For the benefit of other Indians who are awaiting #evacuation from the US, here's a thread to document my experience (from Newark to Mumbai) - protocols change in a heartbeat during a pandemic, so please use this only as a guide #VandeBharatMission (1/n)
First, make sure to register for updates from @IndianEmbassyUS, the nearest Indian Consulate, & here: indianembassyusa.gov.in/reg_indian_nat…. Was emailed the Phase I evacuation on May 6th; check the nearest airport relevant to you & your final destination (2/n)
On May 7th, recd a call from @IndiainNewYork confirming that I can travel from EWR to BOM on May 10th (I was in CT). Same day received a call from @airindiain to confirm the same. On May 8th, recd an email from Air India with flight details & wire transfer details (3/n)
Called the helpline number to confirm that the mail was legit and proceeded to pay - payment to be made within 2 hrs of receiving the mail. Sent confirmation of same to Air India on mail; recd the itinerary with PNR and ticket an hour after payment (4/n)
On May 10th, got to EWR airport 6 hrs prior to flight with adequate PPE (N95 mask & gloves) - the process is very long so please be there early. Temp screening was done and the usual check-in, security, etc. but with #socialdistancing, it takes a long time (5/n)
The flight has minimal service - prepackaged food and PPE (face shield, gloves, mask) are kept on your seat. There is no interaction with cabin crew and there is no in-flight entertainment. There are no pillows or blankets #beprepared (6/n)
Upon arrival in Mumbai, be ready to wait a while to deplane - batches of 30 persons are allowed to exit at a time. It took me 1.5 hours to leave the aircraft (I was seated near the back). Fill in the health declarations & dwld @SetuAarogya - you need it to leave the airport (7/n)
Follow the instructions & eventually, you'll get past immigration and collect your bags - post that you'll reach counters where you can choose the hotel you want to quarantine in (they'll give a list). There is no option of home quarantine in BOM (8/n)
After selecting the hotel, you will be guided to an AC BEST bus and taken to your hotel. Trust @mybmc @CSMIA_Official @MumbaiPolice - they've done an EXCELLENT job at making sure the process is smooth. Get to the hotel, check-in, clean up, and rest. You're home (fin)
