I lost a measuring tape to Sibulan Airport (DGT) security, too, a few years back. I fly out of there maybe three or four times a year, tops. I flew out last week and they are into the "shoes off/belt off" phase. Within three days I went through NAIA, Mactan Cebu and Laguindingan Airport (CGY) none of whom had the slightest interest in my shoes or my belt. But two of the other three wanted laptops and tablets out. The confusion is actually a part of the security strategy to keep "bad guys" off kilter since you never really know what will be required and cnnot pre-plan anything to avoid detection.
It can be super frustrating dealing with all the different rules at various airports. It's like every place has its playbook, and you have to figure out the rules of the game all over again.
Airport security just adds more fun to the adventure. Airlines are my pet peeve this year!!! My wife and I booked a trip to Toronto using Agoda. The trip was Cebu to Narita to Toronto. Before booking the trip we checked the Japanese Embassy website and there was no visa issue. Japan requires a "visa or ongoing ticket". Cebu Pacific denied us boarding because there computer said we lacked documentation. So here it goes: CP: you can not board our flight your wife needs a Japanese visa Me: Japan requires a visa or ongoing ticket, here are our ongoing tickets CP: well the ongoing flight is not with us Me: rules don't require the ticket to be with you CP: you should have read our policy Me: show me your policy CP: shows me the exact text of the Japanese website. Me: Okay, let's reroute the flight CP: Agoda made the reservation you can not change it I surrendered and bought a new ticket routing through Hong Kong. Agoda did give a partial refund. That little adventure cost me 55K Php. The person behind the counter has zero authority to make a decision so there is not much point in arguing with them.
Cebu Pacific, my "favourite" air carrier, believe it or not. I had a similar experience with CP some years ago. Flying with CP from Mactan to Hong Kong to transfer to another no CP flight to my home country. Had only carry on luggage. My passport was only valid for one week but since I went back to my home country this is not a problem. Well according to CP it was a big problem. Their argumentation, your passport has only a validity of one week, while Hong Kong requires 6 months. I replied, I am not entering Hong Kong, take a look at my onward ticker, so I am just a transit passenger. CP, from our point of view your final destination is Hong Kong and your ID has not the required validity. End of discussion. Was lucky I could still buy a new ticket with another airline to catch my connecting flight in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong airport I spoke to somebody of Immigration, telling the whole story. His answer I will not repeat here but in short..........stupid people there in the Phils.
One thing I've found that helps is private charter flight booking. With a private charter, you pretty much skip all the usual airport hassle. No more standing in long lines, dealing with crowded terminals, or worrying about strict baggage rules that seem to change from airport to airport. You get way more flexibility and a much more relaxed experience overall. I remember the first time I flew on a private charter, and it was like a whole new world. I was able to bring my snacks and drinks without any fuss, and the crew was super accommodating. Plus, you get to use smaller, less crowded airports, which often have simpler procedures and way less stress.
Traveling these days can definitely be a bit of a guessing game with all the different airport rules. You never know what to expect there.
One time, I got my measuring tape taken away at security because apparently, it was considered a risk. Never thought I'd be leaving that behind, but I guess every airport has its own quirks.
It really seems to be hit or miss; recently flew Okinawa-Tokyo-Manila-Dumaguete and it was truly less of a pain than I've had in the past. Had some batteries in my carry on that you don't put into your checked; bag got checked in Tokyo, asked in Manila but not checked. Pretty smooth with everyone being quite professional; not that I haven't had issues in the past with places I will not work again. Shawn
Yeah, I’ve had similar random experiences—the same airline, same luggage, but different rules depending on the airport. Super annoying. Recently I booked through https://travelbusinessclass.com and their support helped clear up a few confusing things before my flight. Made getting through the airport way less stressful when I knew what to expect in advance.
