My friend once told me… “late” is my middle name. And I just have to keep proving it…

 

While heading to the airport in Penang, I was just sharing stories with Nic and Sheila about how I nearly missed my flights previously, and telling them, this time I’m very sure it’s 630pm. I did my internet check-in and thought, well, I can be there at 530pm and still board on time. As usual, I looked for my flight details upon arriving at the airport, and to my horror, it says 605pm. The conversation with the check-in personel went like this…

 

Me: *walked towards one of the many closed counters* Erm… I’m checking in for 605pm flight to Singapore…

CIP: Sorry, it’s closed, you have to wait for the next flight.

Me: Can you please let me go through?

CIP: I’m sorry, I’ll put you on the next flight.

Me: … ok, but I checked in already

CIP: !!!! *speaking in the calmest tone he could muster*… Mr Tan… even if you have checked in, you STILL have to be here early.

Me: I…

CIP to colleague: Help me print a ticket for 63 Kilo… *typing furiously on his computer*

CIP to Me: *look at all my bags (4 of them)* You have to hand carry everything…

Me: But got liquid inside… more than 100ml…

(at this point, I can tell he wants to tear me apart… but still keeping it very professional)

CIP: Ok, bring it here… *handed me the boarding pass* now go to the gate IMMEDIATELY!!

Me: …*points at his desk*… my passport.

CIP: … (good thing they are not armed, else I think he’ll shoot me)

 

I think they are going to ban me from flying very soon. Ok ok, I promise, next time I’ll be there early, I’ll bring a book to read. So sorry about the inconveniences, but I have to say, they are so much nicer than the ones I encountered in Singapore, because here, they “follow law”.