It’s been a long 18 months, but as the world moves on from COVID-19, I’ve been back in the air again this week and have left Australia. It was quite a liberating feeling full of emotion and represents a turning point in our nation’s position on a global scale. The one caveat, of course, is that this only applies to residents of the Premier State and Victoria. Hopefully the others aren’t too far behind.
I’d desperately wanted to return to Cape Town, but it just didn’t work out this time. Flights are still very limited in and out of Australia, and similarly to South Africa (although this is quickly improving). Instead, I’ve headed to London and onto the Midlands.
Arriving at the Sydney Terminal 1 train station was quite the contrast to my last trip. I was the only person who got off the train. Continuing up to the terminal didn’t exactly yield much of a welcoming party. The arrivals level was still largely shuttered. I was traveling with Japan Airlines and they were located right at the top of the escalators. There was no excitement, no hoards of people smiling and preparing for an adventure.
There was a Perspex screen surrounded by “UK Border” posters. As usual, JAL ground handling is managed by Qantas and their one local representative. There was a tedious form to be completed with multiple document checks (vaccination certificate, UK resident visa/return ticket, UK Border disclosure) however most critically, the top line that states “approval to depart Australia” had been crossed out. Once complete, I was shuffled onto the Business Class checkin desk where JAL’s Sydney station manager did her best to make the situation seem normal and applied the carriers usual exceptional standard of service. My bag was tagged to Heathrow and, given the Qantas lounges are only open for the evening departures to London and Los Angeles, I was given a voucher to use in the very few cafes in the terminal.
One terrible pie and a half decent latte later, I walked past the “Departures SYD” sign for the first time since February 2020. A quick scan of the passport and I’m through the e-gate. The closing of the door behind me signified the end of one of the darkest periods in our country’s history. I’ve officially left Australia. JAL are ticking off the names of people on the manifest as they arrive at the gate. Roughly 20 onboard, largely bound for London. We board late but depart early. JAL is without a doubt one of the best airlines operating out of Sydney and the business suite rivals Qatar’s Q-Suite. I settle in for a the haul up to Tokyo.
This was the first Japan Airlines departure since the Australian border opened. There were a few Japanese passengers onboard who were heading home. I’ll admit that even I got a little teary as we taxied past Kyeemagh beach and saw groups of families waving and holding up signs saying goodbye. It truly was a surreal experience, and one that I hope I never have to witness again.
After nine hours of bento boxes, South African wine and Japanese Whiskey, we arrive in the usually bustling Haneda airport. Tonight, it’s a ghost town. After being rescreened and rechecked, the fleeing Australians are alone in a deserted Terminal 3. The lounge remains closed, so together we find a bar and share stories of the last 18 months. A new baby traveling to Manchester to meet her grandparents for the first time. A man who lost his mother and hasn’t been able to grieve with his family for a year. It’s both heartbreaking, and liberating.
Four hours before departure, the JAL Lounge opens. First Class only tonight, Business remains closed. I have a shower and, with a ratio of 10 staff per passenger, am pampered by JAL’s outstanding staff prior to boarding.
A 777 this time. An even larger plane with possibly more crew than passengers. As the world moves on, Japan is not quite there yet. I sleep until passing over Sweden and begin to prepare for what I’m assuming will be a complex entry into the United Kingdom.
It’s a fine morning in London, but apparently rather breezy. Just as we touch down the engines spool back up and we’re airborne once again. The captain advises there was an unexpected tailwind and the aeroplane landed too far down the runway. After another 20 minutes we’re at the gate. I walk down to the e-gates and the doors open, allowing me into Britain. After collecting my bag, I proceed to customs with all my documents in order and walk towards the green lane. I keep walking. Then stop, turn around and realise I’m through. I’ve entered the United Kingdom without speaking to a single person.
Over the next few hours, I realize this should not have been a surprise. England has moved on from covid. Masks are few and far between, QR Codes are non-existent and crowds of friends and family are back together again. I went to the theatre on my first night, then the Birmingham Christmas markets on the second. There’s no 11am press conferences, no media fueled case number panic, just people getting on with their lives.
As the world moves on, I’m proud that NSW is leading the charge down under. While travel may not quite be the same as it was before, I’m confident that by the end of the year the cobwebs will have been dusted off and people will be ready to explore again. So it’s time to start planning!
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