Brits who are holidaying on the largest of the Canary Islands this summer have been issued advice ahead of their flight home – owing to queues caused by the EU Entry/Exit System
Brits heading to Tenerife this summer have been warned to “expect queues” and to “arrive early”, particularly when it comes to flying home from the island’s South Airport. Andrew Knight, who is originally from the UK but moved to the Canary Island and established his own bar, Buddies Bar Los Cristianos, aimed his advice at those who are reaching the end of their holiday.
“Are you flying from Tenerife South Airport this summer?” he began in a video. “They recommend you arrive three hours early if you are flying outside the Schengen Area – so that applies if you are going to the UK.”
Andrew went on to explain that the delays are largely the result of the newly-implemented EES (EU Entry/Exit System), which is a a digital border system for non-EU travellers (including UK citizens) visiting the Schengen Area.
How the new EU entry/exit system (EES) biometric checks cause airport delays
The EES replaces manual passport stamps with biometric tracking, requiring first-time registrants to provide fingerprints and a photo at the border.
Andrew continued: “As a reminder though, if you are one of the early morning flights, don’t get here too early then because airport access is restricted when there are no [immediate] flights.”
As for those arriving at Tenerife South, the Brit told travellers to “expect some queues”, but reported things had “all been pretty smooth” in recent times.
“There’s been a few unlucky people who have had to wait a couple of hours where the [EES] system has gone wrong, so you never know… just be prepared for it,” Andrew added.
Essential travel tips and budget transportation options for Tenerife tourists
As for any potential hold-ups, he also advised: “Go to the toilet on the plane, have a bottle of water and have some entertainment ready for the kids just in case the system is not playing ball and there are some queues.”
As a money saving tip, meanwhile, Andrew suggested holidaymakers catch the number 40 express bus from the airport if travelling to locations including Los Cristianos, Playa de las Americas and Costa Adeje for around €3.50 (£3.02).
“It’s a bargain and it runs every 30 minutes,” he praised. “And it will save you a big chunk on taxis.”
Andrew closed by telling his followers to be wary of what gate they should be heading to after visiting duty-free. “You will see the screens, which tell you which area your flight is going from in terms of gates,” he said. “Whether it is A, B or C, make sure you are there in plenty of time.”
Writing in response, one recent visitor to Tenerife hailed: “Flew home today, 6pm flight. Airport was so smooth, Jet2 staff were amazing sorting baggage, few bottles in duty-free ,had a meal in Giraffe, it was fab.”
A second quipped: “Flew out 6pm last night, was through in no time, the airport was a doddle. I did, however, have to sit in the VIP lounge for 2 hours drinking Cava and a mini buffet, so I was ok.”
However, a third person wasn’t as impressed, penning: “It took us 2 hours to get through because of the sheer amount of people going through and the lack of assistance.”
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