So we knew it would be an adventure our first international trip, post covid. But when Greece said they would accept vaccinated Americans into their country, Ed and I decided to go. In a very fluid environment, we tried to understand the requirements. With a transit in Frankfurt, we needed a rapid test within 48 hours of arriving. And multiple sources told us we were either good with our vaccination certificate and/or we needed a PCR test within 72 hours to enter Greece. Trying to do the math in hours and accounting for the 8 hr time difference, was that helping or hurting us in this timeline??
Fortunately, getting the tests were quite easy. Monday afternoon, getting ready for our Tues noon flight, we had our negative rapid test. But were told it could be 72 hours before we received the PCR results. At this point, hoping the vaccination cards would suffice for Greece.
Arriving at the Boise airport with our file folder of docs, including the proof of the rapid test results, documentation showing we had taken the PCR test, our vaccination cards, a printout from St Lukes showing proof of vaccinations, and the
Greeks PLF (Passenger Locator form) with its QRF code that we had to fill out before entering Greece. The checkin went smoothly, as the attendant was happy with the Rapid test results and the QRF printout.
Arriving in Chicago for our Frankfurt leg, I felt sorry for the airline attendants. I am not sure there is any other way to do it, but it did seem to be abit unfair, that all the responsibility for ensuring each of the passengers were was placed on them. With each one of us, they had to make sure we had the correct documentation for our final destination. And still get us boarded on time. And of course, each one of us different docs, as they tried to quickly scan dates, results and tests. Our attendant seemed abit harried by the time we got there. I try to give him our vaccination cards, and are surprised when he says ‘no, we cant use that, but it would make it easier if we could. He turns to the main attendant – Greece?? We breathe a sign of relief as she glances at the docs, and says ‘yes they are fine.
Arriving in Frankfurt, thru immigration, again all of us lined up with our folders. The first thing the immigration man tells us, ‘your masks are not Germany, or at least Frankfurt airport requires Medical masks must be worn, not our cloth ones. Nope, they were not handing them out. We had to go around the corner and buy them. The next question, seemed abit accusatory as he asked ‘why are you going to Greece? We both hesitate, as we look at each other, Gez, dont blow this question. Ed finally answers ‘travel. He seems ok with it. And another sign of relief as we hear the solid stamp in our passports, allowing us entry.
A very full 2 hour flight, we arrive in Crete. Just inside the airport doors we are greeted by 2 Aegean attendants checking each passengers covid docs. Our passports have unimportant. We again, try to give the vaccination cards, but she tells us no, she needs the test results. As we watch her scan the rapid test, she frowns. Oh no, dont frown. That is never good. Finally she says ‘where is the date? I show her
the line 05/10/21. She says, that is no good – Oct?? As the European dating is day, month. I quickly tell her, no, no we do it backwards. Month then day. She finds that quite funny and I can still hear her laughing as she waves us thru. We think she was just messing with us.
And although we plan to return to Crete, our tickets continue on to Athens. Since now that is just a domestic leg, no one asks for our docs. We quickly debate whether to catch a cab, but we are on a direct metro line to our hotel, have light luggage, and are somewhat rested, we chose the metro. The airport is totally quiet and only about 10 of us on the platform for the metro. We are 12 stops and by the last 3 or 4 stops, as we enter the city center, the metro quite crowded.
