I used to travel extensively during my professional years, and got occasionally involved in dispute regarding some silly rule with the counter staff at a foreign airport. It always helped insisting to see a supervisor, even when the staff maintained that there was nobody available at the moment. It may have taken a bit of waiting but the supervisor eventually always came, and resolved the issue mostly in my favour. It pays to arrive at the airport early, as the time buffer works for you in case of unexpected problems.
Whenever we travel to a foreign country we haven’t been to before I like to go on UA-cam to see what are the latest scams in that country. I find it very useful because there’s always a new scam making the rounds.
@@carloduroni5629 at least coffee is not junk food and it’s better to have a gift card for coffee then to lose money outright because you are too stupid to not get your money exchanged
@@carloduroni5629 aww, it's too bad you didn't realize there are other types of gift cards you could get. Example doesn't mean the entire spectrum. But I guess you'd be screwed, huh?
I bought an Apple gift card for this reason and when I got home, found out it needed to be used physically in that country 😆 Luckily, it was the UK and I know I’ll be back someday.
1st scam, I never let anyone help me with my bags in an airport. I had a bad experience in MPLS airport, coming in from Japan, I thought the dudes in the baggage claim were airport employees just being helpful. But he wanted money once he finished and was pretty insistent. They got me because coming from Japan, where airport employees do help you and don't expect to be paid, I forgot where I was. Leads me to the second tip provided here. In Japan, if you are traveling with kids and lining up to check in a flight, at the gate waiting to board, or even go through immigration, they will actively seek you out to put you in a faster tracked line for families. So its not a scam everywhere. The way airports operate in Japan make US airports seems like 3rd world toilet holes. I've never encountered the other scams mentioned in the vid.
I was offered fast-track by the agent that checked my luggage into my flight home to the US. I might have been more suspicious if it were just some random employee.
The problem is many countries, they don't ask. They come and life your baggage to walk you out or in. Also, they intentionally dress up in uniforms like customs officers or agents and you won't know the difference like she mentioned, for what purpose they are there for.
This happened to me and other tour members at Cairo airport. The security guard asked for passports and kept them. We went through security and he had a baggage handler take our luggage. Security guard gave our passports to the baggage handler. We couldn't get our passports back. He guided us to our checkin gate at which point I grabbed the passports out of his hands and told the tour members to grab their luggage. He was flustered but not enough to demand a tip. I swore and gave him what money I had left 50 egyptian pounds left, about 1 US dollar. Really pissed me off. If they had just given us the choice instead of scamming us they would have gotten a bigger tip. I don't know what Cairo Airport is thinking allowing this to continue.
Again had an experience like that of course in Egypt, they took my passport after I checked in and was clearing the gates where they search you. The Egyptian Authorities decided to call my Embassy to find out if this passport was real. No idea of why they would suspect otherwise and no answer from them besides you have to wait. I knew that they would have to give me my passport because it was real. However the flight was boarding shortly and this took over half an hour I almost missed my flight and could have but I continually mention the flight was leaving. It was intense and at times I thought they would arrest me because I kept coming up to them and not sitting away from them like they told me. Had I not insisted I think I would lost the flight and my money.
If it Egypt, it is a very corrupt country so it is not something they enforce. We just see the marketing, the sphinx and the people that know how to talk very humbly from Egypt but if you do a web search about women's rights, prisoner's being killed etc you will realise it is not at all what they advertise.
I am in Thailand right now typing this. Never been scammed in Thailand in my 6 trips here (touch wood) but connecting through Middle East airports have always been troublesome (see my comment in the main comment section)
I haven't flown in nearly 20 years, and my son is flying me to China in little more than a month to meet my new grand baby. I've been watching videos non stop so I am prepared for just about anything, but with every video I learn something new. This was an especially informative video over all. Thank you.
North Korea too. Hopefully nobody goes there anymore though because it’s pretty dumb to go to a place that can decide on a whim that they’re not going to let you leave-and there’s no recourse because they refuse to follow any international rules or diplomatic procedures.
Thank you for these great tips. The overnight luggage scam happened to me in Seattle, returning from an Alaska cruise. My bag was underweight in LAX, but very overweight in Seattle. Luckily, my son took some of my stuff from my bag into his. To this day, I feel I was almost scammed.
Great video. 👍 Regarding the overweight luggage, I would request to speak to a supervisor and wait. I always arrive for my international flights 4 hours before, just in case and especially in a foreign country.
Your India example is the reason I always check out local requirements before I leave the USA. Luckily, someone directed me to the women's line before I put up my luggage. And I found the staff at the India airports I used quite helpful and I never worried about the stuff.
I was abroad a few years ago where my father had been living and he passed away, so I withdrew a decent amount of money from his bank account to cover anticipated funeral expenses, some of which could only be paid for in cash. The expenses turned out to be a lot less than I expected, and I had no way to spend all that money locally that would make sense, and because the exchange rate wasn't favorable at the time I decided to take it back home with me and figure out what to do with it then. To be on the safe side I put all that currency in my pants pockets, fearing that if I put it in one of my bags it would be removed and stolen by one of the agents manning the scanners or an accomplice. But when I was going through security the agent saw the bulges and told me to empty them out. I quietly informed him that it was cash, but he said that I still had to empty it all out and put it in one of my trays. So I did, and proceeded nervously through the scanner to await my trays on the other side. Thankfully, it was all there and no one had tampered with it, but those were some pretty nerve-wracking moments as I waited.
Thank You for these situations. Well Done as usual. Villains' are everywhere in the airport arena. Always question someone who appears too helpful. Off to Toronto for First Responder refreshers and updates, not really International though. Ollie is such the good dog!
In the UK we have an even bigger legalised scam called the "airport drop-off charge". Your taxi or friend or family member who drives you to the airport has to pay a fee for driving to the terminal to drop you off, and it's not cheap, and sometimes not easily signposted on how much or how to pay. On the basis that you are already paying a fee to use the airport as part of your ticket price, this should be outlawed - you're almost certainly going to spend some money in the terminal too. Imagine if a shopping mall charged you an admission fee.....
