Three cheap and FREE ways to skip airport queues this summer

HOLIDAYMAKERS face lengthy queues and cancellations at airports before jetting off - but there are ways to make your trip a little bit less hectic.

We explain how to cheaply skip airport queues - and you may even be able to do it for free.

Queues at airports have been created by a combination of problems, including a post-Covid restriction boom and a lack of staff in airports.

This week, TUI and Easyjet cancelled hundreds of flights with holidaymakers facing up to eight hour waits in airports to board planes.

If you're caught up in the chaos, then it's worth reading our guide on how much you are owed in compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled.

However, if you're travelling this summer we explain the free and cheap ways you can skip airport queues.

Airport lounge access - for free or cheap

Getting to the airport early to avoid delays is essential this summer.
Airport lounges are great for avoiding the hustle and bustle of terminals.

You don’t have to fly first or business to get access to a swanky lounge for free or cheap.

You can buy passes to some airport lounges. Prices usually start from £15.

Usually airline lounges are better than airport ones - but do your research before you pay using sites like TripAdvisor or Lounge Buddy.

has a useful guide on where to buy them.

If you have a premium credit card or bank account like Amex Gold or NatWest Reward Black you may get access for free.

Some frequent flyer schemes like Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club also offer discounts to members.

Before you spend any money make sure you weigh up how much time you might need to spend in the lounge.

It could be more cost effective if you've got an afternoon flight and can arrive early to skip queues and then hang out int he lounge until you need to board.

Fast track passes

Some airports offer fast track services through passport control and security, these usually between £7 and £10.

Airports including London Stansted, London Heathrow and Manchester Airport offer the service and it allows passengers to whizz through security checks.

Before spending cash, do your research to make sure the price you're paying is worth it to you.

Choose flights outside peak times

Before booking a holiday you should check the flight departure and arrival times.

For example, US flights land between 6:30am and 10am at London Heathrow, so can expect long queues then.

Sunday evenings are also some of the busiest, especially from 5pm onwards, as passengers are likely to be returning before work on Monday.

This means if you can return during the week, or in the late morning/early afternoon, you are more likely to whizz through immigration.

You might also want to avoid booking a holiday (if you can!) during the first week of the summer holidays, to help avoid the chaos as many jet off for trips.