The Saga of an Umbrella

Continuing with the theme of rains and umbrellas - there is one story involving an umbrella, which I never will forget. Here goes:

When in the US, CBM and I decided to buy this big, yet nice umbrella, which was also to double up as a souvenir. It served us well through our stay in the US. We decided to get this umbrella back to India, since it was expensive, very useful and was also of senti value. The only thing that had to be checked was whether it would be allowed on board an aircraft.

We were travelling Air India (my first time with Air India, which I had diligently avoided till then because of all the horror stories). One reason why we booked Air India was because it promised to be a "direct flight," with a stopover at London. What we believed was, that like any other hopping flight, it would stop at London for refueling, the flight would be cleaned etc and basically, we wouldn't have to get off the aircraft. Seemed a good deal!

I went on to the Air India website and checked the list of articles not allowed in the cabin. There was no mention of an umbrella. It infact said that an umbrella could be taken on board, though the sketch was of a parasol. I then checked the US ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms) website, which also did not mention an umbrella in the list of prohibited items. Hence, the umbrella was with us when we lined up at the check-in counter. We checked in our luggage and the rude lady (Air India!!) at the counter said that the umbrella wouldn't be allowed onboard. I asked her whether that was an Air India rule, to which she replied that it wasn't and that it was an ATF rule and if the ATF had no problem at security check, we could take it onboard. I promptly walked across to the ATF officials. They had a look at my umbrella and said that I could take it onboard. First battle won, CBM and I were kicked. We got on to the aircraft, umbrella in tow, kept it very carefully next to us.

Early next morning we landed in London. Just as we had been warned by some of our friends who had taken this flight earlier, the purser informed the passangers that we were required to get off the aircraft, get into Heathrow and security check once again and re-enter the aircraft. The process had to be completed in 30 mins and so, everyone was expected to quickly run to security check and re-enter the aircraft (which was going to be parked at the same gate!!). All cabin baggage also had to be taken, which meant umbrella had to be taken as well. We didn't anticipate a problem. If the US ATF had permitted us to carry it, why would the British stop us!

We got to the Security check counter. There was this police woman, (who reminded me of Jane Goody) at the security check counter. She had one look at the umbrella and said, you cant take this. I argued that I was a transit passanger and it was unfair to tell me now that I cant take it. She said too bad, you either go into England and check it in or throw it. CBM and I looked at each other and said that we hear right. Did she say enter England?? I decided to re-check.

Me: "You mean you want me to go through immigration and check this in?"

Policewoman: "Yes," (with this evil look on her face!)

Me: "I dont have a visa, nor do I have the time"

Policewoman: "Too bad for you then..Throw it."

Me: "Can I ask Air India if they are willing to check it in at the boarding gate, if you check and ensure that it is not dangerous etc etc"

Policewoman: Yes

That was the break. We begged and pleaded with the Air India staff there and one saving grace of the flight, was that one of the guys agreed. He said he would check it in. It would not have a baggage tag - but would have a sticker with my name and seat number on it. They wouldnt be responsible if it got lost or destroyed and he was doing it as a personal favour, considering the stupidity of the alternative and because we were on a transit flight! We agreed to all his conditions and thanked him. He escorted us to the gate, gave the umbrella to someone and that someone disappeared. We didnt have too much hope that we'd see the umbrella again, but it was better than giving it to the Jane Goody look-alike.

We landed in Delhi around 7 hours later and it was time to get to the conveyor belt to claim luggate. We had 6 pieces + umbrella. None of the 7 pieces came for around 20 mins. Then, they started appearing. 1, 2, 3, 4..no umbrella yet, 5.."I guess we have lost the umbrella..a lost battle!" and suddenly, there comes the umbrella!! :). We were ecstatic. Except for some grease and a tiny tiny tear, the umbrella was in one piece. We had won the battle :).