The simple trick could save you a lot of time when it comes to airport security
A self-proclaimed travel expert has shared a little known hack to get through airport security in under a minute. Frequent flyers will know that there’s always a chance of getting stuck in huge queues once you arrive at security, no matter which airport you’re visiting.
However, TikToker and Instagram user Elaine Poon (@travelainewithme) regularly shares tips and tricks for traveling with her followers – and one could save you a lot of time when it comes to airport security. And it doesn’t cost a penny.
The 33-year-old previously shared how to score the best seat on the plane without having to pay any extra. Now, she’s shared a “secret” hack to get through to airport security without spending any money – and in less than a minute – reports Luxury Travel Daily.
In a clip, which has racked up more than 361k views and thousands of likes, she tests her theory at Stansted Airport. Elaine, from London, said: “When you’re going through security, everyone usually enters through here”, indicating towards the general access queue under ‘Departures.’
Instead, she suggests turning right and walking straight through the fast track section. She said: “A lot of people think that this is only for fast track, so no one goes to this side.
“But as you can see, this whole middle section is free for us to go through. This is crazy – like look at the queue on the other side.”
Elaine’s hack skips the huge line of travellers. She notes it “doesn’t matter” what time of the day it is; it’s almost always empty whenever she travels from this airport.
People were quick to comment their thoughts on the hack, with one person writing: “Thank you so glad I seen this last week helped so much saved me time this morning.”
A second said: “Thanks for ruining my entrance.” A third person wrote: “Thanks for exposing our secret personal entrance.” Another added: “But we’re British, we love a long queue.”
The content creator also regularly flies from Luton, where another fast track hack can be used to skip the queue. In the clip, she reveals how this “loophole” can not only save time, but money, too.
She said: “Fast track makes you pick a time slot, but the staff never check. Your ticket works any time that day, even if the slot you wanted is sold out.
“So you can book a later slot, use it earlier and still skip the queues.” She added: Booking online is cheaper: starting at £4 in advance vs £8 at the airport kiosks.
“The real win is walking past the endless line of travellers. Trust me, this helps a lot. “A little planning = a lot less hassle.”
Elaine notes that she’s only tried and tested the hacks at these two London airports only – though she says it’s worth a go at other airports, too.