A heartbroken father was denied boarding on a £4,000 TUI family holiday due to a strict passport rule, leaving his dream vacation in tatters. The devastated dad, who had saved up for months, was turned away at the airport despite his passport being valid for travel.
What Went Wrong?
The family was all set for their sunny getaway when airport staff informed the father that his passport didn’t meet the required validity period for their destination. Under post-Brexit rules, UK passports must be less than 10 years old on the day of travel and have at least three months remaining after the return date.
A Costly Oversight
The distraught dad revealed that he had checked his passport’s expiry date but was unaware of the additional requirements. "I thought as long as it wasn’t expired, we were fine," he said. "Now we’ve lost all that money, and the kids are devastated."
TUI’s Response
TUI stated that they clearly communicate passport requirements during the booking process but acknowledged the family’s distress. A spokesperson said: "We sympathise with customers facing these situations, but we must comply with immigration rules."
Travel Expert Warning
Industry professionals urge travellers to double-check passport rules for every trip. "The post-Brexit landscape has made European travel more complex," one expert warned. "Many Brits don’t realise their passport might be invalid even if it appears current."
The family is now fighting to recover their lost holiday funds while warning others to avoid similar heartbreak by thoroughly researching entry requirements before travelling.
