Travel Expert Reveals 4 Simple Tricks to Avoid Huge Airport Queues
Nobody wants to face those dreaded airport queues; there's nothing more likely to ruin the start of a holiday than being stuck in a long line, stressing about whether you'll make your flight, surrounded by equally frustrated travellers. From April 10, new biometric checks will become mandatory for all non-EU travellers entering the Schengen Area, which includes British citizens. Traditional passport stamping is now replaced by fingerprint scans and facial recognition. While it is meant to be a quick process, major international hubs are already reporting long queues of up to four hours for the service, especially at airports that host multiple airlines.
Arrive Earlier Than You Think You Need To
With the new system, airport wait times can vary significantly. Jane Bolton, a travel expert at Erna Low, explains: "With the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times. In the past, travellers were advised to arrive two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international flight. Now, it's worth allowing more time than usual." To be extra prepared, Jane recommends arriving three to four hours before the flight to account for additional biometric checks slowing down border processing. This is especially crucial if you're flying during busier holiday periods when airports are at their most congested.
Consider Fast-Track Options Where Possible
But spending so much time in airports isn't exactly everyone's idea of fun. In that case, fast-track security could be worth the investment. Jane says: "As long queues are expected, passengers should opt for alternative time-saving methods where possible. Purchasing fast-track tickets for security is a great method for reducing the time needed prior to a flight." Typically costing between £3 and £12, these passes can help you bypass long security lines. Jane describes this as "a relatively small investment for peace of mind," allowing travellers to avoid the stress and uncertainty of extended waits.
Plan Carefully If You're Travelling With Family
Under the new system, families might face additional challenges. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprinting and facial recognition, but they must be linked to a registered adult. Jane explains: "For families or large parties travelling, allowing extra time at the airport is essential. This process will take longer than average, so plan ahead and keep all documents ready." She emphasises that organising travel documents in advance and ensuring everyone in the group is prepared can significantly reduce delays and make the airport experience smoother for all involved.
Double-Check Your Passport Before You Go
Since Brexit, one of the most common mistakes travellers make is assuming their passport is valid everywhere, at any point. Jane stresses: "Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before your travel date and be valid for at least three months after departure." While most people know to check if their passport is expired, some overlook the issue date. She provides an example: "A passport issued in March 2015 and expiring in December 2025 won't be valid for EU travel after March 2025." Failing to check this could mean being turned away at the airport before your trip even begins, leading to costly disruptions and disappointment.
