I recall an incident at Colombo during check in for my journey back to LHR. Some of you will, I am sure, know that a departure fee is charged and it is/was £10 Stirling payable only with a Bank of England treasury note., I.e. IN CASH!
One passenger, a US citizen on a US passport but traveling as part of the Kuoni group I was with, decided that he was not liable to pay the fee and claimed that he would only pay, by force, in US Dollars.
The airport authority refused as he was part of a British travel group. He got louder and foolishly threatened the CIA upon these lovely and kindly Sri Lankans upon which soldiers appeared with rifles at readiness. This was during the Civil War with the Tamil Tigers and tensions were very high.
One well spoken lady stepped in and offered to pay this American's fee so that the flight could board and a fully booked A340 takes a while to board and checklists etc. need to be actioned.
Two hours late and a seething group of travelers to boot, we left Colombo and most of us settled into a regime of lowered lights and the hope of some sleep on the 12 hour flight.
Not this blowhard American, demanding this, that, and whatever whims that came to mind. His seatback screen did not work. Actually none of them did as this was an AirLanka aircraft and probably one of the earliest A340-300 built. After what appeared to be forever, most of us were thinking about ways to neutralize this fellow when the Captain announced that we had to land in Frankfurt due to technical reasons and we should remain in our seats as the stoppage would be brief.
We landed and several US Air Force police came on board and took the gentleman into custody and removed him from the airplane. Don't ask! I have no idea what he was doing on a Kuoni tour group, his connection to the USAF and how he slipped past USAF security.
The remaining 2 hours of the flight was an airborne party and the cabin crew were fully engaged with us.
Drinks were free of charge and after landing, Kuoni issued vouchers of £200 pounds off the same holiday as an apology for inconvenience and any unpleasantness.
It could have been much worse but the sheer relief could not be contained.
It remains clear to me that a great deal of activity occurs behind the screens, eyes are watching every step we take, and I offer one personal example.
Landing at BHX from Monastir Tunisia, I left the aircraft via the airbridge, toddling along with my significant limp and somewhat slower than everyone else.
Needing an urgent toilet break, I 'dived' into the first that came into sight and did my business and took an extra few minutes to rest my leg.
I resumed my trek to Passport and was greeted by several Police Officers, armed, and immigration officers. They enquired into why it took me nearly 30 minutes to reach Passport control.
Needlessly to say this but I was very impressed how the Airport can manage passenger flow to such detail that if someone had difficulties, they would find you.
Eyes behind walls, eyes everywhere! What a wonderful airport be BHX.
My apologies to Sir Raymond but I fear I have somewhat strayed off topic, my respects sir!!
