Woman Advises People To Be Alert About Overly Friendly Chatty Seatmates On Planes With Her Now-Viral Story
You can never be too safe on an airplane. Even with strict rules (so strict that you can’t even joke about it), there is always something you can do to ensure greater safety and security while traveling by plane.
Translator, journalist and blogger Unigwe Chidalu from Lagos, Nigeria recently re-shared a bit of knowledge on how you can be safer on airplanes in the form of a Twitter thread that tells a story of how a woman came this close to accidentally becoming an accessory to a drug smuggling attempt.
More Info: Twitter
You can never be too safe on an airplane, especially if someone’s acting hella friendly around you
Image credits: Michael Rehfeldt
A story has been floating around the internet that serves as a fair warning to those traveling by plane and having overly friendly seatmates
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
So, Mr. Chidalu re-shared a story on his Twitter that serves as a warning to everyone who travels a lot by plane. In particular, the story advised passengers to beware of overly friendly and chatty seatmates.
You see, the story’s protagonist—a woman—was traveling to Dubai, and during the flight, she had one such seatmate. For most of the trip, the two talked and bonded.
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
However, towards the end of it, the elderly lady started experiencing stomach pains—serious enough to alarm the personnel and lead to a quickened departure from the plane.
During this whole deal, the older woman kept referring to her new friend, the young protagonist, as her daughter, and wouldn’t stop holding her hand tightly.
A man who had previously helped the old lady with her luggage understood that something was afoot, and warned the younger helping woman, telling her to distance herself and to let the cabin crew take care of it.
He was a god-send.
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
When everyone got off the plane, the story’s protagonist was at the luggage carousel when she saw something quite unusual: the old lady who was seated in a wheelchair—because, remember, she wasn’t feeling well—stood up and began running, leaving her handbag behind.
Moments later, the old lady was apprehended, screaming “my daughter” at the younger woman. It turned out she was a part of a drug smuggling operation, and had hence dragged our story’s protagonist into it.
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
Image credits: Unigwechidalu
The young woman was questioned, extensively, but due to the fact that she didn’t touch the old lady’s handbag—that other man did—and she rejected all claims of being related, just like the other man advised, airport officers believed her and let her go.
So, this leads us to the moral of the story, which is that you can never be too careful on planes, and even being asked by a friendly elderly lady to handle her luggage can turn very ugly. So stay safe out there.
While some were skeptical of the whole deal, others shared similar stories of how they were almost dragged into shady things
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The story was posted on several different websites, but those never really gained much attention until now when Chidalu shared it on his Twitter where he got a modest amount of likes—almost 9,300—with 7,400 retweets.
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Some commenters questioned how the old lady smuggled the drugs into the airport in the first place. Others were suspicious of the old lady right from the start, and yet others actually related to the story, further cementing the idea to be aware of things when traveling.
Do you have some safety stories from your travels? Share with us in the comment section below!
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Dont do this. You can obviously prove that you are not related to that other person since your ID will be completely different and also your final destination. Many (like me) are not strong enough to put a suitcase in the trunk or carry it in the stairs. Dont abandon people who needs help for fear or a 1 in a 1000 chance of meeting a evil person
Well, if you DO meet that evil person you may well face the death penalty in some countries so nope, you are on your own. CHECK YOUR DAMN BAGS if they are too heavy for you to lift.
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My favourite part is when he passed her a secret note.
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You all who are finding the story strange: I am NIGERIAN. and here are the FACTS: 1. YES - these things HAPPEN: I wonder why you all are disbelieving it? 2. People get on board with all sorts of things here! From bribed officials with as low as $20, to massive multi-million $ cartels. 3. This mule may have BOTH methods: swallowed some drugs, and the rest in her bag. 4. The timing is also right: Lagos to Dubai flight is about 9 hours. Caught Mules say that is about the time that improperly wrapped "swallows" start to unravel. It does lead to sweating and pains! You have every right to not believe something, but do not insult those who do.
But I don't understand... She already managed to get the drugs to her destination. Why would she try to recruit a patsy *after* the flight?
To get them through security the other side, I guess? Maybe when the scam works, the old lady and "daughter" are rushed through without the proper procedures.
