Leaving on a Jet Plane

All our bags are packed, we're ready to go.

UA 0857

Since the number of documentation requirements prevented online check-in, we arrived at the airport early and fully prepared. Our incredibly kind and generous hosts in San Francisco assisted us with the process, and with a bit of luck, we were upgraded to United Polaris! As a consummate coach-flier, I have never had such a luxurious airplane experience. Not being a good seat-sleeper, it was astonishing to rest soundly in the seat that reclined completely flat. Goodbye jet lag! William, our attentive flight attendant, gave us free pajamas emblazoned with "Team USA". The delicious meals were served on real plates, and the gift bag of in-flight goodies was delightful. It was an experience I will never forget. We landed briefly in Seoul, South Korea, where were changed crew but were not allowed off the plane. Just under two hours later, we arrived in Shanghai.

Testing on Arrival

The plane was boarded for initial screening by two officials in white hooded hazmat suits, complete with masks and face shields. These guys are everywhere throughout the airport as safety and cleanliness is taken extremely seriously.

Deplaning by rows as called, we waited in groups just past the jet bridge before proceeding through a series of organized and intricately stanchioned stations: filling out and signing a form with our passport information, a facial recognition check-in, and scanning our red code to receive a barcode and personalized vial of purified solution. Shanghai airport's on-site, custom-made PCR laboratory has 44 sampling booths, and upon entrance you are directed to a highly sanitized cubby for a nasal and throat swab. Both tests are extremely thorough and in-depth, but the administrators are kind. Following that, we walked through temperature measurement and relinquished our barcoded form for scanning before going through customs.

Upon collecting our checked baggage, we were directed to check in at holding areas divided by province, where we filled out a paper and online form to receive another QR code and our passports were collected. We waited a short while before scanning our code and filing down a specifically sanctioned passageway to board the bus to our first quarantine hotel.