Part Deux - The Journey Home

"Transit our country they said. It will be easy they said..."

Monday, September 23, 2019
SQ Flight 828
SIN-PVG
Depart: 8:05 am
Arrive: 1:25 pm
Class: J, Seat 16A
Equipment: 777-300ER

I managed to get a few hours sleep, and, waking up still buzzed, took a shower and checked out of the hotel. I walked to the MRT station and arrived around 5:30 am, where I had a frustrating 30 minute wait for the first train of the day. I didn't anticipate a late start to the trains in a city of 4 million with one of the best transportation systems I've ever experienced. Mea Culpa.

I arrived at the spectacle that's Changi Airport slightly before 7am and was through in no time. As far as I'm concerned, this place cannot be given enough praise. A wonderful facility worthy of the awards it seems to always win.



Given that I had about 40 minutes until boarding, I went hunting for the Silverkris lounge. After a bit of a walk I found it, only to be informed by the hostess that I should instead go to the business lounge, which was actually quite a walk. I thought the lounge was quite nice. It was busy, but there was still plenty of seating. The furniture was nice, and not at all in disrepair - which is quite different from the state of most North American lounges:





After some snacks and a drink, I headed down to the gate area. Again, love the efficiency of this place, which includes at gate security with friendly staff. Went through security quickly, and boarded right away.

Can't say enough good things about J in SQ, even though they didn't have my book the cook order loaded. The seat was amongst the most comfortable, spacious and well thought out that I've experienced. It put the AC/NH seats to shame. Truth be told, I thought I was entering the first class cabin when I first saw it. I could have easily gone another 15 hours in the seat after landing.

Birdie:






This flight also introduced me to a new concept. An airline where the flight attendants not only embrace the use of the call button by passengers, but expect it to be used. Of course, I didn't abuse this privilege, but appreciated the prompt service I would receive each time the button was pressed. I was also greeted by name consistently. Truly an airline focused on details.

I had some chicken noodles for breakfast. The meal wasn't remarkable by any means but hit the spot, especially accompanied by some singapore slings.



After a flight that went by far too quickly, we descended upon Shanghai, where great joys awaited me:



Monday, September 23, 2019
AC Flight 12
PVG-YUL
Depart: 4:50 pm
Arrive: 6:40 pm
Class: J, Seat 3K
Equipment: 787-900

I had done my research. I had read the materials available online on the subject ad nauseam. However, it was not long until I discovered that I had taken a few minor details on transferring in China for granted. Such as, for example, that Chinese Immigration staff would be aware that transfer without visa was actually a thing.

After giving the Chinese government kiosks palm, thumb, finger and foot prints, hair and skin samples, a urine sample, my first born, a nickel and some pocket lint, I proceeded through the illness scanner and was dumped into the arrivals hall with a gazillion other passengers. However, having briefed myself before arriving, I knew to turn left and to continue to the end, where a clearly marked "Transit Without Visa" kiosk staffed by a friendly officer would be awaiting me. However, there was no such kiosk and only about 5 kiosks in total were even open.

Panicking somewhat, I approached a young man who seemed to be performing some sort of line management function and said "transit without visa." He looked at me funny, took a look through my passport, and told me that I needed a visa to enter China. Sensing that I was about the become the latest Canadian detained by the authorities, I impressed upon the young man the fact that I was transiting.

Well, it seems to turn out that I had filled out the wrong colour arrival card. I was given a yellow on on my SQ flight, when what I really needed to fill out was a blue one that was only available in the arrival hall. The young man told me to fill out the blue one and then to come find him when I was done.

After completing my card, I found the officer. However, there was another problem. He informed me that none of the staff operating the inspection counters at that moment knew how to do whatever was required for the transit. I had to stand around for another 10 minutes or so while he went to locate someone that could actually help me.

...eventually, I made it through. I re-checked my bag at the AC desk and was provided my onward boarding passes. I was also informed that I had access to "business lounge #71 ." "Great," I thought.

Business lounge #71 , otherwise known as the Air China lounge. Shanghai airport signage says lounge #71 :







The lounge was adequate, though nothing special. The staff were friendly. I had some food and a few drinks, staying away from the Chinese wine specially produced for Air China.



I found the quotation marks used by Asahi China particularly amusing, chuckling to myself at the the thought of it saying "tastes fine" rather than "fine taste."

I went to board the plane and experienced an extreme gate lice scenario. Luckily, there was a separate Zone 1 queue on the other side which was much quieter:



Our neighbours:



I was in seat 3K this time around, a little closer to the front of the plane.



I was taken care of by an absolutely delightful FA named Sandy this flight. Her bubbly personality was infectious and she truly made the flight exceptional. She was glad to take care of anything I asked for, and always made sure my glass and belly were full.

A bad movie accompanied by a couple drinks:



I was able to sleep quite well on this flight, and also watched the roast of Bruce Willis, which is quite funny. I didn't take photos of the meals - the beef entree was disappointing.

Monday, September 23, 2019
AC Flight 8017
YUL-YOW
Depart: 7:50 pm
Arrive: 8:30 pm
Class: Y (No J seating available)
Equipment: Bombardier CRJ

Not much to say about this flight. It was the typical AC triple threat - late, oversold, and with mechanical difficulties. There was probably 16 people who wanted standby. Add to it all the remote stand boarding and it pouring rain. Arrived back in YOW about an hour late, collected my bag, and took a Lyft home. Straight to bed.