Page 276 - A Banker Down the Rabbit Hole

79. Big learning from small incidents

A tale of two handbags as cabin luggage
I was in the middle of a discussion with the Director of our company
when he got a phone call from India. He told me, "I need to rush to India
right now. You should accompany me to the airport. We can finish the
discussion on the way and then you may return to office". I asked him,
"Shall I need to check availability of air tickets for your urgent travel?"
He told me, "Not to worry, I keep one business class open ticket for any
such emergent situation."

At the airport baggage counter, he requested the airline staff to permit
him to carry 2 briefcases as cabin luggage. I suggested him not to insist
on this as they were very strict in Singapore and it may create problem
in boarding. He smiled back and told me, "I am talking to the staff and
shall wait for her reply." I realized my mistake as he was approaching the
staff and not me. Moreover, he was frequent flier and knew the nitty-
gritty of air travel far better than me. The staff politely told him, "In case,
the officer on the entry gate does not allow you to carry two briefcases,
you may not be able to put them in cargo because by that time this
counter might get closed." But he insisted on taking a chance there.

I accompanied him to the entry gate. He entered with 2 briefcases and I
waited for him to return to handover one bag to me to carry back home.
I had actually seen such cases happening there. I waited for 5 minutes
but he did not return to my utter surprise. Now I looked inside the waiting
area through glass partitions. He was there and waived at me. He left
for India carrying two bags as cabin luggage. I waited for him to return
to know how he could manage this.

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