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Passport warning after couple charged £987 for easy mistake

A COUPLE were left with a £987 bill after making an easy passport mistake.

Traveller Philippa said her husband booked their ski holiday to Switzerland, but put her name as Pippa instead.

The couple had booked a ski holiday to Zurich - but used her nickname on the flights by accident
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The couple had booked a ski holiday to Zurich - but used her nickname on the flights by accidentCredit: Alamy

This is despite her passport having her full name, meaning it wouldn't match.

Having booked through a tour operator, she assumed she would be able to change this for free, with the flights operated through British Airways who don't charge for this.

However, she told the : "Club Med said it would cost about £400 to correct the error on my British Airways ticket to Zurich.

"I refused to pay this and bought a ticket in the correct name at a much cheaper price."

However, she said she was then charged £987 from Club Med for the "reissue of the ticket and other documents".

Brits should always make sure the name they use when booking holidays matches the one on the passport, otherwise they could be stopped from boarding their flight.

Making a mistake with a passport when booking flights has cost other travellers too.

One woman lost her £2,600 dream holiday when she didn't realise she would need at least six months left on her documents to travel.

And another woman was left £2,000 out of pocket after she was told her passport was invalid as it was more than 10 years old, despite it still having a number of months left on it.

This is because new Brexit rules no longer allow Brits to roll over any months from their previous passport to their new one, despite previously being allowed to carry up to 10 months over.

And to enter the EU, Brits will need at least three months left on their passport. Other countries may require up to six months left.

According to the Telegraph, Philippa's cost were covered by Club Med after being contacted.

Another common mistake people make is putting novelty stamps in their passport - here is why you should never do it.

Brits should always use the same name on their passports when booking flights
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Brits should always use the same name on their passports when booking flightsCredit: Alamy
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