When Brits will be able to use passport e-gates again as Keir Starmer announces new EU airport rules

As much as Brits love a queue, there are many things we'd probably rather be doing at the airport.

After Brexit, Brits have been forced into rather longer queues in recent years, while our EU friends saunter through the electronic passport scanners on their way to the promised land of duty free.

But after some good old fashioned negotiations, Keir Starmer has now struck a deal with our pals in Europe which means those of us stuck with a British passport can shave off some time spent at the airport, which is especially fantastic news for those of you following the weird trend of showing up 15 minutes before your gate closes.

The deal says 'there will be no legal barriers to e-gate use for British nationals travelling to and from European Union'.

While I'm sure this update has you chomping at the bit to book your next holiday, we may have to wait a while until it's actually implemented at airports across Europe.

It's a blessing and a curse, for those who love to queue (Getty Stock)

Although some airports in Spain and Portugal already allow British passports through e-gates, there is expected to be a delay before the change is brought in at many destinations.

When Starmer was asked when Brits would be able to use the e-gates, he said: "I want it done as soon as possible, and that's why I urge EU member states now to do it."

But the EU said Brits would benefit from 'the potential use of e-gates where appropriate... after the introduction of the European Union Entry/Exit System'.

According to The Times, the EU is planning to launch the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025, which will replace the need for people arriving in the EU from non-member countries such as the UK to have their passports stamped. So don't expect to use an e-gate most places until October this year.

Nice one, Keir (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

It must be noted that this change is only expected to reduce waiting times, as instead of being split into two queues, we may now be in just one extra-long, albeit faster-moving, one.

And we also may avoid the stern questions of those checking your passport at border control, which is a relief for any of you anxious about saying the wrong thing and ending up in airport jail.

So, instead of spending time worrying about how you might miss your flight or connection, you can now focus on making sure you have the right colour suitcase or the correct number of kids, am I right Kevin?