Avoiding the dreaded airport queues is a common goal for travelers. Long queues can dampen the excitement of a holiday, causing stress and uncertainty about making flight connections while surrounded by equally anxious fellow passengers.
Starting April 10, all non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area, including British citizens, will undergo mandatory biometric checks. The traditional passport stamping process is being replaced by fingerprint scans and facial recognition technology. Despite being designed for efficiency, major international airports are already experiencing lengthy queues of up to four hours, particularly at airports serving multiple airlines.
In light of this, travel expert Jane Bolton from Erna Low has shared four practical tips to help passengers minimize delays and kick off their journeys smoothly.
Jane advises travelers to anticipate potential delays due to the new EES checks, with peak times possibly resulting in queues lasting up to four hours. Previously recommended arrival times of two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international flights may now be insufficient, requiring passengers to allocate more time for airport procedures.
To be extra cautious, Jane suggests arriving at the airport three to four hours before departure to accommodate additional biometric checks that could slow down border processing, especially during busy travel seasons.
While spending extended periods in airports may not be enjoyable for everyone, investing in fast-track security services could be worthwhile. Jane recommends exploring time-saving options, such as purchasing fast-track security tickets, which can range from £3 to £12. These passes enable passengers to bypass long security queues, offering peace of mind at a relatively low cost.
Under the new system, families traveling with children under 12 may encounter additional complexities. Although children are exempt from fingerprinting and facial recognition, they must be linked to a registered adult. Jane emphasizes the importance of allowing extra time at the airport for families or larger groups, as the process may take longer than usual. It is advisable to plan ahead and have all necessary documents readily available.
Following Brexit, Jane highlights a common oversight among travelers regarding passport validity. She stresses that passports must have been issued within the last 10 years and remain valid for at least three months after departure. Failure to adhere to these guidelines could lead to travelers being denied boarding, emphasizing the significance of checking both the expiry and issue dates of passports.
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