If I was to cover every airport in India, this thread would take weeks to read. I am going to cover the 3 metros and a single post covering a few airports.
Mumbai CSIA:
Yetimeter:
If there was a domestic airport that would show the signs of India's new age, it would be the CSIA. Post privatization, I would place this Airport higher than most domestic airports in the world. It is efficient, pleasing and still a WIP. here is the airport that all other Indian airports should aspire to be.
Terminal 1A
This used to be the new Indian Airlines terminal when Jet and Sahara were stuck with the old 1B. While still impressive, it now looks dated and weather worn.
It hosts KF, IA, and Go.
Also has Aero Bridges leading straight into the aircraft, whenever possible, which means faster times and less bussing around the tarmac.
Oddly, there are few or no passenger facilities here. A lounge, for business class passengers, turns out to be disappointing at best. The shops are old and boring and look more like stalls than shops.
The security check is crowded and bustled. Get past sec check and you are surprised by the massive expanse that greets you. Multilevel boarding, high ceilings, open spaces.
There are places with long lounge chairs, plug points everywhere and free wi-fi.
This works well for me.
Terminal 1B:
This is the one to look out for. Construction has been going on a while. Walk in and you suddenly realise what progress is all about. 1B hosts Jet, JetLite, Spice and Indigo. The entire airport is built with a post modern neo-industrial look. Like a cross between Frankfurt domestic and Bangkok Suvarnabhoomi. I love it.
Walk in and the massive expanse that greets you can be intimidating.
At the check in area, there is a Crossword and Cafe Coffee day and a Airline restaurant that is well maintained.
(
Tip: When you opt for a credit card next time, try and get a gold or higher MasterCard. MasterCard has lounges at many domestic and international airports, where you are treated well in 5 star comfort and there is no charge for coffee, tea or snacks. Look for the mastercard lounge signs at the airports)
Get past the well designed open spaces and you have various sec check gates. To the immediate left of the first gate is a small entrance with some steps and a lift. The sign only says "restaurant"
Go up to the first floor and turn left. You will be hugely surprised to see 2 massive 5 star "Clipper" lounges. The one straight ahead is for Jet Airways Biz Class passengers.
The one to the left of it is for any MasterCard Holder, Gold, Platinum and Titanium.
A bar overlooks the runway and you can have a few snacks and coffee while you watch the planes take off.
There is no charge for the snacks or coffee, obviously the beer you must pay for.
Downstairs, the shopping complex is nice, with Shoppers' stop and Croma having stores there and more will be joining in soon.
I always arrive early when I fly out of Mumbai and take my time to enjoy the new terminal 1B.