Arrive Three Hours Before Flight Home, Airline Boss Tells UK Holidaymakers
Arrive three hours before flight home – A recent advisory from the UK representative of budget airline Wizz Air has prompted British travelers to rethink their pre-travel routines. Yvonne Moynihan, who leads the airline’s operations in the UK, has urged holidaymakers to plan their departure times carefully, suggesting an earlier arrival at European airports. Her warning comes amid concerns over prolonged delays at border checkpoints, which have disrupted the usual smoothness of international travel.
The New Entry Exit System
The delays are attributed to the Entry Exit System (EES), a biometric registration process now in place at many European border points. This system requires non-EU travelers to scan their fingerprints upon entry and cross-check the data when leaving. While the European Commission claims the EES is functioning effectively at most locations, Moynihan argues that the implementation has created uneven experiences across the continent.
“People are facing extended waiting times at certain airports, which can lead to missed return or connecting flights,” Moynihan said.
The EES has been operational since October, with over 80 million entries and exits recorded so far. However, the system’s full rollout began on 10 April, when it became mandatory at all Schengen zone border points, including airports. Despite this, some countries, like Greece, have temporarily paused biometric checks for British citizens to avoid potential chaos during the summer travel season.
Fragmented Delays Across Europe
Moynihan described the impact of the EES as “fragmented,” noting that while some destinations experienced minimal disruption, others were struggling with congestion. She highlighted Spain, Portugal, and France as particularly affected areas, where queues have grown significantly. However, she also pointed out exceptions, such as Mallorca, where no delays were observed during a recent visit due to additional staff and efficient kiosk systems.
“Although there are occasional seamless experiences, we’re advising travelers to anticipate longer waits,” she explained.
The airline’s guidance now recommends arriving at the airport three hours before departure, compared to the traditional two-hour window. Moynihan emphasized that this adjustment is necessary to account for unexpected bottlenecks at departure gates, where biometric verification is required. “Passengers should bring portable chargers or water, just in case,” she advised, underscoring the need for practical preparations.
Technical and Staffing Challenges
ACI Europe, a coalition representing European airports, has reported growing frustrations among travelers. A survey of 45 airports across the EU revealed that some are experiencing queues lasting up to three and a half hours. Despite partial suspensions of the EES in response to delays, the organization warns that the situation may worsen as summer travel demand peaks.
“The system is not the only factor causing delays, but the biometric process has certainly added complexity,” a spokesperson from ACI Europe stated.
The European Commission has acknowledged the challenges but maintains that the EES is largely effective. It has granted temporary suspensions to certain border points during exceptional circumstances, such as when waiting times exceed acceptable levels. Member states, including Portugal, are tasked with ensuring proper implementation, and the country has already announced plans to hire 360 extra border officers by July to manage the influx of travelers.
Seasonal Pressures and Future Costs
Moynihan also highlighted the seasonal strain on the system, warning that increased passenger numbers during the summer will test its capacity. “We’re expecting more disruptions as travel volumes rise,” she said, calling for broader temporary suspensions of the EES during peak periods. While the airline has seen some improvements since the system’s initial rollout, Moynihan stressed that the challenges are far from resolved.
“Even with progress, the system will need more flexibility to handle the summer surge,” Moynihan added.
As the summer holidays approach, there is growing speculation about the potential ripple effects of the EES on the global travel industry. The system’s implementation has coincided with rising fuel costs and concerns over supply chain stability in the Middle East, which could lead to flight cancellations or rerouting. Wizz Air, like other airlines, has noticed a trend of late bookings, prompting the company to offer “very affordable prices” to attract travelers.
Confidence in the System
Despite the challenges, Moynihan remains optimistic about the EES’s long-term viability. She argued that the system’s technical flaws are temporary and that adjustments by suppliers have already been made. “Our partners are adapting, and we’re not expecting any schedule cuts,” she said, aligning with statements from competitors such as EasyJet and Jet2, who have also urged passengers to book with confidence.
“While there are still issues, the system is working as intended,” Moynihan claimed.
However, she warned that future fare increases are likely if oil prices continue to rise. “The cost of operations will inevitably impact ticket prices, especially as demand grows,” she noted. This outlook reflects broader concerns within the aviation sector about the financial implications of the EES, which has already raised the stakes for budget airlines competing to attract cost-conscious travelers.
Preparing for the Future
Moynihan’s advice underscores a shift in the travel experience, as passengers now face an additional step in their journey. While the EES is designed to streamline border controls, its current implementation has exposed vulnerabilities in infrastructure and staffing. The airline’s UK team has been working closely with airports to identify solutions, but the need for long-term improvements remains urgent.
“Passengers should plan ahead, but we’re also pushing for better resources and backup systems,” she said.
As the system evolves, there is hope that delays will stabilize. The European Commission and airport authorities are collaborating to address technical issues, such as the central IT system’s stability and coordination between national interfaces. Yet, until these problems are resolved, the advice to arrive early will likely persist, reshaping the way British holidaymakers approach their European trips.