The fact that these scams are at the airport security is beyond now😡. Years ago checking in to go home from Kos in Greece, the women told me I was 1.5kg over the weight, I stood my ground knowing full well I wasn't. I hadn't been over the weight flying out and I infact had been the one one carrying all the sun creams, body washes and shampoos, which had all been used. She actually backed down and told me that as we were flying as a family we could use the combined weight. My boys were embarrassed I stood my ground but there was no way 8 was going to pay extra when I knew 10000% I was well under the weight
I just got back from traveling in India on Saturday and was caught out with the different security line for make/female. But thankfully nothing was taken. There was no signs posted and we were even talking with a male security person standing behind the rack where you place your bin of items to go through the scanner and he did not even mention to us that we were in the line for females only. Thankfully a lady who was in front told us the male security line was the next one over. It is soooo much you have to remember and be ware of. Hope that we can all stay safe enough. Safe travels and greeting from London 🇬🇧
In Egypt a random guy at the airport wanted to grab my bag just to pass it through the x ray machine. Everything in that country was a scam. That’s I’m never going there again.
I always keep my valuables in a small backpack and carry it on, so the only thing that they would get at the airport inside my luggage would be very dirty underwear
@@casinosalwayswins3654Not if you keep it on you at all times. The only time your luggage should ever leave your physical possession is at the security checkpoint. Even then, you should be watching your stuff. Your checked bags have a much higher chance of being stolen than your bags you carry with you.
@PortableProfessional u seriously need to stop being scammed 🤣🤣 like holy shit woman looks like u should watch youtube videos of scams in each country before u fuckin travel there 🤪🤪 come on now u kno better than to get fuckin scammed i kno u r not ret@rded 🤭🤭
(Mrs. Wm.) Waiting in a Taxi Line for close to an hour (very tired). Gypsy woman stormed in front to take my taxi. Objected & sat in the cab meanwhile she took my luggage & put in in the next cab for her (while everyone in line watched). Went to that vehicle took the bag out & placed in in my cab. With hard stares at each other, told driver to take me home in Los Angeles. Can not let your guard down even when you arrive home!
I have traveled to airports all over the world and the one I felt most uncomfortable in was the one in Cairo. As much as I would return to Egypt in a heartbeat I would look for a flight that went directly someplace else, other than Cairo.
I was shocked that this happened to me at the boarding gate of a SWISS flight in Zurich, Switzerland! I had carry on luggage and a personal item (as per ticket) and they weren't overweight. I also had my jacket and a paper bag with a sandwich I just bought to eat on the plane. Unfortunately I was sitting just at the gate, closest to the counter. A very rude lady came to me and said I need to pay extra for my luggage. I politely explained that I only have a jacket and this small paper bag and even showed her the sandwich inside. She didn't want to listen and forced me to pay 60 eur on the spot (with credit card only) if I wanted to board the plane with my luggage. She then proceeded to select 5 more people in the front (who also had normal luggage, nothing extra) and forced them to do that as well. As there was NO logic behind it and NO time, everyone paid but a few people complained that they will send an official complaint to the company. It's such a BAD practice and it was obvious that they had a QUOTA to fill. Some passengers that boarded after us, did have many more pieces of luggage than it was allowed, bus were lucky not to be selected for the pay up.
Wow! They know you really have no choice at this point except to miss your flight! Unfortunately you experienced a blatant example of the carry on crackdown. Thanks for sharing this!
Yes I went through the process of complaining to Swiss about my cancelled flight and being stuck at the airport in Zurich with my wheelchair bound father at 1030 at night a month ago. It took them weeks to respond and I was given a standard "we apologise" email. Their customer service doesn't exist
It happened to me at Bangkok airport with Qatar Airlines. I’ll never fly Qatar Airlines again and have let them know this several times. If I were you, I’d never fly Swiss Air again, and let the know why. You have to hurt these airlines in their pocketbook to affect any change.
"Oh, I'm just holding my husband's jacket and sandwich while he runs to the bathroom. It's his only carryon." Then consolidate after she's moved onto the next person. I also have to say that, while it sounds like it may not have mattered if you did consolidate, I have no sympathy for people who have extra carry on items and say "it's just my purse" or "it's really small". There has to be a line and it's published really clearly. I agree yours was minor, but people have pushing that limit so much these days that the airlines have had to crackdown.
GREAT video! The most confusing airport I've navigated was when we were flying out or Marrakech. There were countless security 'checkpoints' that day, and when we were finally assigned a gate there were a LOT of people at our gate being told to step over for some form of additional type of bag checks. They were still checking the bags of the people in line as the plane started boarding. Fortunately for us, I did know that you couldn't fly out of there with any local currency. At least that was one less headache to reach our flight!
Back in the seventies I arrived at Calcutta Airport for a flight to Bangkok. The fare was about $80, the gate man said unless I gave him $10 he wouldn't let me on the flight. That's about $50 in today's money. He did this in full view of other workers so I suspect they all did it. So corruption at airports is nothing new.
This happened in Virginia to my sister. She handed her bags over to the first class skycap (or whatever they are called) at the airport entrance and they were never seen again. Thieves are evrywhere.
Thanks Megan, always great info. Having lived and traveled throughout Asia - China, Vietnam, Cambodia, to name a few - for the past two decades (a bit stuck in one country during the pandemic), these scams are all too frequent. Try a border crossing between VN and Cambodia. Better to fly. I could go on but, do your research, trust your gut. Move on. Keep up the great work you do.
Megan - you provide very economical and practical tips and insights. Thank you. I have been an intended target of some of these scams in overseas markets. Gypsy cabs are a real problem in many countries. Fell victim twice: Bangkok (1986) and Moscow (2013). Each time I was released without payment after offering a “physical incentive.” A few years ago, I was astonished to be approached by a ride scammer at EWR (Newark). I will admit, I’m kinda proud to see that some things are still “Made in America.” 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🇲🇽
Be careful with the scales when doing a self check-in. The last time I did it I was supposed to be 3kg above the weight limit (knowing well that I was actually under as I had checked it at home). I did not accept that and went to the counter for a personal check-in. This is what I always recommend, put yourself in a situation where you know the weight beforehand or if close to the limit check in at the counter.
I think my wife and I were scammed at our local airport by a United Airlines technician. We were boarding a transfer to an international flight so we had to be there early. And we were. But the line didn't move because the "technician" had a "problem" with the scales machinery. As soon as our international check-in deadline was over, we were rebooked on the next day's flight. The "honest" mechanic probably earned free seats for his family. And we lost a day of our vacation and 60 miles of fuel.
