expiring EEA - do I need residence card?

[RileyMay]

OK, so I'm Australian, married to Irish, children also Irish, living and schooling in UK. I entered on an EEA family permit -valid for 6 months only.

The gov website says I don't need to apply for the residence card BUT it will make it easier.....what does this mean exactly? Could the UK refuse me entry if the EEA has expired? Could a country refuse me to board with an expired visa? What other docmentation would make it easier to travel with an expired EEA. HOw difficult could it be?

Has anyone not applied for the residence card and traveled on an expired EEA - what has been your experience?

I'm concerned about residence card processing time and restricted travel (with no passport!) up to 10 months whilst processing.

thanks

[noajthan]

This gives a sense of possible scenarios:
http://www.immigrationboards.com/eea-ro ... d#p1409478

RC is optional but with all wild talk of Brexit any EU documentation may help secure someone's position if transitional arrangements are eventually put in place for those still in flight on EU trajectory.

Passports may be requested back after filing an application.