Beth Turbutt-Rogers and her family experienced a nightmare scenario at an airport when her husband, Matt, was denied boarding on their flight to Spain due to an issue with his passport. Despite the expiration date on the passport being in March 2025, the airline informed them that it had actually expired in June 2024 according to new guidelines. This left Beth to travel with their two young children on her own, describing the experience as akin to flying without her right arm.
The confusion arose due to new guidelines surrounding British passports following Brexit. When Britain left the European Union in 2020, passport rules changed, and many people were unaware. EU countries no longer accept British passports issued more than 10 years before the date of travel. This meant that Matt’s passport, issued in June 2014, was technically expired under the new legislation, causing him to be unable to travel to Spain with his family. Passports must now be issued less than 10 years before entering an EU zone and must be valid for at least three months after the planned departure date.
Despite the disappointment and frustration, the family decided to continue with their vacation without Matt, as he was able to book a flight with Jet2 the next day due to the airline honoring the extended period printed on his passport. Beth expressed her disappointment with Ryanair’s lack of accommodation during the ordeal, especially considering the stress of traveling alone with young children. Thankfully, her in-laws were in Spain to help upon their arrival, providing some relief for Beth.
The story gained attention on social media, with many expressing surprise at the passport mishap and questioning why the family was not aware of the new guidelines. Some viewers criticized the lack of awareness surrounding the passport rules, with others questioning why airlines like Jet2 and Ryanair had different interpretations of the regulations. Ryanair’s response to media queries was brief, stating the need for specific details to provide further comment. Jet2 was also contacted for a statement on the matter.
Ultimately, the family was able to reunite in Spain and salvage their vacation despite the initial setback. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for travelers to stay informed about passport regulations, especially with changing rules following events like Brexit. Beth’s experience highlights the importance of double-checking passport details and staying up-to-date with travel requirements to avoid unexpected complications and disruptions during trips.