This is one of the reasons I believe having a luggage scale is a good thing! In the case where you were forced to pay the fee, you could have videoed the situation. Then after, disputed the charge with your credit card company providing the video as evidence.
Timely and informative video. In your Egypt experience I wonder if you had an AirTag if it would have initially assisted you in locating your luggage. I have trackers in all mine even though I travel with carry on. Costa Rica in 2025 next.
If legit employees are scamming you, take out your phone and video it. Say UA-cam.😁 I take pictures of my taxi driver's credentials and make sure they see me doing it.
My daughter is traveling back to UK after surprising me on my 80th bday here in Vancouver. On the second security check her PASSPORT was nowhere on the tray where she placed it. she immediately informed the staff but they did not helped her. As a result she missed her flight home.
We were flying home to the U.S. from Scotland last month. I placed all of my items in the bin, except for my passport. I never, ever place my passport in the bin. The staff person repeatedly told me to place my passport in the bin. I refused, saying "Absolutely not, it stays with me at all times." She argued; I said "No" several times and proceeded to the body scanner with the woman hollering at me that I was forbidden to hold my passport. I just kept walking, and when I got to the scanner, another security person standing at the scanner asked if she could hold my passport. "Of course," I said. And she immediately handed it back to me as I walked through. Simple solution. Sorry that happened to your daughter. Stolen passports are worth a lot of money, and losing one could be a nightmare.
I flew out of the Cairo airport a few months ago, and had a phone charger bank stolen at airport security. It was in an inside zippered compartment in my personal item backpack. It was new, expensive, and very annoying to lose. Men and women were separated, and the officials were (illegally) asking for money. The whole scene was chaotic and I couldn’t keep my eyes on my bag and personal items, I now lock all my bags before any security checks. I don’t know what else I can do…any suggestions?
Bottom line: inform yourself, keep your eyes on your stuff, and don't trust anyone who offers to help out of the blue. Airport staff have got enough to do - they aren't going to be extra friendly offering to do more work. Whether it's a scam or not, nothing is for nothing. What blows my mind is how airports know about the scam artists, but they don't seem at all able to control it. (Kinda worrying, security wise, right?)
If they can steal stuff from your luggage, they can also put stuff in for illegal transport. It makes a mockery of 'tight' security and all these rules and regulations
How is it a "scam" if there is a separate designated and clearly marked queue for ladies? I do agree it is difficult to keep a watch on one's belongings if one's security /body scan is done behind closed curtains. In India ( having flown several sectors with my wife and sisters) we could always request the staff not not draw the curtains during body scans. It never was a problem....but I must say your video is very informative and helpful. Keep it up!!
The currency exchange in the airport is already a scam with the rates they charge. Best strategy is to use as little cash as possible and have a credit card that doesn't charge conversion fees. Next best is to keep that cash decently concealed and exchange it at a bank in the US when you get back.
I was leaving Amsterdam in July. My luggage was included on my way there and for some reason it wasn’t on the way back. I paid $50 Canadian for my way there and on the way back they wanted 100 Euros! I paid but complained when I got back and was given a travel voucher for compensation.
I did that before, then was disappointed when I got back to my country and seen how the amount went down a ton..lol....but some is better than none I guess
In going to Florence, Italy, Iberia and Vueling airlines at Adolfo Suarez Airport are not coordinated. Iberia personnel directed me to go to Vueling check-in (outside airport security) to get my boarding pass. The priority pass cost me nothing and did get me through security more quickly but the ordeal cost me over 45 minutes running and commuting between terminals. Coming back to the US, I experienced the “overweight” luggage scam at the Vueling check-in in the Florence airport. My Italian friend weighed my suitcase prior to taking me and it was 2 Kg under the limit but over at check-in.
Someone comes up to you and offers you something, take a photo with them. Ask for their name, etc. A scammer doesn't want to waste time on someone who is careful enough to document the situation. They also might not be interested in scamming someone who has their photo for a possible police report.
oh la la, fancy Frenchy with the makeup. hopefully keeping those toes pedicured for the head to toes deliciousness. I love your travel videos, as they are often ahead of the curve on other travel vloggers I watch. I travel 2-3x a month, U.S. domestic. while I do not run into much of this, mainly because of TSA/Clear, it is still very helpful to know these things and be able to advise my friends who do not have these things, pay or via their credit cards like Amex, etc.. keep up the good work Frenchy!
Your videos are awesome and very informative. Can you also do a video on doggie hotels, and what options there are for people who have cats or other pets? What do you do with Ollie when you travel?
Great advice. Thank you. Particularly the gift card advice. We had this happen in Morocco but would not give them the money as we said we needed to buy food inside the airport. Think they were taken aback by our audacity and let us keep it. 🤣
Not sure the frequency matters as much as knowing these and other scams can happen at almost any airport. I would say be a little more cautious in the larger busier airports.
Flew from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, all went well till we were about to get in our Taxi/Van. Two men grabbed our luggage and put them in the vehicle, then turned and told our guide we had to pay them each $5.00 per bag. There was four of us and 2 to 3 bags each. We were told by our guide to Not Argue with them and just pay. Ten bags, Two men = $100.00
On my last trip in Europe I flew with Ryanair. I never went with low budget carriers before, always preferred to travel with national carriers, KLM or Luxair. I decided to invest in a little digital scale. Best €10 spent, ever. Gave me such a peace of mind. I also decided for once to read the baggage allowance a few days before I took off for my holiday. To read the do’s and don’t do’s when going through a baggage check or an airport. I must tip my hat to the sales people of Ryanair. They really know how to squeeze an extra € out of a traveler. You see that more and more when booking online. Be it a flight ticket, a concert ticket, a hotel or Airbnb room, a rental car or buying travel insurance.
Scams happen all over the world and especially at international airports. Scammers know that many travelers aren’t familiar with their surroundings and can easily become marks. If I leave the U.S. with a few thousand in cash, I put it in my bag in an area that’s not easy to access. If someone tries to take it, it’s not going to be very easy. Once I clear security I put the cash back in my pocket. Baggage “helpers” are also common in many countries. Some will just a lay a hand on your luggage and then demand payment. Never let anyone carry or even touch your belongings. Traveling the world is nice, but you sort of have to assume that you’ll be a target for a scammer/thief and prepare accordingly.
Money scams also occur in US airports. At the security scanners, they will notice that you are carrying cash, and just before boarding, a DEI officer will approach and say have you any cash, and a dog will 'scan' you, sit on command and you lose your money, or miss the flight.
