An American Airlines passenger reported being extorted by a check-in agent in Managua, Nicaragua. The incident occurred during a flight from Managua (MGA) to Miami (MIA). The passenger claimed that the agent demanded a full-price ticket for their infant, insisting it had to be paid in cash.
The passenger recounted, "I was told if I didn’t pay it, he would close the flight and I would have to spend the night in Managua." Despite showing receipts and confirmation from customer service that taxes were previously paid, the agent allegedly demanded an additional $100. "When I told him the req#, he said he didn’t care and told me I had to pay it before the flight door closed," added the passenger.
This incident highlights similar experiences faced by travelers elsewhere. One individual described a situation in the Philippines where gate agents imposed arbitrary fees on carry-on luggage. "There is a US $50 carry on fee for your bag," one agent reportedly said, later accepting a smaller amount after negotiation.