Here is what you need to know about European holidays shakeup

We are flying to Malaga in early May. As I understand it, the European Union will finally be fully implementing its biometric Entry/Exit System on April 9. What will happen? Will there be more queues at European airports?

Debbie Morris, Birmingham

Answer: Expect hold-ups. April 9 is indeed when every air, land and sea port in the EU should, in theory, have biometric facial scans and fingerprint systems in place to ensure that non-EU members have legitimate documents and are complying with the EU’s rule of 90 days maximum entry within any 180-day period.

The technology rollout needed to perform this mammoth data gathering began in October, when scanners were introduced alongside regular passport checks with ink stamps.

From April 10, again in theory, passport stamps will go. You will be able (if you have not already done so) to scan your fingerprints and have a picture of your face taken at a kiosk.

From then on, you should be able to use facial scan e-gates when visiting the EU. It is possible that face-to-face encounters with officials may still be required at some borders, during which biometric checks will be conducted. However, this will be down to individual countries.

Delays during this new phase of the Entry/Exit System (EES) are sadly likely, as passengers will need to familiarise themselves with the technology. And there will be no way to move people through with a visual passport check any more.

Trouble on arrival is expected when several planes touch down in quick succession. Will European border guards cope? Will staffing levels be sufficient? Will machines work properly? Nobody is entirely sure.

Delays departing the EU could be equally troublesome. Passengers are advised to allow a little more time, from April 9, to err on the side of caution.

Finally, bear in mind some are sceptical EU countries will meet the April rollout, so it’s possible that traditional checks could continue for a while yet.

Is it true the EU is considering legislation to standardise carry-on baggage size rules? Having just taken a trip with Ryanair and been charged because their sizing is 5cm smaller than Easyjet, it’s ridiculous as things stand.

Dennis Bailey, via email

Answer: The European Parliament recently voted to back a proposal to allow one under-seat ‘personal item’ with a maximum size of 40x30x15cm, plus a separate cabin bag measuring 100cm. 

This needs to be ratified before becoming law, and is some way off as airlines are lobbying hard against it.

We're here to help: If you need advice the Holiday Guru is here to answer your questions. Email us at holidayplanner@dailymail.co.uk