Hi everyone
I'm hoping someone can help me out. I am thinking of planning a surprise trip for my Father to Northern Ireland, where he grew up (but hasn't been back in years). The only problem is that he has no passport, and no ID that I know of (unless you count a pensioner's bus pass!) As we are still travelling within the UK, do all airlines require a passport? We'd be happy to travel by ferry too.
Thanks everyone
technically you do not need a passport to enter Northern Ireland as it is part of the UK, but you do need ID to board either a plane or a ferry, Depending whether you decide to fly or sail, you will have to check with the actual carrier what they require. The bus pass might do it!! But I would e mail them to ask, print out their reply and take it with me. Someone in the office may well say yes, but the jobsworth at the port will say no.
hi
All adults traveling by air within UK require valid photographic id, not necessarily a passport - you would need to check with individual airlines as to which ones they accept. I think Flybe will accept a bus pass but you do need to check their websites as they all differ. No id is needed to travel by ferry
#For all International ferry crossings every passenger must have their passport with them to get onboard the ferry. We advise all British Nationals to have no less than 6 months left to expire. For passengers travelling on any Domestic ferry crossing (for example within the UK) a form of photo ID is accepted if a passport is not available.#
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17 helpful votes Britain to Northern Ireland is not an international ferry crossing, so any form of photo ID should be acceptable.
I agree with the advice to check with the individual carrier. What Flybe might consider acceptable photo ID, Stenaline might not for example.
Dig through the airline's or ferry's website long enough and you'll find the answer for each carrier.
I don't think any insist on a passport - but they don't all settle for a bus pass (though some do!). From memory, some require a photographic driving licence. But they're not all the same.
BMI don't require ID on their only route LHR-BHD.
Ryanair insist on passports for all domestic flight so dont use them, easyjet i know accept drivers licence/ work pass with photo so may accept a bus pass if it has photo. but avoid Ryanair at all costs. flybe seems pretty flexible, and the ferries will be fine.
good luck
One also need to what consider what is required enter and leave the Republic of Ireland if going that way, which is the fastest ferry + car/train route from Liverpool/Manchester/Leeds and further south.