Why are human beings SO disgusting!!!!!! So sorry for anyone that has had any of these things happen to them. Make me NOT want to travel. Thank you for all of these!
When we arrived in Nairobi we had to leave the International terminal and go to the domestic terminal. We had a very helpful gentleman “help” us with our luggage and then demand a tip.
Don’t put up with them! Move to North Korea where you’ll be happy. Fly Koryo Airlines from Beijing. Or paddle an inner tube to Cuba. You’ll blend right in.
I always keep my foreign money to use for next time. Mind you, one doesn't need cash much these days. In all my years of flying, I have never yet had anybody weigh my carry-on. This year, sadly, I did get scammed by a taxi driver outside of Gare du Nord. I really do appreciate your videos.
@@renferal5290 it’s not euros or £. It’s other countries around the world. Morocco, maybe Algeria, and one other country I planned to visit. Other countries put a limit on the amount you can take out, like the US (it’s relatively a lot).
This happened to me at Paris airport 7-8 years ago. I bought a gift at duty freeshop (victoria secret) that went trough scanner and never came out. I called supervisor, and again nothing happened. I lost my gift. Now I keep my eyes on my luggage as it enters scanner and only then proceed to other side.
@@JM.TheComposer I forgot to mention it happened to me at Pudong airport in 2018. So if that happened to you recently, that scam has been running for at least 6 years. Obviously no one is doing anything to stop it. Makes you wonder how many people actually take the bait.
I also had an experience in Beijing airport, where a male security guard pat me down (I'm a female). I have said "no" and pointed to a woman security lady but both ignored me despite the fact that I am Asian but not Chinese speaking Asian.
Three years ago they sold "Fast Pass" at London Stansted, BUT it is at the entrance to the separate Fast Pass lane. So, if you didn't buy a priority ticket, you'll see a person who checks the ticket and usually offers to sale the extra ticket at the official counter. I've heard there are people walking around with such fake stamps at the check in area pretending to sale a stamp. People were shocked to find they bought a fake stamp when arriving at the security entrance. Because they were in a hurry to catch their flight, the scammers were able to get away. In the UK, you either buy the "Priority line with your ticket, OR you get it at an official window that is more often than not at the entrance of the security line.
In Johannesburg, South Africa airport if you are flying directly back to US - at the gate there is a TSA check happening. At this point, I have been asked the following by South Africa approved US TSA employees: 1. May I have your SA Rand as you are leaving? 2. Is your fannybag a real Gucci bag? May I have it? Luckily, I haven't flown directly to US since the pandemic but if you are, please be in a look out of this.
The first scam makes no sense in reality Before you go through TSA, you already got rid of all the checked-in baggage at the desk, so what's left is your backpack for example, so how does it end up at the desk again? This makes no sense
I used to travel extensively during my professional years, and got occasionally involved in dispute regarding some silly rule with the counter staff at a foreign airport. It always helped insisting to see a supervisor, even when the staff maintained that there was nobody available at the moment. It may have taken a bit of waiting but the supervisor eventually always came, and resolved the issue mostly in my favour.
It pays to arrive at the airport early, as the time buffer works for you in case of unexpected problems.
Whenever we travel to a foreign country we haven’t been to before I like to go on UA-cam to see what are the latest scams in that country. I find it very useful because there’s always a new scam making the rounds.
That does not apply for Egypt tho.
They develop new scams on daily basis.
Just typ on UA-cam *egyptian scammers*
Great tip on the Starbucks and McDonalds cards!
Yeah, set apart what you saved from a nice trip and spend it on junk food.
@@carloduroni5629 at least coffee is not junk food and it’s better to have a gift card for coffee then to lose money outright because you are too stupid to not get your money exchanged
@@carloduroni5629 aww, it's too bad you didn't realize there are other types of gift cards you could get. Example doesn't mean the entire spectrum. But I guess you'd be screwed, huh?
I bought an Apple gift card for this reason and when I got home, found out it needed to be used physically in that country 😆
Luckily, it was the UK and I know I’ll be back someday.
1st scam, I never let anyone help me with my bags in an airport. I had a bad experience in MPLS airport, coming in from Japan, I thought the dudes in the baggage claim were airport employees just being helpful. But he wanted money once he finished and was pretty insistent. They got me because coming from Japan, where airport employees do help you and don't expect to be paid, I forgot where I was. Leads me to the second tip provided here. In Japan, if you are traveling with kids and lining up to check in a flight, at the gate waiting to board, or even go through immigration, they will actively seek you out to put you in a faster tracked line for families. So its not a scam everywhere. The way airports operate in Japan make US airports seems like 3rd world toilet holes. I've never encountered the other scams mentioned in the vid.
I was offered fast-track by the agent that checked my luggage into my flight home to the US. I might have been more suspicious if it were just some random employee.
The problem is many countries, they don't ask. They come and life your baggage to walk you out or in. Also, they intentionally dress up in uniforms like customs officers or agents and you won't know the difference like she mentioned, for what purpose they are there for.
This is one of the best travel videos I have seen lately. Thanks for your content. Great job keeping us informed!
I always learn something new. Great information. Thanks Megan and Ollie.
This happened to me and other tour members at Cairo airport. The security guard asked for passports and kept them. We went through security and he had a baggage handler take our luggage. Security guard gave our passports to the baggage handler. We couldn't get our passports back. He guided us to our checkin gate at which point I grabbed the passports out of his hands and told the tour members to grab their luggage. He was flustered but not enough to demand a tip. I swore and gave him what money I had left 50 egyptian pounds left, about 1 US dollar. Really pissed me off. If they had just given us the choice instead of scamming us they would have gotten a bigger tip. I don't know what Cairo Airport is thinking allowing this to continue.
Again had an experience like that of course in Egypt, they took my passport after I checked in and was clearing the gates where they search you. The Egyptian Authorities decided to call my Embassy to find out if this passport was real. No idea of why they would suspect otherwise and no answer from them besides you have to wait. I knew that they would have to give me my passport because it was real. However the flight was boarding shortly and this took over half an hour I almost missed my flight and could have but I continually mention the flight was leaving. It was intense and at times I thought they would arrest me because I kept coming up to them and not sitting away from them like they told me. Had I not insisted I think I would lost the flight and my money.
Probably the best scam prevention video ever
Thank you so much! Safe travels, Dana!
