We sent our in-house influencer, Zeeba Shaikh, to Sri Lanka on a travel research mission. Her firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

When I booked my flight with SriLankan Airlines from Mumbai to Colombo, I had quite a few expectations. The airline has been getting a fair amount of attention lately—after all, just this year, they were named the "Leading International Airline in South Asia" at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) 2024 in the Visitors' Choice Awards category. 

I’d read quite a few reviews beforehand, and the general consensus seemed to be that the airline does a great job of capturing Sri Lanka's warm and friendly spirit. This made me hopeful, and with a mix of curiosity and high expectations, I was all set for my journey from Mumbai to Colombo. 

Here’s how it all unfolded.

I. Departure from Mumbai Airport: Pre-Flight Preparations

I made sure to arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai 3 hours before my flight, as the airport is known to be quite busy. Once inside, I headed to the International Departures area, specifically Zone B, to find the Sri Lankan Airlines check-in counter. It wasn’t hard to spot – the red and green peacock logo stood out clearly.

The Check-In Counter For SriLankan Airlines: 

I approached the counter with my passport, e-ticket, and a printout of my ETA visa for Sri Lanka ready. 

Get Your Visa On-Time with atlys!
Apply for your Sri Lankan visa in just 5 minutes.
With our on-time assurance, you'll get your visa when promised or your money back.
So you can skip the frustration and focus on exploring all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

The SriLankan Airlines ground staff, all dressed in their bright blue saris, greeted me with warm smiles. They were polite and efficient. I handed over my check-in baggage, which weighed just under the 30 kg allowance for economy class. They tagged my bags, handed over my boarding pass, and wished me a pleasant journey.

Pro Tip: Before leaving the counter, make sure to double-check all your flight details and baggage tags. It’s a simple step that can prevent potential issues later.

II. The Boarding Process & First Impressions of The Aircraft

1. Boarding The Aircraft

After passing through security, I headed to my boarding gate, which was designated as C14 for this flight. The boarding announcement came about 45 minutes before departure. I gathered my belongings and made my way to the boarding line. The staff at the gate scanned my boarding pass and directed me toward the jet bridge.

That said, I couldn’t help but recall the numerous reports I’d read beforehand about SriLankan Airlines frequently experiencing delays and cancellations. Many passengers had mentioned waiting for hours without clear communication, food, or accomodation during disruptions, which seems to be a recurring issue for the airline. However, my flight was punctual.

2. First Impressions of The Aircraft

The aircraft waiting for me was an Airbus A320neo, gleaming with the SriLankan Airlines logo on the tail. As I stepped into the plane, I was greeted by the warm, smiling faces of the flight attendants, dressed in their vibrant bright blue saris adorned with peacock feather patterns. They welcomed me with a traditional “Ayubowan,” (a Sri Lankan greeting that means "may you live long and healthy") placing their hands together with a gentle bow.

3. Settling in

As I stepped inside the aircraft, I noticed the bright, tropical vibe of the economy cabin. The seats were covered in a turquoise-blue pattern with a hint of tropical design, arranged in a 3-3 configuration on this A320 model (the bigger Airbus A330 aircraft also used on this route has a 2-4-2 setup). 

The cabin was well-lit, and looked inviting. After finding my seat, I stowed my carry-on luggage in the overhead bin.

4. Seat Pitch and Comfort

Once everyone was settled in and the plane pushed back for departure, the crew began the safety demonstration. As we taxied to the runway, I took the time to note the features of the seat.

There weren’t any pillows or blankets, just a pair of headphones—provided the flight was merely 2.5 hours. The seat pitch was around 31 inches, which was ample for an average-height traveller like me. That said, if you’re over six feet tall, I recommend paying extra for a bulkhead / exit-row seat for extra legroom, especially if you’re in for a long-haul flight.

4. Cabin Cleanliness and Amenities

As I settled into my seat, I initially felt quite comfortable. However, I couldn't help but notice that my seat was a bit sticky, particularly around the armrest, which was disappointing. It wasn’t a huge issue but did make me more aware of the reports I’d read about cleanliness concerns on SriLankan Airlines. Many passengers across different platforms have mentioned similar experiences, even in business class, where sticky seats and poorly cleaned areas were commonly reported.

