EES Experience?

[Anonymous]

We are traveling to Florence with a 2 hour layover connecting in Brussels. I keep seeing horror stories about the EES and missing flights. Has anyone had any recent experiences? We're traveling with young kids and my mom.

[Anonymous]

Per recent press reports, it's pretty bad there.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/2179345/brussels-airport-passengers-face-four-hour-queues-due-to-eu-border-control-rules

[Anonymous]

If you poke around online you will see a variety of reports, from no wait to 90 minutes. I think it depends on a lot of luck of the draw— how many flights land etc— but also with more time I think things are getting a little better (airports are more used to the systems and managing the lines and more people are in the system).

I think 2 hours should be fine, especially because they will often pull you from the line if you have kids or elderly people traveling with you.

[Anonymous]

I’m in Brussels this week for work. When I landed on Monday AM, the line for immigration was 3 hours. My coworker waited in it, while I was able to use the diplomatic line since I am on USG work travel.

It’s f#cking awful.

My recommendation is no layovers in Europe. You want to fly directly into your European destination.

[Anonymous]

Went to Paris a week ago. On arrival, the line was about an hour long. There were about 20 machines and only 4-5 were working. On departure, there was no line, which I know was super fortunate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are traveling to Florence with a 2 hour layover connecting in Brussels. I keep seeing horror stories about the EES and missing flights. Has anyone had any recent experiences? We're traveling with young kids and my mom.

I would fly direct if at all possible. If not, all you can do is hope for the best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are traveling to Florence with a 2 hour layover connecting in Brussels. I keep seeing horror stories about the EES and missing flights. Has anyone had any recent experiences? We're traveling with young kids and my mom.

I would fly direct if at all possible. If not, all you can do is hope for the best.

There are no nonstops to Florence from anywhere outside of Europe. The airport is tiny and couldn't handle bigger planes.

[Anonymous]

We leave Tuesday, so I don't think rebooking is an option. I know there is nothing we can do but show up, but I'm just nervous about how kids and my mom will handle it!

[Anonymous]

Many reports in UK newspapers and TV about long lines for this at many EU airports.

Fly non-stop to destination if at all possible. Else build in a long layover at the first EU airport.