Mr. & Mrs. G: How did we fly to Shanghai with 4 young kids?
Are you planning a family trip to Shanghai? To kids, for sure flying will be an exciting adventure, but to parents… Hopefully, it wouldn’t be ‘torture’, especially in the current situation (just kidding). But if you are indeed feeling anxious about flying with young kids, today’s story of Mr. & Mrs. G may set your mind at ease, and more importantly, give you no-nonsense tips!
#01 Landing——Exhausting
We were very lucky that we had a business flight back to Shanghai. First of all, because as Business Class passengers, we were allowed to leave the aircraft first (when the plane landed). Secondly, because the whole process at the airport took nonetheless 5 hours, a time span that would be extremely hard to stand after a 12 hours intercontinental flight with kids in economy class.
So we could leave the aircraft among the first passengers. After leaving the plane some people in hazmat suits showed us the way to the testing station. The testing station was inside some containers that were installed outside the airport building. The queue was very long and we had to wait in line for a pretty long time. Finally, we saw inside that there were many many counters, but just a handful of which were operating. That was the reason why it took so long.
#02 Testing——Terrifying
Then it was our turn to test. It was the scariest and most awful testing experience in 3 years in China. Our kids are used to being tested as we live in China and they cooperated without any problems, but after this time they all cried and coughed out of pain because the testers penetrated their mouths and noses so deeply and roughly that it really hurt badly.
The next step was Passport Control, after miles of walking through an empty airport. The officers working there were super inexperienced and we had the impression we were the first foreigners entering China via Shanghai in ages. The process took 3 officers, 4 times to enter passport information and an hour in total. We were really disappointed, and kids were crying because they became super tired. There was no possibility for them to sit. It was too exhausting. Finally done, we were directed to pick up our luggage. It arrived on the belt located on the other end of the hall. But at least all suitcases arrived and we could continue our journey through the airport.
#03 Hotel——70% Satisfying
The hotel was a very old building. We had to wait outside to register. The hotel was not prepared to handle foreigners. The personnel didn’t speak any English (luckily we speak some Chinese) and the hotel was not at all prepared to receive families. Super small rooms. Only two beds, so we had to separate our family and split into one adult with two kids in each room. The room itself is ok, super small but ok. The wallpaper is loose, due to the extreme overdose of disinfection liquid they spray around, but ok… at least AC is working and there is a window we can open.
We were on the highest floor. When the weather was good, we could even spot the Shanghai Tower, bottle opener (Shanghai World Financial Center), Jin Mao Tower, and Oriental Pearl Tower in the far distance. The hotel was super inflexible. In the beginning they didn’t allow us to order anything from outside. As everyone, also the Chinese people became angry. They allowed yogurt, milk, cup noodles, and cookies. But no fruits. And that was the worst part honestly. Food was ok. Like in a German hospital I’d say. Too expensive for what it is, but well…
Testing etc. at the hotel was fine. They did it softly and patiently. Kids were no longer afraid and were happy that the airport experience seemed to be a single bad experience.
Mr. G and Mrs. G are so kind to share their story with us. At the end of the article, Mrs. G also wants to share her unique know-how with our readers:
1 ► Flying business class was a good decision, as explained in our story above.
2 ► Regarding the quarantine, it will be good to prepare a lot of snacks and sweets in advance. We also had fruit puree, vitamins, materials to craft, games, and toys.
3 ► A little surprise will be inspiring. We had prepared a calendar, which is similar to an advent calendar for the kids. So, each day they could open a calendar door with a surprise inside. That helped a lot because there was always something for kids to look forward to.
If you would like to share your story and experience with more people just like Mr. & Mrs. G, welcome to click the buttom ‘Contact Us’above. Or scan the QR code below to contact our experts. We are looking forward to hearing from you! If you are also interested in Mrs. G’s books, you are welcome to email her via Rabea.glotz@email.de.