Flight from YVR to Beijing was a bit delayed but pretty good – definitely helped being in business class! Transfer at the Beijing airport was a bit of chaos. The transfer desk couldn’t seem to print my boarding passes for some reason so after about 20 minutes they provide me with a handwritten boarding card and advised the gate agent would be able to print my passes. Headed through the transfer immigration counter, which had a bit of a line full of some people who did not apparently have adequate boarding cards. Fortunately my handwritten card did the job! Then waited in a chaotic line, which wrapped out the staircase, to go through security. They only had two desks opened and were incredibly slow. Made it through eventually and headed to my gate where they also seemed to have issues printing the card. Sat by the gate and was pleasantly surprised when the agent came over after about 30 minutes and provided me with my boarding cards :). The flight to Bangkok went by quickly as I slept most of the flight – decent seats in the Thai Royal Silk class, apart from the odd shoulder belt which was required for landing and take off. I was expecting chaos in Bangkok but it was super efficient, well air conditioned and pleasant. Headed to the lounge for a brief bit and then boarded the flight to Delhi. This Thai aircraft didn’t have the shoulder belt and was comfortable. Relaxed and watched some movies on the 4 hour flight to Delhi but avoided sleep as I wanted to make sure I could sleep upon arrival at 2 am. Delhi airport was a breeze – no line at immigration so the priority line for business class wasn’t really needed and my luggage was quickly off the belt. Went outside and met my transfer pick up. He mentioned there was another in my group who would be arriving from Abu Dabi in an hour and asked if I wanted to wait. Since leaving now seemed to be an option, I opted for it. He was the same guy that met me last year and he got the driver to collect me. The driver, Anil, told me he would be my driver for my Golden Triangle extension. After the experience of the ride to the hotel, I’m guessing we’ll make good time, providing we survive! I don’t think Anil believes in lanes. Got to the hotel and quickly checked in. Managed to get to bed around 3:30 am.
