Review of Air India flight from Melbourne to Mumbai in Economy

Air India AI311 Melbourne to Mumbai

Flight details:
Airline: Air India
Flight: AI311 MEL - BOM
Reg: VT-ANV
Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
Seat: 36A [Changed to 35A]
Departure Melbourne Airport International Terminal 2 Gate 7: 08:00PM AEDT
Arrival Mumbai Airport International Terminal 2: 02:35AM IST
Total time: 11hr 20mins

Video: Air India AI311 Melbourne to Mumbai

Introduction

This report is from Mar 2025 and covers the journey from Melbourne to Mumbai.

I  had arrived in Melbourne from Sydney in the morning, read report  - Jetstar JQ507 Sydney to Melbourne.

I was visiting India due to family reasons.

Why I booked Air India?
I wanted to fly directly to Mumbai instead of transiting through another country. If there was a direct Sydney-Mumbai, I would have booked that flight.

I didn't want to transit through Delhi and chose this flight as it was the most direct connection.

Note:

Air India's summer schedule change suspends this route from March 30 to September 13, 2025, disrupting direct travel.

Pre-departure

I had booked the flight through the Air India website and had chosen the seat by paying extra.

When I tried to check-in online, I was unable to complete the process due to system issue. In the visa field, I was unable fill the OCI visa expiry information as the form caters to those with Indian visa, there is no option for OCI holders to fill their details.

Arriving at the airport

After spending time in Melbourne city, I caught the Skybus from Southern Cross station.

Video: Melbourne City

Southern Cross station, walking towards the Skybus to airport.

When I reached the stop, bus was waiting. Ticket was scanned and was allowed on board.

Reached the airport at 5.40pm.

After disembarking at the Terminal 3, I went collect bag from store.

SkyBus outside the terminal.

Check-In

I collected the bag without issues and then took a escalator to departure on the upper floor. Checked the departure schedule, check-in was open.

Check-in counter M was open for Air India AI309 and AI311.

Checked the floor map and reached the counter.

Check-in was open for AI309 to Delhi and AI311 to Mumbai. As is the case in India, a big entourage to drop 1 member. Passengers where mostly to North India especially Punjab and Haryana. It was a typical Indian representation overseas. I hardly heard Marathi.

Ground staff was present to directed passengers according to destination. I joined the queue for Mumbai, there were 4 passengers ahead of me. A female ahead had a Thai passport.

As can be seen passengers with number of bags. I noticed flight was full except for few seats upon boarding.

Air India check-in counters.

I handed the passport and OCI card. Asked regarding the powerbank. 

Weighed the checked bag which was 16.8kg, well below the limit. I was asked about the handbag, which I showed. He didn't ask me to weigh the handbag unlike for the previous passengers.

I was informed about the boarding time and gate.

Check-in took 10 mins.

Check-in continued as I was ready to proceed for security and immigration.

I had received the boarding pass as seen below.

Security and immigration

I noted that many of the passengers on this flight were grey nomads visiting their family on visit or tourist visa.

Many farewellers had gathered to see off their family at the departures.

Security queue was short, there was a Maharashtrian family ahead of me.

As electronic devices can be left in bag. I passed the body scan. My hand bag was x-rayed and pulled aside for further inspection. The security asked if I had packed the bag which inspecting, He checked the screen to find the item that had triggered the secondary inspection, When he found, he laughed that it was the "Great Aussie coin hunt" packet. I said it was a gift and I was good to go. 

Security was followed by immigration, no issues here. I scanned the passport through the self-serve kiosk.

Departure area

Check-in, security and immigration took about half hour to complete. Checked the schedule and reconfirmed the gate information.

Passed through the duty free, I had nothing to buy.

Walked close to gate and saw the Air India aircraft.

✈ Spotting

I found a spot close to the window and saw a Emirates A380 parked in remote bay.

Video: Melbourne Airport ✈ Spotting

Air India AI311 to Mumbai was parked in corner bay with tail visible over the aerobridge.

Qantas Boeing 737-800 passing in front of the terminal. Runway 27 and 34 was used for landing and take off.

I found a spot where I could see the boarding area.

As I was feeling thirsty, got a Teh tarik from a store close to counter.

I then moved close to the window and watch the Airbus A380 towed to gate.

While I was at the gate, I received a Whatsapp message with gate details. Crew were seated near the gate, when I saw them walk towards aircraft, knew the boarding would be commencing soon.

Departure area

Around 7.30pm, boarding commenced by row numbers. Seated at the rear, I joined the queue to board.

Front page of passport was checked then continued to scan the boarding pass. I was then allowed to continue towards the aircraft.

Air India VT-ANZ operating AI309 to Delhi.

Boarding for the Delhi flight was from gate 5.

Air India VT-ANV operating AI311 to Mumbai.

Flight was almost full. Many passengers were transiting through Mumbai to domestic destinations and some international connections like Muscat and Istanbul.

Boarding

On reaching the aircraft, showed the boarding pass and was directed to seat. When I reached the seat, a old couple had occupied the aisle and middle seat. Boarding was conducted with wheelchair passengers boarded first.

