This is not a post I thought I would ever be writing nor something I would actually ever experience.
There’s no need to go into great detail about what has been going on in the world as we are all very well aware thanks to COVID19. We flew to Pakistan at the end of February for three weeks, at the time COVID19 didn’t seem that big of a deal especially in Pakistan as there were just 4 cases in the entire country when we landed but everything changed just within two weeks.
We were due to fly back on Sunday 22nd March. However, the day before, things drastically changed – all suitcases packed and ready, we found out that our flight had been cancelled as the Pakistani government had introduced a flight ban starting on Saturday night to help control the virus.
This came as a shock as it wasn’t ‘that bad’ in Pakistan compared to other countries but in hindsight probably a sensible decision although at the time I was going mad thinking that they should’ve just cancelled inbound flights and not outbound as people leaving the country aren’t a risk! But anyways, our ‘holiday’ was extended by a further 3 weeks. 3 weeks in lockdown (a whole different post is needed for this!).
Nevertheless, we finally made it back on Friday 10th April.
This is a journey I don’t think I will ever forget.
Our flight was scheduled for 15:50 and we reached Islamabad airport at 9am. Why so early? We were worried we may end up not getting on the flight itself. Our flight time was changed twice, there wasn’t great communication from the airline and that week according to reports was utter chaos at the airport for passengers trying to go home.
As we reached the airport, it became evident that we weren’t the only ones thinking the same way as there were other passengers arriving too.
However, as our flight was the only one leaving that day, it was really weird to see the airport so empty. Hardly any cars in the car park and hardly anyone – no hustle and bustle that you would normally expect at an international airport.
Fully equipped with masks on our faces we entered the airport, but not before going through medical checks, I remember using the toilets and anti bacing everything that I had to touch even in the waiting areas.
I was quite impressed though, they had designated employees who were only assigned to anti bac seats as soon as anyone got up but me being me had to go that extra mile.
Travelling with a toddler can be stressful enough on its own but with COVID fear that’s just a whole new level of hardship. How many times I had to say, ‘no don’t touch that!’ ‘Don’t put your hand in your mouth!’ I’ve lost count.
The hours slowly went by and finally it was time to board. Before entering the queue, everyone was checked for masks and given hand gel and instructed to stay 2m apart but there were of course some people who wouldn’t listen.
I remember a man standing behind me, coughing close by and my anxiety levels sky rocketing.
The air hostesses were dressed in complete PPE which made me feel at unease and wish I was wearing one too – I thought, but your life and safety isn’t more important than mine?
Before sitting down I wiped down the seats, arm rests, tv etc with anti bac wipes, some may have thought I’m being over the top because it did look I was the only one doing this but whatever made me feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.
Sitting on the plane, as you’re breathing the same air as everyone else and there is no fresh air there are high chances of catching any type of bug/virus – masks work to an extent but only if you are careful and don’t keep touching it.
I was more concerned about Aazeen’s safety as she would refuse to keep it on and why would she? She’s 3!
What would make me shake my head was seeing other passengers wearing gloves, touching everything and with those same gloves be touching their faces and phones!
I tried to keep myself focussed on our end goal and that was getting home.
It was indeed a different experience, I refused to use the toilets so you can imagine how I must’ve been feeling, Aazeen wasn’t settling either (she was an absolute angel on the flight there) but did finally manage to sleep for 2 hours on our laps (yay!).
On a normal flight, the air hostesses from time to time check up on passengers to see how they’re doing and if anything is needed – that didn’t happen this time, we only saw them when food was being served.
Food served in boxes with no options – we all had to eat the dry chicken and rice whether we liked it or not (I ended up giving mine to the husband). On the way there, we had a variety to choose from , as you do, but how did COVID affect preparing a good variety of meals for passengers, I won’t ever know.
Anyhow, we finally reached Heathrow and immediately felt a difference. As soon as we stepped off we were greeted by an army of cleaners whom were ready to enter the plane.
I have never seen Heathrow airport so quiet so eerily empty. We chose to go through parent and child passport control as fast track didn’t seem so fast track by the looks of it!
I was surprised to see the Heathrow staff not wearing any masks – surely they are more at risk?
We had to place our passports on the desk and step away 2m and then collected them as the passport guy then stepped away.
It felt like ours was the only flight as baggage collection only took 10mins considering we had 10+ suitcases.
All the while not forgetting to anti bac everything we touched, including the trollies. I was shocked to see that there were no medical checks for passengers arriving considering we came during UK’s peak when there were 900+ deaths a day. There wasn’t even anyone at customs which would’ve been free reign for someone to bring whatever into the country.
Finally we made it outside, greeted by my brother, it really hit me then. In normal circumstances, I would’ve given him a hug but there were no hugs.
The journey home was quicker than usual, as the roads were completely empty, due to the lockdown, we live just over 1.5h away from the airport depending on the traffic and were home by 10pm considering our plane touched down at 8pm! That was quick!
I stripped myself and Aazeen in the doorway as there was no way I was taking these clothes inside, which was quite shocking for the poor girl but needs must!
So that’s it, my experience of travelling through a global pandemic! Would I recommend? Never. Travelling on a plane was very high risk, after reaching home we quarantined and every cough and sneeze, a tickle in the throat or when Aazeen ended up with a slight temperature was met with ultimate anxiety and fear.
We would not have willingly taken this journey especially with a child in tow because no matter how much care you take – there’s no guarantee that others you come across or the person who sits next to you has taken precautionary measures.
I am ever so thankful that we reached home safe and sound because things could have gone the wrong direction very quickly.
Woahhhhhhhh ������! I cant even imagine going through everything u did! And i knowww! I miss the hugs the most ��! Havent hugged my family in months ��! Stupid covid
Yes, flying during the pandemic has felt very surreal with our masks on and the airports empty! Glad you made it safely home.
This must have been such a surreal experience! I hate flying at the best of times so I definitely don't want to get on a plane during a pandemic, haha.
Nicola | nicshealthylife.co.uk
What a stressful adventure! In so glad you made it back safe.
What an experience for you. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would have been with your daughter…travelling with a young one is hard enough. Glad you made it back safely! I am definitely in the mind of staycations this year, as much as I want and love to travel, I don't think it is all under control yet!
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Wow! What an experience. We had a cluster in baggage handlers from touching the bags so it was then recommend you wear gloves when getting your bag and wipe it down before opening it….it's all quite surreal…and not a time to work in the airport industry! I'm a little too scared to fly even locally at the moment…#Dreamteam
Oh goodness! I wanted to cover my eyes reading this. I can't imagine how stressful it must have been for you all. So glad to hear you all made it back safely in the end. I'm sure that was an experience you'll never forget! Sending hugs from the #DreamTeamLinky
Oh my goodness! I am a nervous flyer at the best of times but this looks unbearable to me! The sight of the stewards in full PPE would scare me, not just the kids! Thanks for linking up with #dreamteamlinky and I'm glad you are home safe.