Is my passport too damaged to fly with? Consumer lawyer DEAN DUNHAM explains why Vicky Pattison wasn’t allowed to leave because her dog chewed her document

Unfortunately Vicky Pattison’s experience of being banned from flying due to her damaged passport is quite common as airlines have a duty to be vigilant when it comes to checking travel documents.

The TV star was turned away from an Easyjet flight this weekend because her dog chewed her document.

Airlines are also heavily affected by the heavy financial penalties imposed on them if they allow a passenger to travel with incorrect or invalid travel documents.

And for this reason, you will often find that an airline takes an overly cautious approach, so it is important to understand your rights in these situations.

The British government defines a ‘damaged passport’ as one that cannot be accepted as proof of identity.

If, like Vicky, you find your passport lost, stolen or damaged when you arrive at the airport… there’s not much you can do when you’re at a UK airport for an outbound trip, says Dean

It includes examples such as details in the passport being indecipherable, lifting the laminate enough to allow the photo to be replaced, discoloration of the personal information page, spilling chemicals or ink on each page, missing or detached pages, the chip or antenna visible through the flyleaf on the back cover for the new style e-passports and a damaged chip.

HM Passport Office specifically states that normal wear and tear is to be expected and should not count as ‘damage’. I have heard many stories of passengers being denied entry due to a damaged passport, but upon further investigation it was found that the damage was not enough to invalidate the passport.

It is therefore always worth asking the airline why your damaged passport cannot be used as proof of your identity, especially if you do not think this falls under any of the issues mentioned above.

However, I must say that while your passport may look in reasonable condition, the real test of course is whether the passport scanning technology at the airport can read it.

If, despite your best efforts, you are denied entry, you may consider filing a claim for compensation through one of the two approved Alternative Dispute Resolution schemes (CEDR or AviationADR) or, if it is a package holiday, through ABTA.

If, like Vicky, you find your passport lost, stolen or damaged when you arrive at the airport, apart from arguing that a damaged passport is still valid, there’s not much you can do when you find yourself at a UK airport is on an outbound trip. Your only option in these circumstances is to abandon your travel plans and apply for a new passport.

However, if you find yourself in this situation abroad during your return journey, you can apply for an ‘Emergency Travel document’ by submitting an application on the official government website: https://www.apply-emergency-travel- document. service.gov.uk/ or by making an appointment at your local British embassy.