Robert Rowlands

A traveller was refused boarding on a Ryanair flight from Birmingham to Lanzarote due to a 1.5cm rip on her passport’s photo page, forcing her and her friend to abandon their £700 holiday. Despite having previously travelled using the same passport, she said staff deemed it invalid, and immigration personnel reportedly called the decision harsh. Government guidance confirms that ripped passports are considered damaged and may prevent travel. After rearranging accommodation, she plans to travel later in the year and is urging others to check their passports early and use protective holders to avoid similar disruptions.