A woman is urging everyone to check their passports before flying this summer after a mistake left her horrified and almost cost her holiday. Leesh, who posts on TikTok as @leeshandmoo, shared that her passport had "ended up in the washing machine," and the next time she tried to use it, she was "nearly not allowed on the flight."
Last to board the plane
As she approached the plane she was boarding, she shared that she was the last person to get on the flight because of her battered passport. Leesh described it as the "most sickening thing" she's "ever been through," and she didn't want anyone else to experience the same thing.
Leesh explained that she had to "send six different pictures" and "FaceTime the manager" of the airline, and they nearly didn't let them on the flight because her passport isn't in good condition.
Government guidance on damaged passports
The government website shares that a passport is considered damaged and unfit for travel if details are unreadable, pages are ripped, cut, or missing, the laminate is peeling, the cover is coming loose, or there are major stains or chip damage. Minor scuffs, slight edge curling, or minor scratches usually count as normal wear. If a passport has been through the wash, this would likely render it needing to be replaced.
Leesh said she felt "sick to her stomach" when she heard staff members say "one adult and one child that might not be boarding." She then admitted that she needs to get herself a new passport as soon as possible. She showed her passport, which was torn and frayed, more than standard wear and tear, as it had been through the wash.
Viewers share similar experiences
In the comments, someone shared: "My partner washed his 2 days before we went away, I was so nervous when we were going through airport control. Luckily, all was okay, and we got to fly." Another penned: "I don't think it's even that damaged to be honest. Surely if they can clearly see your photo and dates etc then there shouldn't be a problem. Glad you got on the plane. Have the best time." A woman fumed: "What the heck are you serious? Mine has pages hanging out and bronzer stains all over it and it's literally fine."
Leesh advised that if you find yourself in this position now and you've got a holiday coming up soon, it's preferable to get it sorted now.