@PortableProfessional thank you for the great content 👍
Bangladesh worst international airport ever, scams everywhere
Why aren’t airports arresting the scammers? Kickbacks?
Airports don't have jurisdiction to arrest people. Security staff are only concerned with flight security.
Because airports don't arrest people. That's law enforcements job
If it Egypt, it is a very corrupt country so it is not something they enforce. We just see the marketing, the sphinx and the people that know how to talk very humbly from Egypt but if you do a web search about women's rights, prisoner's being killed etc you will realise it is not at all what they advertise.
I'm leaving for Thailand in 3 days. I travel quite a bit, and have never had any problems at the airport with any scams. Touch wood.
Thailand has been one of the friendliest and most accommodating places I have ever been.
I am in Thailand right now typing this. Never been scammed in Thailand in my 6 trips here (touch wood) but connecting through Middle East airports have always been troublesome (see my comment in the main comment section)
Can you imagine! We can't trust airport employees and security staff, the ones we rely on at the airport.
Yes, I keep reading this. That's beyond unacceptable.
The world has a fat role model for this in Dirty Donny, the most untrustworthy scammer, who scammed the U.S. into voting for him!
I haven't flown in nearly 20 years, and my son is flying me to China in little more than a month to meet my new grand baby. I've been watching videos non stop so I am prepared for just about anything, but with every video I learn something new. This was an especially informative video over all. Thank you.
China is very safe country just worry about your money because you'll be eating a lot of yummy foods🎉😊
Ugh. Much appreciate these warnings. Ollie helps to make hearing all this bad news a bit better...❤
I had no idea that there are countries that forbid their money to be taken out of the country 😱
Tunisia is one and they're all in on it. First trip we were stopped by a policeman, second time it was the security guard at the passport desk.
Only corrupt countries
@@andrewmorgan1819 how do they know if we keep the money inside the bags?
I thought that government agents in the USA relieve people of their cash prior to flying. 🤔
North Korea too. Hopefully nobody goes there anymore though because it’s pretty dumb to go to a place that can decide on a whim that they’re not going to let you leave-and there’s no recourse because they refuse to follow any international rules or diplomatic procedures.
Thank you for these great tips. The overnight luggage scam happened to me in Seattle, returning from an Alaska cruise. My bag was underweight in LAX, but very overweight in Seattle. Luckily, my son took some of my stuff from my bag into his. To this day, I feel I was almost scammed.
Wait, are you saying you were robbed of things out of your bag or it was just a false number on the scale?
@@breadroomghost8764 false and inflated.
Just hook your toe under the scale and push up a little.
Great video. 👍
Regarding the overweight luggage, I would request to speak to a supervisor and wait. I always arrive for my international flights 4 hours before, just in case and especially in a foreign country.
Your India example is the reason I always check out local requirements before I leave the USA. Luckily, someone directed me to the women's line before I put up my luggage. And I found the staff at the India airports I used quite helpful and I never worried about the stuff.
I was abroad a few years ago where my father had been living and he passed away, so I withdrew a decent amount of money from his bank account to cover anticipated funeral expenses, some of which could only be paid for in cash. The expenses turned out to be a lot less than I expected, and I had no way to spend all that money locally that would make sense, and because the exchange rate wasn't favorable at the time I decided to take it back home with me and figure out what to do with it then.
To be on the safe side I put all that currency in my pants pockets, fearing that if I put it in one of my bags it would be removed and stolen by one of the agents manning the scanners or an accomplice. But when I was going through security the agent saw the bulges and told me to empty them out. I quietly informed him that it was cash, but he said that I still had to empty it all out and put it in one of my trays. So I did, and proceeded nervously through the scanner to await my trays on the other side. Thankfully, it was all there and no one had tampered with it, but those were some pretty nerve-wracking moments as I waited.
Thank You for these situations. Well Done as usual. Villains' are everywhere in the airport arena. Always question someone who appears too helpful. Off to Toronto for First Responder refreshers and updates, not really International though. Ollie is such the good dog!
In the UK we have an even bigger legalised scam called the "airport drop-off charge". Your taxi or friend or family member who drives you to the airport has to pay a fee for driving to the terminal to drop you off, and it's not cheap, and sometimes not easily signposted on how much or how to pay. On the basis that you are already paying a fee to use the airport as part of your ticket price, this should be outlawed - you're almost certainly going to spend some money in the terminal too. Imagine if a shopping mall charged you an admission fee.....
It’s a bit like a ‘resort fee’ at a hotel
We were literally 1 minute in Edinburgh drop off and were charges £5!
Same in Australia
That's nothing they also charge you at hospitals for parking in England and also some supermarkets.
Great informative video.
The fact that these scams are at the airport security is beyond now😡.
Years ago checking in to go home from Kos in Greece, the women told me I was 1.5kg over the weight, I stood my ground knowing full well I wasn't. I hadn't been over the weight flying out and I infact had been the one one carrying all the sun creams, body washes and shampoos, which had all been used.
She actually backed down and told me that as we were flying as a family we could use the combined weight.
My boys were embarrassed I stood my ground but there was no way 8 was going to pay extra when I knew 10000% I was well under the weight
I just got back from traveling in India on Saturday and was caught out with the different security line for make/female. But thankfully nothing was taken. There was no signs posted and we were even talking with a male security person standing behind the rack where you place your bin of items to go through the scanner and he did not even mention to us that we were in the line for females only.
Thankfully a lady who was in front told us the male security line was the next one over.
It is soooo much you have to remember and be ware of.
Hope that we can all stay safe enough.
Safe travels and greeting from London 🇬🇧
In Egypt a random guy at the airport wanted to grab my bag just to pass it through the x ray machine. Everything in that country was a scam. That’s I’m never going there again.
Egypt is very bad. Same here I will never travel there.
One of the most beautiful places to visit what are you talking about never had a problem
@@theresahana7210beautiful country doesn't mean no scammers there. 👎🤬🤐🤮
I always keep my valuables in a small backpack and carry it on, so the only thing that they would get at the airport inside my luggage would be very dirty underwear
Smart! Thanks for the visit!
I mean, depending on who ends up with your luggage, that dirty underwear might actually be the more valuable commodity lol 🤷🏻♀️😂
But backpack is too risky and easy to steal
@@casinosalwayswins3654Not if you keep it on you at all times. The only time your luggage should ever leave your physical possession is at the security checkpoint. Even then, you should be watching your stuff.
