If you’re flying into the French Alps this winter, you’ll probably come across the new biometric security systems now active across major airports including Lyon Airport, Geneva Airport, and several others throughout the region. These upgraded passport checks are designed to boost security and speed in the long run — but right now, they’re causing longer queues, especially at weekends when thousands of skiers arrive at once.
What Are These New Biometric Checks?
Airports across France and Switzerland are rolling out enhanced border controls involving facial recognition, digital scanning, and automated passport gates. In theory, this should streamline the process… eventually.
But as with any new system, there are teething issues, and during peak ski season, even small delays can snowball. Airports are openly advising travellers to expect significantly longer processing times, particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Weekends = Longer Queues (Sometimes REALLY Long)
Ski season already brings huge passenger volumes — and adding new technology into the mix means:
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Slower queues at border control
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Occasional system glitches
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Fewer staffed manual passport desks
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Large groups all hitting arrivals at once
If you’re landing at Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, or Chambéry, it’s wise to plan for an additional 45–90 minutes just to clear the airport. At the busiest times, it can take even longer.
Our advice:
Always allow for extra time and keep your transfer company updated on your progress through the airport.
Stay Connected: Use Airport WiFi & WhatsApp
Because delays can be unpredictable, it’s essential to stay in touch with your driver.
Most Alpine airports offer free WiFi, so even if you haven’t got roaming:
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Connect to the airport WiFi
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Message your driver on WhatsApp
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Let them know when you’ve reached baggage claim or arrivals
It makes everything smoother — and it ensures your driver doesn’t have to keep circling the airport or guessing where you are.
How These Delays Affect Ski Transfers
The new biometric queues can cause knock-on effects for ski transfers, especially on busy changeover days:
Shared Transfers
Shared transfers run on the basis that everyone arrives on time. When one or two passengers are stuck in a long queue, the whole group has to wait — meaning:
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Departures are delayed
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Travel time increases
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You might arrive at your ski resort later than expected
Not ideal when you’re itching to get on the slopes.
Private Transfers
If you want to avoid the stress, private transfers are by far the quickest and most reliable option this winter.
With a private transfer:
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Your driver leaves as soon as you are through arrivals
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No waiting around for strangers
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More flexibility if your flight is delayed
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Faster, more comfortable start to your holiday
Given the airport delays this season, many travellers are upgrading to private transfers for peace of mind.
Which Airports Are Affected?
The new biometric systems are now active — or being phased in — at:
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Geneva Airport (GVA) – extremely busy on Saturdays
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Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) – major delays reported during peak hours
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Grenoble Airport (GNB) – smaller airport but still affected
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Chambéry Airport (CMF) – busy on weekends with limited capacity
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Other regional French airports rolling out the same technology through the season
If you’re travelling during February half-term or any weekend from December–April, expect queues.
Top Tips for a Stress-Free Arrival
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Arrive at the airport early for your outbound flight
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Expect longer queues on arrival in the Alps
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Connect to airport WiFi and message your driver as soon as you land
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If you’re booking transfers, consider going private this season
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Build some buffer time into your travel plans — delays aren’t unusual at the moment
The new biometric systems will eventually make airport travel smoother — but right now, during ski season, they’re causing longer queues and slower arrivals across the Alps. A bit of extra planning (and a quick WhatsApp message to your driver!) can make all the difference.And if you want to make sure you get up the mountain as quickly as possible?
A private transfer is your best bet this winter.
