Stepping Outside of South Africa

When I stepped off the SAA flight in Hong Kong, I stepped out of a world I knew and recognised. I was changing airlines so, would have to pick up my baggage but I had no idea where I was going. I followed the english signs that said exit assuming they'd eventually lead me to the baggage reclaim. After what felt like at least 2kms of walking I got to where I needed to be. I had no idea what the time was but knew I only had two hours between flights which didn't give me much time to check my stuff in.

Heavy luggage in tow I found my way to the departures check in. My flight was booked with Cathay Pacific, so I look out for their symbol and find my way to an open check in point. I promptly get redirected, apparently I'm not in business class. No surprise there. Then when I get to what I think is the correct check in aisle I'm turned away agian. Turns out I'm not booked with Cathay Pacific but with Korean Air, my flight booking was changed. I sift through the wads of printed paper I have and find my most recent flight print out. Ah my mistake. “Where is Korean Air?” I ask. Aisle G I'm told.

I walk to the end and get in line. I’m a little over weight and I’m worried she’ll charge me extra, I don’t want to have to dig into my dollars. I’ve got the heavy stuff in my handbag though, the big bottle of bodywash, shampoo and conditioner. Necessary beauty comforts. Who knows what they use in Korea. No problem my stuff makes it thorugh.

I on the other hand don’t. As my hand luggage goes through the x-ray point, they pull it aside and search through it with gloved hands. I feel like a criminal. “Can not take,” the security guard says in her basic english as she waves my bottled beauty products in my face. “Why?” I ask. Beginning to panic at the thought of having to abandon them. The giant half a litre body wash is hypo allergenic and I have very sensitive skin. I protest to myself. I’m going to need that to come with me.

“100ml maximum,” she says as she points to the 500ml measurement on the bottle. New flight regulations, thanks to terrorists. The South African airport security hadn’t seemed too bothered though. Typical, World Cup soccer security is clearly up to scratch I think.

“Can I check it in? I have to take it with me,” I explain to her.

She repacks all my things, keeping my liquids aside and escorts me out the back exit, and I find my way back to the Korean Air check in and the woman who had helped me. I explain my predicament and she goes off while I stand there for a while wondering what she’s going to do. She returns with a box and some duct tape. My stuff is sent on its way. What a relief I’ll have my non-allergenic body wash because God knows what I’m getting myself into.