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As someone completely innocent who has come up against border control in another country where they made a decision about you that was wrong and couldn't be proven, yet they enforced it..... I support being super wary of anything that might cause you trouble. Even in the most 'understanding', 'english speaking', 'western' nation, you are just a number to border control. I ended up in 18 hours of jail for doing nothing other than being someone that border control didn't like. So be wary and stay safe out there...
They dusted both suitcases for fingerprints?? Sure, Jan. Too many details is a clue that this might be a tall tale. If they’re so thorough in their investigation, they could have just checked their ID, security cameras, tickets and how they were purchased, a hundred things before dusting for prints!
And passing secret notes to each other. My god, did a primary schooler write this? 😆
Load More Replies... I had a young woman sit next to me on a plane from upstate NY to Texas. She was talking really fast and had exaggerated movements. I assumed she was drunk or high. I got up to use the bathroom and found her passed out across my seat. Out dead cold. I got the flight attendant to assign me another seat and let them know her behavior was irratic. She was still out cold when we landed. Not my problem. Let the crew take care of her.
You're not gonna get implicated just because some lunatic claims to know you. There are approximately 5000 ways of proving you don't know each other. This is paranoid.
Two decades ago it was always people asking you to carry a small item (e.g., a weirdly heavy teddy bear) to somebody in you destination city... That quickly became too well-known to work.
I don't know about this. I'm not a smuggler ( but I've seen some on T.V.) but I think I could come up with a way better plan than this. Interesting story though.
I assure you it happens. No one needs your validation. I have personally experienced my own brother in-law who brought a pack of "food" for me to help deliver to a "friend" in the UK. I welcomed him very well, assured him, then when he left - I opened EVERYTHING. I cannot confirm here what I saw concealed in those packs of food - let's just say that the Toilet got very busy. I later told Brother In-law that bags were lost in transit. And up till today, more than 10 years later - Brother In-law has not asked me about his message... Strange, isn't it? And oh, I am Nigerian, just like the person who posted this story in the first place.
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Very good made for TV movie story fodder, How do I get back the 5 wasted minutes of reading this crazy stuff!
While travelling to Cuba years ago, this old fella, well old for me, I was in my early twenties back then and he might have been 50 or so, casually approached me again in the security line queue and asked me if I would be so kind to put what was literally something that looked like a book, but wrapped in brown paper, I mean, it looked like one of those packages from mafia films. He said it was a gift for his grandchild but you could see that the shape was not perfect, so it was not a book, it only looked like it. He had already approached me earlier at the bar and we had drank a beer or two together. So in that queue he was all buddy like. He said I can't fit this in my bag could you put it in your backpack. I went immediately in fight or flight. Took a few steps away, while making clear hand gestures that were meant to put distance between me and him, while loudly telling him, sorry I do not carry other people's belongings through security. He looked at me with pure hatred. So glad I behaved like that.
I’m chatty and friendly to people I sit next to on planes, it’s how I met my husband! I’m 100% not a drugs mule, please still speak to me.
I don't buy it. All bags have to be checked at customs before boarding, especially international flights. Perhaps corrupt customs officials, or they are not doing their job properly. I was told not to accept gifts (because of hidden illegal stuff) before flights, or touch other passengers' luggage (traces of drug transfer) to avoid trouble.
"All bags have to be checked at customs before boarding" yeah that doesn't happen everywhere
Load More Replies... So no one is bringing up that Cameron Diaz movie and how she ended up in a Thai prison for helping "friends" she had just met? Or the Law & Order episode - I think Criminal Intent - where there was a drug mule who swallowed balloons filled with drugs? For the Cameron Diaz one, for those who are questioning the end game, it was to create a diversion so that a larger shipment could pass through customs. Seems like that could be the case here. The only question I have for the story is how they were able to not only dust for but also compare fingerprints so fast. Could this have happened? Probably. Is it a better story with some embellishments that didn't happen? Probably.
Granny gets a whole bag full on drugs on the plane, but TSA took my legally purchased marijuana seeds out of my checked bag!! OK, so it's not legally federally yet, but it is now in Virginia (where I was headed). I can't wait for the day I'm old enough to be a "sweet old lady!!" Since I'm a grouchy young lady, this will be a nice change for everyone I know. :)
i'd be worried the woman was part of a trafikking ring first. i would tell the stewards my fear, and let them deal with it.
