Alison

✈️Flying Foreign Skies again✈️

We finally took the plunge and left Australia behind for a while. It’s been two years since we visited the UK, so on 29th December we departed Perth. What a rigamarole it was though, from booking the flights and having tests and completing forms. I knew of course we would have to have a pre-Covid test before but didn’t realise it had to be pre-booked and pre-paid. So that was the first hurdle.

Next was pre-booking and paying for Covid tests in the UK, writing down reference numbers and filling out the Passenger Locator Application for the UK. Before all this though we had our booster shots and had to download a Covid International Passport. Trying to scan all the QR codes was impossible and we had to wait until we got to the airport.

We flew Scoot to Singapore and then Singapore Airlines to London. Our flight was 9.15 pm and we arrived around 7pm. The flight was less than half full, but we still had to queue for 30 minutes and then stand at the counter for another 30 minutes while all our documents were scanned through. Fortunately our luggage was able to go directly to London. I was told on this flight that I couldn’t wear my cloth mask and had to wear a paper one.

Arriving in Singapore at 2.15 am we had to make our way to another terminal. As the Skytrain was not operating we had at least a 30 minute walk from the plane to the next gate. Good job for travellators! We had a 7 hour layover in Singapore but were able to use the lounge as we were flying business class to London. This was a lifesaver and we both were able to lay down on a settee and had a few hours sleep. One of the ground staff also brought us pillows and duvets.

The next leg of our journey was wonderful with such “first class” attention from the staff. Our section of the cabin was empty apart from us and I think the cabin crew were bored. We could have walked off the plane sideways from the amount of times we were offered drinks.

I passed the time by reading a great book I had just downloaded and of course sleeping.

Once we disembarked I thought we would have a very long wait at immigration, but from landing and going through the exit was just 30 minutes! Maybe because I had all the correct documents.

We only need to isolate for two days and today sent back our “do it yourself” Covid tests and once we get the results back we are free to roam the outdoors.

Empty cabin

A couple of the dishes that were on the menu

From the window

I’m looking forward to seeing relatives and catching up with old friends over the next few weeks and posting new photos.

43 comments

  1. You’re a brave one but you’ve highlighted the advantages of going when everyone else doesn’t. Good for you. Going on Singapore Airlines is always a treat but in an empty & dedicated business class – wow! Have a good trip.

    Liked by 2 people

  2. So pleased you arrived safely and managed to navigate your way through the COVID rules and regulations. After doing the tests and locator forms the first time it was plain sailing and worth the effort and not as arduous as it first appeared. Have a great trip and keep warm!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Great to see you made it over here OK. The tests and forms are a bit of a hassle but a relatively small price to pay if they allow us to travel and in your case to see family. Welcome to England 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Enjoy your holiday and seeing the family again. I hope the weather doesn’t change too much and that all your travels in the UK whether by train, bus or car, go well. Look forward to your blogs about your time here. And yes, biz class is the only way to go long haul and Emirates and Singapore are the two best!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks Mari. It’s only been the last few years that we have upgraded ourselves. I feel we’ve done our time in economy
      Just for the long haul trips though
      Looking forward to seeing a few places in the UK 🙂

      Like

  15. Thanks for sharing your travel experiences in these covid times. Hope your trips goes well. I travelled to UK in Nov last year when I had to “get permission” from the Australian government to leave. Such strange crazy times.

    Liked by 2 people

  17. Saw on the Z-girls group that you’re up, up and away. Loved the photos on the plane. Keep up the travel posts. Cheers, Rose

    Liked by 2 people

  18. Hey Alison, this is the second time you’ve sent me a message like this ha ha. We’ve been exchanging messages on our blogs for several years now and my name is Leighton. You can see that in my comment, “Leighton” Travels. It’s the same on my blog name “Leighton” Travels. Happy New Year!

    Liked by 2 people

  19. I’m so pleased you made it there Ok despite all the rigmarole. I must admit I was a tad jealous seeing your flights and views as I don’t know when I’ll get over there to see my daughter and granddaughter – hope things are going OK.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Hi Debbie
      It’s not going to be all fun and games as my dad is not well and will be going into hospital soon ☹️ but still making the most of being over here 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.