Travel Questions Answered: Compensation for Surprise Layovers and EES Queues
Simon Calder, the renowned travel expert, has responded to a series of pressing questions from readers, covering topics from unexpected flight stops to the challenges of the Entry-Exit System (EES) at European airports. His insights provide clarity for travellers navigating these complex issues.
Compensation for a Surprise Brazil Layover
A reader, Jane H, expressed frustration after paying extra for what she believed was a direct flight from Heathrow to Buenos Aires, only to discover a 90-minute refuelling stop in Rio de Janeiro. She felt mis-sold, especially as in-flight entertainment was disabled during the ground time.
Calder explains that while all non-stop flights are direct, direct flights can include intermediate landings, such as British Airways' route to Buenos Aires, which schedules a stop in Rio. He notes that BA clearly states this online, suggesting the issue may stem from booking through an agent. If documentation indicated a non-stop journey, a compensation claim might be viable, given the typical premium for genuine non-stop flights. However, if "direct" was the term used, passengers should always verify if stops are scheduled.
"The moral of the story," Calder emphasises, "is to always check if the plane is scheduled to stop anywhere along the way." He shares a personal anecdote about an Air Canada flight sold as direct from Toronto to Buenos Aires, which required a plane change in Sao Paulo, highlighting how airlines can stretch definitions under a single flight number.
EES Queues and British Travellers
Another query from Kate W concerns the Entry-Exit System (EES), which has led to long queues at airports like Tenerife. She asks about the percentage of British registrations and the additional pressure on the system.
Calder reveals that when EES was conceived a decade ago, the UK was an EU member, but Brexit reclassified it as a third country, subjecting British passport holders to the system. In July 2025, data showed that 65.5% of Schengen area crossers were EU citizens exempt from EES, with British travellers comprising roughly 55% of the remaining third. At holiday airports in Spain, Portugal, and Greece, nearly all third-country nationals are from the UK.
He criticises the lack of investment in infrastructure, noting that Tenerife South airport, for example, sees 19 arrivals in three hours carrying over 3,000 people, exacerbating delays. "Choosing to leave the EU and expecting a consistently smooth passage through passport control are mutually exclusive," Calder states bluntly.
Malta Air and Ryanair Operations
Geoff T inquired about Malta Air after his Tui package holiday flight from Stansted to Rhodes was switched from Ryanair. Calder clarifies that Malta Air is a subdivision of Ryanair, with identical policies, aircraft, and crew. The complex structure, including Buzz, Ryanair UK, and Lauda, results from acquisitions and post-Brexit aviation rules.
Passengers are unlikely to notice any difference, as safety standards and services remain uniform across divisions. The notification is merely a legal requirement. Calder notes that Lauda operates Airbus A320s, offering slightly more space, but the core Ryanair product—safe, punctual, and affordable—persists.
Travel Destinations for Older Tourists
Pat J, an 82-year-old from Northumberland, sought recommendations for European destinations suitable for photography and limited mobility, with flights from Newcastle. Having visited cities like Prague and Vienna, he and his wife Val are looking for new experiences.
Calder suggests Krakow in Poland, accessible via Ryanair from Newcastle. The Old Town is level, well-paved, and photogenic, with attractions like Rynek Glowny square, St Mary's Basilica, and historical sites such as the Galicia Jewish Museum and Oskar Schindler's factory. For those with mobility issues, taxis are inexpensive and readily available.
He also mentions Villefranche on the French Riviera, served by easyJet from Newcastle, as a charming resort with photographic opportunities. Calder's advice underscores the importance of accessibility and cultural richness for older travellers seeking memorable journeys.
