Long airport queues can ruin the start of a holiday, but travel expert Jane Bolton from Erna Low has shared four simple tips to help passengers avoid delays. With new biometric checks for non-EU travellers, including Brits, set to become mandatory from April 10, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times.
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) replaces traditional passport stamping with fingerprint scans and facial recognition. Bolton advises arriving three to four hours before your flight to account for these additional checks, especially during busy holiday periods. “Airport wait times can vary, but with the new EES checks, queues of up to four hours are expected at peak times,” she explains.
Fast-track security passes, costing between £3 and £12, are another time-saving option. Bolton calls it “a relatively small investment for peace of mind.” Families face extra challenges: children under 12 are exempt from biometrics but must be linked to a registered adult. She recommends allowing extra time and keeping all documents ready.
Since Brexit, many travellers overlook passport validity rules. Bolton warns that your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before travel and be valid for at least three months after departure. For example, a passport issued in March 2015 but expiring in December 2025 won't be valid for EU travel after March 2025. Checking the issue date is crucial to avoid being turned away at the airport.
