A disappointed vacationer claimed she was removed from a Ryanair flight, costing her £700 holiday to Lanzarote, all because of a strict rule. Rachael Norton-Voysey was traveling to Lanzarote from Birmingham Airport for a five-day trip with a friend on June 4, 2026. Upon reaching the boarding gate, the 33-year-old was informed by Ryanair staff that she couldn’t fly due to a small 1.5cm tear in her passport.
Despite the tear being minor and not obstructing any vital information, the airline staff insisted she couldn’t board. This led to both Rachael and her friend missing out on the holiday and having to endure a disappointing train journey back home.
UK Government guidelines state that any passport with tears is considered damaged and should be replaced, as it may hinder travel plans. Rachael is now advocating for passport holders and emphasizing the importance of checking passports for tears to avoid similar travel mishaps.
Rachael expressed her disappointment at missing the holiday and the subsequent journey back home. She highlighted the lack of consistency in the airline’s decision, especially since she had traveled with the same passport previously without any issues. Despite her efforts to rectify the situation, she stressed the need for travelers to be vigilant about the condition of their passports before embarking on trips.
Looking ahead, Rachael and her friend are aiming to reschedule their Lanzarote trip for September after adjusting their AirBnB booking. She hopes that by sharing her experience, others will learn from it and take necessary precautions to prevent such incidents from ruining their vacations.
Ryanair responded, stating that the passenger was correctly denied travel due to her damaged passport, emphasizing the importance of valid travel documents.
