Lanzarote airport actual chaos or exaggerated drama

[Halfblindbunny]

So I have booked for us to go to Lanzarote first week of summer holidays. Massive treat for us all and post DS2s GCSEs. We rarely go abroad and haven't even been anywhere in the summer holidays or as far a field as Lanzarote.

But all I've heard since is how horrific the airport is. Ryanair leaving passengers behind because they can't get checked in, through security and through the EES system in the 2 hrs and can't start the process earlier than 2 hrs as bag drop doesn't open until then.

It's really causing me anxiety but I don't know if it's really horrific or not. People are blaming EES but a lot of the queues are before bag drop so nothing to do with EES.

Anyone been recently or knows more about it than me. Do I need to be trying to cram everyone's stuff into hand luggage only so we don't have to do the bag drop part?

It’s going to take a lot of persuading for me to go back to Lanzarote after dealing with these queues both on arrival and departure. All different issues but I don’t book a holiday to have stress and unpleasantness at either end!

We’ve decided to go to Fuertaventura instead.
We can’t be doing with chaos at the airport.
Flying and airports are stressful enough without added drama.

Any popular tourist destinations have busy airports during the school holidays (I am a teacher so 26 years of travelling in school hols). When you get lots of package holidays they tend to schedule the flights at similar times so the airport can get busy and at times check in can seem bonkers with no clear queuing system for particular flights, just all pile in for the airline. Basically, just allow time, you will likely need to queue for checking, then security and then again for passport control. The people who get left behind are usually the ones who forget that there is passport control to get through as well.

The new passport EES system had slowed things down a bit but that is likely to have calmed down a bit by the summer.

Don't let it stress you out. Airports are a bit of a time thief but the best thing you can do is ensure you all have some headphones or a kindle and some snacks to entertain yourselves in the queues.

@WonderingWanda the problems at Lanzarote are nothing to do with school holidays, I never travel in school holidays. They had delays on certain days before the EES because of an influx of flights in a short time. This was massively worse over the winter (as it's a winter destination) when the new system came in. I suspect some of the med airports who haven't had the winter to get used to the system might have delays.
It's on arrival that is more of an issue and some, like me, who travel aren't able to stand for long periods, certainly not for several hours.

I love Lanzarote but won't be going again until it improves.

@deeahgwitch enjoy Fuerta.

@WonderingWandahave you actually recently been through Lanzarote airport in recent weeks? There’s a reason it has its own thread!

We were in Fuertenventura last summer and the queue was just as bad and that was before the new systems were introduced. Getting through passport control on the way home was a nightmare and a few people missed their flights. Even going through security was a nightmare, my adult dd got stopped y a very unpleasant worker who had an issue with her shoes, the same shoes I had on and got through no bother with. She got her pockets and hands swabbed and I didn’t.

this issue isn’t specific to Lanzarote, it’s happening at all busy airports.

Oh no @2chocolateoranges
I find airports stressful enough when things are “normal”.

Yeah I find them quite stressful too but it’s all part and parcel of brexit. This is the new normal.

i have friends who have travelled to lots of different airports recently and all are having these problems.

prepare for the worst , as in long queues, and hope for the best.

I persuaded my DH who got two new knees last year to book airport assistance. OMG everything was done for him and I was included as the accompanying passenger. The assistance service couldn't have been better and the staff were fantastic. Straight through to the gate, fast tracked through everything including check in and passport control etc. He needed it at the time, but we have used it every time since. I doubt he would be able for the queing/standing and miles of walking in airports now, but honestly he could if he pushed himself. But why do that and end up in pain and discomfort? The assistance booking asks no questions, no proof required but I doubt anyone abuses it.

So if any of your party is in any way ill or mobility restricted, even mildly, have a look at the assistance service. There is also a program for SEN/ASD people too.

These services are under used I think. There is no charge for it either.

I booked assistance coming back from Fuertaventura last year because I had a major RA flare in my hip and could just about walk with a stick. I declined the wheelchair but it was incredibly useful just by virtue of jumping all the queues. I actually found that just having a walking stick meant I was called to the front of everyone else in the Spanish airport. Not so much in the UK though!

I considered booking assistance for my last trip because although I don't need a wheelchair or crutches I really struggle standing for long periods. I decided against in the end but I might rethink for my next trip.

God. If people are doing this then no wonder they have problems 🤣

What do you do when you get to the front of the line and have no bag to drop? Bizarre

It’s really helpful that people who don’t have disabilities are booking assistance just because they can’t stand for long! When I’m trying to travel with my disabled daughter it just means it’s 100% more challenging!

I think rheumatoid arthritis requiring a walking aid is a disability. Just because someone isn't wheelchair bound doesn't mean they are fit and well.Would you prefer that we keel over in the queue? Or not travel at all if that's the only option?
Assistance doesn't just include those who are wheelchair bound. It includes anyone with mobility issues, they are simply helped to get through quicker. If your daughter needs assistance then book it. Assistance ranges from needing physical help to get on the plane to going through the normal channels unaided but a bit quicker.

Fair comment but like it or not TBF @keepswimming38 has a bit of a point.

Fly around long enough and sadly you definitely start to see instances of the Meet and Assist system at some airports being used simply to allow some passengers to get through through the normal channels a bit quicker than normal.

When I was working some routes are/were notorious for it and it does impact on the overall efficiency of whatever system is in place.

I’d definitely risk Lanzarote at the moment, I believe if they can get you through they will. Always been enough staff at border control when we’ve passed through.

I would be more concerned in Italy. We had trouble at Bergamo 3 years ago before this system. The gate didn’t show until 40 minutes before and despite there being enough staff and enough desks they forced everyone to funnel through one. Taking their time in the most obvious way. Some people missed the flight. We could see it boarding but it was pure luck that we managed to get through.

This week the same thing has happened at Linate. They have enough machines, enough staff but they funnelled them through just one slow line. Some of those who boarded the Manchester flight lied and said they were for Gatwick which did have a gate assigned.