To consider cancelling my holiday because of the EES?

Oh, and I had a cabin bag only. I couldn't see any advantage to being a solo traveller apart from the lack of need to keep track of other people and their possessions. You still get the crying children. They're just not yours!

I freak out about the prospect of things going wrong overseas too, OP.

I got accidentally left behind a few times as a child (very chaotic family), which left me with some insecurities about being stuck somewhere I can't speak the language and don't know what to do. I can only cope with proper travel if I have a sensible adult to look after me even now - this means I don't travel. (I have less than 0 interest in going to English speaking countries. No appeal to me at all.)

Not because it's impossible, nor anyone else's fault. Just because my anxiety around travel is too much for me to manage safely, so I don't do it. Rationally, I know I am not a little kid and that that was very unusual and not what will happen - actually, I can't calm down and I start self harming at the idea of it. Life works fine without going on holiday abroad.

I am only affected in this way, the rest of life I can manage and it's not important enough for me to spend limited money on therapy for. My choice and one I'm fine with. Make your choices OP, because your issue is 'just' anxiety too. It will likely be completely fine, but it's ok if that's not calming enough and you can't do it. Just don't blame other people, other nations, the government for what is actually your own anxiety.

I hope you manage to go. Good luck!

I had a queue of over an hour in Rome a few years ago and that was before this system. An hour isn't a big deal.

I'll certainly look at that.

You're being silly OP. It might be a bit of a faff but it's not impossible. I travel solo and I'll still be going this summer without any concerns.

It's not Kier Starmer's fault.
Neither is it the end of the world. There are far, far worse things out there.

I don't think you're wrong to be concerned. I just flew to Zurich from City, alone, on Swiss (so not a budget airline or destination), used the e gates, had to be seen by a person afterwards and the queue was over an hour. It was the first day of half term but I was surprised how long it all took.

No we werent making connecting flights, we had trouble standing for that period of time though, it was quite distressing for us both. We've used Madrid perhaps 4 or 5 times a year for the past 6 years, just seems to be getting worse.

Why should Starmer or any other politician make UK exempt? Are we special somehow? UK have been slow to implement full biometric data on passports (fingerprints) whereas EU have been using it long before brexit. Only right that EU now forces non-EU to catch up with their system if they feel it makes their borders more secure.

this new process affects those outside the Schengen area, which the UK was never part of.

even if we were still in the EU, it would still affect UK nationals.

many people have pointed this out in the thread and it takes a 2 second google search to corroborate.

I believe you're soon going to have to be medically assessed for special assistance and quite rightly so.

Have you looked at applying for an Access card? It's recognised all over Europe and beyond. It costs £15 for three years, but I know it can be life changing for many people.

Did you miss any flights as a result or have your baggage arrive in a different country to you?

Your responses are just as bad. Every reply you post is trying to deflect any attempt of others (who have been through the airports under the new system) to assuage your worries and tell you that it’s going to be ok and manageable. Instead it’s just one massive whinge about all sorts. It’s not great sometimes under EES, but many journeys have been absolutely fine. Many of us have taken them and know that to be the case. Go to a country that is lifting it for the summer if you don’t like it. Or sit and home and whinge if you like!

We fly in and out of Madrid a lot and have found them absolutely awful, but that was up to last year, this year we have made plans not to fly by plane.

Is this sarcasm? We all know what most people think of brexit now. And no one likes being delayed on holiday.

They should be their first person you'd call.

If they aren't I'd question your agent choice.

a plane won't fly with unaccompanied baggage so don't worry about that.

You seem to have some kind of anxiety, have you ever spoken to a health professional about that?

If it is really stressing you out cancel it. Have you mailed Ryanair about it?

There have been a lot of scare stories in the press, tbh I'm not sure it is half as bad as the press are making out.

Op you’re being pretty dramatic. I swear half the people I know have gone to Europe for May half term. But if you’re this anxious, just cancel it, this is just one of a multitude of things that can happen when you travel. Or maybe just avoid Ryan Air, I’ve managed that my whole life!

Travel with just a cabin bag, easy, never check a bag. Did 3 months in Asia on a cabin bag . . .

@likelysuspect in your position I would request Special Assistance. I did that when travelling with my elderly aunt. You don’t have to provide evidence of disability, just explain your DH can’t stand for more than ten minutes.

I quite enjoyed sitting on the buggy with the flashing lights going through the airport!

Maybe you could request Special Assistance OP, citing your anxiety issues? It might help you?

I think it massively depends on which airport. Just back from Spain and no queues where I was. That's not to say that other airports aren't struggling with the volume.

Given the nature of your frustrations with the Government and their supposed interference with your plans, I’m surprised you booked anything at all.

The travel is easy. Like many others I’ve done it this week.

You are looking for excuses to blame other people or institutions for your own untreated anxiety. Which is a you problem.

You have two choices.

1. get a grip, behave like and adult and go on the trip like everyone else is successfully doing
2. that includes cancelling travel plans you are personally incapable of completing and seek help for your anxiety

because the new 3 minute biometric system bares no impact on your existing plans other than in your head.

I dislike them because I'm not a knuckle-dragging racist.

Gosh! I've never met a fan of Tommy Robinson! You're my first.😂

Anyway I don't want to derail the thread talking about those two no-marks.