- Introduction: Going diving in the Ring of Fire
- Review: GVK Lounge East Wing, Mumbai
- Review: Jet Airways Mumbai to Singapore, Economy (Airbus A330-200)
- Review: Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Terminal 1
- Review: Jetstar Asia Singapore to Bali, Economy (Airbus A320)
- Things to keep in mind while visiting Bali
- Where to go if backpacking solo in Bali
- What to eat when in Bali, Indonesia?
- Review: Premier Lounge, Bali
- Review: Hong Kong Airlines Bali to Hong Kong, Economy (Airbus A330)
- Review: Plaza Premium Lounge (West Hall), Hong Kong
- Review: Jet Airways 9W77 Hong Kong to Delhi, Economy (Boeing 777)
- Conclusion: Elevating my backpacking trip
One of the benefits that I get with being a JetPrivilege Platinum I value the most is priority check-in. I arrived at around 10:15 PM at the Mumbai Airport, entering through gate number 8 which is closest to Jet Airways’ Business & First Class check-in bank, and also handles Gold/Platinum passengers. I was flying economy and checked in at the airport, still getting myself a window seat.
Jet Airways Priority Check-in Counters at Mumbai
It took me about 5 minutes to check-in and drop my luggage at the counter and along with my boarding pass, I was handed a lounge invitation to the GVK Lounge East Wing.
The lines at the security check were fairly long as we were in the middle of the Hajj season. It took me about 20 minutes to clear security. Next was the immigration checkpoint which took me close to an hour.
Security Queues in Mumbai
Why an hour? Because the people in the queue were not organized. People were cutting lines and holding spots for their friends who waltzed into the queues as per their convenience. What should have taken 20-30 minutes dragged on for 60 minutes or so.
After getting my passport stamped, I headed over to the GVK Lounge East Wing. At the counter, I handed over my invitation card and my boarding pass to the attendants there. And after a quick scan and stamp, I was in.
GVK Lounge East Wing
This is not my first time here. I arrived fairly early, hoping to grab a couple of drinks and nap for a bit before I boarded my flight.
GVK Business Lounge East Wing Entrance
The lounge has been divided into two major areas. The first is one is for travellers to relax or catch up on some work, primarily consisting of plush leather sofas. There were plenty of plug points and USB charging ports around to juice up my phones.
GVK Business Lounge East Wing Seating
GVK Business Lounge East Wing Seating
On the other side is the dining area, where you can grab a quick bite from the buffet. This area has cafe style tables and chairs. Dinner service was laid out when I arrived. Meals change 5 times a day, so you can have Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner or a Midnight Snack depending on the time of the day you check-in.
GVK Business Lounge East Dining Area
The buffet had a mix of hot and cold items along with a variety of Indian and international dessert as well a cheese board.
I was not hungry at that point so I skipped the meal and headed to the bar.
Bar Seating Area
The bar was well stocked and the captain there whipped me a gin and tonic in no time. Other premium options on the menu included Jonnie Walker Scotch and Smirnoff Vodka. I’ve never encountered a limit on the number of drinks that come complimentary. I was served three rounds without any fuss.
Subsequently, I headed to the main seating area to take a quick nap.
Meanwhile, I tried connecting to the WiFi at the lounge. Seeing my laptop open, one of the attendants headed towards me and handed me a voucher which has the credentials of the Lounge’s dedicated WiFi. The WiFi was very fast!
There is also a spa inside the lounge. You would need to book an appoint before you go in for a treatment. The treatments here are not complimentary. Expect to pay anywhere from INR 2,000 for a 30-minute foot massage to over INR 7,000 for a full body treatment.
I woke up at around 12:15 AM and headed to the restroom to freshen up before my flight. The restrooms were clean although the layout was a bit confusing with the washbasins located unusually far away from the lavatories.
After a quick stop at the beverage cooler to pick up a bottle of water, I left the lounge and proceeded towards my gate.
Bottomline
GVK lounges in Mumbai are some of the best lounges in Asia. This one was no different. Though it is a tad bit smaller than the one in the West which has First Class too, the East Wing lounge did not disappoint. The food was good, the staff was courteous and as the lounge was fairly empty, it was quiet as well.
Is Lounge access now available to JetAirways (Domestic) business class passengers?
Does this mean the GVK Jet Airways negociations are concluded? Or the problem was only in domestic flights / lounge ?
Also earlier in international lounge 15 min foot or head neck Message was complimentary is that called off ? (Not visited the lounge since July).
Other good thing of these lounge was during breakfast they used to have Raw preasry Juices. I used to pack one to enjoy during the flight.
I recently read Jet Airways was not offering lounge services in Mumbai due to non payment to GVK. Is this reinstated or was that only for domestic?
@Gautam Mehra, this review is from before that time.
FYI Ajay the Hajj season is usually in Summer. Currently it would be the routine seasonal rush.