Marhaba Lounge, Singapore Changi Airport

I had previously experienced Plaza Premium Lounge in Singapore's Changi airport. This time visited Marhaba lounge at Changi T3. Access was via Priority pass issued with ICICI Credit card. Marhaba lounge accepts dozen other loyalty programs.

Marhaba is a standard airport lounge with lots of sitting area and a small dining area. Food was good but not focused on vegetarians- could get rice, daal, some vegetables and fruits. Nothing much. Made kind of sambar rice for myself mixing rice, daal, vegetables etc.

Coffe and juices were nice. Changi airport WiFi was not connecting inside Marhaba lounge, nor they had their own WiFi, so a bit of setback there.

Another good thing is the lounge has shower area as well- we can refresh properly and proceed to next flight.

Bus timings from RGI Airport Hyderabad to city

I had written about bus service available from RGI Airport in Hyderabad to city. But that was years ago. 2018.

 Below is the latest 2025 updates

Fiji Airways A330 ultra long flight review

Fiji airways is another new airline I tried in 2025, along with Azerbaijan Air & Star Air. I flew Fiji Airways to Fiji from Singapore & back. If you wish to visit Fiji, connecting to Fiji airways is the only option, as no other major international airlines seem to be flying to Fiji regularly- probably they don't have the volume to make regular flight viable. Drawback of this is in case Fiji airways cancels a flight, you may be stuck till they provide an alternative. While Fiji is visa free for Indians, most nearby countries- Australia, USA, NZ etc Indians need visa even to transit. So your flight options to Fiji will be very limited.

Fiji Airways operates widebody aircrafts to US West Coast, Australia, Singapore etc. I could book a one stop Hyderabad to Nadi via Singapore flight. The flight was very expensive on Singapore airline and Fiji Airways official website, so I had to book it on GoIbibo- the ticket cost me about 69000 INR. My most expensive flight ticket so far- but if I calculate on a "per flying hour" basis, it is not much. 69000 for 30 hours of flying (4 hours Hyd to Singapore, 11 hours SIN to Nadi & return) =  2300 INR per hour of flying, which is pretty decent. This was a pre covid rate so I booked one when I saw one.

Web check-in: Since my ticket included flights operated by Singapore airline + Fiji, I could not do web check-in in one go. For the onward journey I could do check in on Singapore airline website first, had to wait half day for Fiji airways check in to open and then go to FIji airways web and check in for second leg. On the way back website didn't allow me to check in into SIN-HYD leg, even Singapore airline website sent a notification saying web check in is open but would not let me check -in. Had to do check-in at airport. I think airlines should be able to manage this check in process better.  SQ also sends mailers saying check in open but when you try, website says sorry, can't process. 

Food: Fiji Airways is a full service airline. My 10 hour marathon flight got me 1 dinner and 1 breakfast with ample time in between to sleep. breakfast included Upma and Vada, which was amazing. Return journey I got decent meals for lunch & dinner.

Seat Selection: Fiji airways doesn't allow complementary seat selection though. But I got one window seat allocated during onward journey. Return trip an aisle seat was assigned, could get it changed to window during check in for free.

Fiji airways Utility Kit: Only blanket, pillow and earphone is given. No eye cover, no dental kit etc. No hot towel to wash hands on arrival.

Entertainment: Was ok, screens were old, as aircraft is 10+ years old. Singapore Airline A350 had much bigger, clearer screen in comparison.

Flight was not full, I could see at least 10% seats vacant. I got empty seat by the side on both trips.

Most flights of Fiji Airways operate on time. There is less than 10% chance of major delay.

Overall it was good to experience Fiji Airways and our trip to Fiji was nice.

Ahmedabad Baku return ticket under 20k

Azerbaijan air had recently introduced their second destination in India- Ahmedabad (AMD). Their Mumbai-Baku flight costs about 30-35k approx but AMD-GYD flights are priced much lower at 20k INR

Of course sentiments are low now after Indo Pak war and Azerbaijan supporting Pak and Indians boycotting Baku trips. Possibly the reason Azerbaijan air has kept ticket prices low.

