British travelers are advised to expect delays at European airports due to new border checks but are encouraged to continue booking vacations with confidence. Passengers are recommended to arrive three hours before their departure to account for lengthy queues at passport control.

Yvonne Moynihan, the UK head of budget airline Wizz Air, highlighted that extended passport control wait times in some European airports have caused passengers to miss their return or connecting flights. Airports reported worsening queues under the Entry Exit System (EES), which mandates travelers to register fingerprints.

While the European Commission stated that EES is functioning well at most border crossings, ACI Europe suggested that passengers adhere to their airline’s recommended airport arrival times. The EES requires non-EU travelers to register biometric data upon entry to many European countries, which is verified at departure.

As of October, nearly 80 million entries and exits have been recorded, with around 35,000 entry refusals. The EES is set to be fully operational at Schengen Zone borders, including airports, from April 10. Greece has suspended biometric checks for British citizens to avoid disruptions during the summer.

Moynihan of Wizz Air noted varied impacts of the new checks across Europe, with notable queues in popular destinations like Spain, Portugal, and France. She advised travelers to prepare for queues at both the destination and departure airports, recommending carrying essentials like a portable charger or water.

Due to the verification process upon departure, Moynihan cautioned about potential queues before UK-bound flights. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport three hours in advance and allow ample time between connecting flights to accommodate border delays.

The European Commission emphasized that delays are not solely due to EES, with registration typically taking about a minute. ACI Europe’s survey indicated queues of up to three and a half hours at airports, despite partial suspension of EES.

With passenger volumes expected to rise in the summer, ACI Europe anticipated worsening queue situations and called for member states to ensure proper EES implementation with adequate border staff. Portugal has announced additional border officers for airports to address reported delays.

While improvements have been made to the system, Moynihan anticipated challenges during the summer peak and urged more countries to suspend checks temporarily. The European Commission has allowed selective suspension of biometric registration in exceptional circumstances to manage excessive waiting times.

As summer holidays approach, concerns arise regarding potential jet fuel supply issues and cancellations in the Middle East. Wizz Air and other airlines have observed a trend of last-minute bookings, resulting in competitive pricing to stimulate demand.

Moynihan reassured passengers about booking confidence, mentioning that suppliers have adapted to avoid anticipated shortages or schedule cuts. While future fare increases may occur due to high oil prices, short-term cost-saving measures are being implemented by carriers.

In other news, train services to and from Heathrow are suspended today due to flooding caused by a burst water main at an airport train station. Passengers are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements and allow extra time for their journeys.