Your checked bags have a much higher chance of being stolen than your bags you carry with you.
@PortableProfessional u seriously need to stop being scammed 🤣🤣 like holy shit woman looks like u should watch youtube videos of scams in each country before u fuckin travel there 🤪🤪 come on now u kno better than to get fuckin scammed i kno u r not ret@rded 🤭🤭
Great tips, so many scammers.
(Mrs. Wm.) Waiting in a Taxi Line for close to an hour (very tired). Gypsy woman stormed in front to take my taxi. Objected & sat in the cab meanwhile she took my luggage & put in in the next cab for her (while everyone in line watched). Went to that vehicle took the bag out & placed in in my cab. With hard stares at each other, told driver to take me home in Los Angeles. Can not let your guard down even when you arrive home!
Gypsy is considered to be a bit of a racist slur
Gipsy in Los Angeles???!!!
@@casinosalwayswins3654 Thank to Biden Harris open border
How can you say if someone is a gypsy, and what difference does ethnicity matter anyway?
@@casinosalwayswins3654might be Irish or English gypsies 😂
South Africa! This video is so important and scary. I didn't know about these scams and appreciate your teaching us! 🐾❤️ Hey Ollie!
Not meant to scare you but to hopefully keep you safer. Enjoy your time in South Africa!
I have traveled to airports all over the world and the one I felt most uncomfortable in was the one in Cairo. As much as I would return to Egypt in a heartbeat I would look for a flight that went directly someplace else, other than Cairo.
I was shocked that this happened to me at the boarding gate of a SWISS flight in Zurich, Switzerland! I had carry on luggage and a personal item (as per ticket) and they weren't overweight. I also had my jacket and a paper bag with a sandwich I just bought to eat on the plane. Unfortunately I was sitting just at the gate, closest to the counter. A very rude lady came to me and said I need to pay extra for my luggage. I politely explained that I only have a jacket and this small paper bag and even showed her the sandwich inside. She didn't want to listen and forced me to pay 60 eur on the spot (with credit card only) if I wanted to board the plane with my luggage. She then proceeded to select 5 more people in the front (who also had normal luggage, nothing extra) and forced them to do that as well. As there was NO logic behind it and NO time, everyone paid but a few people complained that they will send an official complaint to the company. It's such a BAD practice and it was obvious that they had a QUOTA to fill. Some passengers that boarded after us, did have many more pieces of luggage than it was allowed, bus were lucky not to be selected for the pay up.
Wow! They know you really have no choice at this point except to miss your flight! Unfortunately you experienced a blatant example of the carry on crackdown. Thanks for sharing this!
Yes I went through the process of complaining to Swiss about my cancelled flight and being stuck at the airport in Zurich with my wheelchair bound father at 1030 at night a month ago. It took them weeks to respond and I was given a standard "we apologise" email. Their customer service doesn't exist
It happened to me at Bangkok airport with Qatar Airlines. I’ll never fly Qatar Airlines again and have let them know this several times. If I were you, I’d never fly Swiss Air again, and let the know why. You have to hurt these airlines in their pocketbook to affect any change.
"Oh, I'm just holding my husband's jacket and sandwich while he runs to the bathroom. It's his only carryon." Then consolidate after she's moved onto the next person.
I also have to say that, while it sounds like it may not have mattered if you did consolidate, I have no sympathy for people who have extra carry on items and say "it's just my purse" or "it's really small". There has to be a line and it's published really clearly. I agree yours was minor, but people have pushing that limit so much these days that the airlines have had to crackdown.
@@PortableProfessionaldo you think if I show up very early for check in my luggage will avoid this situation??!!
GREAT video! The most confusing airport I've navigated was when we were flying out or Marrakech. There were countless security 'checkpoints' that day, and when we were finally assigned a gate there were a LOT of people at our gate being told to step over for some form of additional type of bag checks. They were still checking the bags of the people in line as the plane started boarding. Fortunately for us, I did know that you couldn't fly out of there with any local currency. At least that was one less headache to reach our flight!
Back in the seventies I arrived at Calcutta Airport for a flight to Bangkok. The fare was about $80, the gate man said unless I gave him $10 he wouldn't let me on the flight. That's about $50 in today's money. He did this in full view of other workers so I suspect they all did it. So corruption at airports is nothing new.
This happened in Virginia to my sister. She handed her bags over to the first class skycap (or whatever they are called) at the airport entrance and they were never seen again. Thieves are evrywhere.
Thanks Megan, always great info. Having lived and traveled throughout Asia - China, Vietnam, Cambodia, to name a few - for the past two decades (a bit stuck in one country during the pandemic), these scams are all too frequent. Try a border crossing between VN and Cambodia. Better to fly. I could go on but, do your research, trust your gut. Move on. Keep up the great work you do.
My favorite response to some of the scams is a heavy sigh.
Great tips. It's hard to believe there are so many scams everywhere. I will make sure I keep my scale with me as well.
great tips, the vietnam incident is just so annoying
TSA stole my Ray Ban glasses at Newark airport in NJ.
Your tips are super helpful for anyone planning to travel. Thanks for sharing this essential information to keep us safe! ❤
Megan - you provide very economical and practical tips and insights. Thank you. I have been an intended target of some of these scams in overseas markets. Gypsy cabs are a real problem in many countries. Fell victim twice: Bangkok (1986) and Moscow (2013). Each time I was released without payment after offering a “physical incentive.” A few years ago, I was astonished to be approached by a ride scammer at EWR (Newark). I will admit, I’m kinda proud to see that some things are still “Made in America.” 🇨🇦 🇺🇸 🇲🇽
Be careful with the scales when doing a self check-in. The last time I did it I was supposed to be 3kg above the weight limit (knowing well that I was actually under as I had checked it at home). I did not accept that and went to the counter for a personal check-in. This is what I always recommend, put yourself in a situation where you know the weight beforehand or if close to the limit check in at the counter.
Thanks for the tip! Safe travels!
I think my wife and I were scammed at our local airport by a United Airlines technician. We were boarding a transfer to an international flight so we had to be there early. And we were. But the line didn't move because the "technician" had a "problem" with the scales machinery. As soon as our international check-in deadline was over, we were rebooked on the next day's flight. The "honest" mechanic probably earned free seats for his family. And we lost a day of our vacation and 60 miles of fuel.