Use your discretion.
 

Star Air Experience and Review

Star air is a relatively new airline started by Sanjay Godawath group, who were earlier famous for Star ghutka and other brands.

Star Air began operation sometime in 2018-19 but I didn't have a chance or need to fly them all these days. Recently for my return from Hyderabad Star Air option looked viable. Hyd to Shivamogga for 2500 INR was good deal, so I booked.

Star air experience:

Booking: Official website charges 350 INR convenience fee, so I had to book on easemytrip.com

Web checkin- Could not do. Official website recognizes PNR but won't allow web check in, was asked to go to counter

Airport experience: Self Check-in counters won't show Star Air. Airport check in counter opens only 2 hours prior to departure. So we can't go early, drop our bag and relax at lounge. While counter was open early because of other flights, check in for my flight opened only 2 hours prior.

At the check in counter one person's bag was released without adding baggage tag- customer spotted this and created noise. Staff checked with different people and promised to locate the bag and add baggage tag.

Boarding begins 1 hour prior for a small 70 seater plane. Boarding was smooth and flight left on time

Onboard food: Star air sells food onboard. Some items like Upma cost 200 INR, (Indigo charges 400 INR for upma). Staff allow you to pay through UPI after landing.

Star air has business class seats too- business class costs 2x economy. 2+1 configuration, little more space and some priority while boarding & getting off. Not sure if food is served free to business class customers. 

Arrived at Shivamogga ahead of time, baggage delivery was quick and no complaints overall. Aircraft would fly further to Tirupati.

Star air flies to several less popular destinations- if it suits your plan, you can book 

Overall star air experience was good. Will use them whenever it suits me. 

Same flight, 3 different prices

 Same flight, 3 different prices, depending on where you book!

The flight from Nadi Fiji to SFO is operated by Fiji Airways, but they have codeshare with other airlines. Depending on from whom you buy, the price varies. Surpricingly it is cheaper on Qantas than the airline operating the flight (Fiji Airways)

So watch out who is operating the flight and if there're cheaper option with codeshare partners.
 

Kenya for 15k return, June 2025

Return ticket to Kenya (Nairobi) are available for super cheap 15k for next month for specific dates only!

While this is an amazing deal, please factor the following

#1 Last year this time there was a flood in Kenya [Read more] - Same may repeat this year, so June is not the best time to visit

#2 Above ticket is Self Transfer, which means you've to have visa for Muscat, exit airport and recheck-in

#3 Salam air is a low cost airline, don't expect checked bag, meals etc 

Normal tickets cost around 30k on Indigo or Kenya airways during best of their fares. So if you're ok with above inconveniences to save half the ticket money, you should rush and book now.

Let us know if you are booking

BLR Mauritius for 32k return Aug 2025

You can have a round trip to Mauritius from Bengaluru for about 32000 July, Aug, Sep 2025 on Indigo. Indigo operates direct flight between Bengaluru and Port Louis, Mauritius. From other indian cities you can book one stop for a few thousand more.

32000 INR return for 6 hours flight one way, 12 hours return is about 2600 per flying hour, decent fare in my opinion, almost same as pre-covid rates I had seen.

August could be rainy season in Mauritius- you may lose a day or two to rain. Plan well

Same ticket costs 40k if you're planning for April 2025

Indigo will add a few thousand more as convenience fee. Book on Easymytrip to save the same.

Etihad sale is ON

Etihad has a sale on till 16th May. Nothing exceptionally cheap but reasonable fares- you might find one that suits your needs.

Check https://www.etihad.com 

My last flight with Etihad was in October 2024 to Cairo- was fine overall. Etihad stopover needs to be carefully weighed though, as it is not as simple and straight forward as projected

GYD Baku international airport review

If you're passing through Baku's GYD airport, this post shares some of my observations and pictures about this airport.

