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)
morphine73 2
You obviously did not plan enough... The same thing happened to me, and it is possible to get an emergency passport at the airport-police station. But still, FYL
leeny_fml 2
As 121 said, the rule is because of visas and it's not a rule in every country. You need to check the website of the country that you are planning to visit. If the flight is direct to the country, then they will check the passports and will deny your visa at the gate. It stinks, but it is a rule that is all over travel information. You should be glad that you didn't get half way there before they denied it.
kpsmith 0
I was a Passport Agent for official (government) passports and every country has their own requirements -- go online and look them up prior to travel. A blue (travel) passport is good for ten years so sounds like you needed one anyways.
WinkyBec 1
I thought everyone knew you needed at least 6 months on a passport to travel! I hope u had travel insurance!
vettle 6
ydi this is common sense.
nobodycares2252 0
y should it matter if the passports gonna expire as long as ur vaca doesn't last longer than tht it shouldn't matter
snwkd 0
Did you plan your trip from under a rock? Im travelling soon n have been told that info 20 times from friends n travel agents
Talihintti 0
never heard of it and i live outside my home country and study in a 3rd so I do my share of travelling.
IronRose 0
That's just stupid... Does anyone else think op got the short end of the stick?
badnews92 4
Your Travel Agent is legally bound to tell you about your passport information and what needs to be done due if it will be invalid at time of travel. Hope you get your trip though!
kcoolbeans94 7
I find this very shitty for you because as I read this I was in an airport and traveling with a 6 month expired passport and I didn't get caught!