A disappointed traveler claimed she was removed from a Ryanair flight bound for her £700 Lanzarote vacation due to a strict rule. Rachael Norton-Voysey was set to depart to Lanzarote from Birmingham Airport for a five-day trip on June 4, 2026. Upon reaching the boarding gate, the 33-year-old was informed by Ryanair staff that she could not fly due to a small 1.5cm tear in her passport.
Although the rip was visible along the right side of the passport’s photo page, Rachael argued that it did not obstruct any crucial information. Despite her explanation, airline personnel refused to allow her to board the flight, leading both her and her friend to miss out on the holiday and endure a disappointing train journey back home.
The UK Government’s guidelines state that any torn passport is considered “damaged” and should be replaced to avoid travel disruptions. Rachael now advocates for checking passports for tears and recommends using a passport holder to prevent such issues.
Expressing her disappointment, Rachael shared that she and her friend plan to reschedule their Lanzarote trip for September after rearranging their accommodation. She aims to raise awareness about passport maintenance to prevent others from experiencing similar setbacks.
Reflecting on the incident, Rachael described the emotional return journey and the frustration of being denied boarding despite having flown with the same passport previously. She emphasized the importance of inspecting passports before travel, protecting them with a holder, and obtaining travel insurance.
The UK Government advises that damaged passports must be replaced to ensure trouble-free travel. Ryanair confirmed the refusal of travel for Rachael, citing the damaged passport as the reason for denial.
