Some travellers have faced severe delays at EU border checks since the new entry-exit system (EES) came into effect on 10 April in Schengen countries. Airports report queues of up to three hours, with kiosks not working, limited seating, and few staff available to assist.
Hundreds of people responded to a Guardian callout about their experiences. While some had problem-free journeys, many reported missing flights due to long waits. Problems included fingerprints not being accepted, additional delays with children, and little guidance on using kiosks. Some travellers had to repeat registration on each leg of their journey with no explanation.
Dave Giles, 47, from Northamptonshire, missed his flight home from Copenhagen on 12 April after queuing for over an hour at passport control. Despite arriving early, he reached the front just as the gate closed. He spent about £2,000 on new flights, accommodation, and extra parking, but insurance and the airline refused to cover the costs.
Georgia, from London, experienced a four-hour delay at Pisa airport on 10 April. Pregnant and stuck in a windowless corridor with no seating, she almost fainted. Staff only handed out water at the front of the queue. She cancelled a trip to Paris and is now apprehensive about travelling in Europe.
Stuart MacLennan, from Oban, faced a two-and-a-half-hour queue with his young children at Málaga airport on 11 April. His return journey was worse, with a three-and-a-half-hour wait for families. He said the experience would put him off busy European airports. Other travellers reported that self-service kiosks were not working or not yet in use.
