A woman was left red-faced after she was denied boarding at the airport when she realised she’d made a mistake with her burgundy passport
When jetting off abroad, it’s crucial to have all your paperwork in order. This includes an up-to-date passport, travel insurance and potentially a visa. It’s vital to have these documents ready well before you set off, as turning up at the airport without them could see you denied boarding – leaving you stranded with no way to start your holiday.
Most travellers are aware that passports need to be valid when flying, and many countries also stipulate how long they must remain valid during their stay. For instance, within the European Union, your passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond your planned return date.
However, one woman recently had her holiday plans scuppered when she overlooked a crucial detail about her burgundy passport before attempting to board her flight.
Olivia Alcantara was all set for a family getaway, but upon reaching the airport and retrieving her passport from her bag, she realised she’d made a monumental error – she’d brought the wrong document.
In a TikTok video, Olivia is seen burying her face in her hands against her suitcase as she holds up the passport she’d mistakenly brought along. Although it was the same burgundy colour as the old UK passport, the front cover was noticeably different.
Rather than bringing her genuine passport along, Olivia had mistakenly packed a LEGO passport instead.
The footage featured the popular Jet2 Holidays advert soundtrack as the camera revealed her father, who appeared utterly dismayed by his daughter’s error.
A LEGO passport resembles an authentic passport but bears LEGO branding on its cover. You can take the passport to any LEGO-authorised shop to receive stamps, and each outlet worldwide offers distinctive markings.
Viewers responding to the clip were astounded by how Olivia could have made such an error, with many stating they verify their passports numerous times before departing home, never mind reaching the airport.
One individual commented: “Who doesn’t check their passport 1000x before they even get to the airport?!”
Another remarked: “It’s dad’s fault for trusting his kids. He should have nagged, checked and made sure, no matter how much the family insisted things were fine.”
Passport checks to make before travelling
The first thing you should verify before travelling is that your passport remains current. UK passports are typically valid for 10 years for adults, so if you possess a recent blue passport, it ought to be valid, having only been issued since 2020. If yours is burgundy, you must confirm that it is still valid before you travel.
Each country has its own set of rules regarding passport validity, which can extend up to six months beyond your intended departure date, so it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the regulations of your destination.
Typically, EU and Schengen countries mandate a three-month validity from your planned exit date, while Australia, India, and the UAE require six months from your arrival date.
The US, Canada, and Japan only necessitate that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, but it’s recommended to have a few extra months to spare to prevent any potential complications.