Despite this minor setback, the overall ambiance—with the turquoise colors and thoughtful amenities—helped me feel ready to enjoy the journey ahead. The cabin set up is fairly basic but adequate for a short-haul journey of about 2.5 hours. On that note, we accelerated down the runway and took-off for Colombo.

III. My In-Flight Experience with Sri Lankan Airlines

1. Take-off & Cruise: Cabin Atmosphere

As we leveled off, the cabin lights dimmed, casting a soft blue hue that created a calming and cozy ambiance. This subtle lighting change made it easier to settle in, suitable both for a nap or to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.

2. Crew Members and Their Service

The economy cabin was attended by about six crew members. They were dressed in traditional bright blue saris with peacock feather patterns, and their friendly and attentive nature stood out. Every interaction with them was warm, whether it was when they served meals, offered beverages, or answered any questions I had about the flight. Overall, they made me feel well taken care of.

3. The Meal-Service

About 45 minutes into the flight, the meal service began. I was given the option to choose between a vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal. I opted for the non-veg option and was soon presented with a tray consisting of pulao rice, chicken curry, chickpeas, beans chaat, a bun, and dessert. The meal was served hot and it was tasty and satisfying. 

Accompanying the meal were a variety of beverage options, including soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and even alcoholic choices like Lion beer. I decided to go with a glass of apple juice, which paired well with my meal.

I also noticed that passengers who had pre-ordered special meals, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options, received theirs ahead of everyone else. It was a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel more personalized, despite some of the minor cleanliness issues.

4. SriLankan Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment System, “Serendib”

The flight was expected to take about 2.5 hours, giving me just enough time to settle in, enjoy a meal, and check out their in-flight entertainment (IFE).

During my flight, I noticed that this A320neo aircraft was equipped with the "RAVE REMIX" entertainment system, offering a range of movies, TV shows, and music channels. The system boasted an impressive selection of over 130 movies, 30 TV shows, and various music channels, ensuring there was something for every taste.

However, my personal screen wasn’t very responsive at times, requiring a few taps before it registered my selection, and froze a couple of times, which became a bit frustrating.

IV. Preparing for Landing in Colombo: My Experience

About 30 minutes before landing, the flight crew made an announcement that we were beginning our descent. I could feel the cabin slowly brightening as they turned up the lights. The crew also moved through the aisle to collect trays and trash, check that all seats were upright, tray-tables stowed away, and seatbelts securely fastened.

As we approached Colombo, I made sure to glance out the window. The view was breathtaking – the first thing I noticed were the lush green landscapes, dotted with tall palm trees. The sight of Sri Lanka’s coastline came into view, with its stretches of golden sand meeting the blue sea.

We touched down gently, and there was a soft vibration as the aircraft slowed down on the runway. As we taxied to the gate, I saw the rich greenery surrounding Colombo Airport, setting the tone for my adventure in Sri Lanka.

V. Disembarking at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport

As the plane taxied (which lasted about 10 minutes), the cabin crew thanked us over the intercom and reminded everyone to double-check their seats for any forgotten items.

Once the seatbelt sign turned off, passengers started disembarking row by row. The crew stood by the exit, smiling and bidding each passenger goodbye with a warm “Ayubowan.” As I stepped onto the staircase leading to the shuttle bus, I was hit by the warm, humid air—a gentle reminder that I had arrived in a tropical destination.

Final Thoughts on SriLankan Airlines

My experience with SriLankan Airlines was a blend of highs and lows. The crew’s warm hospitality shone through, making the flight feel inviting from the moment I boarded. Their attentiveness was genuine. The in-flight entertainment also pleasantly surprised me, offering a wide variety that kept me entertained throughout the journey.

However, cleanliness was a letdown; the tray tables and restrooms were far from spotless, which was disappointing. The in-flight entertainment, despite its range, was marred by glitchy screens and subpar headphones.

Overall, while Sri Lankan Airlines captures some of its country's famed hospitality, it has clear areas that need attention if it aims to match the standards of its competitors in the Middle East and South-East Asia.