Review of SriLankan Airlines flight from Mumbai to Colombo in Economy

Trip Report: Srilankan Airlines UL144 Mumbai to Colombo

Flight details:
Airlines: Srilankan Airlines
Flight:UL144 BOM-CMB
Reg: 4R-ABO "Oneworld Livery"
Aircraft: Airbus A320-232
Departure Mumbai Airport: 20:40 IST
Arrival Colombo Airport: 23:05 SLT
Flight time: 2h 25m
Distance: 945 miles / 1520 kilometers

VIDEO: Srilankan Airlines 4R-ABO UL144 Mumbai to Colombo

Introduction

This return trip report from April 2022. I was returning to Sydney. As I had flow with Srilankan, return trip would be on same airline. Read here Colombo- Mumbai -> Trip Report: Srilankan Airlines UL143 Colombo TO MUMBAI

Pre-Departure PReParation

As pandemic is still raging, I was informed by my colleague that she had received per-departure email from SriLankan Airlines. I received email 7 days before departure to complete the Australia Travel Declaration. I had to complete the form online and get RT-PCR test.

Form had 3 sections - passengers information, travel details and health declaration. Was able to complete the first 2 section. I had to wait for the test result to complete the last section. I uploaded the passport copy, vaccination certificate and test result to complete the form.

On day of travel, checked flight information.

Aircraft was in Mumbai previous day as my colleague had travelled on same flight.

I had selected seat while booking ticket.

Travel information. I would be transiting through Colombo. Had 1 hour transit.

Arriving at Airport

I had booked Ola taxi to airport. I started from home at 4.40 pm as it was peak traffic time.

Reached airport by 5.30pm. Paid the taxi drive in cash.

Huge groups of passengers to Saudi Arabia flying on Emirates.

Check-in

Reached the entrance of the check-in area where passport and ticket details were checked. I always print important documents and ticket when traveling to reduce delays.

At the check-in counter, queue was formed. Took about 25 mins for check-in where ground staff checked Departure Passenger Declaration [DPD] for Australia bound passengers. Those traveling without completed DPD were asked to complete the form online before being allowed to check-in. I had organised my documents before reaching airport, I took couple of seconds to clear. I was traveling light, got the boarding pass for both flights. Gate information was circled on ticket and baggage tag on Sydney boarding pass.

SEcurity and Immigration

Checked the flight schedule and then proceeded to security and immigration.
I always prepare before entering the security, get everything sorted then join the queue. reduces the delay.
Immigration officer checked passport and India visa and took photo before stamping the document. Had no issues with either and was in the departure within 40 mins.

Departure Area

Entered duty free area after completing immigration.

Reached the food court and placed food order.

While waiting for order delivery, view of air side - Air India, ANA, Vistara, Indigo and GoAir.

Evening setting

There are many food stores selling global dishes but they don't wake my taste buds. I ordered masala dosa with sambar, tomato chutney, coconut chutney with filter coffee. Food was OK as I wasn't having any expectations.

Departure schedule - As seen below, only 1 and quarter screen full out of 4. Still way below per-pandemic times.

Towards Departure Gate

After food, walked towards the departure gate.

Escalator down, boarding gate was first on the right side.

Boarding gate 67 for Srilankan Airlines UL144 to Colombo. Some passengers seated around gate.

Planespotting

Still had plenty of time and checked the Air India VT-ESO which parked at the terminal.

View of waiting area, As there was very little activity. I reached the boarding area and waited for boarding call.

Aircraft Arrival

Aircraft landed on time.

Srilankan Airlines reaching gate.

Ground crew in action as aircraft arrives.

Srilankan Airlines 4R-ABO in "Oneworld Livery" arrives from Colombo and returns in 40 mins.

BOarding

As I was seated close to gate. When boarding call was made, joined the queue. Boarding pass was scanned and allowed to continue towards aircraft.

View of aircraft

Corridor towards airbridge.

Aircraft in view through glass. Crew was waiting at the gate to welcome passengers.

Onboard

Srilankan Airlines A320 - Business Class

Boarding was from front door. Passed the business class.

Business class in 2-2 configuration with leather seats

IN SEAT

I reached designated seat where my co-passengers had occupied their seat.

They were a group of 3. with 2 on my side and 1 in aisle. 2 Goan aunties [Those from Mumbai will know what I mean] and a man. They asked me if I would like to swap to which I said no.

From their talk, the group was traveling to Sydney. Their conversation was in English and they talked about me briefly not knowing about their co-passenger. Disadvantage of knowing just 1 language.

The lady on the next seat snooped my phone when I checked the time. They stopped as she noticed, I had Sydney on the weather app, she then passed my travel information to the group.

I didn't have any conversation after the initial exchange. Was not interested in their talk but seated so close, it was unavoidable.

I started the IFE which was touch screen.

Checked outside through window was fogged. RwandAir in view.

Pushback and Departure

Pushback commenced on time. safety demonstration was conduced over the IFE.

As door closed and cabin was pressurised, fog disappeared.

Taxi to runway 27 and short hold before departure. Watch video to enjoy the trip.

Aircraft departed towards west and then turned south with a beautiful view of Mumbai city. Watch video below.

Video: Aerial viiew of Mumbai City

SEAT pocket MAterial

This aircraft had personal screen with USB port.

Head phone were provided after boarding. Seat pocket contained information booklet, safety paper and air sickness bag.

Dinner Service

Dinner service commenced shortly after departure.

Option was Veg or non-veg.

I chose non-veg option. Consisting of pulao rice, chicken curry, chick peas and beans chaat and jalebi for dessert. I asked to Lion beer for drink.

After dinner, checked the IFE.  which had Bollywood. Watched Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, a 2020 movie

Cabin light was dimmed after dinner.

Flight Information

Flight information was displayed in French.

Sometimes in English.

Didn't find option to change the language.

Arrival information

Time

Duty free round was conducted by crew.

Flight path in Hindi.

Arrival in Colombo

Flight was running slightly behind schedule. Captain announced descend would commence shortly. Crew collected the headphones and conducted safety check.

Landed smoothly on a wet runway. Followed by a long taxi to remote bay.

Disembarkation was through stairs.

Bus was used to transport passengers to terminal. As the previous bus was full. had to wait on stairs for next bus. Many passengers on this flight connecting to Sydney and Melbourne. It was already past 11.45 pm. People were worried about the connection. Ground staff informed that all flights were delayed due to weather and Srilankan Airline knows about the late arrivals. I knew the flight would be delayed as I had noticed a Airbus A330 taxi to gate while other gates were still empty while Mumbai aircraft was taxing.

Bus came after 20 mins dropping the earlier load of passengers. As I was in the front of the queue. settled in a seat.

Srilankan Airlines 4R-ABO "City Of Yalpanam".

Video: Bus Ride to terminal

Inside Terminal

After a bus ride of almost 15 mins, reached the terminal building. Headed towards the departure gate after checking flight information.

I had to only clear security check for the next flight and joined the long queue.

Hope you enjoyed this trip report. Thanks for reading.

:).