Overview
- Travel blogger Chelsea Rodd was denied boarding for a flight to Milan after staff at London Gatwick found her UK passport was issued in July 2015, just over 10 years ago, despite an April 2026 expiry.
- She attempted to switch airlines and airports and sought an emergency Passport Office appointment but could not secure travel in time for the trip.
- EU guidance states non‑EU visitors must hold passports issued within the past decade and valid for at least three months beyond their planned EU departure.
- Commenters noted airline booking and check‑in systems typically ask only for the expiry date, leaving many unaware of the issue‑date limit until airport checks.
- Rodd said she lost planned paid content opportunities and urged travellers to verify passport start dates well before booking European trips.