Today, I went to the airport to start the amazing 3 week vacation in Costa Rica that I've been saving for and planning for more than a year. They wouldn't let me on the plane because my passport expires in less than 6 months. FML
Collection
Halloween
A failed costume, stolen candy and a very real scare: Halloween, the one night when fear is allowed.
Today, after cancelling work, arguing with my family, scrambling to pack my bags, speeding to the airport and filling in immigration forms to fly out to have a much needed holiday, I wasn't allowed to check in. My passport has less than 6 months away from expiration on it. Yes, that's a thing, apparently. FML
Today, after months of planning and saving for our honeymoon in Italy, my wife and I were turned away at the airport because my passport only has a month until it expires, even though it's only a five-day trip. FML
Today, I found out that my passport expired two days ago, two days before my first vacation abroad. I only found out when the airline employee scanned it at check-in, looked at me with sympathy, and said, "I don't think you're going anywhere today." My friends are currently posting beach photos while I'm filling out passport renewal forms. FML
Today, I woke up excited for my trip to Jamaica with my friends. We went to the airport, and I gave them my passport to check in. They gave it back. It had expired three weeks ago. I watched my friends board the plane while I'm stuck in the city. FML
Today, I went with my girlfriend to the airport for some much needed vacation time. We arrived on time but were stopped at the gate when they told me I didn't have the right passport. The plane left without me. My girlfriend did too. FML
Today, after spending 2 years saving for my flights, I was denied boarding due to issues with my passport. I heading straight to the embassy only to be told a replacement will take 8 days. The airline will only hold my place for 7. FML
Today, I finally received my passport. Too bad my flight to Italy left last week. FML
Today, I got to Costa Rica for my first vacation in five years. I immediately rented a scooter for the week after checking into my prepaid, no refunds, hotel. On the way back from the rental agency I hit a pothole and broke my leg and ripped the skin off my foot. I'm flying home tomorrow. FML
Today, I was unable to go on my dream vacation because I thought I'd lost my passport. Feeling incredibly stupid, I had no choice but to watch my plane depart without me. Shortly after, my brother handed me passport, saying that since I wasn't going on my trip, I could use my refund to pay for his cat's surgery. My trip was non-refundable. FML
Today, I picked up my passport, as my previous one was damaged in a car crash. As the teller warned me that a pattern of damaged passports would result in longer processing periods, she spilled her coffee - all over my new passport. I'm supposed to go overseas in a month. FML
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Top comments
mariazzz 5
Yeap. it's true. It's ridiculous but true your passport can't be within 6 months of expiring. Real ****** up!!
FYLDeep 26
Why the hell does that matter? I could see if it expired 6 months ago, but what the hell?
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Comments (155)
LilaBear 2
I've never been overseas and even I know that you normally need at LEAST 6 months left on your passport, some places require more. A lot of places require that you have enough time on your passport so that it's still valid for 6 months after you LEAVE their country. It sucks that you couldn't go on your holiday but you should check these things.
lifeisbutadream3 0
You can get your passport renewed within 2 days! I did here in LA when this happened to me last year. It cost me somewhere around $200-$250 to have it expedited, but it was super fast and did not have to wait for it in the mail... did it for me right then and there.
kinga08 0
I know if you live near a national passport facility you can even get it done the same day, you just have to look forward to sitting and waiting in lines all day.
kinga08 0
YDI, if you were planning a trip for over a year you should've come across this commonly known and strict rule. I don't understand how in this entire year of planning an international trip that you didn't think to check passport and visa laws??
tina_gomez90 0
that's whack! I traveled outside the country with a passport that was gonna expire 2 weeks after my return date!
Skatejock21 0
shouldn't you have realized that you had 6 months left? That's a rule almost everywhere, that you can't go if you have 6 months left. I'm not surprised that they wouldn't let you go. If you're from Canada... then I am most definitely not surprised.
inthemillions 0
Why would you be especially surprised if they're from Canada?
Skatejock21 0
because I'm from Canada. In general, it's a rule that some countries have. Although Canada doesn't have that rule, it happened to my dad, they wouldn't let him fly with 6 months left. The USA has that rule. It shouldn't have been a surprise to her, she should have known about that rule.
pike1346 3
that sucks
m1ssophiebee 0
poor you~ sneak on the plane :P if a mentally ill person can, so can you
junz_fml 0
Remember to check your passport next time.
cathylee22 4
awww that sucks! I'm half Costa Rican :) it's a beautiful place so hopefully you will be able to go at some point!!
annihil8or 15
That's stupid I woulda told them it aint expired now and I'm gonna sue u for not letting me noard with a valid passport