FYI luggage is generally screened by security for safety concerns before boarding (bombs and guns), authorities can screen for money and contraband but are generally concerned with stuff entering the country vs leaving. So yes, must drug smugglers are caught on arrival, not departure
Not travelling but I am a receptionist. Once had a guy walk in to business dressed in suit carrying a brief case. He asked me if he could leave his brief case with me he has a meeting in the city. I said no go to train station they have lockers there. He kept insisting I said no sorry I can't do that.
Yes.. This type of crime is common and many innocent people has incarcerated due to small help they give to a random nice people.
This will definitely make me think before helping a stranger at the airport.
BLESSINGS BELOVES I WILL FIND AN AUTHORIZED PERSON TO ASSISTS IF IT IS TO HEAVY..I AM GONNA RISK THE PARTY OR MYSELF BEING INJURED IT IS SO EASY TO DO WHEN LIFTING OR GRABBING SOMETHING SOME INJURIES ARE NOT NOTICABLE TILL DAYS LATER.. THEN YOU ARE LEFT TRYING TO RECOOPERATE GOD FORBID YOU LIVE ALONE OR HAVE TO BE OUT OF WORK.. SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST
No! She only got stressed and sweaty AFTER unexpected landing was announced? Remember also her attempts to make the OP carry her luggage? The drugs were in the suitcase. Different places different methods (e.g. South America to Schiphol, almost always as you describe).
Load More Replies... Dont do this. You can obviously prove that you are not related to that other person since your ID will be completely different and also your final destination. Many (like me) are not strong enough to put a suitcase in the trunk or carry it in the stairs. Dont abandon people who needs help for fear or a 1 in a 1000 chance of meeting a evil person
Well, if you DO meet that evil person you may well face the death penalty in some countries so nope, you are on your own. CHECK YOUR DAMN BAGS if they are too heavy for you to lift.
Load More Replies... My favourite part is when he passed her a secret note.
Load More Replies... You all who are finding the story strange: I am NIGERIAN. and here are the FACTS: 1. YES - these things HAPPEN: I wonder why you all are disbelieving it? 2. People get on board with all sorts of things here! From bribed officials with as low as $20, to massive multi-million $ cartels. 3. This mule may have BOTH methods: swallowed some drugs, and the rest in her bag. 4. The timing is also right: Lagos to Dubai flight is about 9 hours. Caught Mules say that is about the time that improperly wrapped "swallows" start to unravel. It does lead to sweating and pains! You have every right to not believe something, but do not insult those who do.
But I don't understand... She already managed to get the drugs to her destination. Why would she try to recruit a patsy *after* the flight?
To get them through security the other side, I guess? Maybe when the scam works, the old lady and "daughter" are rushed through without the proper procedures.
Load More Replies... As someone completely innocent who has come up against border control in another country where they made a decision about you that was wrong and couldn't be proven, yet they enforced it..... I support being super wary of anything that might cause you trouble. Even in the most 'understanding', 'english speaking', 'western' nation, you are just a number to border control. I ended up in 18 hours of jail for doing nothing other than being someone that border control didn't like. So be wary and stay safe out there...
They dusted both suitcases for fingerprints?? Sure, Jan. Too many details is a clue that this might be a tall tale. If they’re so thorough in their investigation, they could have just checked their ID, security cameras, tickets and how they were purchased, a hundred things before dusting for prints!
And passing secret notes to each other. My god, did a primary schooler write this? 😆
Load More Replies... I had a young woman sit next to me on a plane from upstate NY to Texas. She was talking really fast and had exaggerated movements. I assumed she was drunk or high. I got up to use the bathroom and found her passed out across my seat. Out dead cold. I got the flight attendant to assign me another seat and let them know her behavior was irratic. She was still out cold when we landed. Not my problem. Let the crew take care of her.
You're not gonna get implicated just because some lunatic claims to know you. There are approximately 5000 ways of proving you don't know each other. This is paranoid.
Two decades ago it was always people asking you to carry a small item (e.g., a weirdly heavy teddy bear) to somebody in you destination city... That quickly became too well-known to work.
I don't know about this. I'm not a smuggler ( but I've seen some on T.V.) but I think I could come up with a way better plan than this. Interesting story though.
