Travellers using major European airports are being urged to get through passport control before browsing shops, grabbing a meal or heading to airport lounges.
Disruption linked to the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) continues to cause major delays.
The warning comes after multiple reports of travellers missing flights due to lengthy queues at European border controls since the biometric system was fully introduced in April.
One of the most widely reported incidents saw an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester depart with just 34 passengers onboard after more than 120 travellers were unable to clear passport control in time.
The warning comes after multiple reports of travellers missing flights due to lengthy queues at European border controls since the biometric system was fully introduced in April.
One of the most widely reported incidents saw an easyJet flight from Milan to Manchester depart with just 34 passengers onboard after more than 120 travellers were unable to clear passport control in time.
Some passengers reported waiting up to three hours despite arriving at the airport well in advance of departure.
Travel experts are warning that similar disruption could occur throughout the summer as passenger numbers increase across popular destinations including Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Greece.
Jürgen Himmelmann, co-founder at Global Work & Travel, said: "Many travellers still have the old airport mindset of arriving, checking in and then spending an hour shopping or having a meal before heading towards the gate.
"This summer, that could be a costly mistake.
"If you're travelling through an airport affected by EES checks, your priority should be getting through security and passport control as quickly as possible. The shops, restaurants and lounges can wait.
"A lot of airports now have food outlets, coffee shops and retail stores beyond passport control.
"Once you're through, you can relax. Until then, you're taking a risk because queues can build incredibly quickly and move far slower than people expect."
Under EES, non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, must have biometric information recorded when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The process includes passport verification alongside fingerprint and facial recognition checks.
Industry groups have warned that the system is creating significant bottlenecks at some airports.
Travel experts are warning that similar disruption could occur throughout the summer as passenger numbers increase across popular destinations including Spain, Italy, Portugal, France and Greece.
Jürgen Himmelmann, co-founder at Global Work & Travel, said: "Many travellers still have the old airport mindset of arriving, checking in and then spending an hour shopping or having a meal before heading towards the gate.
"This summer, that could be a costly mistake.
"If you're travelling through an airport affected by EES checks, your priority should be getting through security and passport control as quickly as possible. The shops, restaurants and lounges can wait.
"A lot of airports now have food outlets, coffee shops and retail stores beyond passport control.
"Once you're through, you can relax. Until then, you're taking a risk because queues can build incredibly quickly and move far slower than people expect."
Under EES, non-EU travellers, including UK passport holders, must have biometric information recorded when entering or leaving the Schengen Area. The process includes passport verification alongside fingerprint and facial recognition checks.
Industry groups have warned that the system is creating significant bottlenecks at some airports.
One of the biggest issues is unpredictability. Travellers know how long security usually takes. They know roughly how long bag drop takes but with EES, the experience can vary dramatically depending on the airport, staffing levels and how many first-time registrations are being processed.
Himmelmann's tips include: Arrive earlier than you normally would, particularly during school holidays and weekends; go directly to security and passport control after checking in; save shopping, dining and browsing until after you've cleared border checks; If you're travelling with children, allow extra time for delays.
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