Complete travel information for your November journey
Washington (All Airports) (WASA) commonly refers to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). When booking routes to Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Dulles (IAD) typically offers the most international connections and long-haul services. Compare schedules and fares from all three to find the best price and itinerary.
In November, expect typical TSA wait times with increased peaks around Thanksgiving week; international check-in is recommended at least 3 hours before departure for flights to Mumbai. Many carriers suggest online check-in and mobile boarding passes to save time; allow extra time for baggage checks and any health documentation if required. Use TSA PreCheck or Global Entry where available to expedite security.
There are occasionally seasonal or non-stop services from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Mumbai (BOM) depending on airline schedules, but most itineraries in November involve one connection via European or Middle Eastern hubs such as London, Frankfurt, Doha, or Dubai. Use flight comparison tools to find the fastest one-stop options and check airlines that operate seasonal nonstops.
Thanksgiving weekend can spike domestic and international demand from the Washington area, with fare increases and reduced seat availability on popular connecting flights. If your November trip intersects with Thanksgiving, book earlier, consider midweek departures, and check flexible-change fares to avoid premium last-minute prices. Use fare alerts and compare departure dates from IAD, BWI and DCA to find savings.
From downtown Washington, travelers can use the Washington Metro to Reagan National (DCA), ride services or shuttles to Dulles (IAD), and rail or express shuttles to BWI. November weather can be cool and rainy, so allow extra transfer time and consider pre-booked airport shuttles, taxi services, or rideshare pickups. For international departures, arriving at the airport earlier is prudent.
Standard airline baggage rules apply for Washington to Mumbai flights; however, November festival travel can increase checked baggage volumes and stricter weight enforcement. Confirm baggage allowances with your carrier, consider shipping excess luggage ahead of time, and pack weather-appropriate clothing for Mumbai's warm, dry November climate. Check airline policies for musical instruments or large sports equipment well before departure.
November in Mumbai is typically warm and dry with daytime temperatures averaging 28–32°C (82–90°F) and comfortable evenings. This makes November a popular month for travel since monsoon rains have ended and humidity has reduced, providing pleasant conditions for sightseeing in the city and nearby destinations like Pune and Goa. Pack lightweight clothing with a light jacket for cooler indoor spaces.
From BOM you can use prepaid airport taxis, app-based ride services, or the Mumbai suburban rail connections for parts of the city; November's dry weather generally means predictable travel times, but rush-hour traffic can still increase journey durations. For longer transfers to Pune or Goa, consider booking private transfers or domestic flights from BOM to nearby airports. Always use official taxi counters or verified ride apps for safety and fare transparency.
November often coincides with festival travel such as Diwali or regional celebrations, which can increase domestic air and rail traffic as residents travel. Expect higher demand for hotels and domestic connections during peak festival dates; book accommodation and onward transport in advance. Airport and city services remain operational but crowded periods are common around major festival dates.
Mumbai airport offers standard arrival facilities including immigration counters, baggage claim, customs, and health screening as required by current regulations. In November, routine health guidance may include self-declaration forms or spot checks depending on prevailing public health guidance; check airline and official government guidance before travel. Carry printed and digital copies of your passport, visa, and any required health documents.
From BOM, popular nearby destinations include Pune (3–4 hour drive), Goa (short domestic flight), Ahmedabad, Surat, and hill stations such as Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar. November is an excellent month to explore western India with comfortable weather and many cultural events. Book domestic flights early and consider rail or private transfers for scenic overland trips.
Allow at least 60–90 minutes for immigration and baggage claim at BOM for international arrivals, though times can vary depending on arrival volume and staffing. November festivals and simultaneous international arrivals can increase processing times, so plan accordingly, especially if you have close domestic connections. Use priority immigration lanes if available and check if your airline offers fast-track services.
November can feature major events that affect travel between Washington (All Airports) (WASA) and Mumbai (BOM). In India, Diwali or regional festivals (timing varies yearly) can increase domestic and international demand; book early for peak festival dates. In the U.S., Thanksgiving week generates heavier outbound and connecting traffic from the Washington area. Business conferences, seasonal concerts and sporting events in both cities can also impact hotel and flight availability—monitor event calendars and secure reservations well in advance.
For November travel from Washington (All Airports) (WASA) to Mumbai (BOM), the sweet spot to book is often 8–12 weeks ahead for the best combination of price and seat choice. If travel falls around late November holidays like Thanksgiving, consider booking earlier (12+ weeks) to avoid fare spikes and limited inventory. Flying mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) generally yields lower fares while weekend travel is often more expensive. For festival weeks in India, reserve hotels and domestic transfers early to avoid sold-out conditions despite flight availability.
While nonstop flights from Washington to Mumbai are limited and sometimes seasonal, one-stop itineraries via Doha, Dubai, London or Frankfurt are common in November and often less expensive. Nonstop flights save time and reduce connection risk but can command premium fares; connecting flights can lower cost and offer flexible routing but increase potential delays and baggage transfer issues. For November travel around festivals or Thanksgiving, weigh the value of a shorter itinerary against potential cost savings for one-stop flights. If choosing connections, allow adequate layover time—especially when switching carriers or alliances.
Top carrier choices for Washington to Mumbai in November include Qatar Airways (via Doha) for competitive fares and strong connections; Emirates (via Dubai) for on-board service and network reach; British Airways (via London Heathrow) for good onward EU connectivity; and Air India or United for select transatlantic or seasonal nonstop options. Compare total travel time, layover quality, baggage allowances, and alliance benefits when selecting. For the best balance of price and comfort, search multi-airline itineraries and verify long-haul seat comfort and included amenities.
Pack for warm, dry days and comfortably cool evenings in Mumbai—lightweight fabrics, sun protection and a light layer for air-conditioned spaces. Because November often aligns with festival travel and Thanksgiving, book accommodations and transfers early and allow extra connection time when planning domestic legs from BOM. Keep digital and printed copies of passports, visas and vaccination records where required. For comfort on long-haul flights, bring noise-cancelling earplugs, a neck pillow, and compression socks; pre-select seats and check in online to secure preferred seating and reduce airport wait time.
Typical total travel time from Washington (All Airports) (WASA) to Mumbai (BOM) in November ranges from roughly 15 to 24+ hours depending on connections. Example itineraries: IAD→DOH→BOM (approx. 16–18 hours), IAD→LHR→BOM (16–20 hours), IAD→FRA→BOM (17–21 hours) and IAD→JFK→BOM (18–24 hours). Overnight departures from the Washington area allow arrival in Mumbai the following evening or morning local time; choose shorter layovers if you want to minimize transit time but allow at least 90–120 minutes for international-to-international transfers. Check specific airline schedules and hub transfer minimum connection times when booking in November.
To find cheap flights from Washington (All Airports) (WASA) to Mumbai (BOM) in November, search flexible dates and compare departures from IAD, DCA, and BWI. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often provide lower fares, and booking 8–12 weeks ahead can capture early deals. Consider one-stop connections via Doha (DOH) or Dubai (DXB) which frequently offer lower fares than European routings. Use fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito mode when searching, and consider bundling with a domestic US leg if that saves money. For domestic connections in India from BOM, book low-cost carriers early to secure the best rates; watch baggage rules to avoid extra fees.