Most boarding denials involve fake or expired passports. Being turned away because a document shows only age is far less common, which is why it catches travelers off guard. A passport may still be valid, readable, and previously accepted, yet airlines can refuse boarding if its condition raises concerns. That decision often surprises experienced flyers who assume prior use guarantees acceptance. In reality, airlines assess risk before departure to avoid penalties if immigration authorities later reject a traveler. Understanding how document condition factors into those decisions matters more than many travelers realize.
