The flight from Osaka-Kansai to Shanghai-Pudong was a short one, by B777 standards, only 1h51m. We had another Capt onboard catching a ride to PVG to get in place for her flight to Narita, Japan. She happened to be a friend of mine when were both new hires at FedEx. Its always good to have an extra set of eyes and ears, and she offered to tend to our catering, coffee, etc. The catering out to Japan has always been awesome, and in Osaka, especially, since they alway throw on a bunch of gyoza. Once we got to top of cruise, the other Capt went in back and heated up the gyoza - she did a perfect job, getting them a bit crispy, the same way I do.

Once we got to PVG tonight. We made sure on our masks before we disarmed and opened the doors. The other Capt was going to stay on the jet as she was taking the jet right back to NRT. She didn’t have to deplane or get tested. She had her passport checked on board. Her FO was already here and met her on the jet. If she took one step off of the jet, she would have been subject to the COVID19 tests and would not be able top leave until a negative result came back. This procedure is actually new (staying on the jet) and we were one of the first flights to benefit, well she benefitted. We had to go get tested (my 3rd time in 7 days) as we were laying over.

The guy that checked the the other Capt’s passport, escorted us all the way thru screening, etc and thru Customs where a FedEx agent finally met us. My FO and I exited the jet, and from the bottom of the crewstairs to the hotel was 1+05. I had expected 3-6 hrs, as many before me here in PVG had had that experience. We were done with our test in about 30-40 mins. The process went quickly, after quick disinfectant spray down (barely got my shoes or pants wet, actually) at the bus with the swabbing stations. We entered the best and our testers asked “nasal and throat?” and I said no, just throat. She did both swabs together, and was much gentler than the folks testers in Guangzhou (CAN) a couple nights ago, but I still gagged. Overall, PVG has their feces coagulated, compared to CAN.

The rest of the time was getting through immigration, security (where we picked up security escorts to our hotel rooms), customs and getting “checked in” at the hotel. Once thru customs, we found the FedEx agents and they gave us “goodie” bags, since there is no way to order food at this. hotel. The agent and the security escorts took us into the back/service entrance to the hotel where we signed more forms (don’t leave room or be subjected to severe penalties) and got our room assignments. The security escorts took us up a service elevator and then to our rooms. Which are cold as hell and very spartan. Good thing we’re only here 18hrs. The FedEx agent told me that there are only 4 people in the hotel right now - my FO, my 2 RFOs for our flight to MEM tonight (tomorrow night to you guys) and me.

Oh yea, did I mention the room is cold. No heat/AC. Im wearing my fleece flight jammies, long sleeve shirt SPF30 Columbia shirt over a T-shirt and under a Kulh pullover and wool socks to bed.

I’m ready to get home and social distance with my girls and our dogs and cats!



[Post edited by B777Fr8Dog at 04/13/2020 9:20PM]