✈️ Flight Guide: Houston (IAH) → Mumbai (BOM)

November in Mumbai often coincides with major cultural experiences that can affect travel demand. Diwali (the festival of lights) sometimes falls in late October or November and brings vibrant citywide celebrations, increased domestic travel, and busy shopping districts — expect higher hotel and flight prices around the festival. Additionally, November is the start of the tourist season in western India with plenty of cultural shows, food festivals, and increased nightlife activity leading into the holiday season. Nearby destinations such as Goa see increased beach tourism, while Pune and Aurangabad attract visitors for heritage tours. If traveling in November, book hotels and intra-India transport ahead of time and consider experiencing local Diwali markets and light displays.

November is often a favorable month to fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) because Mumbai's monsoon season has ended and the weather is largely dry and pleasant. The month also offers cultural opportunities if Diwali occurs in November, though this can drive fares up near holiday dates. For best fares, book 6–10 weeks in advance and target mid-week departures; for festival travel, book earlier (2–3 months) to secure seats and preferred connections. Use fare alerts and flexible dates to identify price dips between peak festival and early holiday windows.

Most IAH to BOM itineraries in November are connecting flights. Direct flights, when offered, reduce complexity but may be seasonal and more expensive. Connecting flights via Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), or Istanbul (IST) often provide more schedule flexibility and potentially lower fares. Pros of connections: lower fares, more carrier/route choice, and potential for multi-city itineraries. Cons: longer total travel time, increased luggage and visa considerations for long layovers. When booking, prioritize shorter but realistic layovers (90–180 minutes) to balance risk of missed connections with luggage transfer requirements.

Top carriers for the IAH–BOM route in November include Qatar Airways (via DOH), Emirates (via DXB), British Airways (via LHR), Lufthansa (via FRA), Turkish Airlines (via IST), and combinations involving United or Air India via U.S. and Indian hubs. Qatar and Emirates are known for premium connectivity and short transfer times at their Middle Eastern hubs; British Airways and Lufthansa offer comfortable European connections but potentially longer total travel time. Air India occasionally offers direct or single-stop options through Delhi for domestic connections. Compare total journey duration, checked baggage policies, seat comfort, ground transfer duration, and loyalty benefits when selecting an airline. For cost-conscious travelers, Middle Eastern carriers often provide competitive November fares; for schedule-focused travelers, choose the route with the shortest total elapsed time and reliable connection windows.

Packing: November in Mumbai is warm and comfortable — bring lightweight breathable clothes, a light jacket for evening, comfortable walking shoes, and modest attire for temple visits. Health & safety: stay hydrated after long-haul travel, carry basic medications and prescriptions, and verify required vaccinations or travel health advisories. Time-zone & jet lag: Mumbai is 11.5 hours ahead of Houston after U.S. clocks fall back in November; manage sleep by adjusting schedules gradually and staying hydrated on the flight. Festival etiquette: if visiting during Diwali, respect local customs, avoid fireworks in crowded areas, and book transfers in advance to avoid peak congestion. Booking tips: reserve hotels and domestic connections early if your November trip overlaps with local festivals.

Typical travel times from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in November range from approximately 16 to 24+ hours door-to-door, depending on connections. There are few direct nonstop services; common single-stop routes include IAH→DOH→BOM (Qatar Airways), IAH→DXB→BOM (Emirates), IAH→LHR→BOM (British Airways), and IAH→FRA→BOM (Lufthansa). Sample schedule windows: depart IAH evening (local) and arrive BOM mid-to-late-day two calendar days later after time-zone shift; total airtime for one-stop itineraries is often 15–18 hours. Note U.S. Central Standard Time (UTC−6 in November) vs. India Standard Time (UTC+5:30); Mumbai is 11.5 hours ahead of Houston after U.S. daylight saving time ends. Plan connection buffers of 90–180 minutes for international transfers.

To find cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in November, use flexible-date search windows (+/- 3 days), set fare alerts, and compare one-stop routing through Middle Eastern hubs (Doha, Dubai) or European gateways (London, Frankfurt). Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and red-eye options frequently offer the best prices. Consider booking outbound or return on different carriers to save, and check bundled offers that include checked baggage. Loyalty points or credit-card travel portals can unlock discounts; subscribe to airline newsletters for flash sales around festival dates like Diwali.