Ireland to UK - Passport?

eirebhoy

I'm flying to Edinburgh with Ryanair in less than 2 weeks but just realised that my passport is expired by a few months. I've checked their website and it said you need a valid passport on all flights but Drivers Licenses are accepted if going from Ireland to UK. Aer Lingus don't require a passport at all between Ireland and UK, just photo ID.

What I'm wondering is why Ryanair accept a drivers license but won't accept an expired passport? I don't drive so have no license. Since it's just a Ryanair rule will they not be a bit lenient? I just don't want to be splashing out €125 (urgency fee is 50) for a passport if I don't need it atm.

Cheers.

Raphael

I think you can get by as long as you have any kind of valid photo ID. Dunno if an expired passport'd do though, try calling them.

Ruu_Old

No airlines (that I am aware of) accept an expired passport, I don't see any reason why they should (regardless of how long its been) it always has been the policy. I reckon you'll have to fork out for the passport, no garda ID? I used to use that when I had no passport.

Faith

Right now, in the current climate of constant threat of terrorism, I'd be surprised if any airline would accept just a driver's license. I'd say there's no chance of them accepting an expired passport.

I'm afraid you'll just have to get a new one asap.

eirebhoy

Ruu wrote:

No airlines (that I am aware of) accept an expired passport, I don't see any reason why they should (regardless of how long its been) it always has been the policy. I reckon you'll have to fork out for the passport, no garda ID? I used to use that when I had no passport.

I've got Garda ID, will they accept that? I'll give them a ring tomorrow anyway but just a bit desperate after finding the passport.

constitutionus

nope, your ****ed. sorry to be so blunt but this is RYANAIR we're talking about. they force people who need wheelchairs to get out of em if they didnt book it. IM SERIOUS! its a passport/drivers liscence or nothing. considering your position i'd give up and book with aerlingus. cost you alot less than the 125 for a passport you dont want. but here make SURE they said you dont need ID . im pretty sure with all the crap going on in air travel now you will. good luck!

*edit: forgot to mention, the guy in the wheelchair? HE'S DYING OF CANCER! he was coming over to his daugters wedding which was brought forward in case he DIED before it! ya just gotta love ryanair

DMC

I wonder how long would it take to process a provisional driving licence.. less than 2 weeks?

EDIT: Bah, you need to sit the Theory Test before you get a provisional now... thats out the window then...

EDIT EDIT: If you call in person to any of the Passport Offices here in Ireland, your application will take a minimum of 2 weeks to process. If you require a passport more urgently than this, you may be required to show proof of travel (i.e., airline tickets/ferry tickets, etc.).
http://www.oasis.gov.ie/moving_country/passports_and_visas/renewing_your_irish_passport.html?search=passport#id3153388

Ruu_Old

eirebhoy wrote:

I've got Garda ID, will they accept that? I'll give them a ring tomorrow anyway but just a bit desperate after finding the passport.

You might get away with it but it'll be tough to know with the current situation, give them a call tomorrow and find out for sure.

lostinsuperfunk

Check the list here: http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/faqs.php?sect=pid&quest=photoid

Expired IDs not allowed (reasonably enough), no mention of Garda ID which means it's not acceptable. It looks like you need an up-to-date passport or driving licence. A few other forms of ID are acceptable (national ID cards from some European countries, UN refugee travel document).
Don't expect any flexibility, don't bother calling them (will cost you a fortune, they'll just repeat what's on the website, and think about standing in front of the check-in desk saying "but the guy on the phone said it would be ok..."), just get down to the passport office. Two weeks is plenty of time but bring your booking email to prove you are travelling soon.

You might get a flight on a more lenient airline for less than €125, but you're probably going to need a passport again sometime...

Dellas

Ruu wrote:

No airlines (that I am aware of) accept an expired passport, I don't see any reason why they should (regardless of how long its been) it always has been the policy. I reckon you'll have to fork out for the passport, no garda ID? I used to use that when I had no passport.

British Airways accepted a 3 month expired British passort on a Dublin to Gatwick flight last week when a collegue travelled . But Ryanair would proberbly not accept it .

