Border delays and big city breaks - what you need to know this week
Travel associations have already called for greater flexibility in how the system is applied, particularly during busy travel periods.
Airports Council International Europe and Airlines for Europe reported that the launch day on April 10 was marked by disruption, with passengers experiencing waits of up to two or three hours at border control during peak times.
These delays have occurred despite border authorities making use of temporary measures that allow biometric data collection to be scaled back in an effort to keep queues moving.
Over the last weekend, further issues were reported, including a situation in Milan where around 100 passengers missed a flight to Manchester after being caught in lengthy queues. Some travellers described crowded conditions and long waits in a single queue serving multiple flights, highlighting the strain the new system is already placing on airport operations.
Airlines have stressed that these delays are outside of their control, but the impact on passengers is clear. In some cases, flights have had to depart without travellers who were still stuck at passport control, even after being held as long as possible within crew operating limits.
Travel bodies continue to support the aims of the EES, which is designed to strengthen border security, but they are urging authorities to introduce more flexibility. Suggestions include temporarily suspending full implementation during peak periods to prevent excessive delays and ensure a smoother experience for travellers, particularly as we head towards the busy summer season.
On a more positive note, it is always good to share real travel experiences, and last week Leanne returned from a fantastic spring trip to New York with her family. Travelling from Manchester on a direct flight, she spent four nights in the city and made the most of every minute.
Leanne said: "New York truly lives up to its reputation as the city that never sleeps. From iconic sights such as the 9/11 Memorial and the Statue of Liberty to taking in a Broadway show and visiting Top of the Rock, there was no shortage of things to do.
"One standout moment was a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, made even better by cooperative weather.
"Despite initial concerns about queues on arrival, the experience at JFK Airport was relatively smooth, with immigration taking around half an hour. It is a reminder that while some destinations are seeing delays, others are still operating efficiently, and hopefully in time the issues in Europe will also become effortless.
"I was amazed at how busy and vibrant Times Square was, with constant noise and activity, yet I was pleasantly surprised by how safe it felt, even when walking around at all hours.
"Getting around the city was easy, with most attractions within walking distance, although the subway and sightseeing buses are great options too."
Leanne’s top tips:
Pack comfortable shoes - this is definitely not a destination for heels.
Pre-book your attractions in advance to save both time and money.
Order meals wisely: be mindful when ordering food, as portion sizes are famously large.
Finally, booking last week continued to show strong demand for last-minute travel. Departures within the next 12 weeks accounted for a significant share of bookings last week, with late deals proving extremely popular.
May remained the top-selling month, followed by June and July, suggesting that many people are still keen to secure a getaway in the near future.
As always, whether planning ahead or booking late, being prepared and staying informed can make all the difference.