Make sure your double check this before you get to the airport.
These are the crucial things to check before you fly(Image: clubfoto via Getty Images)
The summer holidays are fast approaching, and millions of Brits are gearing up to embark on their getaways. If you’re one of them, experts are urging you to thoroughly check and recheck your passport before departure. There’s one frequent error travellers make that could result in a three-figure penalty — or even prevent you from boarding your flight entirely.
Chris Harrington, managing director of airport transfer company hoppa, said: “One of the most important rules for air travel is that your booking details must match the information that’s on your passport.
“This is for many reasons, but mainly because airlines and border control use this information for security purposes, identity checks, and immigration processing.”
Even the smallest discrepancy could completely scupper your plans and land you with a £150 name-change fine.
Chris said: “Airlines can refuse entry if there’s a mismatch between your ticket and passport name, and this is of particular importance on international routes where your documentation must align with their immigration policies.
“This may mean you can’t receive a boarding pass or check in online in the first place.
“There’s a very real possibility airlines can and will deny boarding if your documents aren’t aligned. If you haven’t solved any discrepancies in advance of your flight, it’s very likely you’ll be denied flying altogether.”
For minor spelling mistakes, you can usually pay a fee to have them corrected; however, more significant errors, such as using a maiden name instead of a married name, could result in your flight being cancelled and having to be rebooked from scratch, reports the Express.
Abbreviated names or nicknames can also cause headaches — the safest option is to use your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your passport, including your middle name.
Chris said: “My advice is to always follow the safest approach, and that is to book your travel using the exact name that’s on your passport, down to every single letter.
“If you’ve recently married and changed your surname, be sure to have your passport amended before booking a flight.
“If you do spot a mistake I would suggest contacting the airline immediately.
“The sooner you act, the more likely it is that the matter can be resolved cheaply or for free and potentially bypass any hefty charges that you would experience on the day of the flight.”
