I recently experienced the Entry/Exit System on my return from holiday, but one decision meant that I faced no queues whatsoever07:13, 06 Jul 2026I recently returned from my first trip abroad of the year, several months after the EU's Entry/Exit System came into force. My initial encounter with it was remarkably straightforward, adding only a matter of minutes to my departure from Vienna Airport last December.‌The new border checks have gradually rolled out across the continent since then, and the experience for fellow UK and non-EU travellers has varied enormously. From EES kiosks not yet operational, to deserted queues and hour-long waits, the new border checks have caused chaos for some — but not all.‌Aware that there was a chance of lengthy delays, my mum was insistent that we arrive at Palermo Airport with plenty of time to spare. As it turned out... there was absolutely no need. By the time we arrived for our 7.50pm flight at just after 4pm, there wasn't a queue in sight at passport control.‌We whiled away the time buying snacks in duty free and topping up our water bottles before finally deciding to take the plunge, reports the Express.A total of nine people stood ahead of us, with the EES machines not in use and just one border control booth open. The whole process was entirely painless, even if I did raise an eyebrow at our good fortune a few times before making it through to the gate.‌It was typical, truly typical. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I hadn't anticipated it being quite so straightforward. Nevertheless, the experience was undoubtedly a positive one for my mum. Her anxiety stemmed from a very real place, it must be said.Back in May, my mum and dad spent a week in Porto and Lisbon. Their entry into the country was slightly delayed, with an hour-long wait at passport control, despite the EES not yet being operational. The real chaos, however, struck at the end of their holiday.As the daughter of parents who are extremely organised when it comes to travelling abroad, we always made sure to arrive at airports with plenty of time to spare. Given all the commotion surrounding the EES, particularly in Portugal, they turned up at Lisbon Airport a full three hours before their flight.‌Travelling with hand luggage only, they sailed through to departures without any trouble. It was at the EES and passport control stage that everything went pear-shaped.With only a handful of booths open for EES and passport control, Mum and Dad found themselves stuck in a queue for over an hour and a half. Despite the sheer volume of passengers waiting to get through, just two booths were available to process documents.‌Mum described the ordeal as deeply frustrating and, as time dragged on, increasingly fraught. Mum and Dad eventually reached their gate just 20 minutes before it closed.She was absolutely certain that a number of people caught up in the packed queue missed their flights entirely. Sadly, similar tales have been emerging right across the continent.Despite Palermo being the capital of Sicily, the airport is considerably more compact than those you'd encounter in Rome or Milan, boasting just a single terminal. While I anticipated some queuing, our preparation paid dividends far beyond what we'd expected.‌Typical, really. Rather than spending hours stuck in a queue, we found ourselves wandering aimlessly around the tiny terminal before eventually settling down in front of our gate to wait.There didn't appear to be any obvious explanation for our good fortune, and we'll likely never find out. We contacted travel experts to discover whether British holidaymakers flying through smaller airports stand a greater chance of breezing through border checkpoints.‌Here's what they had to say....Jane Bolton, travel expert from tailor-made ski holiday specialist Erna Low, told DailyExpress.co.uk: "Whilst queues should always be expected during peak travel times, airports are experiencing their first summer season with the new Entry/Exit System and therefore holidaymakers should prepare for longer delays."Popular European destinations like Spain, Portugal and Italy are among the major hubs seeing the biggest impact, particularly for passengers registering biometric details for the first time.‌"Peak travel times, including early mornings and weekends, are likely to see the longest queues with an influx of passengers."Alex Dyer, managing director of Lapland Famille, explained: "In my experience there's a real pattern to it. The longest EES queues have been at the big long-haul airports like Paris CDG and Schiphol, simply because far more people are pushing through them at once. Smaller airports, somewhere like Palermo, Bari or Trieste, have fewer arrivals, so the queues are usually shorter. It's not guaranteed though."A lot comes down to the time of day and whether that country is pausing its checks, so even a quiet airport can have a bad morning. The other big factor is school holidays. From my experience that period gets extremely busy and changes things dramatically, whereas outside it the airports are a lot quieter."‌Rachel Pennycook, Europe Travel Specialist at The Luxury Holiday Company, added: "There isn't really a one-size-fits-all answer. A smaller airport can feel much quicker because there are fewer flights, fewer passengers moving through at once, and often a more straightforward journey from arrival to border control. If an airport only has a handful of UK or long-haul arrivals landing at the same time, travellers may find the process feels calmer and less congested than at a major hub."There is also something to be said for the overall airport experience. Smaller regional airports can be easier to navigate, with shorter walking distances, fewer terminals and less competition for staff attention if there is disruption. For nervous travellers, families or anyone with a tight onward transfer, that simpler layout can make a real difference."However, that does not automatically mean smaller airports will be better equipped for EES. In some cases, a larger airport may cope more smoothly because it has more border staff, more biometric kiosks, and more experience handling high volumes of non-EU travellers. Queue times are likely to depend on a combination of factors, including how many UK flights arrive or depart at the same time, how many first-time EES registrations are being processed, staffing levels, and whether the airport has enough working scanners or kiosks open at that particular point in the day.‌"Palermo is a good example of why experiences can vary so much. One traveller may pass through with barely any wait, while another travelling through a different airport, or even the same airport at a busier time, may face a much longer queue. Rather than choosing an airport purely because it is smaller, I would look at the whole journey: flight timings, connections, transfer distance, the day of travel, and whether you are travelling during a school holiday or weekend peak."For many holidaymakers, the best option will still be the route that gives them the most breathing room. A slightly less convenient flight time, a longer connection, or travelling outside the busiest weekend windows could make more difference than simply swapping a major airport for a regional one."Tips for getting through the EES this summerJane offered some useful guidance for British travellers heading to Europe this summer. These include:Article continues belowArrive early to allow extra time for queues – especially at major UK or European hubs.Consider fast track passes – These tickets cost between £3 and £12 per person depending on the airline and are a relatively small investment for peace of mind.Allow extra time for family travel – Children under twelve are exempt from the new recognition system and instead must be linked to an accompanying adult.Check your passport’s validity – Your passport must have been issues less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure.