Heathrow Airport Travel Woes Caused by Passengers Packing “Too Much Makeup” and Faking Disabilities to Fast Track Through Lines

It’s been a rough few weeks for air travel, with delayed luggage, missed flights, and staffing issues being just a few of the issues we’ve heard about. Long lines at security and customs, however, have become a frequent source of frustration, and the CEO of Heathrow Airport believes he has identified the cause. One is makeup. Excessive amounts of makeup.

John Holland-Kaye claims these long security lines are the result of a growing number of bags containing liquids (and therefore needing to be checked), which ultimately slows the process. With more people afraid of losing their checked luggage, more women are choosing to carry their makeup in their carry-on bag.

Sadly, the story does not end as a simple makeup issue. A particularly offensive TikTok travel hack has made the rounds, encouraging able-bodied passengers to fake disability in order to fast-track the lines. This increase in demand for mobility assistance at the airport leaves those in genuine need without.

Euro News reported in June that “a man fell to his death at Gatwick after being left waiting for assistance and disembarking a plane alone.” On another occasion at Heathrow, “20 wheelchair passengers were allegedly left waiting in a non-air-conditioned part of the terminal.” Read the TravelNoire article here.