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Why don't airlines check passport issue dates online?

The Independent

|

September 03, 2025

You reported on a British Airways passenger with a valid passport who has been turned away at the airport - yet another awful story of a holiday ruined by inadequately trained staff misinterpreting passport validity rules.

Why don't airlines check passport issue dates online?

No one should have to go through the stress endured by the many travellers who have been put through the wringer like this. But a thought occurred to me. When we check in online, the airlines ask for passport details in advance. Could they modify their systems to include the issue date? Then the checks could be completed before you even travel to the airport.

Paul Morrison

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