A packet switch receives packets at an ingress port, generates enqueue records for the packets, and stores the enqueue records in an enqueue structure. The enqueue record of a packet includes a pass flag for indicating whether a permissive passing rule is applicable to the packet. The packet switch determines a routing order for the packets stored in the ingress port based on the enqueue records and a set of ordering rules including the permissive passing rule. If a packet is blocked in the packet switch, the packet switch identifies an oldest unblocked routable packet stored in the ingress port based on the enqueue records and the set of ordering rules. Further, the packet switch routes the oldest unblocked routable packet through the packet switch. In this way, the packet switch allows the oldest unblocked routable packet to pass the blocked packet in the packet switch.