Getting through security at the airport is one of the biggest stressors when it comes to travelling. The never-ending queues snaking through the terminal, the constant fear that you’ve left a liquid somewhere in the depths of your bag, digging out all of your electrics and, worst of all, the potential that someone will ask you to take off your shoes… it’s a seriously tedious aspect of flying. Below, we ask the experts for their top tips on how to make going through security at airports as pain-free as possible.
Why does airport security take so long?
Security checks are an important airport procedure – they are in place to protect passengers and staff from any potential threat or danger. The measures include full-body scanners or metal detectors, and X-ray baggage scanners that can see into bags to detect any suspicious items, from liquids and metal objects to contraband or unidentified items. These procedures scan one person and one bag at a time, which means that at peak travelling hours there can be a backlog leading to increased waiting time. As tiresome as the process can seem, remember that the measures are in place for the safety of travellers.
When is airport security quietest?
Naturally, the security check area is busiest when the airport itself is busiest. If you are travelling during peak hours, always leave more time than you’d expect in case of extra long queues or delays. Most airports advise travellers to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight time to cater for longer security times, luggage check-in waits or crowded terminals.
What are the biggest reasons for airport security queues and delays?
“Forgetting to take liquids and sharp objects like scissors out of your bag is the most common reason you'll get pulled to the side for a full bag check, leading to more delays and longer wait times,” says Katy Maclure, editor of The Detour, a weekly newsletter from Jack's Flight Club. “Preparation is the key to getting through security swiftly. Make sure you know the rules surrounding liquids for the airports you're travelling through, and keep in mind which electronics you might need to take out when you get to the scanners.”
The best ways to fast-track through security
Prepare in advance
Preparing in advance is the best way to get through security as fast as possible. If you’ve ever been held up at airport security before, you’ll know that it’s typically due to an individual who forgot to sort their liquids out in advance or take everything out of their pocket before going through the monitor. Make sure you dress for ease of removing any clothing with metallic features (e.g. buckles on belts and shoes).
The advice from London’s Gatwick airport is to sort through all of your items before reaching security. “Remove your laptop, tablet or similar electronic devices from your hand luggage to be inspected separately. Coats, jackets and belts should also be removed and remember, you can only take liquids – including gels, pastes and balms - in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml on the plane. Each item should be removed from hand luggage and placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one-litre capacity per passenger.”
Once you’ve got through security, pick up your bag and move to the designated re-packing area. Delays can also be caused by a backlog of passengers insisting on sorting through their luggage on the moving conveyor belt, clogging up the waiting area and preventing security checks from working efficiently.
Avoid peak travel times
As mentioned, security will get busier around peak hours for travelling. You can try to book flights that avoid busy periods, but sometimes it doesn’t work out that way with your holiday schedule, or other circumstances beyond your control can cause delays. “You can't control how long the queues will be, but you can check in advance to see how many other flights are due to depart around the same time, and allow extra time if it's looking busy – this is a particularly good idea during peak summer travel,” Katy advises. There are several airport apps that allow you to monitor wait times and plan accordingly. MiFlight tells you the average wait time for airports around the world (even taking into account different airport terminals), and KAYA will estimate the length of security queues. However, this isn’t an exact science so always plan in a stopgap just in case.
Check if your ticket allows you to skip queues
Some airlines allow travellers to skip security queues when they purchase premium tickets. In the UK, British Airways offers fast-track security at London airports with Club Europe, Club World and First Class tickets, while in the US, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue and United Airlines offer fast-track access through security with certain tickets.
What is security fast track?
Security fast track is a pass that travellers can buy to access a priority lane at airport security. It means passengers could skip longer queues and get screened more quickly in order to access airport terminals. Typically a fast-track pass costs between £5 and £10 at London airports.
Is security fast track worth it?
“If waiting in a queue makes you antsy, or if you're travelling with anyone who finds it hard to wait around (kids, neurodiverse travellers), consider buying fast track in advance and take the stress away,” advises Katy. If you know you are on a tight schedule and are worried about the added time of security queues, it can be a valuable time-saver and can help you plan in advance. “Some airports sell fast-track access in time slots, so you know exactly when to arrive,” Katy tells us. It can be particularly helpful if you know you are flying during peak travel times (e.g. before and after working hours or during school holidays).
What is the etiquette for trying to push through security queues if you're running late for a flight?
“If you're running late and you're worried about the security queue, approach a member of staff before joining the queue,” Katy suggests. “They'll know how long you need to get to your gate and how fast the security line is moving, so believe them if they try to reassure you. If you're cutting it fine, they'll sometimes direct you through the fast-track queue.” If you can’t seem to find any members of staff, “the best tip is to politely ask people if you can get in front of them – and if you see another member of airport staff along the way, ask them if they can let you through to the front.”
