Airport fast track security lane prices and booking details

Editorial by Pete Barden.

Looking to beat the check-in queues in terminals this year - here travel journalist and expert Pete Barden looks at how you can book fast track airport security at Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Gatwick and all UK airports.

Airport queues for security checks UK 2022 Beat the queues with fast-track security lanes

TABLE OF CONTENTS
What are security fast track lanes at UK airports?
Does security fast track mean I can skip security?
Is security fast track worth it?
Can children use fast track security lanes?
How do I buy fast track tickets for UK airports?
Fast track security lanes at UK airports

Latest: Why are there security delays at Birmingham Airport and others?

Birmingham Airport is facing huge delays at security checkpoints due to a combination of factors. A significant cause is the recent government decision to temporarily reinstate the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage.

This unexpected change on June 1 came just as the airport had completed a major upgrade to its security facilities, investing £60 million in new scanners designed to handle larger liquid containers.

These new scanners were set to be able to process larger liquid volumes, allowing the lifting of the 100ml restriction on June 1.

However, the Department for Transport's reversal on this decision has necessitated manual checks for larger containers, significantly slowing down the screening process.

Additionally, ongoing construction work at the airport is contributing to the congestion. The combination of these construction projects and the influx of summer travellers has led to extensive queues, sometimes extending outside the terminal.

Passengers are being advised to arrive well in advance of their flights to account for these delays.

What are security fast track lanes at UK airports?

Fast track security lanes at UK airports are designed as a priority service to help people - who are willing to pay a fee - bypass long queues of passengers heading to security checkpoints ahead of boarding their flights and onward journey.

The lanes are just one of various paid extras that airports and airlines offer, such as extra legroom seats, to add a little luxury and comfort to journeys where passengers can't pay for the likes of Business or First Class travel.

Does security fast track mean I can skip security?

No. Anyone using fast track services will still have to undergo the same security checks as passengers who have not paid for the service - they just get there faster in most cases. Normal border rules apply whether using fast track or not.

Does a security fast track pass help protect me from Covid-19 infections such as Covid-19?

There is no official research into the question of whether using fast track lanes can help protect you from Covid infection, but spending less time with large amounts of people from all over the world could offer some lessening of risk - simply by being exposed to fewer people for shorter periods of time.

Is security fast track available for Christmas?

Yes. The service is available at airports all year, with most of the services that were suspended during the pandemic being brought back into service for 2022.

Is security fast track worth it?

Research by consumer champions Which? has suggested that making a security fast track booking is most likely to save you time when travelling at peak times.

If you plan to arrive at the airport for a flight leaving before 10am, then a security fast track booking is likely to cut the amount of time you are required to wait for checks.

The priority lanes could also be useful for those who arrive late and don't want to miss their flight - as security queues account for one of the top pinch-points in the airport boarding process. A fast track pass will help keep delays to a minimum.

Can kids use fast track security lanes?

Many airports allow children to use the service - often at no extra charge when accompanied by an adult. However, some will require payment, adding a substantial sum to a family's pre-departure spending.

It is also worth looking for any small print before booking your fast-track pass. For example, at some airports passengers are unable to use the service if they are in possession of a child's buggy.

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How do I buy fast track tickets for UK airports?

Just use our list below, which gives a guide to all airports for the cost of using the service and a link to buy fast track tickets for each airport. See below.

What airports in the UK are the worst for queues?

A Which? survey found Manchester Airport Terminal 2, Luton Airport, Manchester Airport Terminal 1, Stansted Airport and Manchester Airport Terminal 3 were the top five for queues.

Fast track security lanes at UK airports