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Can You Fly With a Damaged Passport? A Practical Guide

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. y-with-a-damaged-passport-a-practical-guide.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 16:48 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Can You Fly With a Damaged Passport? A Practical Guide

The idea of boarding a plane with a cracked or torn passport is one that rattles even the most seasoned travelers. A quick glance at the pages that a U.S. passport contains—especially the data page and the visa pages—shows that a passport is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a passport to the world, and it must be in “good condition” to serve that purpose. The recent article in Travel + Leisure (“Can You Fly With a Damaged Passport?”) dives into the nitty‑gritty of the rules, the practical realities of airline policy, and the steps you can take to avoid being stranded at the gate.

1. What Counts as “Damage”?

The U.S. Department of State defines a passport as “in good condition” if it is free of torn pages, broken covers, missing data, and extensive water damage. However, the line between an acceptable “minor flaw” and a problematic “severe defect” can be blurry:

• Minor tearing or fading of the cover or data page (e.g., a single torn corner) is often tolerated, especially if the data page remains intact and legible.
• Missing visa pages or a data page that’s ripped, stained, or unrecognizable can jeopardize your entry or exit.
• Water damage that causes the information to blur or the page to become warped is a red flag.
• Physical alteration (e.g., removing or covering the passport photo, ink stains, or handwritten notes) is outright disallowed.

Airlines and immigration officials check passports for these issues during security screening and boarding. A passport that looks “professional” and unblemished is far less likely to trigger a refusal.

2. Airline and TSA Policies

Domestic Flights: On U.S. domestic routes, airlines are generally more forgiving of minor damage because the primary requirement is that the passport is legible. Nonetheless, TSA agents may still insist on a passport that meets the State Department’s “good condition” criteria. According to the article, a few major carriers (e.g., Delta, United) have expressed that they may deny boarding if the passport is severely damaged, citing security protocols and a need to uphold the integrity of identification documents.

International Flights: The stakes are higher. Most countries will not accept a passport that fails the “good condition” test, and many airlines require proof of travel eligibility. A damaged passport can lead to:

• Gate denial: The airline may refuse boarding on the spot.
• Border refusal: Even if you get to your destination, immigration officials can deny entry and return you to the departure country.

The article highlights that the TSA’s “Passport Security Policy” mandates that every passport presented for international travel must be in good condition. Airlines generally echo this policy, and any ambiguity can result in a refusal at the gate.

3. What to Do if Your Passport Is Damaged

Assess the Damage Quickly: Inspect your passport for any torn or missing pages, faded ink, or any sign of water damage. If you notice anything beyond a small tear on the cover, you should act fast.

Call the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: If you are overseas, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for emergency passport assistance. In the U.S., you can start the replacement process through the State Department’s online portal.

Expedited Replacement:
- Regular Replacement: 6–8 weeks (standard) – $110 fee.
- Expedited Replacement: 2–3 weeks – $170 fee.
- Urgent Replacement (within 72 hours): $170 fee plus an additional surcharge, with a priority appointment at a regional passport agency. The article cites a real‑world anecdote: a traveler in Boston was able to secure an emergency passport in just 24 hours after their book was torn in a hotel bathroom.

If You Can’t Get a Replacement in Time:
- Travel with a Copy: Some domestic airlines may allow a photocopy for boarding, but this is a riskier bet for international travel.
- Use a Passport Card: If you’re traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean, a U.S. passport card (for land or sea border crossings) may be an alternative, provided it’s in good condition.
- Consider a Second Passport: For high‑profile individuals or those who need a “backup” passport, applying for a second passport is an option, albeit one that takes longer to process.

4. Tips for Preventing Damage

The article’s “Pro Tips” section underscores practical ways to protect your passport:

• Store it in a hard‑back travel wallet or a passport cover with a protective sleeve.
• Avoid placing it in your luggage in a manner that it can get squashed (e.g., between the bottom of a suitcase and a heavy item).
• Keep it out of direct sunlight, away from damp areas, and away from sharp objects.
• Consider a digital backup: scan your passport’s data page and keep a copy in your email or cloud storage for quick reference.

5. Bottom Line

You can technically fly with a mildly damaged passport, but the risk of denial—both at the gate and at immigration—is real and potentially costly. The Travel + Leisure article makes it clear: airlines and border officials are increasingly vigilant about the integrity of travel documents. If your passport has any damage beyond a slight tear, it’s safest to replace it before you book any flights.

Quick Checklist
1. Inspect for torn, missing, or water‑damaged pages.
2. If damaged, start the replacement process immediately.
3. Choose expedited service if you’re traveling within 90 days.
4. Keep a digital copy as a backup.
5. If replacement isn’t possible, seek emergency assistance from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

By taking these steps, you’ll avoid a stressful last‑minute scramble and ensure that your passport—literally your ticket to the world—remains in the condition required to keep your travel plans on track.