The joys of queue jumping: A guide to airport fast track services

When it comes to our favourite parts of a holiday, the airport queue is close to the back of the line – especially when we’re in a hurry or travelling during peak hours.

But what if you could breeze past the regular queue with a smug smile on your face and oodles of time at your disposal? Say hello to fast track.

The magical solution to this classic holiday headache, fast track services for security and passport control let you channel your inner VIP and experience the joys of skipping the line like a true jetsetter.

Here, we explore the ins and outs of fast track services to help you decide whether this luxury perk is worth it for your next trip.

What is fast track security?

Fast track security is an airport service that allows passengers to access dedicated lanes at security checkpoints. By using these lanes, you can bypass the regular queues and undergo security screening more quickly.

The service is particularly useful during peak travel times or at busy airports where wait times can be lengthy.

What is fast track passport control?

Similar to fast track security, fast track passport control offers speedy processing at immigration checkpoints. This can significantly reduce the time you spend waiting to have your passports checked and stamped.

Is fast track always available?

Fast track services may have limited operating hours, which can vary from airport to airport. Some airports offer fast track 24/7, while others may close the service during the early morning. It's always a good idea to check the availability of fast track services on the airport's website before booking.

All of the UK’s major airports offer a fast track security option for departing passengers. Most offer fast track passport control, but Bristol, Luton and Heathrow do not. And, as of July 2024, Edinburgh’s fast track service for passport control was “withdrawn following changes brought in by UK Border Force.”

How can I save money on fast track services?

While fast track services typically come at an additional cost, there are a few ways to slash their cost or even access them for free.

1. Airline loyalty: Some airlines, such as British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, offer complimentary fast track access to their business and first-class passengers.

2. Package holidays: Certain package holiday deals may include fast track services as part of the overall cost.

3. Advance booking: Birmingham and Luton offer cheaper prices if you pre-book your fast track online so be sure to check in advance.

4. Free services: Luton is also trialling a free service (between 3am and 4:30am) called ‘Prebook Security,’ which allows passengers to skip the security queues by reserving a ten-minute slot ahead of their arrival. Kids under two can go free if they’re accompanied by a paying adult at Luton and Gatwick, while at Birmingham, it’s free for kids under five.

Is fast track worth it?

The value of fast track services depends on various factors, such as the airport you're travelling through, the time of day and your budget. While some airports state that they cannot guarantee time savings with fast track, many travellers find the service reduces stress and creates a more relaxed airport experience.

According to data from the Department of Transport, the average wait time at security was 7.5 minutes before the pandemic. A study from 2022 shows that this number rose to 19.5 minutes, though this was from a year where there were quite a few staffing issues. The average is expected to dip once 2023 data becomes available.

In the meantime, consider this: Which? asked nearly 4,000 passengers how long they waited at airport security and most reported times of 20 minutes, making it pointless to pay extra for fast track security.

The average wait time at Gatwick was just 15.5 minutes, Edinburgh was 16 minutes and even Heathrow (T2) just 17 minutes. However, airports like Birmingham and Manchester had longer average wait times of 29 minutes and 26 minutes, respectively.

When Which? looked at the terms and conditions of using the fast track lane, they found that many airports don't even guarantee that fast track queues will be quicker.

How much does fast track cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of fast track security and passport control at the UK’s busiest airports. Figures correct as of July 2024.