A disappointed vacationer claimed she was removed from her Ryanair flight, costing her a £700 trip to Lanzarote, all because of a strict rule. Rachael Norton-Voysey was set to depart from Birmingham Airport for a five-day vacation with a friend on June 4, 2026. However, 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 on the right side of the photo page and not obstructing any crucial information, staff insisted she couldn’t board. Feeling it was unjust, Rachael and her friend had to forego the holiday and endure a disheartening train ride back home.
The UK Government’s guidelines state that any torn passport is deemed “damaged” and should be replaced to avoid travel disruptions. Rachael is now advocating for passport holders and advising travelers to carefully inspect their passports for any tears.
Rachael expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the emotional toll of missing out on the trip they had eagerly prepared for. She highlighted the inconsistency in Ryanair’s decision, especially since she had traveled using the same passport for years without issue.
Despite the setback, Rachael and her friend hope to reschedule their Lanzarote trip for September, having rearranged their accommodation. Rachael hopes her experience serves as a cautionary tale for others to prevent similar travel mishaps.