Disclaimer: In Real Life is a platform for everyday people to share their experiences. This is a personal story and does not necessarily echo In Real Life’s sentiments.
This story is about a woman who was nearly conned into carrying drugs through the airport by an old lady she had met on the plane.
I was flying from KLIA to Dubai when this older blonde lady came and sat next to me inside the plane. She asked me to help her put her bag in the overhead luggage compartment.
I am not very tall and the overhead luggage compartment is something I try to avoid at all costs. Before I could say no, a tall gentleman sitting across quickly stood up and helped her.
Immediately, she sat down and struck up a conversation. We chatted all through the flight to Dubai, about places we’ve visited, foods we’ve tried, and sorts of fun topics. She was very pleasant and well-spoken, so I took a shine to her and we exchanged numbers.
The old lady became in distress.
After around 7 hours, the pilot announced that we were now beginning our descent into Dubai International Airport.
Suddenly, my newfound friend developed stomach pains and begged me to call for help. I pressed the assistance button and told the air stewardess my seat mate was not feeling well, and she asked her if she needed some medication or to use the restroom.
The lady replied, “I’m alright, my daughter will take care of me.”
I was confused about being addressed as her ‘daughter’, but I let it slide. Perhaps it was her idea of a pet name for me, or perhaps she was mistaken in her delirium?
In any case, the stewardess gave her some painkillers and told us to wait until we landed to get medical assistance.
She begged me to hold her handbag.
At this point, my new friend was crying out in pain and starting to sweat profusely. I sat beside her, trying to comfort her. All the while, she refused to let go of my hand.
We landed in DXB while she was still moaning piteously, loud enough for the whole cabin to her.
A few minutes later, the pilot announced that we had a medical emergency on board and advised us all to stay calm.
As the plane came to a stop, the cabin crew brought out a wheelchair for her to be deplaned. The other passengers’ faces were alarmed and concerned for the poor old lady.
As she was being helped into the wheelchair, the lady looked at me and said, “Dear, I have to get to the hospital, but I need to give my handbag to my son urgently. I’m begging you, please give it to him in the arrival hall!”
I was taken aback by this request… However, before I agreed, the same gentleman who helped put up her luggage in the overhead compartment passed me a note.
The note said: “Tell the cabin crew you are not travelling with each other.”
My doubts were raised, so when the cabin crew asked me if I was related to the lady, I told them, “No, we met on the plane today. I don’t know her at all.” Feeling very conflicted, I left the plane alone and didn’t take her handbag with me.
I was questioned by airport security.
A little while later, I was at the baggage area waiting for my check-in luggage when I heard a huge commotion just ahead.
To my surprise, I saw my ‘new friend’ was running at full speed towards the nearest exit! Behind her, the stewardess was chasing after her holding her handbag. As I watched, airport security caught up with her, grabbed her and put her in handcuffs.
As the immigration officers passed by, the woman started calling out to me, calling me her “daughter” and begging me for help!
They marched over to me and questioned my relationship with this lady.
I was nervous and tried to explain how we weren’t related, but they didn’t believe me and demanded to see my passport. To my surprise, the gentleman also came forward and backed me up.
“They only sat next to each other on the plane. They are not mother and daughter.” He said.
The police brought me and the gentleman in for questioning. Meanwhile, my passport was confiscated, my luggage was extensively searched for drugs, and my fingerprints were taken.
After hours of being questioned in that little room, I was finally let go. To my huge relief, they informed me that my fingerprints were not found anywhere on her luggage or on her handbag!
Before I left, the police advised me never ever to touch anyone’s luggage, either in flight or at the airport.
Beware of people asking you to carry their luggage.
So from now on, I don’t care how much luggage you have, you will have to deal with it yourself.
“Your luggage, your problem.” That’s my policy.
I will not even offer you a trolley to put your luggage on!
And if you can’t reach the overhead compartment, please call the cabin crew because all I will do is give you a blank stare and then look away!
This is a lesson to learn for all air travellers.
Did you go through a similar experience?
Submit your story to hello@inreallife.my and you may be featured on In Real Life Malaysia.
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The Shocking Truth of the GISBH Case: Here’s Everything You Need To Know
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