I assure you it happens. No one needs your validation. I have personally experienced my own brother in-law who brought a pack of "food" for me to help deliver to a "friend" in the UK. I welcomed him very well, assured him, then when he left - I opened EVERYTHING. I cannot confirm here what I saw concealed in those packs of food - let's just say that the Toilet got very busy. I later told Brother In-law that bags were lost in transit. And up till today, more than 10 years later - Brother In-law has not asked me about his message... Strange, isn't it? And oh, I am Nigerian, just like the person who posted this story in the first place.
Load More Replies... Very good made for TV movie story fodder, How do I get back the 5 wasted minutes of reading this crazy stuff!
While travelling to Cuba years ago, this old fella, well old for me, I was in my early twenties back then and he might have been 50 or so, casually approached me again in the security line queue and asked me if I would be so kind to put what was literally something that looked like a book, but wrapped in brown paper, I mean, it looked like one of those packages from mafia films. He said it was a gift for his grandchild but you could see that the shape was not perfect, so it was not a book, it only looked like it. He had already approached me earlier at the bar and we had drank a beer or two together. So in that queue he was all buddy like. He said I can't fit this in my bag could you put it in your backpack. I went immediately in fight or flight. Took a few steps away, while making clear hand gestures that were meant to put distance between me and him, while loudly telling him, sorry I do not carry other people's belongings through security. He looked at me with pure hatred. So glad I behaved like that.
I’m chatty and friendly to people I sit next to on planes, it’s how I met my husband! I’m 100% not a drugs mule, please still speak to me.
I don't buy it. All bags have to be checked at customs before boarding, especially international flights. Perhaps corrupt customs officials, or they are not doing their job properly. I was told not to accept gifts (because of hidden illegal stuff) before flights, or touch other passengers' luggage (traces of drug transfer) to avoid trouble.
"All bags have to be checked at customs before boarding" yeah that doesn't happen everywhere
Load More Replies... So no one is bringing up that Cameron Diaz movie and how she ended up in a Thai prison for helping "friends" she had just met? Or the Law & Order episode - I think Criminal Intent - where there was a drug mule who swallowed balloons filled with drugs? For the Cameron Diaz one, for those who are questioning the end game, it was to create a diversion so that a larger shipment could pass through customs. Seems like that could be the case here. The only question I have for the story is how they were able to not only dust for but also compare fingerprints so fast. Could this have happened? Probably. Is it a better story with some embellishments that didn't happen? Probably.
Granny gets a whole bag full on drugs on the plane, but TSA took my legally purchased marijuana seeds out of my checked bag!! OK, so it's not legally federally yet, but it is now in Virginia (where I was headed). I can't wait for the day I'm old enough to be a "sweet old lady!!" Since I'm a grouchy young lady, this will be a nice change for everyone I know. :)
i'd be worried the woman was part of a trafikking ring first. i would tell the stewards my fear, and let them deal with it.
FYI luggage is generally screened by security for safety concerns before boarding (bombs and guns), authorities can screen for money and contraband but are generally concerned with stuff entering the country vs leaving. So yes, must drug smugglers are caught on arrival, not departure
Not travelling but I am a receptionist. Once had a guy walk in to business dressed in suit carrying a brief case. He asked me if he could leave his brief case with me he has a meeting in the city. I said no go to train station they have lockers there. He kept insisting I said no sorry I can't do that.
Yes.. This type of crime is common and many innocent people has incarcerated due to small help they give to a random nice people.
This will definitely make me think before helping a stranger at the airport.
BLESSINGS BELOVES I WILL FIND AN AUTHORIZED PERSON TO ASSISTS IF IT IS TO HEAVY..I AM GONNA RISK THE PARTY OR MYSELF BEING INJURED IT IS SO EASY TO DO WHEN LIFTING OR GRABBING SOMETHING SOME INJURIES ARE NOT NOTICABLE TILL DAYS LATER.. THEN YOU ARE LEFT TRYING TO RECOOPERATE GOD FORBID YOU LIVE ALONE OR HAVE TO BE OUT OF WORK.. SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST
No! She only got stressed and sweaty AFTER unexpected landing was announced? Remember also her attempts to make the OP carry her luggage? The drugs were in the suitcase. Different places different methods (e.g. South America to Schiphol, almost always as you describe).
Load More Replies...
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