The woman went on holiday alone after her boyfriend was denied boarding on a British Airways flight
A passenger on British Airways was prevented from boarding their flight over a common passport error that meant they had to stay behind while their partner went on holiday. With the peak travel season fast approaching, individuals are being reminded to thoroughly inspect their passports, not only for validity but also for any damage that could lead to problems at airports.
Normal signs of use, like basic wear, are typically seen as acceptable, but even small defects such as slight rips, water stains or detached pages might lead to travellers being turned away at the gate or denied entry upon arrival. For one traveller looking forward to a getaway with their significant other, this scenario became a reality, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A recent TikTok video that went viral showed a woman on holiday alone after her boyfriend was prohibited from boarding due to ‘a small rip’ in his passport. In her post, user Lauren, also known as Laurenknott_fit, said: “When British Airways don’t let your boyfriend board because of a small tear in his passport, but tell you to take your flight ‘because had a friend who got a new passport in four hours’.”
She added: “You now have two days of your holiday remaining and you’re still on your own.” She vented her frustration in the video’s caption too. “Thanks for ruining our holiday @British Airways,” she said.
The video, which has garnered nearly 800,000 views and 28,000 likes, sparked a wave of concern, prompting viewers to not only triple-check their passports’ expiry dates but also inspect them for any signs of physical damage. In the comments section, some were taken aback that travellers didn’t realise a damaged passport could result in being denied entry.
One viewer commented: “Girl bffr, it is common knowledge that a damaged passport is no longer valid.” Another said: “I fear this is not British Airways’ fault.” A third put: “I fear it is a common knowledge that damaged passport is no longer valid.”
Another person shared their experience, writing: “This happened to me years ago! We were boarding the plane and refused to let him on, said I could go and he could get a 2nd opinion and catch the next flight in a few hours. I waited with him. The 2nd opinion said no too! Had to get a whole new passport and we went away a few weeks later.”
Another viewer said: “Comments are crazy. Maybe he didn’t realise there was a small tear or maybe it happened on the way to the airport!” One more claimed: “Accidentally put mine thru the washing machine and tumble dryer, looks a bit battered but never had problems with it.”
Upon reaching out to British Airways for a comment, a spokesperson responded: “Airlines are required by law to ensure that all documents presented for travel are valid. Our staff are trained to ensure that all our customers’ documents presented for travel meet the legal requirements.”
Ahead of the summer travel peak, holiday experts at Travel Republic have issued a crucial reminder for travellers to meticulously check their passports. They recommend doing so well in advance to prevent potential travel disruptions. They said: “If your passport shows any significant physical damage, especially to the personal details or security features, it is likely to be considered invalid for travel.”
They laid out what constitutes normal wear compared to problematic damage. You can check what is and isn’t allowed in the table below.
Condition
Acceptable wear and tear
Considered damage
Minor scuffs on the cover
Yes
No
Personal details page unreadable
No
Yes
Laminate peeling on the name page
No
Yes
Small tear on blank visa page
Sometimes
Yes (if severe)
Missing or detached pages
No
Yes
Water/ink/chemical stains on the details page
No
Yes
Chip is visible or not working
No
Yes
The advice continues: “If your passport doesn’t meet the correct conditions, you could be turned away at the airport or face last-minute stress arranging a new one. So, don’t let a damaged passport ruin your holiday, check it now (or before you book a holiday) and ensure you have time to apply for a replacement if needed.”
Definition of a damaged passport
A damaged passport is one that the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition. Damage can include:
- when the personal details or observation page are unreadable
- laminate peeling or lifting away from the personal details page
- unreadable security details
- missing or detached pages
- where the front, back or personal details page has been cut
- damage or discolouration to any part of the passport caused, for example, by water, chemical or ink spills, tears, rips, bite marks.
- on a blue e-Passport, where the: perforated passport numbers have been torn (the perforations will show slight charring; this is normal) or personal details page is broken or cracked.
- where the chip or antenna shows through the endpaper on back cover of a burgundy e-Passport and personal details page of a blue e-Passport
- when, after investigation, we identify the passport chip as damaged and not faulty
Damage that does not need an explanation from the customer
You, the examiner, can continue with the application without asking the customer how the passport damage occurred, if all the following apply:
- the damage is not on the personal details or observation pages
- any visas, vignettes or immigration stamps are unaffected by the damage and you are happy there are no security features or details missing
- damage or discolouration to the passport cover and blank visa pages is caused by: water, chemical or ink spills, tears, rips, burning, bite marks, writing or drawings