One of our volunteers recently took a Vande Bharath Mission (VBM) flight from Germany to Mumbai.
He shares his experience in a 2 part thread. In part 1, he talks about his experience booking and boarding the flight to India. Read on to know more.
Part 1 - The Preparation
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He shares his experience in a 2 part thread. In part 1, he talks about his experience booking and boarding the flight to India. Read on to know more.
Part 1 - The Preparation
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How long did you have to wait before getting a flight back to India?
I had to wait for about 2 months. But at present in VBM Phase 3, there are good number of flights and one should get a reservation faster.
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I had to wait for about 2 months. But at present in VBM Phase 3, there are good number of flights and one should get a reservation faster.
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Were you anxious while waiting for a chance to come back?
Not exactly. I was in Stuttgart, Germany and the Covid situation there was not alarming.
Did you have to take a Covid test before boarding?
No, there was no Covid test. But they allow only asymptomatic passengers.
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Not exactly. I was in Stuttgart, Germany and the Covid situation there was not alarming.
Did you have to take a Covid test before boarding?
No, there was no Covid test. But they allow only asymptomatic passengers.
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Is there a registration process before getting a flight in the VBM?
There was one in VBM Phase 1 and 2. But in Phase 3, you just need to register with local embassy first and then book an Air India flight.
List of VBM 3 flights can be found here - mea.gov.in/phase-3.htm
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There was one in VBM Phase 1 and 2. But in Phase 3, you just need to register with local embassy first and then book an Air India flight.
List of VBM 3 flights can be found here - mea.gov.in/phase-3.htm
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Did you have to register with Maharashtra state before boarding?
No, no registration was required with MH. But this might vary from state to state, so please check on tje requirements of your state. I had to download and install Arogya Setu app.
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No, no registration was required with MH. But this might vary from state to state, so please check on tje requirements of your state. I had to download and install Arogya Setu app.
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Did you have to show any documents during check-in?
1. Hard copy of reservation was checked
2. Hardcopy of undertaking form given by local Indian embassy was required
3. Arogya Setu app had to be installed
Did you have to pay for your ticket?
Yes.
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1. Hard copy of reservation was checked
2. Hardcopy of undertaking form given by local Indian embassy was required
3. Arogya Setu app had to be installed
Did you have to pay for your ticket?
Yes.
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Were there special security measures in the flight?
Yes.
1. A protective kit with mask, sanitizer and face shield is given.
2. Food and water for full journey is already placed in your seat.
3. Inflight entertainment systems are not available.
4. Beverages are not served.
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Yes.
1. A protective kit with mask, sanitizer and face shield is given.
2. Food and water for full journey is already placed in your seat.
3. Inflight entertainment systems are not available.
4. Beverages are not served.
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Any thoughts for those who are planning to take a VBM flight?
1. Check with your local embassy as well as home state for regulations
2. Check MEA site for flight details and reserve your seat directly on the airline portal
3. Stay safe. Do not travel if you are symptomatic
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1. Check with your local embassy as well as home state for regulations
2. Check MEA site for flight details and reserve your seat directly on the airline portal
3. Stay safe. Do not travel if you are symptomatic
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That's it for Part 1. Tomorrow we will share his experience on landing in Mumbai and subsequent processes. If you have questions for our volunteer, do let us know and we will try to have them answered.
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