Airports are testing a simple psychological trick to help travelers cut security wait times, and it doesn’t cost a penny. The method relies on behavioral patterns most people don’t even notice, yet it can create measurable differences in how quickly passengers move through screening. While the strategy won’t eliminate delays caused by understaffing or technical issues, it offers a low-effort way to gain a small but meaningful advantage during the most stressful parts of air travel.
Why the left lane moves faster
Manchester Airport recently shared the tip in its “Ultimate Airport Guide,” a collection of advice for smoother travel. The guidance suggests choosing the left security lane when given the option. The reasoning stems from human handedness.
“Most passengers are right-handed and will subconsciously prefer the right, making the left a little quieter,” the airport said. The effect is subtle but noticeable during peak hours, especially in the summer when families crowd terminals.
London Stansted Airport also offers the same advice, noting that the left lane tends to have shorter lines. Neither airport guarantees the trick will always work, but both say it’s worth trying when lanes aren’t assigned. The strategy is most effective in airports where passengers can freely choose their lane rather than being directed by staff. In terminals with automated queue systems or numbered lanes, the advantage disappears, as the flow of passengers is evenly distributed.
What else speeds up security
Even when travelers can’t pick a lane, small adjustments can shave off minutes. Airports recommend wearing slip-on shoes and avoiding belts, excessive jewelry, or bulky accessories that slow down screening. Shoes with laces or complex fastenings add seconds to each passenger’s screening time, which multiplies when hundreds of people pass through a single checkpoint. Similarly, belts with large buckles or metal components trigger additional scans, while layered necklaces or bracelets can require manual inspection.
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Manchester Airport’s guide adds another layer—literally. “Temperatures aboard flights can vary, so wearing a few removable layers is advised,” it says. A jumper or light jacket can double as a pillow during the flight, and it’s easier to remove than a heavy coat.
For those willing to pay, FastTrack lanes offer a guaranteed shortcut. Manchester Airport sells FastTrack tickets for “a few pounds,” allowing passengers to skip general security and passport control lines. Many major airports provide similar upgrades, though prices and availability vary.
The left-lane trick won’t solve every delay, but it’s one of the few free tools travelers have. Airports still direct most passengers to specific lanes, and staffing shortages or unexpected surges can override any advantage. During the busiest travel weeks, even a few saved minutes can feel like a win. The psychological benefit of avoiding a long line can also reduce stress, making the airport experience slightly more tolerable.
Most airports post their own security tips online, and checking them before departure can prevent last-minute hassles. The advice rarely changes—pack light, dress smart, arrive early—but the details matter when every second counts.
