How to Cut in a Queue

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 13, 2020

While cutting in a queue, or line, isn't necessarily a good thing to do constantly, there are ways you can do it politely in times of need. The most important thing is to be upfront about why you want to cut in front of someone so they're more likely to say yes. With a few kind words and the right circumstances, you might be able to cut in a queue successfully.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Tailoring Your Approach to the Situation

1
Come up with a believable excuse for everyday situations. If you're hoping to cut in line somewhere like the grocery store or the bank, you're more likely to be successful since these are common places that people go regularly. Think up a simple excuse for why you need to cut in line, such as you're in a hurry, to see if the person will let you cut in front of them.^{[1]
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- For example, you might say, "Do you mind if I cut in front of you? I'm already very late at work" if you're at the pharmacy.
- If you're at the grocery store, ask, "Can I cut in front of you because my dog is waiting in the car?"
- You might say, "Excuse me, can I cut in front of you? I'm in a hurry to pick my child up from school."
2
Use an urgent excuse for a unique circumstance or a super long line. If you're trying to cut in line at a much-anticipated basketball game or concert, it's going to be more difficult to get someone to let you unless you have a more urgent excuse. Convey your urgency not only through your words but also through your movements and body language so that it's believable.^{[2]
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- Maybe you're in line for a state carnival and you say, "Do you mind if I go in front of you? My kids went on ahead of me and I can't find them."
- Say something like, "Excuse me, can I cut in front of you? One of the dancers needs my help" if you're in line for a dance recital.
- If you're in a long line that's outdoors in the sun, you might say, "Can I cut in front of you please? I can't stay out in the heat for very long.
- Sound a bit stressed when you're talking to the person so they believe you.
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3
Bribe someone in line with money if you get desperate. If you really want to get in front of them but they're saying no, see if they will accept a few dollars for you to cut in front of them. This may not work on everyone, but it does a good job of showing your desperation. The more money you offer, the more likely they are to let you cut in front of them.^{[3]
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- You might bribe someone with $10 if you're in a huge rush and are going to be late for an interview.
- For example, say, "Can I offer you $5 to let me cut in front of you? I wouldn't ask if it weren't urgent."
4
Explain your situation to the person if it's a true emergency. If some sort of medical or safety emergency is happening and you really need to get to the front of the line, be honest about what's going on. Tell the person your situation quickly and cut in front of them. If they can see that you're having an emergency, they're unlikely to make you move.
- For instance, you might say, "I'm so sorry but can I go in front of you? My child has the stomach flu and I need to get her back home."
- You could say, "Can I go in front of you? I have to get home before the sun sets because I can't drive in the dark."

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Asking to Cut in Line

1
Be by yourself so people are less likely to notice and get upset. One person cutting in line is a little different from two or more people cutting in line. If you’re hoping to cut in front of someone successfully, do it alone and not with another person.^{[4]
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- Trying to cut in front of others when you’re not alone can make the people in the line angry.
2
Choose someone who looks sympathetic to cut in front of. If the line is super short, this won't be an issue. But if the line is long, asking to cut in front of someone who looks like they might be sympathetic to your needs is the best bet. Look for people who look relaxed, friendly, and not in a hurry.
- Pay attention to people's body movements—if they're shuffling their feet or looking at their watch, this likely means they're in a hurry and shouldn't be asked.
- If someone is smiling absentmindedly or looks very content standing in line, try asking this person.
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3
Come up with a reasonable excuse. If you just ask someone, “May I please cut in front of you?” they’re going to be left wondering why you need to in the first place and will probably say no. Tack on an excuse or reason for why you need to cut in line so that they’ll understand why you’re asking.^{[5]
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- You might say, “Excuse me, Can I cut in front of you? My dog is waiting in the car.”
- It’s been said that using the word “because” when you’re asking to cut in line gives you a better chance of being successful.
4
Be polite when you ask to cut in front of someone. Begin your question with “excuse me” to show that you’re trying to be respectful. Asking to cut in line politely and showing manners will make the person you’re asking more inclined to say yes.^{[6]
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- A study showed that being polite when asking to cut in line resulted in the person saying yes roughly 60% of the time.
5
Avoid being pushy if the person says no. If you ask someone if you can cut in front of them and they keep saying no, you're probably not going to change their mind. You can either try to ask someone else behind that person who said no, or you can go to the back of the line.
- If you do ask someone else, try to pick someone who didn't overhear your interaction with the person who said no so they don't automatically say no too.

Warnings

If you're having a real emergency and need to get to the front of the line, it's best to either cut in front of someone and explain why you have to or go directly to the front of the line and say there's an emergency.

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Avoid getting angry or defensive if someone says no.

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