Skipping the queue is often highly frowned upon.

Those who have patiently waited their turn are more often than not reluctant to let an interloper sneak in. But can it be done?

MailOnline sent out two reporters, one male, one female, into the streets of New York City to see how they'd fare individually when attempting to cut into a line.

Faux pas or opportunism? Pushing in line is a cardinal sin to many but it can also mean saving yourself precious time - if you have the guts. MailOnline sent out two reporters, one male, one female, around New York City to see how people would react to our intrepid queue jumpers

One woman queuing in Whole Foods was kind enough to let our reporter Sarah jump in front, adding to her tally - though the other customers nearby didn't look too impressed

The man refused our reporter a queue jump only to be undermined by a second man behind him who offered her a place in line. He said: 'I just wanted to see you beautiful eyes'

In footage filmed using a discreet point-of-view camera, Ash and Sarah try to blag their way into the queues for McDonald's, Wholefoods, the theatre and more.

When Sarah tries to under a red rope barrier for a tickets queue, the other women waiting are quick to point out that this is unacceptable and point out the back of the queue.

The same happens when Ash tries to barge into the queue at Trader Joes.

Our reporter Ash had no luck with this man who batted away his 'one item' excuse sending him to the back of the line with his tail between his legs

One customer failed to see the funny side of our reporters overtures frowning at her and refusing her spot

In the end it was a rampant victory for Sarah who skipped the queue 50% of the time compared to Ash's paltry 6% queue jumping success

Mostly the others are unaggressive but firm with their refusal to let the reporters pass.

However the pair did have some luck, with a few members of the public showing them sympathy when they explained they were in a rush or on a quick lunch break.

In Starbucks two young men happily let Sarah cut in and a woman is equally gracious in Wholefoods.

Ash, meanwhile, is also successful in Starbucks as well as in McDonald's.

In total Sarah managed to skip 63 out of 126 lines and Ash cut the queue 10 out of 172 times.