I kept my bag in the overhead bin above row 36. Crew was sorting the bags to make space and moved my handbag between bags above row seat 35. I informed her that bag has laptop and to be careful in Hindi., she said not to worry. I moved in the allocated seat. Looked out of the window, AI309 was visible as boarding progressed.

Seat view

I hanged jacket on coat hanger.

Flight information

Still on ground.

Route

Day night timezones

Awaiting pushback, A hot day in Melbourne, top of 31 degrees Celsius.

Local and destination time

My neighbours on this flight was a Bengali couple travelling to Vadodara.  They were visiting their aussie citizen daughter in Melbourne.

Both the couple required wheelchair.  Man was 83yrs old and woman above 75yrs.

While seated, they tried to contact their daughter but had network issues. I told them to restart the phone. They were unable to use, they checked with cabin crew if wi-fi was available. Was told that wi-fi was not available.

Seeing they were anxious. I offered to help them. The man showed me the contact number, I dialed the number and gave my phone for her to speak.

Pushback and taxi

While my phone was in use, Cabin crew welcome passengers and provided crew information.  Pushback commenced at 8.10pm.

After the call, the woman asked me, If I could help her with changing the sim when we reach Mumbai. I agreed and told her to change the network to flight mode.

As the aircraft was parked in the International bay, taxi to operational runway took a while as the aircraft taxied slowly.

Aircraft lined on runway 27

Flight departed Melbourne at 8.30pm.

Video: Departure Air India AI311 from Melbourne

Inflight

I explored the IFE and opened the flight map. Air India old logo in use on the Boeing 787-8.

8mins since departure and distance covered.

Local and arrival time in Mumbai

Flight location

Seat view

Side view

On attaining cruise altitude, seat belt sign was turned off.

Seat pocket content

Seat pocket contained the inflight magazine, air sickness bag and safety card. Air India's new logo branding on the printed material.

Air India inflight magazine - Namasete.AI.

Air India used to magazine "Shubh Yatra" [Happy journey], when it was government owned till 2020's. During 80 and 90's, Inflight magazine used to be called "Namaskar".

This is my 3rd trip on Air India Boeing 787-9, read the report here - AI301 Sydney to Delhi.

I skimmed through the pages.

Improving the AI experience.

Air India [AI] domestic route

AI hubs and spokes

International connections and hubs

Air India fleet information

Air India safety card

Boeing 787-8 safety card

Middle pages

Rear

Food tray

Each seat had a blanket and pillow along with reusable earphones.

Cabin service - Drinks

Crew came out with drinks trolley after 30mins of departure.

Flight information

During drinks, I chose red wine. I was eyeing the empty seat row ahead.

I asked the crew during the drinks service, if I can move ahead as the old couple could spread out and so could I.

The crew said approved me moving.

I emptied the wine cup.

After the trolley had pasted, I told my neighbour that I would move to seat ahead and they can sit more comfortably. They were like we are fine with you next to us. I said its a long flight and would be better for everyone, if I moved. Get more space to rest.

I moved to seat 35A.

Window view, with nothing to see outside. Being a red-eye flight from origin to destination.

Seated comfortably with whole row to self, I received a crunchy corn packed and 2nd round of red wine.

I sipped the red wine slowly.

Flight over the Great Australian Bight. While another crew passed by with a drinks trolley, checking passengers wanted drink. I asked crew if she had whisky with soda. She said the Whisky bottle is not open and she would get me after the round. I said if not whisky then vodka is fine. She said I will get it soon.

She did turn up with the whisky within two mins.

Overall I noticed the crew to be attentive and helpful with this older passengers.

Topnotch service with regards to customer interaction.  They spoke Hindi with customers who were not comfortable in English.

I had a good experience even when compared with Singapore Airlines, I haven't flown with SQ since 2022. I felt they had dropped with ball with reduced service and amenities.

Not a whisky drinker, would have been fine with any strong drink, just wanted to hasten the sleep.

Whisky with soda below.

Entertainment

The screen in seat 35A was lagging on touch, I used the remote to switch the IFE. Earphones were placed in the seat pouch.

I took off my shoes to get comfortable.

I used the toilet in the rear of the aircraft. It was clean.Handwash and soap was available along with paper cup and tissues.

Cabin view

Economy 3-3-3 seating.

Toilets in the front of cabin.

Returning to seat, I switched on the IFE and watched 12th Fail movie for few minutes.

IFE controller

Floor carpet was clean and looked bright.

Cabin Service - Dinner

Crew handed the special meal individually. Food cart was bought out to distribute dinner. Option was Veg or Non-veg

Dinner served 1hr 35mins after departure. I checked with crew what was in the Veg and non-veg. I was informed veg was Paneer [Indian cottage cheese] aloo [potato] and Non-veg was Chicken aloo.

I chose the non-veg option. Appetizer was Chana chaat [Chick peas] and Dessert was Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding.

Dinner close up.

Flight information

Plastic cutlery

Flight location while having dinner.

After dinner, cabin light was dimmed.

I was ready to sleep.

I woke up when announcement was made to wear seatbelt during turbulence. Must have slept for 4hrs.

Turbulence close to Equator is common when flying from Australia.

