin class drop-down menu).

Is the premium economy to Mumbai worth the extra cost? This decision hinges on individual priorities. For long-haul and overnight flights, the enhanced comfort can significantly improve the travel experience. If your journey consists of two or more connecting flights, opting for a premium seat on just one leg can still provide a superior journey compared to the standard economy throughout.

However, if the price gap for premium economy appears too steep, consider another viable alternative: hot seats.

Looking for the best deals for Mumbai? Check different departure airports.

Airlines often have varying prices for flights to Mumbai from different airports – even if they are in close proximity to one another. So don’t limit yourself to just your nearest airport. The neighboring cities may have lower-priced flights that include a layover at Mumbai, or may even have direct flights that are more budget-friendly.

For example, if you’re looking to fly from Paris to Mumbai, it may be worth checking prices for flights departing from London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Rome. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to these hubs, but domestic low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for less than €100.

Book flights from many departure airports
By entering more than one departure city in the flight search engine (at the top of this page), you can quickly find the airport with the cheapest flights to your destination

The same goes for long-haul flights to Mumbai from anywhere in the world. By broadening your search to include neighboring airports, you may discover lower-priced options that can save you hundreds of euros!

“Hot seats” on long-haul flights

Those days seat selection is considered an optional, extra paid service – seats with extra legroom (front and exit rows) are usually priced higher. However, if you’re about to take a long-haul flight to Mumbai, those “hot seats” are worth considering – expect to pay $50-$100, which is much less than upgrading to Premium Economy.

If you want to choose your seats, do this early (ideally during the booking) for a more extensive selection of available options.

Booking hot seats (preffered seats with extra legroom) on plane
Choosing a hot seat during the flight booking process is usually worth it. For a reasonable price, you will get more room to stretch your legs, as well as a wider seat pitch.
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Flights to Mumbai from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia

  • Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Mumbai look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
  • Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Mumbai will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
  • Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting India and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsiaCebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.

Flights from major Asian airports to Mumbai

Most major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Mumbai — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.

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Fly now, pay later

Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans for flights have become a popular trend in the travel industry, allowing travelers to book flights and pay in installments. Among the airlines that offer this option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. They partner with external financial companies to offer their loan services on the checkout page.

The BNPL plans come with varying terms and fees. Some may be interest-free but have fees for late-payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR).

When considering BNPL financing for your flight to Mumbai, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions.

Proof of onward travel – a simple hack

Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from India to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.

The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of India and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

Confirmed flight ticket reservation
Proof of onward travel: confirmed flight ticket reservation (source: OnwardTicket)

Hidden-city ticketing hack

Hidden-city ticketing is a less-known money-saving tactic where you buy a plane ticket with a layover, with the intention to get off at the layover rather than the final destination. For example, a flight from New York to Tokyo might be $600, but a similar flight from New York to Singapore with a layover in Tokyo might be only $350. Choosing the latter and ending the trip in Tokyo would save you $250.

It seems counterintuitive that a fare from A to C via B could possibly be cheaper than a simple fare on a shorter route from A to B. However, airlines use dynamic, computer-driven price models calculated with little human intervention, and such deals happen quite often.

Booking a hidden city ticket isn’t as easy as booking a standard itinerary. There are some things to be aware of: (1) don’t check baggage — bring only hand luggage that can fit under the seat or an overhead compartment; a large checked bag will end up in the final destination C; (2) don’t use it for return flights — airlines often void any subsequent tickets if any segment of the first ticket is missed; (3) Do not overuse this tactic with the same airline — hidden-city ticketing is legal but airlines don’t like it and may try to punish you; (4) Don’t associate your frequent flyer account — the airline might invalidate any miles you’ve accrued with them.

Hidden-city ticketing flight hack
An example of a hidden-city ticketing flight hack. The layover city is actually our final destination (source: Skiplagged).

How to find hidden-city tickets? The easiest way is to use Skiplagged website, which was designed for unearthing hidden-city deals — give them a try for your flight to Mumbai.

Booking group flights to Mumbai

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights to Mumbai can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the airline, group size, and travel dates, and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Airlines and flight search websites typically limit automatic group bookings to 10 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline or a travel agent directly.

If you’re open to different airlines or want more personalized service, a travel agent may be a better choice. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates to Mumbai and can help with logistics and scheduling.