The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing significant travel disruptions, particularly for families and those with young children. This new security measure, introduced last October, requires travelers from outside the EU to have their photo and fingerprints taken and registered at the border. While the intention is to prevent overstaying, the consequence is a 70% increase in security processing times, leading to long queues and missed flights.
The story of one family's missed flight from Málaga highlights the issue. Despite following airport advice and arriving three hours before departure, the bag drop-off didn't open until two hours before the flight, and it took 47 minutes to drop their luggage due to the queues. This left only 53 minutes to clear security and reach the gate, which was impossible with two young children and a backlog at security. Five other passengers also failed to board.
This is not an isolated incident. Lisbon airport had to suspend the system in December due to seven-hour waits. EasyJet, the airline involved in the Málaga incident, admitted to the longer-than-usual queues and warned passengers to allow additional time. However, the inflexibility of the bag drop-off time and the lack of a common approach from airlines to address the issue are causing widespread frustration.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that the full rollout of the EES in its current form poses an operational risk before the summer peak. They have urged member states to extend the possibility of partly or fully suspending the system at peak periods and to reinforce staffing and eliminate redundant checks. IATA suggests that airlines should open their bag drops earlier to accommodate the security mayhem, but this is not a common practice due to operational, regulatory, and commercial realities.
For travelers, the best bet is to pack everything into a cabin bag and skip the luggage check-in. This may not be a practical solution for everyone, but it highlights the need for a more flexible and adaptable approach to the EES. The current system is causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience for travelers, and it is time for a reevaluation to ensure a smoother travel experience for all.
The EU's Entry/Exit System, while well-intentioned, is currently causing significant travel disruptions. It is a complex issue that requires a collaborative effort from airlines, airports, and governments to find a solution that balances security and convenience. Until then, travelers must adapt and make the best of a challenging situation.
