Three things you can do to stop EU border checks at the airport costing you

An important development from the financial markets: Three things you can do to stop EU border checks at the airport costing you ByKevin Peachey Cost of living correspondentPublished12 minutes agoIf you're heading to Europe this summer you need to be prepared for queues caused by the EU's new border control system - or it could end up costing you more money. UK travellers have to register fingerprints and a photo when you scan their passport as part of the Entry/Exit System, or EES. The extra time this takes, as well as some technical glitches, have meant long delays at some airports.

Some holidaymakers have missed their flights and had to pay for another ticket. Here are three things experts say you must do before you travel to Europe to avoid any additional costs as a result of the new checks. Arrive early - but not too earlyBuilding in plenty of time to check in and complete the EES registration steps will help you to avoid missing your flight.

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The UK boss of budget airline Wizz Air told the that British holidaymakers should arrive at European airports three hours before their flight home departs. Other airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair have suggested the same, depending on the airport. However, Eurostar advises passengers to arrive at the station at the recommended time stated on your ticket, external as it already takes EES steps into account.

At the Port of Dover, technology issues have prevented the new system from being used. It is advising passengers to arrive no more than two hours before their ferry departure. It warned arriving too early could cause queues to build up.

Top tip: Check arrival time advice with your airline, ferry or rail company in advance and build in your travel from home. Sign up to alertsAirlines and travel providers will send out messages to let passengers know of current waiting times and any changes so it's important you are signed up to receive them. "Airlines typically notify passengers of significant delays.

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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," the Civil Aviation Authority says. Most airlines have an app you can download in advance to receive alerts and it's also worth checking you're signed up to get texts and that emails don't go into your junk folder. Top tip: Download any apps in advance and familiarise yourself with where alerts appear.

Read your paperworkIf you miss your flight due to EES queues, airlines are under no obligation to put you on another flight without an extra charge. Travel insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of new flights, hotels or any other losses incurred as a result of delays caused by EES queues, the Association of British Insurers says. Anne Robinson, from Dunbarton, and her 13 year-old-son Jack missed their flight home from Rome in June when they got stuck in a 90-minute queue.

They had to pay £250 for a replacement flight two days later, which they could not claim back.

Financial markets are tracking the development closely as investors assess the likely impact.