1. Arrive early - but not too early
If you are travelling to Europe this summer, be prepared for potential queues caused by the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) at airports. UK travellers must register fingerprints and a photo when scanning their passport as part of this system. The additional time required, along with some technical issues, has resulted in long delays at certain airports. Some holidaymakers have missed flights and incurred extra costs for replacement tickets.
To avoid missing your flight, it is important to allocate sufficient time for check-in and completing the EES registration. The UK head of budget airline Wizz Air advised the BBC that British travellers should arrive at European airports three hours before their flight home departs. Other airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair have made similar recommendations depending on the airport.
Eurostar, however, suggests passengers arrive at the station at the time indicated on their ticket, as this already accounts for EES procedures. At the Port of Dover, technology problems have prevented the use of the new system. Passengers are advised to arrive no more than two hours before their ferry departure to avoid queues building up due to early arrivals.
Top tip: Check arrival time advice with your airline, ferry, or rail company in advance and factor in your travel time from home.
2. to alerts
It is essential to register for alerts from airlines and travel providers, as they send updates about current waiting times and any changes. The Civil Aviation Authority recommends passengers always check directly with their airline before heading to the airport to ensure enough time for security checks and reaching the departure gate.
"Airlines typically notify passengers of significant delays. We also advise passengers to always check directly with their airline before heading to the airport to allow enough time for security checks and reaching their departure gate,"
Most airlines offer apps that can be downloaded in advance to receive alerts. It is also advisable to confirm you are signed up to receive text messages and to check that emails do not end up in your junk folder.
Top tip: Download any relevant apps beforehand and familiarize yourself with where alerts will appear.
3. Read your paperwork
If you miss your flight due to queues caused by the EES, airlines are not obligated to provide another flight without an additional charge. The Association of British Insurers states that travel insurance is unlikely to cover costs for new flights, hotels, or other losses resulting from delays caused by EES queues.
In June, Anne Robinson from Dunbarton and her 13-year-old son Jack missed their flight home from Rome after being stuck in a 90-minute queue. They had to pay £250 for a replacement flight two days later, which was not reimbursed.
No travel insurance policies explicitly cover EES delays, because it is an expected procedure or routine process, explains Anna-Marie Duthie, travel insurance expert at analysts Defaqto.
"In practice it is your responsibility to allow additional time for such long queues or delays," she says.
There is a slight possibility of making a claim under missed departure or delay or abandonment cover. However, immigration or border delays are often excluded as covered reasons.
Top tip: Read your paperwork or speak to your insurer before you travel.
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