This comprehensive travelogue details a multi-leg journey from Belgrade to Tokyo, involving flights on Air Serbia, Shanghai Airlines, and China Eastern, with a focus on operational experiences and transit complexities. The journey began with a short domestic flight on JU142, an ATR 72-600 aircraft, showcasing Belgrade Airport's efficient security and boarding procedures. The author described the subsequent long-haul flight on a Shanghai Airlines Boeing 787-9 from Budapest to Shanghai, highlighting challenges faced due to a booking error related to a timetable change and the peculiarities of Chinese transit rules for Kosovo passport holders.
The account continues with a China Eastern Airbus A350-900 from Shanghai Pudong to Tokyo Narita. The author provided detailed observations of aircraft layout, inflight services, and scenic views along the route. The report emphasizes the physical and bureaucratic hurdles encountered during China transit, including interacting with airline customer service to confirm seats and passing through Chinese immigration with a Kosovo passport. The personal experiences shared shed light on the current state of regional restrictions and the evolving demand for Asian routes from Europe.
Overall, the report portrays a journey marked by logistical hurdles but also operational professionalism. The author offers insights into airport operations, airline services, and the changing geopolitical landscape influencing air travel for certain passport holders. The trip concludes with reflections on airline performance, the importance of thorough planning, and suggestions for future travelers navigating similar routes.
