I agree about Dabolim airport it is a nightmare.

We came back last Tuesday and following advice we received from another guest at our hotel we arrived early at the airport and checked in it took about 15 mins. Instead of going through to departure lounge we went into the airconditioned restaurant (passageway signposted right opp check in) prices were about the same as hotel prices. We had a nice meal and drink nice and cool and then when it was time to go one of the airport staff came round and by looking at out hand luggage labels knew which flight we were on and told us to go to through to departure lounge. No waiting at all straight through, just enough time for duty free and then it was time to board. Much less stressfull that previous years

Hi Brendan, great finish to your report. I agree about dabolim, and the other stuff about Goa being a major tourist destination, yeah they should have it together by now....or it could be part of the charm maybe? or maybe they just take SUSEGAD too far!

Some great airport tips.Thanks to you all.Feel a bit foolish now for getting so stressed.If we go back next year I will definitely follow these tips.Still though it is a dreadful airport.

I think the best way to avoid the stress at the airport is get there as late as possible. Only problem will be if you haven't pre booked your seats you'll probably end up not sitting together. But far easier than queueing outside the airport in the heat!

Re: Airport tips.
If you've been to Goa before then you know the package tour nightmare when the charter flights arrive...Dabolim's no place to go through immigration when you're hot, tired and sweaty and you always end up in a foul mood. Coming back is the same....3 hours before a flight...complete madness in an airport like that.
Made up my mind 5 years ago never to do this again, unless the price was dirt cheap.

It's far far easier to book a scheduled flight into somewhere like Mumbai, Bangalore, Cochin, even Delhi....you pay more money but get a better aeroplane, bigger seats, better food, you go through immigration quickly at a major airport, it's more likely to be on time.........then when you're in India you catch a cheap Goa connection. Air Deccan, Goa Air, Spicejet...the number is growing and prices are low for competition. My internal flight from Mumbai to Goa was 1250 rupees on Air Deccan.
When you arrive on an internal flight you're out of Dabolim airport in 10 minutes flat, the taxi drivers aren't hanging round the exit in droves looking to grab unsuspecting tourists.....it's so much easier and feels like a differerent airport altogether. When you're leaving Goa you turn up 45minutes before the flight, take a short hop then leave India through the front door. Why not combine with a short trip trip to Kerala or the Golden Triangle?

I think one of the fantastic things about this forum is being able to soak up everyones knowlwdge and experience.I have been given much food for thought.That First Choice flight was great though.

Totally agree with Chriss. We did the same this year and it was so easy we couldn't believe it. No hassle at all. We flew to Mumbai with BA and then got the cheap flight down to Goa bearing in mind the strike was taking place in Mumbai it did not affect our trip at all, yes the airport was a bit smelly but no where near what we had expected. No queues......easy, bags were off quickly and it all took about 10 mins! Transfer buses were waiting to transfer us to the domestic airport.......no problem.

We added an extra couple of days to our holiday in Mumbai. We had the same experience going back (the strike was then over). Arrived back in the UK less stressed than with any package holiday, we were out of Heathrow in about half an hour. Our travelling doesn't stop there as we have a 6 hour drive to get home!

We have already booked for next year!

We are going scheduled this Xmas for the first time via Mumbai, we were considering a couple of days there, either at the beginning or at the end, but have been told not to bother by several sources as it's to big, to dirty, to intimidating, I was just wondering what advice H/T'ers who have been there would give.......PS..one person who told us not to go, was born there but now lives in Goa.

It`s worth a few days, I would recommend doing a bit of research regarding what you want to see, it is dirty, and can be intimidating and the traffic is a nightmare but hey that`s part of the fun, stay down in Colaba near the Gateway and take a days boat trip to Elephanta Island if you want to get away from it all.

Mumbai is our favorite big Indian city. OK it is polluted overpoulated and noisy, but it is also such a vibrant place. There are loads of things to do and see, from going to Elephanta Island to see the rock temples. Visiting the Gateway to India on Apollo Blunder. You can explore the various markets and bazaars or see the unusual like visiting the Mahalaxmi dhobi ghats where about 5000 men wash cloths for a living in open air water troughs. There are always cricket matches, impromptu or organised, being played on the Azad Maiden or Oval park areas, and off course plenty of Temples, mosques and museums to visit.
The choice of places to eat is better than anywhere in India, from street vendors to top notch restaurants where you can spot the latest Bollywood stars. If you have not travelled out of Goa its a great place to start. And if you allow yourself to see through the initial chaos Im sure you will love the place. Provided you take the normal precautions you would in any city it is as safe as London. Apart from trying to cross the road that is

On other posts to this forum I've been one of those banging on about making up your own package and doing it that way. Re a couple of recent posts here about the ease of transiting Mumbai, From touch down there, going through Immigration, collecting our bags(they were checked straight through to Goa) carting them to a xray scanner putting them through it, then taking them to the Jet desk and handing them back in, waiting for the transit bus, to our arrival at the domastic terminal, time two hours!! then another two hours wait for the flight down to Goa so it is'int always as seamless as reported. Jet Airways, who we flew with, and B.A. both offer a meagre 31" leg room on the long haul sector, better than Monarch but 3" less than First Choice!! The return journey was better ( no need to collect and rescan luggage at Mumbai) but still a good bit longer journey than flying charter, so the added flexibility of scheduled means a longer journey time, which can make a big difference if you still have an onward journey up to the likes of Scotland on your return to the U.K Alan

Thats exactly what were doing heathrow to mumbia £412 reurn with B A a nights sleep in a hotel then off to Goa Problem is my hubby wants to do the train and stay a few places on the way ,where as i just want to get there
well just have to wait and see but im really pleased we have a great flight and miss out on all the hussle bussle that dabolin has
sharon

Great report!
we are hopefully flying with BA next April and are planning to have a couple of days in Mumbai.