Flying Ryanair from Germany, how do I check in for a flight if my passport was stolen?
I went to Germany for a one week holiday and unfortunately my wallet with my passport inside was stolen in Berlin. I went to my embassy and they provided me with an emergency travel document so I can go back to the UK. Also I have a police report.
However my flight is on Tuesday from Hamburg and it is time to check in and there are not any options apart from passport or ID when you do check in, therefore I spoke to Ryanair Customer Service and they have told me that I am not able to check in or board a plane without valid ID/PASSPORT.
Does anyone know if I can check in and board a plane with an authorised emergency travel document?
Best Answer
I can't find anything about emergency travel documents in their Ts&Cs, but I've found this relevant exchange from Ryanair's official twitter account:
Ann ?@ann_nguyen1 16 Jul 2015
@Ryanair I only have my emergency travel document and I'm flying on Sat from Manch home to Norway. Can I still board the flight?Pls say YESRyanair ?@Ryanair 16 Jul 2015
@ann_nguyen1 Hi, Can you advise who issued the document? TBAnn ?@ann_nguyen1 16 Jul 2015
@Ryanair I just need to get home on Saturday! I have all the valid IDs with me. Emergency Travel Documents and my Norwegian ID.RyanairVerified account @Ryanair
@ann_nguyen1 Emergency Travel Document issued by the Embassy is a valid travel document. GK
3:10 AM - 16 Jul 2015Ann ?@ann_nguyen1 16 Jul 2015
@Ryanair thanks so much for the prompt reply!!! <3Ann ?@ann_nguyen1 16 Jul 2015
@Ryanair one last Q. How do I check-in online when I don't have my passport?Ryanair ?@Ryanair 16 Jul 2015
@ann_nguyen1 If there's a number on the travel document, put it as passport or check in at the airport (free of charge in this case). GKAnn ?@ann_nguyen1 16 Jul 2015
@Ryanair also, would you be able to email me a confirmation of this? That I am OK to travel with an ETD.Ryanair ?@Ryanair 16 Jul 2015
@ann_nguyen1 Emergency Travel Document is clasified as passport replacement and therefore no need for additional written confirmations. GK
https://twitter.com/ryanair/status/621622832888442880?lang=en
I'd suggest you contact Ryanair Customer Services again and explain that you have an Emergency Travel Document which is classified by Ryanair as a passport replacement and you'd like them to put a note on your account confirming for the airport staff that this is a valid document for travel.
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Quick Answer about "Flying Ryanair from Germany, how do I check in for a flight if my passport was stolen?"
Can I fly with Ryanair without a passport?
Ryanair passengers travelling internationally are required to present a valid passport. A driving license is not accepted as a travel document on international flights."Can you change passport details after check-in Ryanair?
Once you have your new booking reference you can self-serve through myRyanair and update your new passport details. Your passport details will then appear in the drop down menu while you're checking in.What if you lose your passport in the airport?
Regardless of where in the world you are, reporting a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible is necessary to help protect you against identity theft. Travelers can contact the U.S. Department of State to report the loss by phone, email, or even by mail.RyanAir check in for boarding pass (ENGLISH SUBTITLE)
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Answer 2
Not an answer from laws, but from experience:
My Spanish ID expired while in Germany and travelling with Ryanair.
The embassy made a safe-conduct for my trip and Ryanair did have no problem letting me in the flight with that.
I read somewhere that under EU law you need a valid ID, not a non-expired ID to flight, however most of low-cost companies love to have an excuse to not let you in, because they get your money (its your fault). However, anecdotally also, I have used my expired ID to get into flights within the Star alliance without any problem but a "you are a mess, travelling with an expired ID" look.
Rules about expired IDs flying to and from Germany. Also, there is a button here to choose any other EU county.
Note again, this is the country's law. Any airline reserves the right to not let you in.
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