Ryanair Turns Couple Away at Airport Gate Due to Brexit Passport Rule
A couple from Hertford, Hertfordshire, was left devastated after being turned away at the airport gate for their £1,000 holiday weekend to Athens, all due to a post-Brexit passport rule. Paul Mason, 59, and Zoe Rooney, 47, were looking forward to their three-day holiday to attend a gig they had booked months prior, only to face a last-minute setback at Stanstead Airport.
The issue arose because EU countries no longer accept passports issued more than 10 years ago due to post-Brexit regulations. Even though Zoe’s passport was set to expire in August 2025, it was over 10 years old from its issue date, leading to their denial at the boarding gate. This unforeseen circumstance meant the couple missed out on their first trip to Greece and a special performance by their favourite band, Kosheen, celebrating their 25th anniversary.
The couple found themselves over £1,000 out of pocket from the incident, having spent money on accommodation, flight tickets, parking, fuel, food, and gig tickets. Zoe, a quantity surveyor, expressed feeling like criminals as they were prevented from boarding at the last minute without any prior warning during booking, check-in, or security checks.
Ryanair clarified that it is passengers’ responsibility to ensure their passports meet travel requirements set by the European Commission Migration & Home Affairs Office. Zoe, who had her passport issued in 2014, was unaware of the 10-year rule and faced embarrassment as they were publicly singled out at the gate. The couple now plans to renew Zoe’s passport and raise awareness of this little-known regulation for other travellers.
Passengers travelling to EU countries, excluding Ireland, must ensure their passports were issued within 10 years of departure and are valid for three months post-return. Ryanair reminded travellers of these requirements on their website and during the booking process. However, this experience highlights the importance of staying informed about changing travel regulations post-Brexit to avoid similar disappointments.
The incident serves as a cautionary tale for holidaymakers amidst evolving travel rules and underscores the need to double-check passport validity and requirements before booking trips. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by travellers navigating post-Brexit regulations, where even minor oversights can lead to significant disruptions and financial losses.
As Zoe works on renewing her passport and the couple recovers from their missed holiday opportunity, their story serves as a reminder for others to stay vigilant and informed when planning international travels. Despite the setback, they hope their experience will help prevent similar incidents for future travellers and ensure smoother journeys for all amidst changing post-Brexit travel norms.