Elderly Traveler’s Dream Trip Halted After Passport Damage Discovered
PASSPORT – An elderly passenger was denied boarding on a flight to Indonesia after airline staff discovered damage to his passport.
A senior citizen was recently prevented from boarding a Cebu Pacific flight bound for Bali, Indonesia, after airline personnel found a tear in his passport. The incident quickly gained attention online, leading the airline to issue a strong advisory for international travelers to ensure their passports are completely undamaged.
In an official statement, Cebu Pacific highlighted that even minor issues—such as small tears, scratches, water stains, or unauthorized marks—can cause a passport to be deemed invalid by immigration authorities abroad. “Even a minor tear or any unauthorized marking may be considered a damaged passport,” the airline emphasized.
Reports indicate that Cebu Pacific’s ground staff photographed the damaged passport and forwarded the images to Bali’s immigration office for confirmation. After reviewing the photos, Bali immigration officials refused to accept the document, leaving the passenger unable to proceed with his trip.
Cebu Pacific spokesperson Carmina Romero, speaking to Teleradyo Serbisyo, explained that the airline was simply complying with strict international travel protocols. She noted that even if the passenger had boarded the plane, Bali authorities would have denied him entry upon arrival.
“Dahil na flag na sila at naitawag na yon sa immigration ng Bali, pagdating nila sa boarding gate, identified na sila,” Romero explained.
Responding to criticisms circulating online, Romero firmly rejected accusations of unfair treatment, stating, “Wala po kami intensyon manira ng bakasyon. Hindi po kami basag-trip. Ang kaligayahan namin ay mailipad ang aming pasahero kung saan man nila gusto pumunta,” she said.
Romero further stressed Cebu Pacific’s responsibility to ensure the validity of travel documents, warning that even minor damage can cause serious complications during international journeys.
Following the incident, Cebu Pacific urges all travelers to thoroughly check their passports before traveling overseas. A clean, undamaged passport remains essential for hassle-free boarding and smooth immigration processing at one’s destination.
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