Most of us have the common sense to make sure our passport isn't expired before jaunting off to an international destination. But one flight attendant has revealed a how you can still be turned away from boarding due to a common mistake many seasoned travelers aren't aware of.
Dallas-based international flight attendant Yana Biryukova, who shares travel tips and tricks to her popular TikTok account, recently posted a video warning travelers to always check their passport before embarking on a trip so they don't get denied boarding for their dream vacation.
"Did you know that you can get denied boarding your flight?" Biryukova asked at the start of the video. "A flight you already paid for, took time off work, packed your bag, got to the airport, waiting in line to board, and you can be told no. It happens every single day."
@itsyanachka Did you know this common daily mistake people make to be denied boarding their dream vacation? Some countries have specific passport requirements will NOT let you in???? If you’re traveling internationally make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has at least 4 blank pages meaning they are NOT stamped so you can get back home! Did you know about this passport requirement? #traveltips #internationaltravel #HolidayTravel #internationalflightattendant #flightattendant
♬ original sound - Yana✈️Flight Attendant
"Some countries have very specific passport requirements and will not let you in," she explained. "They don't care if it's your wedding, they don't care if it's your birthday, they don't care if it's your dream family vacation, they will not let you in."
“If you’re traveling internationally, look at the date of expiration on your passport and make sure it’s valid for at least six months," Biryukova continued. "If it expires in five months and 29 days, they will not let you on the plane. And you see all these pages in the back? Make sure you have at least four empty pages so you can get back home. Do not make this mistake."
In the comments, many users thanked her for the advice, while a few admitted that they had also run into the issue.
"This happened to someone I know personally. Thank you for sharing!" exclaimed one user. "Happened to me few years ago," another added. "Went home, jumped through hoops, paid extra to expedite new passport. got it two weeks later, made it to my friend's daughter's big three day wedding by one day."
Of course, as Biryukova said, rules for entry vary by country, so your best bet is to always do your research ahead of time before planning to traveling internationally.
