BA - CAI to ORD $1741
May 10, 2018, 6:08 am
#76
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May 10, 2018, 12:56 pm
#77
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 509
It was really evident. He was giving me grief about a bottle of wine in my luggage, saying I couldn't take it into the airport. (This was the primary screening into the airport, not the main one into the terminal). He then did the universal hand gesture for money. That's when I suggested we grab the LH duty manager to clarify the rules. He grumbled and let me pass after that.
Could you clarify? Whom do you bribe? How much do you bribe?
A security screener hit you up for a bribe
? How was it phrase? I sometimes wonder if the extensive security screening I've gotten while transferring at AMM or KWI was at attempt at bribery, but decided it couldn't be since no one asked for one.
A security screener hit you up for a bribe
? How was it phrase? I sometimes wonder if the extensive security screening I've gotten while transferring at AMM or KWI was at attempt at bribery, but decided it couldn't be since no one asked for one.
May 10, 2018, 1:41 pm
#78
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
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Posts: 577
Write to the airline and the tourism board.
It was really evident. He was giving me grief about a bottle of wine in my luggage, saying I couldn't take it into the airport. (This was the primary screening into the airport, not the main one into the terminal). He then did the universal hand gesture for money. That's when I suggested we grab the LH duty manager to clarify the rules. He grumbled and let me pass after that.
I would advise everyone that has an issue to do the same.
Egypt is trying to revive tourism. This stuff is a problem.
Just a note, I think I will write the tourism board on this issue.
I have forgot about doing this before.
Last edited by 2old4coach; May 10, 2018 at 1:41 pm Reason: spelling
May 10, 2018, 4:03 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
I apologize, I meant DOH-AMM-CAI.
Done and done, immediately after ticketing 
. Grabbed two center sears in row 3 for the two of us.
I had forgotten. Yet another reason not to leave bags in DOH and not bring them to CAI, I suppose. Unless maybe BA would short-check CAI-LHR-DOH and let us pick them up in DOH? We were warned that QR in LHR wouldn't short-check to DOH, but maybe BA would? Probably safer to leave in DOH hotel for two days, unless there's a worry about laptop and iPad getting stolen from bag in hotel luggage room?
We land at 6:00 PM, but because of the fairly early BA flight CAI-LHR want to stay near the airport. Haven't decided between Le Meridian at the airport or the W-A Heliopolis Towers.
Thanks. I'm thinking it makes more sense for us to stay close to the airport, and ride and hour to and from Giza on the one full day when we want to see something. Appreciate the tip on not bothering to go inside the pyramids.
. Grabbed two center sears in row 3 for the two of us.
My second hotel was Hilton, and I believe Hilton hotels at 10000 points is a steal there. I stayed in town and is walking distance to the museum, which is a good place for you to spend the day. I have not done UBER there as a result. For pyramids visits I used a tour, it was good and I think a lot of them are good.
If you only want to do the pyramids and Sphinx, then I would advise staying in Giza. It is about an hour to/from the airport but you will be right there. This has to be done in a booked tour, which will be most convenient via your hotel. IMHO there is not much point in crawling around in hot and congested spaces inside the pyramids; just admire the grandeur from near and far. If you stay in Giza, you can also do a sound and light show if you wish.
May 10, 2018, 4:08 pm
#80
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
It was really evident. He was giving me grief about a bottle of wine in my luggage, saying I couldn't take it into the airport. (This was the primary screening into the airport, not the main one into the terminal). He then did the universal hand gesture for money. That's when I suggested we grab the LH duty manager to clarify the rules. He grumbled and let me pass after that.
May 10, 2018, 4:50 pm
#81
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Now dirt, BA Silver soon dirt EX NW IGE. EX BA Gold EX AA EXP x9. SQ Gold
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I apologize, I meant DOH-AMM-CAI.
Done and done, immediately after ticketing. Grabbed two center sears in row 3 for the two of us.
I had forgotten. Yet another reason not to leave bags in DOH and not bring them to CAI, I suppose. Unless maybe BA would short-check CAI-LHR-DOH and let us pick them up in DOH? We were warned that QR in LHR wouldn't short-check to DOH, but maybe BA would? Probably safer to leave in DOH hotel for two days, unless there's a worry about laptop and iPad getting stolen from bag in hotel luggage room?
We land at 6:00 PM, but because of the fairly early BA flight CAI-LHR want to stay near the airport. Haven't decided between Le Meridian at the airport or the W-A Heliopolis Towers.Thanks. I'm thinking it makes more sense for us to stay close to the airport, and ride and hour to and from Giza on the one full day when we want to see something. Appreciate the tip on not bothering to go inside the pyramids.
Done and done, immediately after ticketing
. Grabbed two center sears in row 3 for the two of us.
I had forgotten. Yet another reason not to leave bags in DOH and not bring them to CAI, I suppose. Unless maybe BA would short-check CAI-LHR-DOH and let us pick them up in DOH? We were warned that QR in LHR wouldn't short-check to DOH, but maybe BA would? Probably safer to leave in DOH hotel for two days, unless there's a worry about laptop and iPad getting stolen from bag in hotel luggage room?
We land at 6:00 PM, but because of the fairly early BA flight CAI-LHR want to stay near the airport. Haven't decided between Le Meridian at the airport or the W-A Heliopolis Towers.
Many years ago we used the"Ahlan" service but now it is $100 usd per person for non Egyptians about $32 usd)
I was going to use it in September but they now insist on Egyptian pounds, and will not take crisp USD bills... still a nice service that avoids the baggage bribes. ( I think?)
May 10, 2018, 5:03 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Many years ago we used the"Ahlan" service but now it is $100 usd per person for non Egyptians about $32 usd)
I was going to use it in September but they now insist on Egyptian pounds, and will not take crisp USD bills... still a nice service that avoids the baggage bribes. ( I think?)
I was going to use it in September but they now insist on Egyptian pounds, and will not take crisp USD bills... still a nice service that avoids the baggage bribes. ( I think?)
May 10, 2018, 5:06 pm
#83
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SFO
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Posts: 577
May 10, 2018, 5:08 pm
#84
Join Date: Dec 2006
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May 10, 2018, 5:45 pm
#85
Join Date: Aug 2004
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May 11, 2018, 9:50 am
#87
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That’s an insane amount to tip in Egypt when you consider an Uber from the airport to city centre hotels along the Nile costs $6... before the half-price “sale” offer you’ll start receiving by email from Uber for subsequent rides! And paying $100 for a VIP escort is pure lunacy!
May 11, 2018, 1:21 pm
#88
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Aspen, CO
Posts: 792
That’s an insane amount to tip in Egypt when you consider an Uber from the airport to city centre hotels along the Nile costs $6... before the half-price “sale” offer you’ll start receiving by email from Uber for subsequent rides! And paying $100 for a VIP escort is pure lunacy!
Just take Uber! Drivers are usually younger, friendly and have nicer cars...
May 13, 2018, 12:51 pm
#90
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747
To be driven out to the aircraft, in addition to the other services, it sounds quite reasonable. If they didn't have a customer base they wouldn't be charging this amount, I am sure many people pay it. Compared to $10,000+ for first class travel, which people do pay, $100 is nothing.