Here's what to expect if you're traveling to the EU from China

In association with AFKL

The current events have had us all rethinking our travel plans. And for expats-alike, while many who have been stranded are facing a question of whether, or rather when to return home, capped flight capacity, as well as a hefty airfare have put a damper on things. But that's looking all a bit more flexible now, thankfully, as borders are opening and more flight routes are kicking back into action.

For anyone who has been waiting to fly back to Europe, two major airlines – Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – have teamed up together to resume some of their key routes, offering attractive one-way fares from the mainland to major cities in Europe, as well as some of the best-connected and layover-worthy airports. 

Anyone destined for Paris or transiting through can now choose from a semi-weekly roundtrip route between Shanghai and the French capital. Operated by Air France, the flight is scheduled to set off from the Pudong International Airport (PVG) every Tuesday and Friday, with a brief stopover in Seoul and is supposed to land in the Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris the next Wednesday or Saturday. 

Others making way to Amsterdam can also mark their calendar for a long-awaited weekly flight between Shanghai and the Dutch capital, operated by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Departing from the Pudong airport every Wednesday, it stops over in Seoul again both ways and supposedly gets into the Schiphol airport (AMS) the next Thursday. 

The resumed routes come as welcome news, especially for EU passport holders, as a number of EU countries have been allowing to travel from within the continent, with some even tentatively opening their external borders. Taking a trip to Europe soon? Below we've listed what you should expect before, during, and after your journey, especially if you're headed to the two aforementioned destinations.

Carry enough masks

Photo: @luludeagro/Unsplash.com

First things first, the majority of EU airlines, including Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have made it mandatory for passengers to wear face masks while at the airport, boarding, and in cabins. So be sure to pack enough spare masks for your travel.

Expect a 'stopover'

Both flights from Shanghai to Paris and Amsterdam will stop briefly at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, although passengers are expected to stay on board and not enter the airport. It should also be noted that anyone who has recent travel history to Wuhan within the last 14 days, or holds a passport issued by Hubei province will be denied of transit in Seoul, according to South Korean authority. It's strongly advised that travelers check back with the local government website for updates before departure, as they're subject to change.

Due to the requirement of Korean authority, it is also mandatory for all passengers to complete their online check-in as early as possible (starting 30 hours before departure).

Prepare your documents

Photo: Wikipedia

The Netherland has required all inbound arrivals to provide a Health Declaration Form, while travelers en route to Paris will need to provide a 'certificate of the absence of COVID-19 symptoms and contact history with confirmed COVID-19 cases', as well as 'International Travel Certificate to Mainland France'. It's advised to have the completed documents on your digital device, as you'll need to present the documents to carriers before boarding and during arrival checks. 

Scan the QR code below for forms for Amsterdam arrivals

Scan the QR code below for forms for Paris arrivals

Comply with other health measures

Airlines are largely doing their bit to ensure a safe, clean environment so passengers and staff can rest assured that they can fly with confidence. For example, the air in the cabin is inherently clean as modern aircraft is equipped with top-of-the-line ventilation systems like HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air). It works to renew the air every three minutes, and studies have shown that it effectively reduces the risk of infection on board by removing 99.99 percent of particles, such as airborne contaminants.

Learn more about AFKL's safety measures in the videos above

While having mandated face-mask wearing, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have implemented temperature checks on the departure of its operated flights, and ramped up the frequency of cleaning for aircraft from cleaning daily to disinfecting periodically. Sanitation stations, as well as plexiglass shields, are also installed at respective service desks to lower the risk of transmission in the airport.

Both Shanghai-Paris and Shanghai-Amsterdam routes are available for booking online now. Visit Airfrance.com and KLM.com for more, or follow them on Wechat below.

Follow Air France on WeChat below

Follow KLM on Wechat below

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