A fitness star rejected from her dream holiday flight during boarding because of a tiny passport flaw has issued a stark travel warning to others who might find themselves in a similiar position.
British born Emma Doherty, who now lives in Australia, planned to fly to Bali on June 21 for a 10-day “digital detox”. But the fitness and wellbeing influencer found herself “stranded” at Sydney Airport after she was prevented from boarding — because of a water stain on her passport.
While filming herself still at the airport, she warned others of the seemingly minor flaw, taking to social media to say: “I have no idea what to do or where to go.”
She added: “Obviously, I’m really upset, like I’m literally gutted. I’ve just been sat here crying for the last 15 minutes. But I’m just going to tell myself that everything happens for a reason, and I wasn’t meant to go on that flight today.”
The fitness trainer’s clip has since gone viral, attracting more than 1.3 million views and hundreds of comments from those who too have had similar experiences heading from Australia to Bali.
Some of her followers told of their similar experiences, with one saying: “My partner’s passport page was a little bit ripped and they also didn’t let him board the flight to Bali.”
Another added: “I had the same. Landed in Bali, had to wait in a cell until I could get a flight out.”
Emma lated added in another clip: “Still can’t believe this happened. RIDICULOUS.
“If you’re heading to Bali just make sure your passport is in PRISTINE CONDITION or, I quote, ‘you will get put into a cell, have your possessions taken off you and detained until they decide to send you back’.”
According to the UK Government website, the definition of a damaged passport is one which the customer cannot use as proof of identity because of its condition.
Damage can include:
When the personal details or observation page are unreadableWhere the laminate peeling or lifting away from the personal details page occursIf the security details are unreadableIf there are missing or detached pagesWhere the front, back or personal details page has been cutWhere there is damage or discolouration to any part of the passport caused, for example, by water, chemical or ink spillsIf there are tears, rips, or bite marks
