While there is a lot of chaos and blurred areas around travel during these COVID times, I did a trip to the US and decided to share tips and pointers on what you need to have a safe and smooth journey!
Ok, here we go. In this post, am going to be sharing my experience along with some pointers to help you have a safe & fun trip to USA and back…
I landed in NY, then flew to LA and was there for a month before heading back to NY for my flight home to India. What did you need to ensure smooth journey?
1. You need to be fully vaccinated and carry a certificate that displays dates pertaining to both shots [ Booster shots weren’t mandatory, but do check]
2.You need to do a RT PCR test 1 day prior to the trip [ if your flight is on 21st, do the test on 20th & not on 19th.The date of test needs to be within a day of your travel. That is what counts] – [Rs750 per pax in a Small hospital in Mumbai]
3. If the test is little over a day old, then you need to do an Antigen test at the airport [Rs150 per pax at Mumbai Airport, there are counters near the waiting area and you get the results in 45mins, so plan accordingly]
Any other forms to be filled out when flying out of India?
No, we did not fill anything nor were we asked to fill anything. To be safe, you can fill out the form on Airsuvidha.com
What airline did you fly?
We flew Kuwait airlines, so had a few hours transit in Kuwait.
What was the process at Kuwait airport for transit?
Once we landed in Kuwait, we completed security check, and then had to meet an officer, show our vaccine certificates along with the test results [taken in Mumbai].
We were given a form at Mumbai airport which basically says we are vaccinated and have no symptoms. You just have to sign it and submit it at Kuwait.
Once you landed in NY-JFK airport, what was the process there?
We deplaned, headed for immigration. The officer asked questions about our trip, destination and sent us on our way to collect our bags and exit. No other forms requested~
Any more tests to be done before flying to LA?
Nope, absolutely nothing required within the US to fly. You checkin, pay for your baggage and get on your way! Same applied when we flew back to NY as well.
What did you need when flying out of NY-JFK to Kuwait & India?
1. You need to be fully vaccinated and carry a certificate that displays dates pertaining to both shots [ Booster shots weren’t mandatory, but do check]
2.You need to do a RT PCR test – at least 72 hours before the scheduled travel time. [ if your flight is on 10the, you can do the test between 7-9th [$150 per pax in a Small hospital near Norwalk]
3. Fill out the Airsuvidha.com and download the report on your phone.
What about flying from Kuwait to India flight?
1.We landed and finished security, and waited in the lounge for our boarding call. No tests, no forms nothing.
2. Once we landed in Bombay, at the 1st check point, they asked to see the airsuvidha form [more a formality], then we completed all formalities related to international Travel
Just before you hit the exit gate, there is a person asking your departure destination detail and sends you to the queue corresponding to that.
There was a 2nd check point where they asked to see the airsuvidha form [more a formality] and that was it!
We did come back and self isolated for a week or so. Haven’t had any symptoms since then! You can pick up home test kits and do a test just for your self-satisfaction!
It was comfortable.
Yes, we did wear the mask through the flight, except when eating/drinking, but it wasn’t so bad.
Just remember to drink enough water/juices to stay hydrated & sleep when you can. Will help your body adjust to change in time zones.
Carry your double vaccination certificate [on the phone is good] and an ID card/passport with you at all times.
All malls, pubs, theatres ask to see before they let you in!Notes:
Visit the airlines website for more information
Do fire away any questions you might have & I will gladly answer them to the best of my knowledge
Do carry extra masks and sanitiser with you [ just to be safe]
Pack your bags, and go have a blast! 🙂
