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Plan Ahead: Book Skip-the-Line Tickets Before You Go

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ad-book-skip-the-line-tickets-before-you-go.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 8:28 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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How to Skip the Lines on Your Next Trip – A Complete Guide

When you’re planning a getaway, the idea of standing in endless queues can be a major deterrent. Whether it’s the glitter‑filled entrance to a theme park, the famed art galleries in Paris, or the popular rooftop bar on a skyline, time is money. A recent Travel + Leisure feature, “Ways to Skip the Lines on Your Next Trip,” dives deep into the tricks and tools that can turn a wait‑and‑worry experience into a breezy, itinerary‑friendly adventure. Below is a 500‑word snapshot of the article’s key takeaways, including useful links and actionable advice.

1. Plan Ahead – The First Line You’ll Beat

The article opens with the timeless mantra: book before you go. Many popular attractions now offer pre‑purchase tickets that come with a “skip‑the‑line” designation. For instance:

• Paris Museum Pass – Links directly to the official museum pass page (link embedded in the article). This pass gives you a single ticket that opens you to multiple sites and lets you bypass the regular queue.
• Disney Genie+ – An optional service that can be bought in advance. The article explains that Genie+ is not the same as the classic FastPass, but it offers a “Lightning Lane” access that works in most Disney parks worldwide.

By reserving your tickets online, you already cut out half the wait.

2. Specialty Passes – Go City, City Pass, and More

Travel + Leisure outlines a handful of multi‑city passes that are essentially “skip‑the‑line” power tools. These include:

• Go City Pass – A city‑wide pass for 4–10 cities worldwide. The article links to the Go City website, which shows that many museums, zoos, and tours allow entry “within minutes” rather than hours.
• CityPass – Similar to Go City, but with a slightly different selection of attractions. The article links to CityPass.com, highlighting its “FastTrack” option for certain museums in New York and San Francisco.
• SkipTheLine.com – A niche service that offers “express” tickets for a range of destinations, from the Eiffel Tower to the Great Wall of China.

Travelers can combine these passes with local public transit for a full day of sightseeing with minimal wait.

3. Theme Parks – Fast Passes and Express Options

The feature devotes a whole section to theme parks, noting that the line‑cutting game has become a science. The main recommendations are:

• Universal Studios Express Pass – Available for purchase on the Universal website. The article gives a handy comparison table that shows how Express Pass prices scale with crowd levels.
• Disney Genie+ Lightning Lanes – The article describes how to book Lightning Lanes via the Disney app, and emphasizes that the “Express” experience is often worth the extra dollar if you have a tight schedule.
• FastPass (old) for Disney – Although the traditional FastPass has been retired, the article notes that certain hotels still offer complimentary “FastPass” bundles for their guests.

A quick takeaway: if you can afford the extra fee, you’ll save hours of waiting for the most popular rides.

4. Museums and Historical Sites – The Pre‑Purchase Advantage

Travel + Leisure emphasizes that a lot of world‑class museums offer “skip‑the‑line” tickets that can be bought in advance. The article links to:

• The Louvre’s “Skip The Line” Ticket – The Louvre’s own website explains that you can choose a specific entry time and bypass the long queue. The article stresses that you need to confirm the time window before you arrive.
• The British Museum’s “Fast Entry” Ticket – A lesser‑known but effective option that lets you avoid the typical 30‑minute wait.

The article also encourages the use of apps like Google Maps that now offer a “Skip The Line” icon for certain attractions. By tapping that icon, you get the latest queue times and a chance to book a shorter waiting period.

5. Dining – Reserve, Book, or Join the Waitlist

The article’s “Food” section points out that popular restaurants often have their own line‑cutting systems:

• OpenTable Waitlists – The article links to the OpenTable app and explains how to join a waitlist from your phone. In many cases, you’ll get a notification when a table opens up, saving you from a stand‑in.
• Restaurant “Reserve Now” Options – Many high‑end restaurants let you reserve a table a day or even a week in advance, and the article includes a few top picks (e.g., Le Bernardin in New York, Gaggan in Bangkok).
• Fast Food Chains – Even fast‑food chains have a “Take‑away” queue system. The article jokes that “if you can afford it, just call the restaurant and order from a mile away”.

6. Airports & Flights – TSA PreCheck, Priority Boarding, and Baggage Drop

In the “Travel” section, the article covers airline-related lines. Key takeaways include:

• TSA PreCheck – The article provides a link to the TSA website and shows how PreCheck applicants can bypass the main security lines. It recommends applying well ahead of your trip.
• Priority Boarding – Most airlines now offer priority boarding for elite members, those who pay extra, or those who pre‑purchase the option.
• Baggage Drop – Some budget carriers let you drop off bags at a dedicated counter to skip the long lines at the main counter.

7. Cruises – Port‑side Priority and Early Check‑In

For cruise travelers, the article outlines a “line‑free” port experience:

• Priority Check‑In – Many cruise lines let you check in at a separate window or even online. The article links to the cruise line’s own portal where you can select this option.
• Port Side Concierge – Some ports have dedicated concierge services that can handle your luggage and paperwork, letting you jump straight to the embarkation gate.

8. Other Smart Tactics

Finally, the article includes a handful of “life hacks” that work in nearly any context:

• Travel Off‑Peak – Go during weekdays or shoulder seasons; lines naturally thin out.
• Arrive Early or Late – The first 30 minutes after opening are usually the quietest.
• Use Mobile Ticketing – Digital tickets often have a dedicated queue or a QR code that lets staff recognize you instantly.
• Travel with a Companion – Some “skip‑the‑line” passes only work if you’re traveling as part of a group. The article explains the mechanics for each.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a seasoned globe‑trotter or a first‑time vacationer, the article provides a toolbox of tactics that turn long waits into manageable breezes. From pre‑purchasing museum tickets, grabbing a Fast Pass at Disney, booking a CityPass, to applying for TSA PreCheck, each tip is backed by a direct link to the service provider, ensuring you can act on them immediately.

In short, the next time you’re tempted to check your phone in a crowded line, remember that a quick online purchase or a pre‑arranged priority service might be just a few clicks away. By incorporating these strategies into your itinerary, you’ll reclaim hours of precious travel time, allowing you to focus on the sights, sounds, and flavors that make each destination special. Happy travels!