I did not spot any drinking water dispensers inside Baku international airport

There is a lounge operated by Azerbaijan air and another lounge for bank customers

Baku airport is about 17 kms from city center. We can reach city for about 1.3 AZN in airport shuttle bus if you have Baku smart card. Else pay 2 AZN cash to driver.

Baku airport is fairly small in size but very well maintained.

Food as usual is expensive in airports. A small bowl of french fries in Mc Donalds is 5 AZN or 250 INR

Sitting areas are standard, with power sockets

Airport WiFi was good and was working in most areas

Adani Lounge Mumbai airport

I entered a lounge after long time. 2020 when my credit card expired I decided not to renew it and next 5 years I lived without a credit card. My last lounge experience was in Singapore- Plaza Premium lounge.

During the 2020s banks have oversold credit card in the name of lounge access and lounges at airports had huge queue to get in and the extreme crowd discouraged me to bother about the lounges.

Recently in 2025 got credit card again and came with it 4 lounge access per quarter 

Using the same entered Adani lounge in Mumbai airport twice- once during international departure, once during domestic departure. Below is my experience.

Adani operates 4 lounges in Mumbai airport- 2 in international and 2 in domestic departure sections. 1 Lounge is each is exclusive for business class, first class passengers and another is for bank card holders.

Entry was smooth- the crowd was not much, I could get in using express check in counters tapping my card.

At 2 AM, the main food counter was pretty empty and had not been refilled adequately. But there were enough items to try so not a big deal.

The domestic departure section lounge next week I tried had lesser crowd, as fewer domestic passengers prefer to fly out at 2 AM. Food was good. WiFi access I had got previous week worked automatically like a charm.

Azerbaijan Air Experience- Mumbai Baku

I had my first flight with Azerbaijan air recently, from Mumbai to Baku. This post shares a brief review.

Basics about Azerbaijan Airways

• Azerbaijan Air is a full service airline. Ticket price includes food and checked bag. But they don't give blankets, there is no entertainment screen, no business/first class option (in most short haul flights).
• Azerbaijan Airways is based in Baku and operates several flights to Europe and Asia. Besides flying to Baku, you may find Azerbaijan air a viable option for Georgia and few other destinations around central Asia and Europe
• Azerbaijan air does offer a few seats for free selection during ticket purchase. So you might be able to get your window seat without paying extra. However seat change during web check can cost you. 45$ for max leg room seat
• In India Azerbaijan Air flies only to Mumbai. Flights to AMD are planned.
• If not Azerbaijan Air's direct flight, flying to Baku would need one stop flight via Air Arabia or we've to use Indigo that flies Delhi Baku or fly any other airline flyin to Baku via their hubs 

Azerbaijan Air Ticket Booking Experience

I couldn't book directly on Azerbaijan Air official website due to payment issues. Had to book via Goibibo, costing me a few hundred rupees more. I booked Mumbai-Baku about 9 months in advance for about INR 34500. Later I saw one stop flight to Baku on Air Arabia sale for 22k, but it was too late. You can wait for Air Arabia sale for cheapest flight option to Baku. Mumbai Baku ticket price increased to 45k few months prior to travel.

Azerbaijan Air Mumbai -Baku flight - they tried to offload me

I arrived at airport ontime, got in line for check in but when my turn came, I was pulled aside. While I was wondering what went wrong, Azerbaijan air offical said seats are not assigned yet- I said I've done web checkin and seat has already been assigned. He then silently told me that their flight is overbooked and they are looking for 2 passengers to take a later flight.

I said you've only1 flight per day, later would mean next day. Then he said we'll send you via Dubai. That would mean I would lose whole day, waiting 3-4 hours for next flight to Dubai, then connection time and another flight to Baku. He didn't confirm if it is emirates. It could be flyDubai, Indigo, Spicejet or Air India as well, not so good airlines to fly.

