​​'Punit' passport? Damaged passport might get you grounded, says Cebu Pacific

Manila: A vacation nightmare has turned into viral warning: what was supposed to be a happy family getaway ended in heartbreak at the airport, all thanks to a tiny tear in a passport.

The incident sparked talk of a so-called “Punit Passport” (torn passport) modus operandi, with travellers claiming that previously undetected passport damages were only pointed out at the last minute — just before boarding.

One such case involved a senior citizen here bound for a holiday with his family in Bali, Indonesia. The old man was reportedly told he couldn’t fly because of a small tear on his passport.

According to the post, ground staff of local airline Cebu Pacific took photos of the passport and asked the family to wait while they consulted Bali’s immigration office. 

Spoiler: the answer was no-go.

Cebu Pacific responds

Cebu Pacific later explained the whole thing was legit.

“Even a minor tear or any unauthorised marking may be considered a damaged passport by foreign immigration authorities, which can lead to denied boarding or entry to the intended international destination,” the airline said in a statement.

Translation: That tiny tear? It can ruin your trip.

In an interview with a local radio station, Teleradyo Serbisyo, Cebu Pacific spokesperson Carmina Romero explained the sequence: Bali’s immigration was contacted, and they flat-out said they wouldn’t allow entry.

Romero added they weren’t trying to ruin anyone’s holiday: “We have no intention to ruin vacations. It is our joy to fly passengers to where they want to go.”

She also broke down why airlines have to take damaged passports seriously:

“If there’s even a minor tear, or scratch, or if it got wet, tampered, or has been written on with a ballpen—especially with unauthorised markings—this will really be an issue when you're travelling.”

The tandard procedure?

“Kapag may na-detect na perceived damage or tampering, kinukunan namin ng litrato yan at pinapadala sa destination,”
[“If we detect any damage or tampering, we take a photo and send it to the destination country,” Romero explained.]

And if that country says, “No”?

The passenger stays grounded. Airlines also risk fines if they allow ineligible travelers to board.

Romero said they did try to reach out to the family, but no luck so far. 

It's unclear how the passport tear happened, or who was responsible.

CAAP says: Handle your passport properly

Eric Apolonio, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), chimed in with some advice: hold on to your own passport and keep an eye on it during check-in.

“Kapag hawak ang pasaporte nila, kelangan titingnan nila pag nasa counter, i-inspection nila kung maaari, litratuhan na nila para at least meron silang ebidensiya na ito ang original, bakit nagkaganito,”
“When holding their passport, they should inspect it at the counter. If possible, take a photo for evidence that it was in good condition before anything happened,” he said.

“Dapat sila mismo ang personal na magbigay sa counter, hindi nila ibibigay sa iba. Minsan kasi pag may grupo kayo at nagmamadali, hindi maiiwasan may mapunit na ganon sa dami ng passport na hawak,”
“They should personally hand their passports at the counter. When traveling in groups, sometimes people are in a rush and handing over multiple passports can lead to accidents like tears,” Apolonio added.

And no, CAAP doesn’t think this is a case of power-tripping:

“Whether totoo o hindi itong mga lumalabas sa social media, ang dapat siguro, ang ating mga pasahero, be aware.”
“Whether or not what’s going around social media is true, passengers should always be vigilant,” he said.

Final boarding call: Check your passport

To wrap it up: Cebu Pacific and CAAP both emphasise that international travellers must double-check their passport’s condition before flying. 

Even the smallest tear can make a big mess—so take photos, be alert, and keep that passport safe like it’s your ticket to paradise (because it literally is).

Cases

There is no publicly-available data specifying the exact number of reported cases involving torn or damaged passports—commonly referred to as "punit passport" incidents—that have led to passengers being denied boarding by airlines in the Philippines.​

However, several notable incidents have been reported:​

These incidents highlight the importance of ensuring that passports are in good condition before travelling. 

Note: If you have concerns about your passport's condition or have experienced a similar situation, it's advisable to contact the airline directly or consult with the Department of Foreign Affairs for guidance.