Top 10 Airports with the Longest Security Queues – And How to Skip Them

Even the most seasoned flyers know that security is a necessary but frustrating part of the airport experience. Whether you’re flying solo, with a team or family, that stress-filled wait to get through the other side is no one’s favourite part of travel. For all travellers, understanding which airports have the longest security queues is vital for planning smoother journeys. 

Long wait times can add unnecessary stress and make connections or business travel more complicated. Knowing where delays are most common and how to avoid them ensures that your travel days are managed efficiently. So you’ll never be caught unprepared, even in the world’s busiest airports.

1. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), USA

JFK is one of the busiest airports in the world and often experiences lengthy security queues, particularly during morning and evening peaks. Average wait times can range between 25 and 40 minutes, occasionally exceeding 45 minutes at Terminal 4.

Fast Track access is available for select terminals through Dragonpass Fast Track, click here for available terminals.

2. London Heathrow Airport (LHR), UK

As the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow’s security lines can extend beyond 30 minutes during busy travel hours. Even outside peak periods, average waits remain around 15–25 minutes.

Dragonpass Fast Track Heathrow access is available for faster screening. Access availability here.

3. Istanbul Airport (IST), Türkiye

Istanbul’s rapid growth as a global hub has led to extended security lines during peak hours, with average waits between 20 and 30 minutes, rising to 40 minutes or more during heavy traffic.

Fast Track lanes available via Dragonpass at IST, available here.

4. Frankfurt Airport (FRA), Germany

Frankfurt’s average security queue time is around 25 minutes, although lines can lengthen significantly during morning rush periods. Frequent flyers often cite Terminal 1 as particularly congested.

Fast Track Frankfurt options available through Dragonpass. Click here for more.

5. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), France

Security and passport control queues at CDG regularly exceed 25–35 minutes, with high passenger traffic from long-haul and European flights.

Dragonpass Fast Track CDG available, click here for availability.

6. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada

At YYZ, average security wait times are typically 20–30 minutes, increasing to 40 minutes at peak periods. The airport’s own “YYZ Express” system helps manage queues, but Fast Track options provide a faster, more reliable experience.

Dragonpass at Pearson Airport access is available here.

7. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE

Dubai is known for large passenger volumes, with typical security waits of 20–35 minutes, particularly at Terminal 3. Priority services can reduce this to less than 10 minutes.

Fast Track Dubai and lounge access via Dragonpass is available here.

8. Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain

Madrid’s standard security times average 25–30 minutes, though fast-track services reduce this significantly. During peak times, queues can exceed half an hour.

MAD Dragonpass Fast Track access is available here.

9. Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil

São Paulo’s main airport experiences waits between 20 and 30 minutes at security and immigration, depending on the terminal and time of day. Fast Track users can often reduce this to under 15 minutes.

Dragonpass GRU Fast Track options available here.

10. Narita International Airport (NRT), Japan

Narita averages 25–30 minutes for standard security checks, but queues may exceed 40 minutes during evening international departures. Fast Track services can save up to 20 minutes.

NRT Dragonpass Fast Track access available here.

We know what you’re thinking - how can I avoid the inevitable line? For many travellers, the instinctive solution to long queues is simply to arrive earlier. However, arriving hours ahead of a flight does not guarantee a smoother experience, it only shifts what time you’re experiencing that long wait. Fast Track services, available through Dragonpass, provide a more reliable solution.

By purchasing Fast Track access, passengers can use dedicated lanes designed for quicker screening. This means you can predict your security clearance time, plan accordingly and spend more time in comfortable surroundings before your flight. When combined with Dragonpass airport lounges, Fast Track access allows travellers to move seamlessly from security to a workspace or relaxation area, saving time and reducing stress.

This combination not only enhances personal travel but also supports business efficiency. For professionals on tight schedules, being able to work, call, or rest without disruption makes air travel more manageable and productive.

Dragonpass offers a unified way to manage airport services, combining Fast Track, lounge access, and exclusive travel perks under one membership. Unlike booking standalone Fast Track passes or individual lounges, Dragonpass allows you to manage all bookings in one platform.

Members benefit from global coverage, consistent service standards and a simplified booking process. Fast Track options through Dragonpass can reduce security waiting times, providing a smoother, faster airport experience. 

Beyond time savings, members can also gain access to comfortable lounges, in-airport dining discounts and travel upgrades, ensuring a more complete and efficient journey.

Long airport security queues may feel unavoidable at major international hubs, but they don’t have to impact your journey. Fast Track services, easily booked through Dragonpass, allow travellers to save time, reduce stress and enjoy a more efficient travel experience. By combining Fast Track access with Dragonpass lounges, frequent travellers and business professionals can transform airport waiting time into an opportunity for productivity and comfort.