How to Cut in Line at Airport Security Without Getting Scolded When the Plane is About to Take Off

Before boarding a plane, people must pass through security checks, which can sometimes result in long queues due to the large number of passengers, requiring a wait before completing the process. If your boarding time is approaching and you find yourself needing to “overtake” while queuing in order to reduce your wait time, how should you go about it without irritating others or even getting scolded?

Sometimes people may be late to the airport due to oversleeping or traffic jams, delaying their passage through customs and security checks. However, the boarding time cannot be delayed, so how to shorten the time spent in security becomes a key factor in whether you can board in time.

Travel experts have shared two best methods for cutting in line at security checkpoints with The Huffington Post, though there is no guarantee of success.

Travel expert Olivia Christine Perez, who has visited all 50 states in the United States and 43 countries worldwide, suggests that in an ideal situation, the best strategy is to directly ask the security personnel managing the checkpoint queue. By informing them of your boarding time, they are likely to guide you to ensure the security process proceeds smoothly. Perez herself has successfully tried this strategy.

She recounted, “I will never forget the first time I almost missed my flight and had to cut in line. I went one by one asking everyone if I could go ahead of them. Finally, someone said, ‘Asking us won’t help you, try asking the people in front.’ So, that’s what I did. I breezed through in a few minutes, and it seemed like nobody cared (that I cut in).”

Travel blogger Flavia Cornejo agrees, stating that if she is running late for a flight, she would also try asking the security personnel first, rather than directly irritating other passengers.

In some cases, security personnel may not sympathize with your situation. In such instances, you must politely and urgently request the people ahead to let you cut in line.

Cornejo advises to maintain composure despite the pressure and not let your urgency become someone else’s problem. She says that when she needs to cut in, she presents her request in an emergency but non-demanding manner.

She emphasizes, “When I ask others, I try to be as friendly as possible, hoping they see I am sincere and not just making demands or expecting them to care.”

She notes that it may not be easy to remain polite in stressful situations but has found that approaching others this way makes them more receptive.

For responses to requests to cut in line, etiquette expert Nick Leighton suggests providing a brief reason, as people are more likely to agree. For instance, one could ask, “Can I go ahead of you? My boarding gate closes in 7 minutes. I really need to catch this flight to Chicago for my sister’s wedding tomorrow.”

Leighton cautions against lying, recalling instances where individuals deceived him with similar reasons only to spot them later at the boarding gate, taking the same flight. He says, “Cutting in line through deceit is rude.”

When faced with requests to cut in line, Leighton advises that some people may not be willing and might even respond with remarks like, “You should have left earlier.” However, it’s important to acknowledge that the need to quickly pass through security may stem from personal factors beyond one’s control, such as car rental malfunctions, delayed connecting flights, or subway issues.

He stresses that showing empathy and understanding can go a long way in such situations.

Cornejo suggests viewing such incidents as acts of kindness. Over the years, many have approached her to cut in line, and unless she is also pressed for time, she usually accommodates their request without any issue.

Previously, experts from the UK security industry agency, “Get Licensed,” shared several methods to expedite passing through airport security, including joining the line for business travelers. This is because business travelers typically carry less luggage, enabling faster security clearance.

You could also consider opting for a paid fast-track service. Most airports offer expedited security options but at a starting fee of £4 (approximately $5.2). If you are traveling with young children and want to speed up the process, it may be worth considering spending some money.

Additionally, it’s advisable to suppress yawning, as some security experts say passengers who yawn excessively, whistle, or laugh too vigorously may be called aside for questioning by security personnel, potentially causing them to spend extra time at the checkpoint.