Mumbai-Sharjah is a popular route for tourists, business people, expats and people visiting friends and family in the UAE. Even if the travel time is short, it is important to keep certain things in mind. Being aware of baggage allowances and arriving at the airport early with your travel documents can help you avoid unnecessary stress.
This simple pre-travel checklist will go a long way in streamlining your journey if you are planningonline flight bookings. A little bit of preparation, from your passport and visa to packing your suitcase the right way and preparing for your arrival in Sharjah, will save you time and hassle at the airport.
Ensure Your Travel Documents Are Ready
Travel abroad starts long before you get to the airport. So, it is always better to check all the necessary documents before you board your flight from Mumbai to Sharjah flight. For quicker immigration, security and airport check-in, ensure your travel documents are handy.
1. Check Your Passport
The most important document when you travel is the passport. Just before you leave, make sure your passport complies with the passport validity requirement listed in the entry requirements. It should be in good condition without any missing or torn pages.
2. Check Visa Requirements
Before booking a flight ticket from Mumbai to Sharjah, make sure you have a valid UAE visa if one is required for your nationality. Check that your passport is valid for the required period and keep your visa, return or onward travel details, and any other necessary travel documents easily accessible before leaving for the airport.
3. Have Your Flight and Hotel Information Ready
Keep the below-listed booking confirmations together so you can easily find what you need:
- Boarding pass
- Return/onward ticket (if needed)
- Accommodation / Hotel booking details
- Emergency Telephone Numbers
If you book your flight ticket online and expect limited or no internet access while travelling, keep both a printed copy and a digital copy of your ticket for easy access.
Prepare Your Baggage Before Departure
When booking your flight ticket, know that there are certain baggage rules and limitations. Having an idea about that will ensure you don’t carry baggage over the limit, as that can cost you more at the airport.
1. Know Your Cabin and Checked Baggage Allowance
The amount of baggage you can check depends on the airline and on the fare class in which you are travelling. For most Indian Airlines, the limit for cabin baggage is 7 kg. Checked-in baggage can range between 10 and 25 kgs based on the airline. If you exceed the permitted baggage allowance, you may have to pay extra baggage charges at the airport. To avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smoother check-in experience, review your airline’s baggage policy before packing.
2. Pack Essentials in Your Cabin Bag
Keep your valuables in your cabin baggage instead of checking them through. The following items should be in your cabin suitcase:
- Passports & travel documents
- Medications and prescriptions
- Phone, laptop, charger
- Basic toiletries subject to restrictions on liquids in hand baggage.
3. Avoid Packing Restricted Items
Before packing your bags, check the airline’s list of prohibited and restricted items. Do not carry the following items if they are not permitted by the airline and airport rules:
- Sharp objects (e.g., knives, scissors, and razors) in hand luggage.
- Liquids, aerosols and gels above the allowed limit
- Fuel, lighter fluid, fireworks and other things that are flammable.
- Hazardous or explosive materials.
- Spare lithium batteries or damaged or unapproved electronic devices.
Checking the airline’s restricted items policy before you travel can help avoid delays at security and make for a smoother airport experience.
Complete Important Pre-Departure Tasks
There are a few simple things you can do before you leave home to make your airport experience so much easier.
1. Complete Web Check-in
The majority of airlines let you check in online before you arrive at the airport. It helps with:
- Selecting available seats.
- Spending less time at check-in.
Print or download your boarding pass if your airline requires it.
2. Arrive at the Airport Early
Getting on an international flight requires additional steps, including document checks, immigration, baggage drop and security screening. Usually, you are required to be at the airport at least 3 hours before scheduled departure to avoid unnecessary delay or hustle.
3. Keep an Eye on Flight Status
Check flight status online before you leave for the airport. This means you can better plan your trip to the airport, as you will be notified of any changes to schedules, delays or gate information.
Arriving in Sharjah
Knowing what to expect after you arrive in Sharjah can help you move through the airport and begin your journey with fewer delays.
1. Arrange Your Transportation
Before you arrive, decide how you will get from the airport to your final destination in Sharjah. Plan your onward journey. You can travel by the following means of transport:
- Cabs
- Car rentals
- Public transit
- Hotel airport transfers (if available)
If you plan your transportation ahead of your flight, you’ll spend less time waiting once you get there and will be able to continue your trip more efficiently.
2. Keep Local Currency or Digital Payment Options Ready
Digital payments are widely accepted, but you might want to carry some local currency for small purchases or transportation. You can consider these payment options:
- UAE Dirhams (AED) for cash payments
- International credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
- Mobile payment options accepted by local merchants
3. Save Important Contacts
Save important contacts to your phone and print them out before you leave. This might include:
- Hotel/Accomodation
- Friends, Family
- The local emergency services
- Customer service for airlines
Quick International Travel Checklist
Before going to the airport, you should have the following:
- travel document
- Boarding pass and flight ticket
- Visa
- Travel insurance (if bought)
- Medication
- Power bank and charger
- Local currency or an international card.
- Baggage within the permitted limit
Conclusion
A little preparation before your flight from Mumbai to Sharjah can make your trip a lot smoother. Check your travel documents, check in online at least 48 hours before scheduled departure, pack your baggage and plan your arrival. These last checks will take only a few minutes to do, but they could save you from unnecessary delays and make for a more comfortable journey.
