- I Paid A Bribe
- 13 years ago
- 1262 views
Heavy luggage on Emirates flight
- Airports
- Excess Baggage
- Paid INR 3,000
I was travelling alone with Emirates from Mumbai to Johannesburg (For a research project of 2.5 months). I had checked the weight of my bags, which was half a kg more than the allowed luggage. At the check in, I was told that I had 5 kgs extra baggage and asked me for an insane amt of money. I told him I didnt have that cash on me, but that my dad was waiting outside till I checked in, and that I can get him the cash. I told him then that I had around 20 pounds and 2000 Rupees with me and still could not ********** the amount he was asking for. I asked him twice if I can go and get cash from my Dad. He said "No, its fine.. You can go inside and a man will come to u to take whatever money.." I cleared to him again, that I did not have the cash I was expected to pay. I went inside, and sometime before the gates opened, the same guy came to me, took me to a not-so-busy spot at the airport and asked me for all the money I had. I did not know this was coming up, as it was my first experience. Then I realised that he didnt let me see the weight of my bags, as he asked the person behind him to take the luggage off before I could see the weight. I felt really bad, but thought I had no other choice but to give him money, as I was scared. I figured out later, after calming down a bit, that I should have refused to pay, as there was nothing he could have done. I had to pay a bribe. And while doing it, I didnt know that I was paying a bribe. It was a learning experience. Will not happen again. I will take this opportunity to alert all travellers out there, especially girls travelling alone, and ask them not to fall prey to such behaviour of the airport staff. Unfortunately, the person was *******