You are right! Sometimes it’s hard to see a scam even after it has happened. Safe travels!
This is one of the reasons I believe having a luggage scale is a good thing! In the case where you were forced to pay the fee, you could have videoed the situation. Then after, disputed the charge with your credit card company providing the video as evidence.
How this possible??!! Sound not realistic to me
Timely and informative video. In your Egypt experience I wonder if you had an AirTag if it would have initially assisted you in locating your luggage. I have trackers in all mine even though I travel with carry on. Costa Rica in 2025 next.
If legit employees are scamming you, take out your phone and video it. Say UA-cam.😁 I take pictures of my taxi driver's credentials and make sure they see me doing it.
Absolutely GREAT idea! Ultimately YOU have the upper hand!!
My daughter is traveling back to UK after surprising me on my 80th bday here in Vancouver.
On the second security check her PASSPORT was nowhere on the tray where she placed it. she immediately informed the staff but they did not helped her. As a result she missed her flight home.
We were flying home to the U.S. from Scotland last month. I placed all of my items in the bin, except for my passport. I never, ever place my passport in the bin. The staff person repeatedly told me to place my passport in the bin. I refused, saying "Absolutely not, it stays with me at all times." She argued; I said "No" several times and proceeded to the body scanner with the woman hollering at me that I was forbidden to hold my passport. I just kept walking, and when I got to the scanner, another security person standing at the scanner asked if she could hold my passport. "Of course," I said. And she immediately handed it back to me as I walked through. Simple solution. Sorry that happened to your daughter. Stolen passports are worth a lot of money, and losing one could be a nightmare.
Passport is the one thing they can't make you put in the bin. You can hold it the entire time.
@ Thank you for your advice.
But then the damage had been done.
I flew out of the Cairo airport a few months ago, and had a phone charger bank stolen at airport security. It was in an inside zippered compartment in my personal item backpack. It was new, expensive, and very annoying to lose. Men and women were separated, and the officials were (illegally) asking for money. The whole scene was chaotic and I couldn’t keep my eyes on my bag and personal items, I now lock all my bags before any security checks. I don’t know what else I can do…any suggestions?
Bottom line: inform yourself, keep your eyes on your stuff, and don't trust anyone who offers to help out of the blue. Airport staff have got enough to do - they aren't going to be extra friendly offering to do more work. Whether it's a scam or not, nothing is for nothing.
What blows my mind is how airports know about the scam artists, but they don't seem at all able to control it. (Kinda worrying, security wise, right?)
If they can steal stuff from your luggage, they can also put stuff in for illegal transport. It makes a mockery of 'tight' security and all these rules and regulations
How is it a "scam" if there is a separate designated and clearly marked queue for ladies? I do agree it is difficult to keep a watch on one's belongings if one's security /body scan is done behind closed curtains. In India ( having flown several sectors with my wife and sisters) we could always request the staff not not draw the curtains during body scans. It never was a problem....but I must say your video is very informative and helpful. Keep it up!!
Egypt has been known to be a VERY SKETCHY country.
Thank you for another informative video! Very helpful!
I'm heading to Egypt next year. I'll definitely add a few Arabic baggage handling phrases to my vocabulary.
Nothing but thief to be found. Not worth it, believe me
The currency exchange in the airport is already a scam with the rates they charge. Best strategy is to use as little cash as possible and have a credit card that doesn't charge conversion fees. Next best is to keep that cash decently concealed and exchange it at a bank in the US when you get back.
Really helpful, thank you!
Glad to hear it! Safe travels!
I was leaving Amsterdam in July. My luggage was included on my way there and for some reason it wasn’t on the way back. I paid $50 Canadian for my way there and on the way back they wanted 100 Euros! I paid but complained when I got back and was given a travel voucher for compensation.
Thank you for the great tip about loading local currency onto a global retailer's gift card. That's brilliant!
I did that before, then was disappointed when I got back to my country and seen how the amount went down a ton..lol....but some is better than none I guess
Retail gift cards won’t work in a different country!
@corina4546 i put 80 CAD on a Starbucks gift card, then when back in USA it went down to like 50USD! Lol I was mad. Lol
Megan! In Egypt there’s tourist police that will help with aggressive handlers.
In going to Florence, Italy, Iberia and Vueling airlines at Adolfo Suarez Airport are not coordinated. Iberia personnel directed me to go to Vueling check-in (outside airport security) to get my boarding pass. The priority pass cost me nothing and did get me through security more quickly but the ordeal cost me over 45 minutes running and commuting between terminals. Coming back to the US, I experienced the “overweight” luggage scam at the Vueling check-in in the Florence airport. My Italian friend weighed my suitcase prior to taking me and it was 2 Kg under the limit but over at check-in.
Someone comes up to you and offers you something, take a photo with them. Ask for their name, etc. A scammer doesn't want to waste time on someone who is careful enough to document the situation. They also might not be interested in scamming someone who has their photo for a possible police report.
oh la la, fancy Frenchy with the makeup. hopefully keeping those toes pedicured for the head to toes deliciousness.
I love your travel videos, as they are often ahead of the curve on other travel vloggers I watch. I travel 2-3x a month, U.S. domestic. while I do not run into much of this, mainly because of TSA/Clear, it is still very helpful to know these things and be able to advise my friends who do not have these things, pay or via their credit cards like Amex, etc.. keep up the good work Frenchy!
What an unusual thing to post out there in the ether
Thank you very much for an excellent video
Glad you liked it! Safe travels, Charles!
Good job! Appreciate your advice and warnings
Thank you for this video
Your videos are awesome and very informative. Can you also do a video on doggie hotels, and what options there are for people who have cats or other pets? What do you do with Ollie when you travel?
Great advice. Thank you. Particularly the gift card advice. We had this happen in Morocco but would not give them the money as we said we needed to buy food inside the airport. Think they were taken aback by our audacity and let us keep it. 🤣
Hi Megan, thanks for the heads up, do you happen to know which Region in the World this incidents are happening more frequently?
Not sure the frequency matters as much as knowing these and other scams can happen at almost any airport. I would say be a little more cautious in the larger busier airports.
@@PortableProfessional Thanks for the tip 🙂✈️
Headed to Mexico and can’t wait. Thanks for your very helpful videos.
My pleasure! Have fun!
