A lot of folks have asked my about my #airindia flight from Washington DC to Delhi, so here are some details: middle seats are filled, and those getting middle seats wear a full body PPE. Everyone is given masks, hand sanitizers and a face shield (1/n)
DC airport was empty, social distancing norms were generally followed. You first have to go get your temp checked before check in. Security was a breeze - done in 2 mins. The flights are tricky though because desi culture is literally about breathing down your neck in a queue.
Air India provided packed cold lunch/dinner. Unless you’re into cold veg sandwiches, best to carry your own food. No pillow, blanket. I carried a shawl. No in flight entertainment so might consider downloading stuff on Netflix. Bathroom was surprisingly clean.
Things to carry: I filled small make-up remover dispensers (<100 ml) with disinfectant wipes and wiped the seat handles and the front. I carried toilet paper roll for that, and a bag to dispose the waste at the airport upon landing.
At delhi airport: folks traveling to Gurgaon/faridabad/Ghaziabad/Noida we’re separated. We then went for immigration in small batches to maintain social distance. Bags were collected for us when we reached the belt, disinfected possibly. Took about an hour.
Depending on which state you’re landing in, quarantine rule varies. For Haryana, it’s 7 days hotel quarantine (prices are Rs 2000 to 5000 per day inc tax + food, all seemed good). The craziest part is they won’t provide transport to the hotel so I actually had to get an uber.
I provided the driver with a fresh mask and sanitizer, but he also had them and put them up. It was 2 am and I had no alternative. If you’re traveling as a family consider taking two cabs so that no one is on the front seat.
You’ll be tested for COVID on the 3rd day, and the report should come on the 6th day. Precautionary home quarantine for 7 days after that, to inform if you still get new symptoms. You’ll be given the number of a contact person for all this.
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