******ers of note

<p>I flew back from Gabon (Libreville) to OR Tambo on 01 March 2017 at 00:40. On my flight to Gabon on 10 January 2017, I was allowed my laptop and a small portable espresso machine as carry-on due to it being pretty fragile.</p> <p>On 28 February 2017, when I checked in for my return flight, I had 2 check-in pieces of luggage, my laptop and the espresso machine. One bag weighed in at 24,3kg and the other at 14kg. Yes, the one was just over the weight limit, but due to the size of the items in them, I could not balance the two bags. I was made aware of the 23kg limit and was told by the lady at the baggage check-in that I would have to pay a penalty. I was happy with that, and so was she, but then I decided to take to take a pair of shoes out of the overweight suitcase. This brought the weight down to under 23kg. Yes, the shoes are heavy. I was up in Gabon for work and my safety shoes weigh a ton. I had 2 pairs in that suitcase.</p> <p>So, with the 2 suitcases now at under 23kg and me with a pair of shoes in my laptop bag, I thought all was well. I could see it in the manner and facial expression of the check-in person that she was not quite happy with the way I dodged the extra charge. I was half way to the departure area when I got called back by her. I was now told I was not allowed to take the espresso machine on as carry-on. Her being French speaking and me not, I could not argue with her about the fragility etc. It was taken from me, tagged and pushed through to check-in luggage. No amount of arguing could save my device. I thought that was it, but no. Now I got told that I have to pay a penalty of $40 US for a third check-in item. The same item I was allowed to take as carry-on in SA.</p> <p>I had no choice but to pay the $40 as the item was already out of sight on the conveyor belt. She gleefully handed me a slip to go pay the $40 and kept my boarding pass until I did. I think she was out to get me to pay a penalty whichever way. Either by overweight baggage or a 3rd item as check-in. And was the person at the SAA counter where I had to pay the penalty upset when I insisted on a receipt. He was even prepared to give me a 50% discount on the $40 if I did not insist on a receipt. I believe it is a **** by your staff.</p> <p>When I got on board the plane, the flight was mostly empty and other passengers were allowed 3 or more carry-on items. This really made me furious.</p> <p>Thank you SAA for spoiling what otherwise could have been a nice flight and experience. </p>