An elderly woman in her eighties found herself stranded and alone on a holiday in Tenerife after her family were unexpectedly turned away from their EasyJet flight at London Gatwick Airport. The incident, which has sparked considerable distress, occurred due to post-Brexit passport validity regulations that the travellers were unaware of.
Family Holiday Plans Disrupted at Gatwick
The elderly passenger, travelling from Yorkshire, had already departed on an earlier flight and was en route to Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Spain, when her daughter-in-law and other family members were refused boarding. The family had planned to meet at the airport, but the separation left the octogenarian to navigate the holiday alone.
In a letter to the Telegraph newspaper, the daughter-in-law expressed profound upset over the situation. She recounted how they had invited the mother-in-law to join them, with her flight scheduled two hours earlier. As the elderly woman was airborne, EasyJet staff at Gatwick informed the remaining family that their passports did not meet the necessary requirements for entry into Spain, a member of the European Union and Schengen Area.
Communication Breakdown and Solo Holiday
Unable to contact the elderly passenger mid-flight, the family managed to alert a local contact in Tenerife who was holding keys to their apartment. This individual, who spoke limited English, kindly assisted the stranded woman with her luggage and provided some provisions. However, the mother-in-law spent the entire trip in isolation, without her family's companionship.
The daughter-in-law criticised the lack of clear communication regarding passport rules, noting that neither Booking.com, through which they secured accommodation, nor EasyJet, their airline, had highlighted the specific validity requirements. She argued that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Passport Office, questioning why reminders are sent for car tax or insurance renewals but not for crucial travel document regulations.
Understanding Post-Brexit Passport Rules
The refusal stemmed from post-Brexit changes that many UK travellers may not fully comprehend. To visit European Union and Schengen countries, including Spain, a British passport must have been issued less than ten years before the departure date. Additionally, it must remain valid for at least three months beyond the planned return date.
This marks a significant shift from pre-Brexit arrangements, where UK citizens could stay indefinitely in EU nations. Now, stays are limited to 90 days within any six-month period. While some countries like Spain, France, Germany, and Italy do not require six months' validity, the three-month rule post-return is critical and often overlooked.
Calls for Improved Traveller Awareness
The daughter-in-law emphasised the need for better guidance, stating that travellers require these rules to be explicitly pointed out. She highlighted a common misconception, noting that many believe a ten-year passport is valid for the full decade, which is not the case for EU travel post-Brexit.
This incident underscores the importance of verifying passport validity well in advance of international trips, particularly to Europe, to avoid similar distressing situations. It serves as a stark reminder for all UK holidaymakers to check their documents thoroughly, as assumptions can lead to ruined plans and emotional hardship.
