How to Avoid Airport Queues: All the Secrets to Avoiding Them

How to avoid queues at the airport: sometimes it can be a necessity to avoid missing your flight and ruining your vacation. Arrive in airport and you have two rows, one for the check in and the other for theboarding, very long. This discourages you and puts you in a bad mood: the journey, perhaps a pleasant one holiday, it starts in the worst way. What to do to avoid this huge and annoying waste of time? Are there any? skip-the-line tricks? IS how to apply?

We start from an assumption: queues are respected, even when they're not convenient. So the advice we offer isn't something for smart people, but simply tricks, drawn from travel experience, statistics, and some experiments we've conducted in the field. But it's all in order.

Index of topics

Best days and times to leave

If you can, there are some days you should definitely avoid: for example, Fridays from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, or even the very early departure times between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and Sundays. Don't get tied down to a specific date or time, and be flexible.

Hand luggage only

Here the savings are twofold: money and time. Many companies, especially low-cost ones, charge a high price for shipping. Baggage, so just pack a carry-on bag, with the appropriate weight, and you're done. No extras to pay, and no lines at check-in, as you can do it online and go straight to your gate on the day of departure. Once you've opted for carry-on luggage, keep your ID and boarding pass handy. otherwise you risk slowing down your pathAnd pay attention to the signs at the boarding gate, as your flight departure point may change.

Online check-in

Online check-in has become a must for air travelers. It's a simple process that even Internet novices and those who aren't proficient with the web can do. The advantages are twofold: no lines at check-in desks and the ability to choose your flight. place in advance (but avoiding the paid options).

Prefer smaller airports

Larger airports tend to be busier, so if you can fly to or from a smaller one, you might be able to avoid the long lines. A classic example is the two airports in Rome: Ciampino is much easier and less congested than Fiumicino.

Monitor flight and airport performance

There are several free apps or websites that monitor airport conditions in real time, such as the average wait time at security. In this case, technology can help you avoid wasting too much time in lines and avoid rushing to get to your destination.

Follow the Japanese

If you find them at security—another potential traffic jam—follow them. They're highly skilled and avid travelers. Always carrying carry-on luggage, they're the fastest, statistics show, when it comes to getting through security. They don't ask unnecessary questions, they don't waste time, and they're dressed appropriately to avoid having to undress to go through the metal detectors. Aside from the Japanese, to save time in airport lines, always try to follow the more experienced and speedy passengers in the queue: you can recognize them by the way they move through security. Conversely, avoid hesitant travelers: they'll certainly make you feel uncomfortable. waste time.

The advantages of credit cards

If you use a credit cardChoose one that has an agreement with a major airline. For example, ITA has an agreement with American Express, allowing holders of this type of card (with certain features) to access all the airline's priority checkpoints, including check-in and boarding. Other airlines also offer this service, a great convenience that doesn't cost anything.

Extra costs of the companies

These airlines, however, charge for priority access. Rates vary, so you should check the price for the fast lane, which is generally reserved for business class travelers or holders of a special loyalty card, such as the Freccia Alata in the case of Alitalia. Typically, the price for this extra service ranges from 5 to 9 euros, but some airlines even go as high as 15-20 euros. Avoid it.

Almost all low-cost airlines offer priority access, which offers two advantages: you'll definitely wait in a shorter and faster line, you'll be on board first, and therefore you'll have less risk when stowing your carry-on luggage. But be careful of the costs. Many airlines, like the usual RyanairThey charge a fortune for it, almost as much as the ticket price or pre-assigned seat. Check carefully to avoid any surprises: this fee shouldn't exceed 5-10 euros. And remember that, generally, the Priority lane is reserved for airline gold card holders or those who have paid for a business class ticket.

How to wait your turn to board

When you arrive at the boarding gate, you'll find yourself with two lines, one for authorized passengers marked "Priority" and the other for regular travelers. Let's assume you belong to the latter category. Don't be so clever as to put your luggage in line and sit down: it's not fair, and someone will surely protest. Instead, do exactly the opposite. Go sit in a chair as close as possible to the priority gate and wait. You'll see that when the priority gates are full, the boarding agent will invite "all other passengers" to board. At that point, you can stand up and present yourself with your ticket and identification. You'll have avoided the boredom and the time of a long queue, standing at that.

Beware of crowded flights

When the flight is very crowded, it's a good idea to board as early as possible, even if you have to wait in line. Otherwise, you risk the captain, for safety reasons, no longer accepting bags to be placed under the seat or in the overhead locker. At that point, you'll have the unfortunate experience of having your bag confiscated, which will go into the hold and you'll be able to collect it only upon arrival. You'll lose all the benefits of traveling with carry-on luggage only.

(Cover image credits: Robert Hoetink / Shutterstock.com)

How to avoid queues at the airport