Holidaymakers whose EU travel plans were ruined by the '10-year-passport rule' have shared their experiences with the BBC. Until 2018, UK travellers could transfer up to nine months from an old passport onto a new one. However, post-Brexit, EU countries will not accept passports more than 10 years old. Those unaware of the change were turned away at passport control.
Jane Opher, 61, from London, described being 'traumatised' after she and her partner were denied boarding to Barcelona at Gatwick in February. 'It was very stressful and humiliating to have to be escorted back through the airport like a criminal,' she said. She spent about £400 on last-minute replacement flights and a fast-tracked passport, and was not reimbursed.
Lara Barnes, 57, from the Isle of Man, lost £1,200 when her husband was denied boarding to Majorca last October. She said staff at Liverpool Airport told them the ruling had been in place since Brexit and they 'should know better'. John, a 73-year-old healthcare worker from near Portsmouth, lost the full cost of a TUI holiday to Tenerife in January due to his wife's passport.
A TUI spokesperson said customers are given 'ample warning' about passport requirements via their website and booking confirmations. However, affected travellers argue the rule is unfair and that travel companies should share responsibility.
