UK travellers flying through smaller European airports can significantly reduce waiting times under the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES), according to recent experiences and travel experts. One traveller reported no queues at Palermo Airport, while others faced hour-long delays at major hubs like Lisbon.
Palermo Airport: A Smooth Experience
Ellen Jenne, a UK traveller, returned from Sicily via Palermo Airport and encountered minimal delays. Arriving at 4pm for a 7.50pm flight, she found no queue at passport control. Only nine people were ahead at the border, with EES kiosks unused and one booth open. The process took minutes, leaving her with ample time for duty-free shopping.
Lisbon Airport: Chaos for Parents
In contrast, Jenne's parents experienced severe delays at Lisbon Airport in May. Despite arriving three hours early, they queued for over 90 minutes at EES and passport control, with only two booths open. They reached their gate 20 minutes before closure, and many passengers likely missed flights.
Expert Insights: Smaller Airports Reduce Queues
Travel experts confirm that smaller airports generally have shorter EES queues. Alex Dyer, managing director of Lapland Famille, noted: "The longest EES queues have been at the big long-haul airports like Paris CDG and Schiphol. Smaller airports, somewhere like Palermo, Bari or Trieste, have fewer arrivals, so the queues are usually shorter."
Jane Bolton from Erna Low added: "Popular European destinations like Spain, Portugal and Italy are among the major hubs seeing the biggest impact. Peak travel times, including early mornings and weekends, are likely to see the longest queues."
Rachel Pennycook of The Luxury Holiday Company explained: "A smaller airport can feel much quicker because there are fewer flights and passengers. However, larger airports with more staff and kiosks may cope better. Queue times depend on flight volumes, first-time registrations, staffing, and kiosk availability."
Tips for Avoiding EES Delays
- Arrive early: Allow extra time at major hubs, especially during peak periods.
- Consider fast track passes: These cost £3–£12 per person and can save time.
- Allow extra time for families: Children under 12 must be linked to an adult, adding processing time.
- Check passport validity: Passports must be issued within 10 years and valid for 3 months after departure.
Choosing smaller airports and off-peak travel can minimise EES delays, but travellers should always prepare for variability.
