As travellers eagerly take to the skies, they’re being hit with the unwelcome resurgence of lengthy airport security queues. The spike in globetrotters has led to mounting delays, sparking stress and irritation for many before their journey truly begins.
Yet, a travel expert has let slip knowing that peak times for security lines might just be the trick to a hassle-free airport visit.
Dawn Morwood, co-director at Cheap Deals Away UK, said: “Airport security isn’t actually as daunting as it used to be. With some preparation, timing and tools, you can avoid the stress of standing in massive queues or running late for your flight during peak busy periods.”
Morwood has divulged her travel industry insights to aid holidaymakers in ensuring a seamless start to their trips, particularly when navigating airport security, reports the Express.
Peak times
To predict the crowd levels at security, scrutinise the flight timetables on the airport’s website or app. Look out for times when flights are scheduled close together, as these are likely to mean more congested security checks.
“Pay special attention to international flights, which typically carry more passengers and can significantly impact wait times. Also, consider the day of the week; Mondays, Fridays, and holiday periods tend to be busier than midweek days,” Morwood suggests.
Travel apps
Apps like MiFlight are invaluable, providing up-to-date information about security queue lengths and giving travellers a better idea of what to expect at the airport.
A travel expert advised: “Be sure to enable the most noticeable notifications on these apps. Real-time alerts can help you stay informed about any sudden changes in wait times or security conditions.”
It’s important to plan for peak times at the airport. Ordinarily, early mornings between 5am-8am, as well as late afternoons from 4pm-7pm, see the most activity at airport security checks.
On Mondays and Fridays, frequent travelling days for business people expect longer lines, especially first thing in the morning and at the end of the workday. Holidays and school breaks also necessitate additional planning due to heightened passenger numbers.
For those looking to bypass lengthy queues, it might be worth pre-booking access to fast-track lanes where available. While prices may vary and availability can be limited, it could prove to be a time saver, although it doesn’t come with a promise of instant clearance during unexpected backups.
Popular events
Finally, keeping an eye out for major events in your destination city is wise, as conferences, sports events or concerts could have an impact on security wait times.
Travel guru Morwood advises keen travellers to stay observant at airports, pointing out: “Noticing everyone is in the same football shirt? Sporting event. Seeing a bunch of people in Charli XCX/Taylor Swift merch? Concert. Swathes of people in business suits? Business conference. These types of events can draw in a crowd and affect airport traffic, so being aware of these can help you plan better,”.
In a savvy traveller’s toolkit, historical data is gold. Track past security wait times on websites like FlightStats to anticipate future queues.
The data won’t set your schedule in stone, but it can certainly influence smarter travel timing.
Morwood shared her enthusiasm for statistics: “This one is for all the statistics lovers out there! Understanding past trends can give you a significant advantage when planning your travel.”
Topping off her travel tips, Morwood said: “Travelling can be overwhelming, but with a little foresight, the stress of long airport security lines can be minimised. By checking flight schedules, using real-time tracking apps and avoiding peak travel times, you can better manage to start your journey on the right foot.”
She concluded with a golden nugget of advice for navigating the maze of modern air travel: “Remember, being informed and prepared is your best tool when navigating the complexities of airport travel. It’s a given that you arrive earlier than you think you need to, especially if there are unexpected additional security measures and documentation checks.
“You could even call the airport directly to help plan your journey better. If they answer, this could save you a lot of time and stress, especially if you’re in a hurry.
“Not everything goes right on a flight, you may have forgotten to pack sunscreen or left your favourite pen in the departures lounge. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll be equipped to take on airport security lines.”