Risking travel on an expired passport

[hooplahoop]

Feel such an idiot , travelling to Spain on bank holiday Monday and just realised my son’s passport has expired . I promise i’m normally a
Capable adult !

The airline ( vueling) have said under EU law he can travel to Spain from
The UK for up to 12 months with an expired passport . Although this is good news, i have never heard of this before . Surely there wouldn’t be all this rush for fast track appts of true?

I have a fast track 7 day appt at the passport office tomorrow (Tuesday ) morning , but they will take on the old one and it might not be back in time . Shall I risk the airline - EU advice or risk the appt?

Thanks so much for your advice

Isn’t there a same day service? I’d do that tbh, there’s no way I’d risk the 7 dayservice. How old is your son? Is he old enough to stay behind if he’s refused to travel

I'd be more worried you would end up stuck in Spain if they challenged it on the way back!

I think if you go to a passport office, if you can get an appointment, you can get it on the same day. Seem to remember DH doing this for a work trip a few years ago.

Fast track takes a week and you are travelling in less. I don’t think the one day renewal is available for children however. Never heard of travelling on an expired passport - but if true I don’t think the airline will let you through passport control.

Thanks . It used to be a one day service , but they changed it to seven days for child abduction reasons . Yes , I suppose they might let me on the flight but not in....

I have honestly never heard of an airline saying its Ok to fly on an expired passport. really, i dont think that you can risk it. sorry. we have fasttracked a childs passport in a day - it is possible if you go in person and explain all the circumstances.

Thanks . I have an appt tomorrow morning so will try my best to be convincing .

I wouldn't try to travel on an expired passport, it isn't valid so you could get turned away at the airport.

Never heard of anyone being allowed entry on an expired passport - did you get that in writing from Vueling? The advice is clear here: Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements

Mine came back in 3 days recently, that was standard online but not a child

Me and dc got passports through normal online process a few months ago and only took a week to arrive, so fast track should be only a few days surely or what would be the point?

You wasn't be allowed to board the plane if there is any remote chance you won't be allowed into thr destination country. Airlines get massive fines if they permit this and then if you can't pay are responsible for flying you back.

I've never heard of anyone being able to fly on an expired passport before either and a quick google would say this is incorrect advice.

Did the airline put that in writing to you? You'd be allowed back into thr uk on one, as you have a right as a british citizen to gain entry, but I can't see you getting into Spain.

Good luck with the passport appointment.

For international flights, passports need at least 6 months validity (‘til expiration date expires to travel.) Knew of a family who made their first flight but were turned away, whilst transiting in Singapore, boarding their Australia flight ‘cause their daughter’s passport was within the 6 months expiration date so had to turn back (2 turned back & 2 travelled on to the holiday instead of all four wasting the journey.)

I don't think you can travel on an expired passport as you have to have a national ID card instead. Your only hope is a one day application.

Vuelings terms of carriage say it need to be valid. Sadly I think you got given some duff information...

You'll need a passport service.

I went to renew my DD at appointment it came by courier 3 days later.

The only time I've got away with using an expired passport for a child was an internal flight with easyJet and even then they had to get the ok from management before they'd accept it.

I may be wrong but I think the Vueling information would be right for countries within the schengen zone. The UK is not in Schengen so you can't travel to Spain without a valid travel document.

How did you get on @hooplahoop?

Fingers crossed for you

Well it’s in the lap of the gods now . Had the appointment this morning with a lovely adviser. I took a print off of my flight which she highlighted and noted on the cover sheet . although she has no control over what happens next I felt she did all she could . She gave me the customer service no to follow up with and the courier number . I’m
Not optimistic. But at least I’ll know for sure where I stand rather than the iffy advice from Vueling. Thanks everyone for advice and support

The Veuling advice applies to Spanish citizens

A -ha! That makes sense !

Passport’s arrived ! So happy . And big lesson learned !

Amazing @hooplahoop

I dont even know you and I am delighted for you.

Enjoy your holiday xx

Thank you !

Brill - have a good trip!