Flew from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires, all went well till we were about to get in our Taxi/Van. Two men grabbed our luggage and put them in the vehicle, then turned and told our guide we had to pay them each $5.00 per bag. There was four of us and 2 to 3 bags each. We were told by our guide to Not Argue with them and just pay. Ten bags, Two men = $100.00
Currency Exchanges can be one big scam. I find it funny that the German word for money changer is similar to the English word Weasel.
On my last trip in Europe I flew with Ryanair. I never went with low budget carriers before, always preferred to travel with national carriers, KLM or Luxair. I decided to invest in a little digital scale. Best €10 spent, ever. Gave me such a peace of mind. I also decided for once to read the baggage allowance a few days before I took off for my holiday. To read the do’s and don’t do’s when going through a baggage check or an airport. I must tip my hat to the sales people of Ryanair. They really know how to squeeze an extra € out of a traveler. You see that more and more when booking online. Be it a flight ticket, a concert ticket, a hotel or Airbnb room, a rental car or buying travel insurance.
Leaving for Taiwan tomorrow...and better equipped to deal with the flights. Thanks again.
Scams happen all over the world and especially at international airports. Scammers know that many travelers aren’t familiar with their surroundings and can easily become marks. If I leave the U.S. with a few thousand in cash, I put it in my bag in an area that’s not easy to access. If someone tries to take it, it’s not going to be very easy. Once I clear security I put the cash back in my pocket. Baggage “helpers” are also common in many countries. Some will just a lay a hand on your luggage and then demand payment. Never let anyone carry or even touch your belongings. Traveling the world is nice, but you sort of have to assume that you’ll be a target for a scammer/thief and prepare accordingly.
Thanks for sharing and safe travels!
Money scams also occur in US airports. At the security scanners, they will notice that you are carrying cash, and just before boarding, a DEI officer will approach and say have you any cash, and a dog will 'scan' you, sit on command and you lose your money, or miss the flight.
Video idea: Airports with the longest walks. As in from entrance/exits to the gates. I'm looking at you Stockholm!
Wow this was a depressing video! But thanks, very useful info!!
Why are human beings SO disgusting!!!!!! So sorry for anyone that has had any of these things happen to them. Make me NOT want to travel. Thank you for all of these!
It was nice of Ollie to (mostly) stay awake through this video... 🤣
Going to Gibraltar Spain and I am only carrying a backpack. Nothing to check in. Thanks for this wonderful and needed video.
When we were in Cuba we just bought a bunch of rum before we got on the boat. That how we used up all the Cuban money.
When we arrived in Nairobi we had to leave the International terminal and go to the domestic terminal. We had a very helpful gentleman “help” us with our luggage and then demand a tip.
Next month going to Barcelona... onto a cruise to other ports in Spain & Morocco..
In the US scammers exist too. They’re called corporations.
Don’t put up with them! Move to North Korea where you’ll be happy. Fly Koryo Airlines from Beijing. Or paddle an inner tube to Cuba. You’ll blend right in.
I always keep my foreign money to use for next time. Mind you, one doesn't need cash much these days. In all my years of flying, I have never yet had anybody weigh my carry-on. This year, sadly, I did get scammed by a taxi driver outside of Gare du Nord. I really do appreciate your videos.
Great to know you enjoy the videos.. Look forward to seeing you back here next week!
For many countries outside of Europe, it’s illegal to take their money. I wouldn’t want to risk it. I’ve had my carryon weighed many times.
@@Nubianette I wonder why that is? I have had no issues with Euros or pounds. I never have very much
@@renferal5290 it’s not euros or £. It’s other countries around the world. Morocco, maybe Algeria, and one other country I planned to visit. Other countries put a limit on the amount you can take out, like the US (it’s relatively a lot).
This happened to me at Paris airport 7-8 years ago. I bought a gift at duty freeshop (victoria secret) that went trough scanner and never came out. I called supervisor, and again nothing happened. I lost my gift. Now I keep my eyes on my luggage as it enters scanner and only then proceed to other side.
Im flying to Philippines next month One of worst airports in the world not sure what to expect
Great tips 😊
Glad you like them!
I was halfway expecting you to throw out that luggage scale to lower the weight of your bag enough to make it under the carry on limit
Funniest airport scam: In Shanghai, some random guy came up to me and tried to sell me a top model iPhone with no box and papers. 🤣
The exact same thing happened to me. That’s never happened anywhere else to me.
@@JM.TheComposer I forgot to mention it happened to me at Pudong airport in 2018. So if that happened to you recently, that scam has been running for at least 6 years. Obviously no one is doing anything to stop it. Makes you wonder how many people actually take the bait.
Traveling to Thailand next . Thanks for the tips
You are very welcome, Stephanie! Have a super trip!
I also had an experience in Beijing airport, where a male security guard pat me down (I'm a female). I have said "no" and pointed to a woman security lady but both ignored me despite the fact that I am Asian but not Chinese speaking Asian.
Three years ago they sold "Fast Pass" at London Stansted, BUT it is at the entrance to the separate Fast Pass lane. So, if you didn't buy a priority ticket, you'll see a person who checks the ticket and usually offers to sale the extra ticket at the official counter. I've heard there are people walking around with such fake stamps at the check in area pretending to sale a stamp. People were shocked to find they bought a fake stamp when arriving at the security entrance. Because they were in a hurry to catch their flight, the scammers were able to get away. In the UK, you either buy the "Priority line with your ticket, OR you get it at an official window that is more often than not at the entrance of the security line.
In Johannesburg, South Africa airport if you are flying directly back to US - at the gate there is a TSA check happening. At this point, I have been asked the following by South Africa approved US TSA employees: 1. May I have your SA Rand as you are leaving? 2. Is your fannybag a real Gucci bag? May I have it? Luckily, I haven't flown directly to US since the pandemic but if you are, please be in a look out of this.
These are great, thank you!
You're welcome! Glad you like them!
Thank you Megan! 👍
You're so welcome!
Don't trust anyone.
The first scam makes no sense in reality
Before you go through TSA, you already got rid of all the checked-in baggage at the desk, so what's left is your backpack for example, so how does it end up at the desk again? This makes no sense
Morocco , 🇲🇦 cuba 🇨🇺 … 2 places I would NEVER go to ever. Ever ever ever even if you paid me
Scummers are everywhere.
So many scams. My next trip is to Italy in December.
Knowing some of what to be aware is helpful. Have a safe and wonderful trip!