---

We’ve been in the UK in lockdown since March this year, and have been eagerly waiting for the right time to head back to Turkey. That day finally arrived – and we chose a scorcher! I thought I’d share our travel experience, but bear in mind that there probably isn’t consistency across all airport and airlines, so this post is just to give you a glimpse of our travel experience, and yours could be entirely different.

Flights and Getting to the UK Airport

We flew out of Stansted, and our flight was changed about 3 weeks before our departure date, from an afternoon flight to 6am, which meant we had to have an overnight stay at an airport hotel.

Flight Travel Tip: Be on the look out for flight changes, and if you’re making travel plans to get to the airport, it’s advisable to make sure they’re changeable.

We hadn’t got around to booking our airport travel journey, but when I tried booking my train to get to the airport the usual direct routes weren’t available. The only options were to go into London and then back up to Stansted, or do a cross country route with three changes. So we opted for a National Express bus instead with no changes. Half the seats were out of use and passengers are seated apart, unless you’re in the same family group.

We were the only passengers on the bus, so we sat apart anyway—no point squashing together with all that space available. Masks were compulsory.

Flying Jet2 to Bodrum

A couple of days before our departure we got an email from Jet2 about the availability of a Twilight check-in, so we could check our bags in the night before our departure and go straight through security the next day. This was a bonus as it meant we didn’t have to get up quite so early the next morning.

Masks were worn on the plane, but it’s impossible to social distance when it’s a packed flight and you’re sharing an armrest with a stranger. Even more challenging when his travel partner is sat in the row behind and he keeps lifting his face mask up to turn and speak to her between he gaps between your seats.

No queueing for the toilets, and you’re not meant to get up unless the toilet is vacant. Do you know how long you have to wait to pee when this happens? I got up to go, but somebody beat me to it, so I was told I had to return to my seat. But the drinks trolley was blocking my path so I had nowhere to go. So even with the best intentions, it’s difficult for the airlines to enforce their travel mandates.

They could have done a better job when it was time to disembark. It was the usual crush and push when the plane came to a stop. Passengers were elbow to armpit in the aisles and any concept of social distancing went out of the window. I’ve heard that Easyjet disembark row by row to avoid this, but it seems like Jet2 is just letting stupid passengers do what stupid passengers do.

Some airlines have banned overhead cabin baggage and are restricting passengers to small under-the-seat bags, but Jet2 still allowed 10kg cabin baggage in the overhead bins. But it did seem like less people had carry on bags, as there was more available space in the overhead bins.

Masks were required on board, but most of the kids didn’t have them, and quite a few adults had them pulled down onto their necks. Plus there was food and drinks service on board, so masks came off to eat and drink. You have to questions whether there’s any point.

New COVID-19 arrivals Form

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been some changes to arrivals into Turkey. You’ll need to complete a form before you arrive into the country, which you can download here. We diligently filled out the form, but when we arrived at Bodrum Airport there was just a box at the entrance of the immigration area to throw your form in. We weren’t even sure if this was the right box, but we peeked inside and saw other forms in there, so threw ours in too! Doesn’t seem like a very robust system.

Bodrum Airport to Bodrum City Centre

We had our fingers crossed that the Airport buses were running, and we only had to wait about ten minutes for the Havas Airport Shuttle Bus to arrive at the international terminal. It had picked up from the domestic terminal first, and was already about 80% full, but there were only a couple of international arrival passengers getting on the bus with us. Current fare is 23TL and payment in cash accepted. There’s no official bus shelter or stop, but it picks up directly opposite the exit door to the international arrivals hall. Just come out of the door and cross the street to the opposite pavement.

Riding the Dolmus

The Bodrum Otogar was the usual organized chaos. You can’t pay with cash anymore, so it’s best to buy a Kent Card, and there’s top up machines at the station. Alternatively, you can pay with your debit card if it’s equipped to handle contactless payments. Everyone wore masks.

---

It feels good to be back in Turkey. We weren’t sure what to expect, but other than the proliferation of masks, things seem to be ticking along as normal. But it’s our first day, and we have more to experience and explore.

Returning to the UK

For those of you who will be returning to the UK … don’t forget you need to complete a   Public Health Passenger Locator Form, available from 48 hours before you land in the UK.

---

If you’ve had a different travel experience coming to Bodrum … please leave us a comment below to share your experience with us.

---

This article is part of my new Life in Turkey category which provides insights about what it is to live part-time in Turkey.