SkyVIP service helps travelers bypass long EES lines at European airports
The European Union's Entry/Exit System is causing lengthy delays at airports as travelers adjust to biometric checks. SkyVIP's Meet & Greet service provides a designated escort through passport control and to connecting gates. The author tested it in Rome and found it helpful during a tight layover.
The Entry/Exit System replaces traditional passport stamping with biometric registration, capturing facial images and fingerprints at automated kiosks for non-EU travelers on short stays. Its summer launch coincided with peak tourism, overwhelming checkpoints and producing reported waits of up to three hours at some airports. SkyVIP counters this by deploying personal greeters who meet arriving passengers at the gate and guide them through immigration and onward connections. The service operates across more than 500 airports globally, with three tiers: standard Meet & Greet, full VIP Terminal access, and a Private Suite option. The author's Rome test during a tight two-hour layover proved the escort service valuable for navigating the new procedures.
This story highlights how new security infrastructure can temporarily disrupt travel for millions of EU visitors, particularly those with tight connections or limited airport familiarity. Frequent flyers, business travelers, and families may increasingly turn to paid assistance services as a workaround, potentially widening the gap between those who can afford expedited passage and those who cannot. If EES delays persist, airlines and airports could face pressure to adjust scheduling or staffing, and travelers may factor these risks into future booking decisions.