EasyJet has issued a recent advisory on May 7 for travelers with upcoming flights within Europe. Passengers planning spring and summer getaways are urged to allocate ample time at airports to prevent the risk of missing their flights.
The airline highlighted that airports across Europe might face extended wait times at passport control due to the implementation of the new European Entry/Exit System (EES). This system may necessitate biometric procedures like facial image and fingerprint scans during border checks.
EasyJet emphasized that it may not be able to accommodate delayed passengers, even in cases of prolonged waiting periods. They strongly recommended arriving at airports well in advance. For those booked with EasyJet holidays and having transfers included, the airline is coordinating with transfer partners to address potential border control delays.
Travel experts suggest that passengers encountering the EES for the first time should allow extra time for processing. Depending on the airline, arriving several hours before departure is advised to navigate the standard security checks and new EES requirements smoothly.
Kate Donnelly, a travel expert, advised travelers to aim for early check-in to avoid queues, varying by airline and route. It is advisable to check online beforehand for specific airline procedures and plan accordingly.
To streamline the check-in process, passengers with early flights can explore twilight baggage drop services offered by airlines and airports. EasyJet provides online details of locations and services offering this convenience.
The new EES replaces manual passport stamping upon entry to the EU, requiring non-EU visitors to scan their passports at border kiosks. This system collects biometric data and personal information to enhance security, combat irregular migration, prevent identity fraud, and streamline border checks.
The surge in delays is attributed to the recent introduction of the system, catching most passengers unaware of the mandatory checks. Exemptions to the EES system can be found on the official Travel Europe website of the EU.
Despite resistance from some EU states like Greece, the EES regulations apply to 29 European countries. The Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, although part of the EU, are outside the Schengen area, thus exempting British travelers heading to these destinations from EES requirements.
A comprehensive list of EU countries mandating EES verification is available for reference.