My Travel Experience: The Hiccups at Nigeria Airport

Traveling from Nigeria to the United Kingdom was a journey I had looked forward to for weeks. But honestly, nothing could have prepared me for the airport drama that came with it. From the moment I arrived at the Nigerian airport to when I finally boarded the plane, it was a mix of stress, surprise, and valuable lessons I will never forget.

The Unexpected Airport Rules

The experience started right at the airport entrance. My friend and sister had come with me to help, but to my surprise, they weren’t allowed to go inside. At first, I felt a bit emotional, but I soon realized the airport security officials were simply following their regulations. So, I had to face the rest of the process on my own.

Luckily, I was able to pay for a carriage service (₦3,000 as of that time), to help with my luggage. The carrier was kind enough to push my bags to the airline check-in area. I remember thinking how light my luggage felt and how everything I packed was essential. But RwandAir apparently didn’t see it that way.

For RwandAir, the luggage allowance was clear: two checked-in bags of 23 kg each and one hand luggage of 10 kg with specific dimension requirements. Simple enough, right? Well, not when you’re standing there watching the numbers on the airport’s electronic scale crush your confidence.

When I placed my first bag on the scale, it read 33 kg, and the second came up as 27 kg. My heart sank immediately. “How?!” I asked myself. I had weighed both bags at home with my portable weighing scale, and they were around 23 kg to 25 kg each. I couldn’t believe the difference.

Dear reader, that was the moment I realized not all weighing scales are created equal. The portable one I used at home and the airport’s digital scale clearly didn’t agree. I’ll attach an image of both types of weighing machines later, so others don’t make the same mistake.

Now, remember that my sister and friend couldn’t come in with me? That meant I had to face the baggage issue alone. I had to open my bags, remove items, and re-weigh them repeatedly, all by myself. It was exhausting. Those bags were heavy, and each time I had to lift them back onto the scale, I felt like I was in a mini gym session.

To make matters worse, the RwandAir staff at the check-in counter didn’t make things easier. The lady attending to passengers wore a stern expression that said it all. No smile, no encouragement, just a look that read, “Gotcha!” Maybe she wasn’t supposed to help carry the bags, but a simple “well done” would have meant a lot in that moment.

When I asked about paying for excess luggage, she mentioned it would cost $75. Unfortunately, I wasn’t financially prepared for that, and paying extra wasn’t an option. So, I had to start removing items until I met the required weight limit.

The Race Against Time

By the time I finally met the airline’s weight requirement, I was already sweating and short of breath. It was at that moment I realized how important proper planning is before traveling. Some of the items I removed in a hurry turned out to be essential. For instance, I left behind some of my warm clothes because I thought I wouldn’t need them immediately. Now that I am in London, I can tell you; that was a big mistake. It’s freezing here, and I’ve been surviving with only one jacket and a single pair of sneakers! 😂

What I Learned from This Experience

If you’re preparing for an international trip, especially your first, please learn from my experience:

1. Plan ahead and pack early. Don’t wait until the last minute to weigh your bags.
2. Use an accurate weighing scale. The small portable ones may not match the airport’s digital scales.
3. Check your airline’s baggage rules carefully. Both the weight and dimensions matter.
4. Prepare some extra cash in case your luggage exceeds the limit.
5. Dress smart for the flight. If your jacket or sneakers are heavy, wear them instead of packing them.

Final Thoughts

Looking back now, I can laugh at the whole experience, but at that moment, it was overwhelming. Traveling alone, juggling heavy luggage, and racing against time taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of being prepared.

So, if you’re planning to travel from Nigeria to London — or anywhere at all — don’t just pack your bags; pack wisdom too. Because sometimes, the journey teaches you more than the destination ever could. 

Also Read: From Flights to Startups: Why Travel Helps Entrepreneurs Think Big