As I refused, the official tried to intimidate me- asking how much funds I have, checking my visa and passport again n again for any fault, asking for my purpose of visit etc.

There was no mention of any compensation- airlines often give cash reward or other compensation while offloading booked passengers. Airlines often sell 2-3% extra seats hoping a few booked passengers won't show up or cancel/reschedule last minute and airline can make profit. But when everyone who booked shows up, airline will be forced to offload a few- if they offer decent compensation, some people may volunteer to cancel/replan their trip- like if I was offered Emirates first class ticket or some 500 USD compensation I would have happily opted for alternate option. But here also airlines try to play a game and offload passengers without giving any compensation.

I held my ground and asked them to offload someone else. Eventually they obliged. 10-15 minutes wasted in this process. 

Azerbaijan Air inflight experience

• The full service airline gives a basic amenity kit that has eye cover, ear plugs and a 35mm earphone. No blankets, no entertainment, no magazine onboard.
• Azerbaijan Air flies A320 Neo to Mumbai- all economy. No premium economy no business class
• Food was decent. No menu was issued. I had pre booked veg meal and I was served the same.
• Flight was on time, didn't face any issues overall

Azerbaijan air had one fatal crash recently (December 2024) over Kazakstan- read more

Baku immigration was smooth. But at 7.45 AM, forex counters in Baku airport were not operational. I saw only 2 counters- one was on break, another had someone inside but he said they are "closed". Had to withdraw some local cash via ATM for immediate use. Later went to bank to exchange USD into AZN.

Took a bus to city center from airport for about 2 AZN (100 INR). If I had a smart card for bus it would have been cheaper but I paid cash. 

Return flight was uneventful and slightly ahead of time. 

Flight to USA is now cheaper

Flight tickets to USA were averaging 1 lakh rupee few months ago and one had to be lucky to spot a ticket around 80k INR return

Now the prices are down to 60-70k INR return.

Due to recent trade wars and other political reasons Canadian and Europeans are reducing travel to Europe so flights are going empty. There are new rules that require visitors staying more than 30 days to register themselves, risk of random inspection and arrest and deportation etc. So tourists are thinking twice.

Need to see how this fares going forward over next few months. Keep an eye. If you want to travel to USA and if you get a return ticket around 50k INR from India, it is a very good deal

BLR, COK-Kenya 24k return! Masai Mara fans can plan

Return ticket to Kenya is available for 24k on Indigo from Bengaluru, Kochi etc for various dates in next few months

This one stop flight from Indigo connects to Nairobi from Mumbai. But Mumbai-Nairobi return is expensive at 27-28k... Fly less but pay more!

July to October is good season to visit Kenya, for the famed Masai Mara migration season. Of course land package you've to book separately and will cost a few lakh per person easily.

Tickets to Nairobi for March 2026 cost 40k+ Indigo doesn't give any discount if you're booking 1 year in advance. Better wait and book closer to travel date.

 

Flyarystan suspends India flights

Fly Arystan has suspended flights to India. Fly Arystan used to operate Delhi Almaty flights

They had already suspended Mumbai Almaty flights. Now Fly Arystan website is not showing any Indian airport on their list. The low cost option to fly to central Asia is gone. Now we've to shell out 25-30k minimum to Indigo, FlyDubai or Air Astana to fly to Kazaksthan

I had flown Fly Arystan Delhi to Almaty in March 2024 for just 7400 INR, one of the cheapest international trips in recent times. The experience was fine.

Sad to see Fly Arystan stopping India flights. Hope they come back soon. 

Related: Almaty trip planning tips *

Mumbai-Mangaluru flight vs train vs bus!

I had to travel between Udupi & Mumbai (as my Baku flight was cheaper from Mumbai)

Train: I tried bookin train tickets 59 or 58 days in advance (booking opens only 2 months in advance now) but all the seats were already taken. I got waitlist 95 in one train (Mathysaganda express) and Pool Quota Waitlist 15 in another train with chair car. With 1 month to go, the probablity of confirmation is very slim.

