Search Everything in One Place

Explore the web, images, videos, news, and more – all in one place.

Travel

The little-known hack to beat security queues at airports revealed

security line
Jetting off this summer? This trick could save you time in the security queue (Picture: Getty)

A subconscious decision could cut your waiting time.

As thousands pack their bags to head on holiday, Manchester Airport has shared a few tips on how to get through security with ease.

This past June was Manchester Airport’s busiest on record, having welcomed more than 3,000,000 passengers.

Of those passengers, 92% waited ten minutes or less to walk through security – and it could be thanks to these helpful tips the airport shared.

Manchester Airport shared an ingenious hack to avoid lengthy security lines.

If passengers are offered a choice of what security lane to go through, they should pick the left, rather than the right.

The reason? Most people are right-handed, meaning they subconsciously favour the right side of things.

Metro tests the airport hack: does it work?

sarah hooper
News reporter Sarah Hooper is a big concert goer – and said the hack works at more places than just the airport (Picture: Sarah Hooper)

Metro‘s US news reporter Sarah Hooper found the genius hack a few years ago, and it’s helped her avoid lengthy queues in airports, at concerts, and even on tube escalators.

‘I travel as much as I can, and being on time is my number one priority. I’m the type to get to the airport hours early and sit to enjoy a breakfast before takeoff – it clears my mind.

‘A few years ago, I saw the trick that Manchester Airport has recommended – choose the left queues over the right, because most people are right-handed.

‘Honestly? It’s saved me a lot of headaches. We all know what it’s like to be herded like sheep through security, but when given the choice, choosing the left side has saved me a lot of time.

‘I also use it day-to-day, while manoeuvring through busy Tube stations, while leaving concerts and at pubs. Maybe our subconscious is more powerful than we think!’

The airport also said passengers should keep any liquids in a 100ml or less bottle – even with new CT scanners installed for security

When in doubt, any liquids should be clearly labelled, and if you have a souvenir like a snowglobe or a squishy toy, put it in as a ‘liquid’.

Another unique travel hack to help you have a smooth time at the airport this summer? A charger.

If travelling with electronics, make sure they’re fully charged – or they could be confiscated.

Airport staff must be able to see devices turned on for safety reasons, and to confirm that they’re not a security risk.

Uncharged or broken devices could potentially conceal illicit materials or hidden explosives. If you can’t switch it on, staff can confiscate the device and even deny boarding.

Read full story on Metro

Related News

More stories you might be interested in.

The carry-on rule most travelers don't know until they're stopped at security
Trip Jaunt·2 weeks ago

The carry-on rule most travelers don't know until they're stopped at security

Most people who fly regularly think they’ve got the routine down. Shoes on, laptop in the bag, liquids… somewhere. That last part is where things tend to fall apart, because the rules governing what goes in your carry-on have quietly split into old rules, new technology, and a patchwork of exceptions that depend entirely on The post The Carry-On Rule Most Travelers Don't Know Until They're Stopped at Security appeared first on Trip Jaunt.

AI border control system debuts at major airport — seeing passengers through security in seconds
New York Post·1 hour ago

AI border control system debuts at major airport — seeing passengers through security in seconds

This airport’s AI tech lets flyers fly by. The next big red carpet isn’t at a Hollywood movie premiere — it’s at the Dubai International Airport (DXB). And its AI technology is helping flyers pass through border control more quickly than ever. The new tech, which utilizes AI, biometric cameras and flight data to identify both passengers and suspicious-looking luggage in a range between six and 14 seconds, premiered at DXB last year solely for...

Top