When Rory Allen and Nina Wilkins from Warwickshire set off for a holiday to Costa Brava, Spain, they never imagined they’d be escorted out of the airport “like criminals” due to an unexpected passport issue. Their experience highlights the importance of ensuring your travel documents are in perfect condition.
We all know the drill: before heading off on holiday, make sure you have your passport and check that it’s still valid. However, as Rory and Nina discovered, it’s equally crucial to ensure your passport is free of damage.
Rory and Nina arrived at East Midlands Airport and proceeded to the Ryanair check-in desk. They handed over their passports and were cleared without issue. After passing through security, they were eager to start their vacation. But at the boarding gate, their excitement quickly turned to dismay.
When Nina’s passport was checked again by airport staff, they discovered a stain on it, leading to the immediate refusal of boarding. Rory described the situation: “They opened Nina’s passport, made a couple of gestures through their radios, and said they wouldn’t let us on the flight with this passport.”
The issue was a tea stain on Nina’s passport, which the couple hadn’t noticed before. According to the Post Office, a passport is considered damaged if any details are indecipherable or if there is significant discolouration. Rory shared their confusion: “We didn’t think it was an issue as we had already used the passport (with the stain) in other airports.”
The couple was told to collect their luggage and were then escorted out of the airport. Rory expressed their frustration: “After we got our bags, we got escorted out of the airport like we were criminals and it was embarrassing.”
While being escorted out, a Ryanair manager suggested they might be able to fly with Jet2, who are more lenient with minor passport damage. Determined to reach Spain, Rory and Nina paid £260 for new flights with Jet2, which accepted Nina’s passport without issue.
Despite finally making it to Spain, the ordeal took a toll on the couple both emotionally and financially. Nina shared her distress: “I got really upset and I cried and I got so anxious. We missed our booked transport so had to buy more and this cost us around £70.”
A Ryanair spokesperson defended their actions, stating: “This passenger was correctly refused travel from East Midlands to Girona as their passport was damaged and therefore not valid for travel. Ryanair requires each passenger to ensure that their passport is valid for travel in line with the relevant requirements at the time of travel.”
This experience underscores the need for travelers to thoroughly check their passports for any signs of damage before embarking on a trip. Even minor stains or discolouration can lead to significant travel disruptions. Different airlines have varying policies regarding passport damage, so it’s wise to verify these details beforehand.
In conclusion, always ensure your passport is in pristine condition to avoid the stress and additional costs that Rory and Nina experienced. Safe travels!
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