Train was my preferred option but due to holiday season, bookings opening only 2 month advance, I couldn't get lucky. Tatkal is too late to wait and not reliable.

Next option was Bus- VRL, KSRTC and few other operators ply buses between Mumbai and Mangaluru- but a seat in AC bus costs 3000 INR + and takes 18-20 hours of journey. Bus operators have about 10-12 different pick up points all around Mumbai and half of day time will go in travel.

Flight- one stop flights via Hyd or BLR is available for 5k, direct flights 6k to 7k. Cost of traveling home from airport extra.  Flight fares shoot up to 12-13k if not booked in advance.

I finally booked an early morning Indigo flight- that goes to BLR first and then I've to change plane to land in Mangaluru. Hopefully all goes well. 

This is the hotel I stayed less than 1 km from Mumbai airport T2

What is your preferred mode of transportation for distances of about 1000 kms accessible by overnight bus or train? Do you prefer to save money or always prefer shortest mode of transport? Do share.

ANA Mumbai Tokyo 38k return sale

 ANA's 38k sale is back. Mumbai Tokyo 38k return available for about 38k. You can try Delhi as well

 

Booked my first flight with Star Air

Star Air is a low cost airline launched by Sanjay Ghodawath group. They have been in business for few years (started in 2019) now and operate short haul flights in and around airports of South India. I wanted to try their flight but didn't have any need so far.

Recently I fould their Hyderabad-Shivamogga flight a good match for one my travel needs. Have booked  a ticket, will look forward to the experience.

Observations so far:

• 350 INR convenience fee on their official website, so I had to book their ticket on EaseMyTrip
• Flightstats doesn't have data on star air's on time performance yet. So hopefully my flight operates without any major delay.
• There hasn't been any major incidents, customer complaints or other issues with the airline, which is a good sign. 

The flight is in June 2025 though, so you've to wait for 2.5 months for a review.

 Related: Star Air new routes * Star Air takes off *

Indigo launches Mumbai Seychelles flight, no cheaper than Air Seychelles

Indigo has launched Mumbai-Seychelles flight, which is good. But the not so good part is their pricing is no cheaper than full service airline Air Seychelles.

Air Seychelles used to charge about 34k return if you plan 6 months in advance. Indigo is charging the same amount. Given that Indigo charges extra for food, there should be some gap on the lower side compared to Air Seychelles flight.

Let us see how it goes over the time. Will Air Seychelles drop its price?  

Seychelles is very expensive destination in Africa to visit- No hostels, taxi is expensive, local flights and ferry are also expensive. So need to plan well.

Related: Air Seychelles cuts India flights 

Manta Air has stopped BLR Dhaalu atol flights

Manta air website is no longer selling tickets from BLR to Dhaalu atol in Maldives and back.

This BLR-DDD flight was announced and launched sometime in 2024 but for reasons best known to them, they kept the fare very high at 50k return, more expensive than a ticket to Europe. I guess the patronage has not been good. I was willing to give it a try if return ticket is available for 20k, but 50k was not reasonable for me. Now they don't operate this route any more. To go to Dhaalu atol you've to fly to Male and then take another flight, increasing cost and time.

Will be good if Manta air reconsiders direct flight to India- BLR is bit far for the small plane- maybe Kochi to DDD for under 20k, at least 2-3 times a week will be great opportunity for folks who've already visited Male & Gan Island.

VietJet resumes BLR & HYD flights

Vietjet had announced flights from BLR and HYD to Saigon in their early India days (2022) but had cancelled these flights due to some permission issue. [Read 2022 post on this]

Vietjet has resumed flights from BLR and HYD finally. You can fly directly to Ho Chi Minh city or one stop to other destinations

Not very cheap- a return ticket is costing 17-18k as of now to Saigon, but you can check for your dates and destinations or wait for next sale.

My Mumbai Phu Quoc Vietjet air experience here