Travel expert Simon Calder has issued a stark warning to all Brits heading to Europe this summer, urging them to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure and avoid checking in luggage to save time. The new EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fully implemented on Friday, 10 April, has caused significant travel disruptions, with holidaymakers facing queues lasting hours at both arrivals and departures across the EU and Schengen area.
EES Implementation Causes Chaos
The EES, a digital border system that collects biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images, was rolled out on 10 April 2026. Since then, travellers have reported extensive delays, with some missing their flights entirely. Simon Calder described the situation as a "Euro shambles" on his podcast, The Travel Expert with Simon Calder, and named Milan Malpensa, Lisbon, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen as the worst-affected airports.
Expert Advice: Arrive Early, Travel Light
Calder admitted the only "useful" advice he can give is to "be prepared for anything." He said: "It is annoying when you are on the way into a country, when you're standing in line for a couple of hours, when you would rather be on the beach or in my case, in the bar. But when you are coming out and have a plane to catch, lots of people are saying get there three hours in advance. I guess we would say that, but ideally three hours in advance with cabin baggage and nothing to check in."
Co-Host Highlights System Flaws
Greg Dickinson, co-host on the podcast, called the rollout "a complete scandal" and noted that travellers are being asked to submit biometric data multiple times. He explained: "That shouldn't be happening. It should only happen on the first occasion [of entering the Schengen area]. Part of this is because the machines aren't talking to each other. It is not as joined up as you would hope it would be. Many airports don't have a segregated lane for people who have had their ESS checks done already."
Impact on Holidaymakers
The delays have left some travellers missing their flights, ruining their holidays. Calder emphasised that the system affects both arrivals and departures, making it crucial for Brits to plan accordingly. He strongly recommends not checking in bags to save additional time at the airport.
