The Hidden Sydney Airport Security Checkpoint with No Queue

Nobody likes queueing for airport security. And if you’re flying from Terminal 2 at Sydney Airport, you don’t have to.

The main security checkpoint at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2 is located directly behind the check-in counters for Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex, FlyPelican and Link Airways. This is by far the busiest checkpoint, with most passengers flying domestically out of Sydney with an airline other than Qantas using that.

But there’s another security screening checkpoint on the arrivals level of Terminal 2 that rarely has any queue at all. This “Express Security Lane” is not that well known, although there is now a bit of signage on the ground floor pointing people towards it.

Located downstairs, at the western end of Terminal 2, the Express Security Lane is open from around 5am until 6.30pm. It’s available to airport staff, flight crew and passengers with no more than one carry-on bag.

How to find the Express Security Lane at Sydney T2

If you’re coming from the Sydney Airport Domestic train station, head up towards Terminal 2 and turn right when you exit the train station into the arrivals hall. To get to the express lane, walk to the very end of the building past the Jetstar baggage claim carousels.

If you have checked baggage or haven’t yet checked in for your flight, head upstairs to the check-in area first. Once you’ve dropped your luggage and have a boarding pass, you can then head downstairs to the express lane if there’s a long line for the main security checkpoint.

The express lane can get a little bit busy first thing in the morning, as most of the airline crew and airport staff starting their shifts use it. But you’ll almost always get through quicker than you would upstairs, and during the day there’s often no queue at all.

Virgin Australia’s Premium Lounge Entry

If you’re flying with Virgin Australia in Business Class, or have Velocity Gold or Platinum status, you can also skip the main security checkpoint by using the Premium Entry to the Virgin Australia Lounge. The entrance to this is located directly from the road outside the departures level.

Currently, Virgin Australia’s Premium Entry in Sydney is unfortunately only open from 5am until 9am on weekdays. But if you’re flying outside of these times and there’s a long wait for security, head downstairs to the Express Security Lane.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.