To consider cancelling my holiday because of the EES?

[idontwanttogoanymore]

I just can’t cope with this stress. I will be travelling alone and I can’t afford (literally or mentally) to miss a flight because of this system.

I just don’t want to go. It’s looming over me. I did it in February going into Norway, but that makes no difference. You’re still in the queue for hours. I’m flying with Ryanair and they only open their bag drop 2 hours before, they’re now saying three hours to get through. So it’ll be literally impossible.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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'll certainly look at that.

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 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!

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 don’t have time to read the whole thread, but if you are that concerned, take carry on bags only, check in online the day before and arrive at the airport >3hours in advance.

OP you said your flight lands at 9:30 and the AirBnB's check-in closes midnight and that's an issue. Contact the Airbnb now and explain you're worried re timings. If it's a company-run Airbnb they'll probably say it's fine, just stay in touch with us on the day and someone will wait for you.

If a later arrival is really not possible - and I've found they're usually at least a bit flexible - then plan a back-up. Shortlist a few budget, 24-hour reception hotels/hostels with availability where you could stay for one night if you had to. Yes it might cost you £80, but in the context of a holiday to Italy, is it really impossible?

I think someone who can’t stand for more than ten minutes should be eligible though, no?

It wasn't a big deal for ME, no, but when I was pregnant and in a similar queue, I found it hard to stand and if you'd been claustrophobic it would have been hard as it was just a big mass, not an organised queue.

Fortunately the friend collecting me got stuck in traffic or it would have been pretty inconvenient for her too, as she wouldn't have anticipated needing the long stay parking.

I would hope so

But he hasnt got any medical 'proof' of this other that trips to the doctor, referral to physio and advice to do the exercises and painkillers (which dont work). Theres no treatment as such, just management. But he cant stand for that long without getting severe pain which then impacts his walking.

And I need the loo frequently just due to fibroids and age issues, again, not a diagnosable 'condition' as such.

We just stay away from things that are likely to require long queues now to be honest.

Honestly I think part of the problem is all the hype about it. It’s anxiety inducing. If I’d read the news, and mumsnet comments, and listened to people telling me about all the potential problems I’d have cancelled my recent holiday thrice over jet fuel shortages, EES and the new hantavirus.

As it was, the holiday (EU) went fine, got there 3 hours before, checked in online, bag drop was done and flights were fine, no closures or delays, the only thing was the queues at passport control on landing were longer than usual to get adults scanned in and for young families to go through the old system.

On the way back it was similar, bags checked in quickly, we had to wait a while in the family passport queue to get through to the flight but the staff were efficient and helpful.

I think the warnings are fair but the hype and panic are a bit much. For most people, it’ll be a minor inconvenience not a disaster.

So even in those circumstances the worst the OP has to deal with is standing. Which as other PP said if there is a perceived mobility issue they can ask for help from staff.

To do what, what do you expect. Europe's not going to change things because some Brit wants to go on holiday.

You really need to do something to manage your anxiety.

It’ll be fine, OP! You’ll forget any hassle as soon as you land in your destination. Enjoy! 😊

Well, I suspect she'll instantly find something else to worry about.

Pay for a small suitcase as hand luggage, ho early. Book an airport lounge