bad service

Dear ACSA,

I would like to express my deepest dissatisfaction with your stuff at the Domestic Departures check-in. On the 24 November 2017, at around 14:50, I was barred by your staff from bringing in a packet of my matches and a cigarette lighter. I was on flight MN660 that was due to depart at 16:25 from King Shaka International Airport to O.R. Tambo international airport.

To my enquiry on why I was barred from bringing in a cigarette lighter and packet of matches I was told that it was standard procedure. I requested the said procedure; it was subsequently provided to me for viewing. What I don’t understand is that why were we not notified of this change in check-in requirements? Is that ACSA’s standard operating procedure make rules as they see fit and not inform its passengers?

The packet of matches, which I bought, was thus confiscated! This is all wrong. I understand that you have to make the necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of passengers, air craft and the airports; I do not understand why you fail to communicate these to your passengers. The next thing that will happen, you will bar passengers from bringing in 2 mobile phones (which we buy), without communication, only to be told that one mobile phone will be confiscated. I need to understand how you operate and whether we can expect many more surprises from ACSA.

Strangely, I had a packet of matches and cigarette lighter at O.R. Tambo and I was not asked these silly questions nor makde to leave my matches behind.