Flight information

Route

Close up.

Cabin Service - Snacks

Cabin lights were switched on and snack service commenced. Snack choice was Veg or chicken roti with drink. I chose the tandoori chicken roti with red wine. I had experienced similar service on Qatar Airways, when snacks was provided 6hrs after departure. Read report here -  Qatar Airways QR909 Sydney to Doha

This is where the woman asked If I can change the sim, I said I would do it after eating.

After the snack, I asked her to give me the phone. She bought the phone to my seat. I asked her if she had the pin, showed the back of the phone which had the pin inside the cover. 

I changed the phone sim and said to restart the phone after landing.

Once done, she returned to the seat, light was dimmed and I spread out to sleep, During flight, experienced some turbulence with seat belt switched on with cabin announcement.

I finally woke up when aircraft was flying over Tamil Nadu. Crew conducted regular water rounds during the flight.

Close up of map.

Cabin Service - Breakfast

Flight location

Third and last cabin service for Breakfast commenced 10hrs after departure.

Local time at destination

Crew started breakfast service 1hr and 30mins before arrival. Breakfast choice was Pongal or Chole Paratha.

I chose Pongal which came with soft roti and chickpeas, croissant, butter, strawberry jam, yogurt and orange juice. All the meals tasted fresh and good. Roti was soft.

Breakfast top view

I was done with the breakfast and waited for crew to clear the tray.

Breakfast was completed 1hr and 15mins before arrival.

Descend in Mumbai

Time passed and aircraft was close to Mumbai.

Air India logo

Flight information

Distance from destination

Pilot announced descend would commence in 30 mins and prepare cabin for landing.

Flight location

Cabin crew distributed Arrival card to those with foreign passport. I took one and started filling.

Descend commenced

Aircraft descending

Landing in Mumbai

Aircraft flew over Navi Mumbai, lined with CSIA runway 27. Landed in some cross wind.

Video: Landing Air India AI311 to Mumbai

Taxied to Terminal 2. Aircraft had arrived few mins before schedule.

Parked at gate next to a KLM Boeing 787. Window had fogged and couldn't see clearly.

Pilot informed crew to disarm the door.

Fogged window.

Disembarkation

After the aircraft reached gate, Passengers filled the aisle, I got up to collect my handbag and got a shock. My bag was missing from the overhead bin. I informed the cabin crew that my bag was missing and all my documents were inside the bag. Crew asked to me go ahead and check if some had picked my bag. I was able to pass a few passengers and got stuck.

The crew found my bag with a old couple. I had no words to say to them.

I thanked the crew for finding the bag.

Thoughts in my head during the bag search, what if the bag is not found. What proof I would have to exit the airport or to be deported. How much time I would be wasting to sort the issue.

The Terminal - Tom Hanks movie flashed in my head.

Lucky I had taken photos of the passport and visa before boarding to fill the arrival form.

Lesson learnt - Keep documents on person.

I followed other and exited the aircraft.

I noticed in the forward cabin many passengers were transiting domestically from Mumbai.

On exiting the aircraft, noticed atleast 10-12 wheelchairs to pick passengers. Demography of passengers were mostly VFR. Few Australians transiting internationally or visiting India.

Air India VT-ANV bags unloading in progress.

Video: Mumbai Airport Arrival to Immigration

Immigration

Aircraft had parked at a distant gate, had to walk 10mins to reach the immigration. I walked fast and reached the immigration which was divided for Indian national, First and business class, Foreign passport with OCI and Foreign passport with Visa.

I had few passengers ahead of me, It took me 5mins to reach the counter.

Handed the passport, OCI and boarding pass.

Immigration officer called my name, asked to put right thumb for fingerprinting, took a photo. Stamped passport and said go in Marathi.

I passed the duty free shops and entered the baggage claim.Checked the belt number for AI from Melbourne.

Air India from Melbourne bags were arriving on belt 5. As I reached the belt, I noticed the old couple from seat 36. We greeted each other and I said bye to them. I got my bag, while they were helped by ground staff to collect bag.

Customs

I looked for Green channel and noticed new scanners were installed to pass passengers. Those with wheelchairs had separate exit. As I reached the customs x-ray, the staff asked me to put only handbag where as others were asked to put everything. I was out within 5 mins.

Taxi ride

Exiting the customs, I noticed taxi booths have moved to left hand close to the lift to lower levels.

I wanted to book Coolcab with AC but didn't find their booth. I paid Rs 1000 for taxi, which is double the price I pay for the distance. I had a eventful day. I didn't count the rupees, paid the said amount. I was directed to take lift to lower level and then look for Pillar F where someone will help me with taxi.

When I reached the lower level 1, I noticed the Coolcab counter had moved near the exit. As I had already paid, I looked for the taxi.

The taxi driver was from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. We talked while he was driving.  I directed him and wrote the address on Google maps.

I reached home at 3.30am, an hour after landing. I received an survey email next day, which I filled and provided feedback.

Flight and aircraft information

Aircraft information

Aircraft routing

Flight route

Video: Flight route

Flight information

End of trip

Hope you enjoyed this trip report.

Thanks for reading and watching the video.

:)