Dellas

I think a valid full drivers license is ok for Ryanair on domestic/eire flights.

I wish we had ID cards here then you would have a back up

\m/_(>_<)_\m/

Dellas wrote:

British Airways accepted a 3 month expired British passort on a Dublin to Gatwick flight last week when a collegue travelled . .

well BA are renowned for their bad security measures or should i say their no security measures

eirebhoy wrote:

What I'm wondering is why Ryanair accept a drivers license but won't accept an expired passport?
Cheers.

not sure... but i would suspect its because the passport is expired therefore not valid... and if you are refused entry in Scotland, Ryan air would have to foot the bill...
in the same token, i don't think the would accept a out of date drivers L either

bucks73

Not a hope in hell of getting on a Ryanair flight without either a valid passport or driving license so if you want to make that flight I suggest getting down the passport office asap.

lasno

Irish and British citizens do NOT need passports to travel between both countries. However Ryanair seem to be able to decide foreign policy these days!
You need a passport to travel on Ryanair ONLY if you use the online check in facility. A passport is need on Ryanair even to travel between Cork and Dublin when using online check in.

blorg

\m/_(>_<)_\m/ wrote:

not sure... but i would suspect its because the passport is expired therefore not valid... and if you are refused entry in Scotland, Ryan air would have to foot the bill...

There is a common travel area between Ireland and the UK with no border controls, so no, this would not happen. There are two reasons they are strict on ID: (1) security; (2) making sure the person travelling is the person who bought the ticket (they don't want people buying up tickets for resale.)

flikflak

Yep no question of needing a passport with Ryanair - even if your valid one is a bit tatty they have been known to refuse it.

I travelled to the UK and back with Aer lingus on my Luas ID card though so if a flight with them is cheaper then might be worth it if you have another form of photo ID???

therecklessone

lasno wrote:

Irish and British citizens do NOT need passports to travel between both countries. However Ryanair seem to be able to decide foreign policy these days!

Next week, Michael O'Leary ate my Hamster...:rolleyes:

Ryanair require valid photo ID to travel on their services. The relevant section from their FAQs details forms accepted by the airline.

http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/faqs.php?sect=pid&quest=photoid

For Irish and UK citizens that means a passport or drivers license.

You are made aware of those requirements before completing your booking, accepting the T&Cs means you accept their ID requirements.

lasno

If you use the online check in facility you must present a valid EU passport or national ID card at security and at the boarding gate. Since Ireland does not hava a national ID card then you must present a valid passport. This applies even when flying on a purely domestic leg, eg. Cork to Dublin. If you check in at the airport then a valid driving licence will suffice.

AthAnRi

eirebhoy wrote:

I'm flying to Edinburgh with Ryanair in less than 2 weeks but just realised that my passport is expired by a few months. I've checked their website and it said you need a valid passport on all flights but Drivers Licenses are accepted if going from Ireland to UK. Aer Lingus don't require a passport at all between Ireland and UK, just photo ID.

What I'm wondering is why Ryanair accept a drivers license but won't accept an expired passport? I don't drive so have no license. Since it's just a Ryanair rule will they not be a bit lenient? I just don't want to be splashing out €125 (urgency fee is 50) for a passport if I don't need it atm.

Cheers.

Is it not possible to get the passport in 10 days anyway? Passport Express from the Post Office? Failing that you can just do your driving test, that would proabably be a little faster ;D

BuffyBot

It's 10 working days I believe, rather than 10 days

Dellas

You should need a valid ID or Passport that is valid or say only 6 months out of date to get on any plane be it Irish Domestic or UK!!! Especially in todays enviroment.

I cant understand why so many Irish people do not have up to date valid passports. On the continent most countries have national ID cards for all so this problem never arises there.

BA dont have bad security compared to other airlines. Any airline even EL AL have security issues once in a while.

It is true that The United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland have a common travel area because of the Northern Ireland issue so you do not need a passport for immigration unless you are a non UK or Irish national. If there wasnt this common travel area you would need a passport to go from Dublin to Belfast!!!

The need for a passport is an airline requirement not a border control one.