A Glasgow woman claims Ryanair banned her from boarding a flight to her new home in Spain.
Mary MacLeod says the airline refused to let her on the plane from Liverpool to Alicante - despite providing proof she was returning to complete her residency application before the Brexit deadline - a 'reasonable excuse' for travelling under English lockdown rules.
The 53-year-old - who rents a flat in the country - insists airline staff told her Spanish authorities would refuse to let her into the country because she doesn't own a property there, the Daily Mirror reports.
Even a letter from her lawyer outlining her reason for travelling to Spain, evidence of an appointment to obtain a pardon certificate and a copy of a rental contract for her flat failed to sway the airline.
Now she fears missing out on the chance to complete the paperwork required under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement.
The drama unfolded after Mary arrived at the airport last Saturday.
She explained: "The Ryanair employee went to speak to someone else and said they weren't allowed to let me board because the Spanish authorities would send me back home because I don't actually own a property in Spain.
"I was just absolutely gutted.
"If I don't get there I won't be able to sort out my residency under the Withdrawal Agreement.
"We're just trying to get over to Spain and get on with our lives ,but there just seems to be so much confusion, and it is costing people a lot of money."
Mary, who runs Gilded Lily Inspiring Enterprise Cic, which provides support to female social entrepreneurs, said others were also turned away.
It comes amid confusion over travel rules during the covid pandemic and following Brexit.
It is illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays, but there is a handful of "reasonable excuses", including work, education and the buying of property.
Travel from the UK to Spain is restricted to EU and Schengen associated state citizens, people who are legally resident in the EU or in Schengen associated states, or passengers who can demonstrate that their journey is essential.
Spain's government has said Britons who were legally residing in Spain before January 1 this year can confirm their residency by using documents such as a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card, a green certificate, or proof that they have applied for a TIE card.
They must also show a valid passport.
Last week, Spain lifted its outright travel ban on people flying in from Britain for all but Spanish citizens and those with proof of residency in Spain.
UK nationals are now third country nationals due to Brexit and no longer have freedom of movement.
They are only allowed to enter if they have an exemption.
Exemptions include being married to a Spanish national, having residency and travelling to a place of residence, having a long-term visa, work or education, according to Spain's government.
The Mirror contacted Ryanair for comment.
