This was 2007 and had been to Sharm twice before, I knew we were under when we flew out and had left all of our toiletries and books behind so had no worries.

However when we arrived to check in the couple in front of us wanted extra legroom so the check in guy told them the price which they willingly paid and then put the money in his pocket!!!!

We then were told we were over on our suitcases and it was going to cost us £50, I too must have looked shocked as the price was quickly reduced to £35, I explained I did not have any money left as this was the end of our holiday and the check in guy just shrugged his shoulders. Not to be one to shy away from a problem I then took our fleeces out of the front of the cases and demanded he re-weighed them..... well surpise surprise we were then under with the heaviest case weighing 17.5 kgs.

On the whole I think its a case of if they think they can get away with it they will, if you know or think your cases are under make sure that they are re-weighed and be prepared to stand your ground.

If you are in this situation and you are definately over the weight, offer them a discreet back hander, wrong i know, but they take it, and it costs you less