Experience 050. Konnichiwa. A Golden Milestone in Tokyo.

Seat 1A reaches a milestone of fifty experiences. In this experience, Vinod joins us from Tokyo! That's why he had been waiting in the lounge at Vancouver. One of Vinod's side gigs is working for the Olympic Games. He received a special exception to travel to Tokyo. Getting on a flight to fly across the ocean was very exciting. Vinod flew Air Canada's Signature Class – but the regular business class experience has been changed since the last time Vinod enjoyed it due to COVID. Vinod had to deal with a number of physical items being at his seat due to airlines lowering their amount of contact. There was no pre-flight drink. He received a very nice Olympic themed gift bag since Air Canada is a sponsor of Team Canada. The meal is not delivered in courses, rather in a rather large tray set like economy. Drink service was limited – no mixed drinks. The menu listed the first food experience, did not state any further meal info. Japan tests for COVID on arrival and Vinod knew it would be a long multi-hour process. The airline sorted passengers and after he made his way into the terminal, the long sit and waiting for processing started. After more than 2 hours Vinod was able to complete his test – just how much spit do they need? Then the waiting for test results in a repurposed ANA lounge since the entire flight had to be tested. Another 2.5 hours went by. Finally everyone was cleared, and Vinod was able to enter the country. All in all, from when the aircraft door opened to catching his ground transportation, it took Vinod just under 6.5 hours! Vinod is staying at an airport hotel at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 due to proximity to his venue. How perfect for an avgeek. Terminal 2 is the ANA domestic terminal and even with a pandemic it is busy. Vinod has access to amazing food options, and there is even an observation deck. The windows are very thick and there is next to no noise in his room. Vinod's work is right under the Haneda approach flight path and on the other side is the departure. This leads to some incredible plane spotting. Geoff also flew recently. He was on an Air Canada Airbus 220 for a Canadian domestic flight. Vinod flies back to Vancouver in premium economy. Seat 1A tip: If you're flying into a country that does on arrival COVID testing, bring food and water. We couldn't meet up with Paul from the Layovers podcast for sake and karaage chicken. But someday we'll cross paths. Vinod noted that there wasn't a lot of distancing happening at the terminal, mostly relying on masking and hand sanitizer. News Items: simpleflying.com article "Airbus Is Using A350 Lighting To Help Passengers Social Distance." If you have a story about overseas travel during COVID-19, COVID testing on arrival, or other experiences that you would like to share, please email us at stories(at)seat1a.org or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Patreon. Show notes are available online at http://podcast.seat1a.org/