1 Bic lighter per person is acceptable according to the allowable items list that we looked at. My purse cleared security fine and I later realized I had 4 Bic lighters in my purse. My husband emptied his pockets and put his belongings, including a Bic lighter in the container provided. Once he passed security and was putting his belongings back in his pockets, security reached over and took his lighter - NO FLY NO FLY and put the lighter off to the side. After clearing security my husband made a comment about them taking his lighter... the gentlemen in front of us, who had purchased a torch lighter (for lighting cigars) while in the DR told us they gave him his lighter back..... go figure....

Beautiful location to visit but I don't think they want you to leave. I almost ended up in a 6 x 6 cell block. Exaggerating of course but scared shitless due to the fact security would not allow my husband to be with me. They separated us before we boarded the plane with no reasoning. It started as we entered through the security check; we had brand new rechargeable batteries (approx. 20) and they discarded them right in front of me saying NO FLY, NO FLY. I was shocked as this is not an item posted on THEIR list of items not to be carried on. I was shocked and angry. I know these were only batteries but it was the principal. As we were leaving the terminal to go on the tarmack my husband was approximately 3' in front of me and pressured and pushed him to continue as they separated us with no reasoning. There were 3 other couples and myself. We had no idea what was happening as no one explained anything. About 90% of the passengers were loaded on the plane and then we were escorted on the tarmack in front of the plane and directed into another area. I tried speaking with the security lady but was only told luggage. Why my husband could not be there was not explained just that I was to be taken and escorted to this area to have luggage examined but not really told anything. When there it seemed as though they were looking for rum cause they asked the guy doing the search and found nothing except for a battery charger. I made the comment that this is no longer any good because they just took all of my GD batteries. I was very angry and then to get on the plane and hear the announcement that there are to be NO abrupt passengers on this flight. I turned to my husband and laughed and said GEE I WONDER IF THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT ME. Let me think..... YAH. AMAZING TRIP AND CULTURE EXPERIENCE BUT TAKE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OF ANY VALUE WITH YOU ON CARRY-ON. MAYBE MEDICATION ONLY. THEY CERTAINLY HAVE A SHOPPING LIST. The funny thing is they let me keep the charger that is no longer any good to us.

I have real issues with this airport. 14 trips to Punta Cana and these folks appear to have a "shopping list" of things they want for their own use. It's free to the taking because they are security and can. So far everything we have had "taken" from us has not been on the list of items that are forbidden. 2 folding umbrellas, fingernail clippers, 2 infant tee shirts
a new sealed bottle of Coke bought in the airport AFTER we cleared security then was taken prior to entering the airplane during an additional hand search of carry-on. Punta Cana is a beautiful place but the airport security will destroy their tourism if stealing doesn't stop.

They took my daughters hair dryer and her friends hair dryer and straightening iron. They also took safety razors.

Beware! All metal objects are taken off you. Every umbrella is taken from you if found in your carry-on. Very rude and nasty people in this area. They take items for their own use.