Passport Control Delays and Winter Sun: Simon Calder's Travel Advice
Travel expert Simon Calder has responded to pressing questions from readers, covering issues from airport delays to holiday recommendations and passenger rights. His insights shed light on common travel dilemmas as we approach the busy winter season.
Airport Chaos in Milan Leaves Passengers Stranded
In a recent incident at Milan Linate airport, over 100 travellers were left behind when an easyJet flight to Manchester departed with only 34 passengers on board. One affected passenger, Max Hume, a teacher from West Yorkshire, reported arriving at passport control nearly two hours before the 11am departure. Despite minimal queues, staff refused to check passports because the gate had not yet been assigned.
Calder explains that Linate airport has a designated "extra-Schengen" departures area, primarily used for UK-bound flights. Instead of processing all UK passengers efficiently, ground staff prioritised travellers to Heathrow and Gatwick, possibly to avoid congestion in the waiting area. Calder criticises this decision, noting that passengers would likely prefer a crowded space to missing their flight entirely.
He emphasises that airlines, airports, and ground handlers must collaborate to improve the passport control experience and prevent such disruptions in the future. While blame is being passed around, Calder hopes practical solutions are being developed to avoid repeat incidents.
Winter Sun Recommendations for Solo Travellers
For those seeking a warm and affordable solo break over Christmas and New Year, Calder suggests considering the Canary Islands, particularly Tenerife. With average temperatures around 20C and five hours of sunshine daily, these Spanish Atlantic islands offer a pleasant escape from winter chill. Tenerife stands out for its capital Santa Cruz, the picturesque town of La Laguna, and excellent hiking opportunities.
However, Calder warns that Tenerife, along with Gran Canaria and Lanzarote, becomes extremely popular with families during the festive period, leading to high prices and limited availability. As an alternative, he recommends Madeira, a Portuguese island with fewer beaches and lower family appeal. Madeira offers scenic walks along levadas, mountainous bus rides, and vibrant New Year's Eve fireworks in Funchal.
For guaranteed warmth, Calder proposes Luxor in southern Egypt, known for its clear skies and archaeological sites, though air passenger duty is higher. He advises booking early to secure the best deals, as current demand is soft.
Fuel Shortage Concerns and Passenger Rights
With potential jet fuel shortages in Europe due to geopolitical tensions, Calder addresses worries about flight cancellations. Ryanair has indicated that fuel supply is guaranteed until mid to late May, but risks may arise if closures of the Strait of Hormuz persist. The airline expects to fly around 600,000 passengers daily during summer and has experience managing disruptions, such as during the 2017-18 pilot roster issues.
Calder reassures travellers that air passenger rights are firmly on their side. If a return flight is cancelled, airlines are obligated to get passengers home on the planned travel day, even if it means booking them on another airline in business class. For example, Ryanair has multiple daily flights from Barcelona to London Stansted, allowing for manageable reshuffling of passengers.
He stresses that handling such disruptions is the airline's responsibility, not the passenger's, and while concerns are valid, flights are likely to proceed normally.
Rethinking Passport Expiry Dates
Calder also explores innovative ideas for passport systems, prompted by stories about Gibraltar's rule changes and author Michael Rosen being denied boarding due to an expired passport. A reader suggested a subscription-based passport with no fixed expiry date, similar to monthly payments for utilities or car tax.
Calder notes that while this idea is forward-thinking, current global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) require passports to have fixed expiry dates and specific dimensions. The Philippines has implemented a digital ID without an expiry date, but this does not apply internationally.
He believes that future systems may use facial recognition as a passport, eliminating expiry dates, but this transition is still distant. For now, travellers must diligently check passport validity rules before departure to avoid issues.
