If you’re planning to travel this summer and think you’re prepared for any scenario, think again.
There’s a little-known mishap (or eight) that could turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
That’s why the experts are out to tell you exactly what could go wrong when you enter the airport check-in desk.
You’ve probably never been turned away from the boarding gate, but that could change in an instant if your passport isn’t in perfect condition.
There are little-known rules about the status of your passport. Stock Image Getty/Tang Ming Tung
Travelbag experts have urged the public to check their passports in advance to ensure they are in the best condition.
Even if you detect a minor defect, it could mean the end of your vacation.
For example, if your passport is damaged, they might decide it is enough to reject it – indeed, a woman was banned from travelling on a flight this month at London’s Gatwick airport because her passport was not up to scratch.
A Travelbag spokesperson told Chronicle Live: “If your passport has been damaged by any of the issues mentioned above, you should replace it immediately before travelling.
“You may think the damage is minor, but because of the way passports are made for security, there may be more damage than you think, which may lead to you being denied travel.
“For your peace of mind, it is recommended to keep your passport well hidden and out of sight so that it stays as pristine as possible and you don’t have any of these problems when you travel.”
Check your passport and that of your children. Archive image Getty/Thomas Barwick
So what are the eight issues you should check for?
· Discoloration or damage to any part of the passport.
· Any tears in the passport numbers.
· If your security data is difficult to read
· Any missing or loose pages
· If something is illegible
· If the laminate on the personal data page is peeling off
· Any cracking of the personal data page
· If the chip antenna is visible through the guard or personal data page
In addition to these things, you should also take into account the expiration date, as other countries have their own rules regarding this.
To be thorough, make sure you have at least six months left and check that the country you’re flying to doesn’t require more.
Also, the air date could be an issue since the UK left the EU.
This is because many countries do not accept passports that have been issued more than 10 years ago, so be sure to get a new one if you are over the threshold.
Don’t forget your children’s passports too. Check all of the above to make sure they travel well.
Finally, if you travel frequently, make sure you have enough pages and space for stamps in your passport, otherwise you may be rejected for not being able to provide a clean stamp.
No one wants their vacation ruined by a simple oversight, so make sure you stay on top of it.
