for the sake of purchasing a new one 3 moths early , its a no brainer , better than a big disapointment at check in , some airlines can be funny and stand their ground , and even if you show proof of 3 mths etc they get arsey
we were told 6 months for Italy when we booked, I think it does depend on the airline as hubby has traveled with less left before, at the check in they just gave him a reminder it needed changing. Did you not have to give detail before traveling we have with thomas cook.