We are in Philadelphia today, not Spain as we'd planned. We flew from Portland yesterday and were to leave from here last night, but at the gate we were told that we could not travel with our current passports. They are not expired, but will expire in two months. Spain, and apparently many other countries, will not let you in unless you have at least 6 months left on your passport. We didn't know that, did you? Seems crazy to me. I just assumed the expiration date was the expiration date. So we had to delay our trip by one day and spend today going into downtown Philadelphia to the immigration and passports building (see above) and get new passports. Fortunately they could be expedited and we had them in less than 2 hours.
You can imagine the stress. Grrrr. Still, I have to say the airline (US Air) was extremely helpful—comped us a night in a hotel, rebooked us without charge and had all the information for how to get new passports. Props to them, though we could have avoided all this if they had given us a heads up when we bought our tickets months ago. That would be a service to their customers and save them some trouble in the long run.
So, were we just stupid not to know this rule? I don't think so. When Ray posted our problem on Facebook a few people said, " oh yeah, we knew that" but most of our friends were as clueless as we were—even the ones who travel a lot.
Now we know, and now you know too. If you plan to travel from the US to other countries, check to see if your passport expiration date is at least 6 months out beyond the end of your trip.
Posted with Blogsy
Thanks for the info! Mine is getting close, and I had no idea.
ReplyDeleteSorry for all the bother and delay. Sometimes when these things happen I stop and think that perhaps today was Not a good day to be on That plane for some reason. Who knows? Anyway, I hope you have a good time when you get there.
ReplyDeleteSandy
I must look at my passport. I think it is coming up sometime soon and my dad will be 80 next year, so I should probably go to Maine to see him.
Sandy in the UK
Wow! I had no idea! This must be fairly new. Four years ago our entire family went to London and Paris with no problems, even though my son's passport was expiring literally the week after our return. I was sweating it a little when we missed our flight home but nobody said a thing. Or maybe they don't care in those countries...
ReplyDeleteI certainly did not know that. I am not much of a traveler, though. I'm glad it got resolved quickly for you. My sister, who has traveled LOTS, always says the first rule is to be flexible. Guess you got your flex test. lol
ReplyDeleteNo you are not stupid. How are you to know? Moreover this is so arbitrary. It makes the expiration date meaningless when countries make up their own rules. It is kinda like going the speed limit of 55 but getting a ticket because you were going 50 and were close to it. That was nice of US Air to help out with rebooking, hotel etc. Hope this is the last and only snag and you have a wonderful trip and get many inspirations. Thanks for posting (and the PSA about the pins - EGAD!)
ReplyDeleteBummer. Glad you could find a fix so quickly. Now onward for a great trip. Love, Del
ReplyDeleteNot just from the US. Most countries have this stupid rule, which is just a way of getting more money out of you as you have to renew 6 months early!
ReplyDeleteHope you are on your way again!!! Thanks for the information and alert. We have three overseas trips next year and our passport expires early in 2016 so it was good for me to check this out. The website that I found helpful was.... http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/passports.html
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful trip!!!
Not a clue. Thanks for telling me. I need to renew my passport, then. You'd think they would stamp a "travel by" date on the passport, like a "sell by" date on milk.
ReplyDeleteWow...I can't imagine getting that news at the gate. I'm glad everything went quite smoothly (at least once it was all straightened out and you were able to write this clear and calm post for the benefit of others) and you were back on your way. Have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an annoyance -- I'm so impressed that US Air comped all of the changes and hotel room for you. And I'm so glad you shared this story -- I didn't know about this at all. Glad your finally and safely in Spain!
ReplyDeleteYes, I did know that. I am amazed that US Air did so much for you. Most of the time when we get stuck somewhere, due to the airline's fault or weather, we have to pay for our own hotel (and everything else). But then, we don't fly on US Air (not a lot of choice from Boise).
ReplyDeleteMy son's family had the same passport night mare experience last December trying to fly from L.A. to Rome. Your cathedral photos are marvelous. Thank you.
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