Return journey

 Part 2 (return journey): India to USA

Background

I recently visited India (Guwahati, Assam) from New York City (NYC). After doing a 14-day home quarantine and visiting parents, it was time for my return trip. While there has been some confusion about whether or not RT-PCR test result is required for passengers transiting via Europe, I decided to get tested about 72 hours before departure at Assam's only private laboratory doing PCR tests. I went to the testing facility early morning around 7:30 AM, but I certainly wasn't the first one to arrive! While social distancing was not strictly followed, the lab personnel were meticulously sanitizing the facility and the line was moving quickly. The lab was charging र 3500 (approx. US$ 50), and promised to have the results ready within 36 hours. I did get my results the next day...and now, it was time to pack my bags.

Leg 1: GAU to DEL

I arrived at Guwahati Airport (GAU) approximately 3 hours prior to scheduled departure. It was hot & humid (94 degrees F), and the queue was already building up with minimal social distancing. Security and check-in, however, was fairly swift. GAU airport does not have a Priority Pass lounge, so I grabbed a beverage and read my book.

I have never flown Vistara's Business class before, but opted this time primarily to maintain in-flight social isolation. I also opted for Vistara because they operate out of DEL Terminal 3 - critical for smooth transit from domestic arrivals to international departures (more on this below). Boarding was utterly chaotic - while everyone had a mask and a face shield on (middle seat occupants also were required to wear the latex free gowns), literally no one followed social distancing guidelines. I observed the boarding process (mostly, in horror) from the sidelines as business class passengers were boarding last. Business and main cabins were 50% and 70% (approximately) occupied, respectively. We had an on-time departure from GAU, but touched down late in DEL (22 minutes to be exact) due to heavy air traffic. No meals or snacks were served due to Government of India restrictions on in-flight dining, even though the rules have been relaxed recently. I watched Netflix for a while, and then fell asleep while reading my book. Overall, a fairly uneventful start to my return trip. (PS. Below is a pic of the mighty Brahmaputra River).

Leg 2: DEL to AMS

I was the first to deplane, and my very first reaction was - boy, the airport is empty! I have transited through DEL numerous times, and never, ever is this airport so scantily crowded. 

I picked up my luggage at domestic arrivals, and headed straight to international departures - all within Terminal 3. As pointed above, this is something to bear in mind - some of the low budget carriers, such as Indigo and SpiceJet, operate out of Terminal 1. While certainly doable, it is a pain to transfer terminals in DEL; best to avoid if possible. There was no queue for AK/KLM Business Class (or Sky Priority) check-in. The queues were equally shorter for immigration and security. Again, a surreal experience for me given how busy DEL can get during "regular" times. Now, I always make it a point to swing by the "Delhi Baazar" to get some handicrafts or locally manufactured jewelry for the Mrs. and my daughter. To my utter disappointment, the store was closed. I asked around, and was told that the closure was temporary and the Baazar "might" re-open around late October for the Diwali season; I truly hope so! Multiple other stores were also closed and the terminal was absolutely deserted. 

With almost a 6 hour layover before my DEL-AMS flight and not much to look around in the terminal, I headed towards the Plaza Premium Lounge (Level 4, International Departures after Security). As expected, the lounge wasn't busy. Proper social distancing was maintained, and food can be ordered à la carte. I settled for a non-vegetarian Indian meal and a Mango Mousse cake. Food was served promptly, and I was hungry! I caught up on some email, called family members, read my book, and then headed to the gate about an hour before the scheduled departure. It was almost 2AM in the morning...and my batteries were running low. I needed to sleep.

Boarding for DEL-AMS promptly began around 2AM local time. Business Cabin was nearly empty, and Main Cabin was about 20% full. We had an on-time departure, and needless to say, I was ready to retire. Due to Government of India restrictions, no "hot meals" are served on-board for flights ex India, which I knew. What didn't know and expect, was a bag of "dry kachori"! I politely kept the bag of snacks on the side, and probably fell asleep within 10 minutes of being airborne. The KLM B777 J seats are narrower compared to their B787s; I didn't care and had a good 6-7 hours of much needed sleep. 

About 30 minutes before landing at AMS, the flight attendants brought a tray of the famous KLM miniature Delft Blue Houses. Given that the business cabin was empty, the attendant let me pick two - will keep adding them to my air travel memorabilia. As expected, AMS was also less crowded, but almost all stores were open. I quickly headed to KLM Lounge 52 which was somewhat busy; again not crowded by any means. Everyone was maintaining social distancing and following proper mask wearing etiquette. I grabbed some breakfast, caught up on my email, and then headed to my gate about an hour before departure for my last leg.

Leg 3: AMS to JFK

Boarding for this last leg started promptly. There were overall around 60 passengers for this whole flight...approximately 10 in the Business Cabin. I settled in quickly after boarding, and we had an on time departure. A hot lunch was served (unlike KLM’s flight). I read for a while, watched Netflix, and then took a good 3-4 hour nap so that I am fresh when we arrive at JFK (and also to beat the jet lag). Prior to arrival, another hot snack was served...felt more like a lunch to me.

We arrived about 25 minutes before ETA. All passengers were required to self-screening questionnaire which at the time of deplaning Emergency Management Services folks were asking for. After a quick temperature check, I headed to passport control. With my Global Entry card, I was done with immigration and near the baggage claim in under 5 minutes. Even the lines for US Visa Holders were shorter, I noticed. Finally, after almost 30 hours, it was good to be back home with family.