Fast-Track Airport Services: How To Skip The Lines

Fast-track is an airport service that offers passengers a priority lane to skip the queues at security screening, allowing them to reach the security search area quicker and have more time to relax before their flight. This service is ideal for individuals with limited schedules or layovers, families with young children, and business travellers. It is available at many airports, including London Heathrow, Dubai International, and Los Angeles International, and the price varies depending on the airport. Some airlines also offer complimentary fast-track services for Business or First Class passengers.

Fast Track saves time and reduces stress

Fast Track is a priority lane or separate line at security that allows passengers to skip the long queues at security checkpoints or immigration counters. This saves a lot of time, which can be utilised in relaxing in lounges, grabbing a coffee, shopping or working. This is especially useful for business travellers, who can use the time saved to focus on work or prepare for meetings. It is also beneficial for families with young children, reducing the challenge of long queue times.

Fast Track services are available at many major airports, including London Heathrow, Dubai International, and Los Angeles International. They can be purchased as a standalone product, either in advance or at the airport on the day of travel. The price varies depending on the airport, typically ranging from $20 to $100 per person. Some airlines also offer complimentary Fast Track services for Business or First Class customers.

Fast Track services can also include priority check-in, faster immigration clearance, priority boarding, and access to VIP lounges. This provides a seamless journey from check-in to boarding, reducing stress and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Overall, Fast Track services save time and reduce stress by providing a smoother and more relaxed airport journey, making individuals feel valued and attended to.

It's available at selected airports

Fast-track services are available at selected airports worldwide. These services are typically offered by specific airlines or airport assistance companies, and they may vary in terms of eligibility, availability, and cost.

For example, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) offers fast-track services at 13 locations in Scandinavia, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm Arlanda, and Gothenburg. They also provide access to fast-track lanes at 53 locations across Europe and 9 locations in Asia, Canada, and the United States. Similarly, TAP Air Portugal provides fast-track services at 11 airports, including Lisbon, Porto, and Paris.

In addition to airlines, specialised airport assistance companies such as AirportAssist and airssist offer fast-track services at select airports. AirportAssist is available at major airports worldwide, including London Heathrow, Dubai International, and Los Angeles International. On the other hand, airssist provides fast-track services at Dubai International Airport and other select locations.

It is important to note that the availability of fast-track services may vary, and it is always recommended to check the specific airports and their eligibility criteria before purchasing or relying on these services.

It's not always free

Fast-track airport services are not always free. While some airlines and airports may offer complimentary fast-track services to business-class passengers, first-class passengers, or premium members, others may require an additional fee. The cost of fast-track services can vary depending on the airport and the specific services offered, typically ranging from $20 to $100 per person.

At some airports, fast-track services can be purchased in advance, while others may only offer the option to purchase a pass on the day of travel. It is important to note that the availability and eligibility criteria for fast-track services may vary across airports, so it is essential to check before your travel.

For example, TAP Air Portugal offers the Fast Track service for free to customers traveling with Top Executive and Executive tickets, as well as TAP Miles&Go Silver, Gold, or Navigator cards. However, passengers traveling with Discount, Basic, Classic, or Plus tickets may need to purchase access to the Fast Track service.

Similarly, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) provides free access to fast-track services for passengers traveling in SAS Plus or SAS Business, EuroBonus Diamond or Gold members, and SAS for Work members who are also EuroBonus Silver members. However, this service is only available at selected airports.

In some cases, certain credit cards or priority pass memberships may also grant access to fast-track services without any additional cost. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your airline, credit card company, or airport to understand the specific terms and conditions of their fast-track offerings.

It's not always available

Fast-track airport services are not always available and there are several factors to consider when looking to utilise them. Firstly, fast-track services are usually only available during the airport's opening hours. Therefore, if your flight is very early or late, you may not be able to take advantage of fast-track services. Additionally, these services are not offered at all airports, so it is important to check the availability at your specific airport. Even within an airport that offers fast-track services, they may not be available at all terminals or gates.

Another factor to consider is the eligibility criteria for fast-track services. Some services have specific requirements, such as being limited to certain nationalities, travel purposes, or membership programmes. For example, some airports offer fast-track services to premium or business-class passengers only. Therefore, it is important to review the eligibility criteria before assuming that fast-track services will be available to you.

Furthermore, fast-track services often come at an additional cost, which can vary depending on the airport and the specific services offered. While the convenience and time saved may be worth the expense, it is important to factor this into your decision. In some cases, you may be able to purchase fast-track services in advance, while at other airports, you may need to make the purchase on the day of travel.

Lastly, while fast-track services aim to expedite your airport experience, they cannot guarantee that you will move through security checks more quickly. This is especially true during peak travel times when both standard and fast-track lines may be longer than usual. Therefore, it is always a good idea to allow extra time when travelling, regardless of whether you plan to use fast-track services or not.

It's not always worth it

Although fast-track services at the airport can be a convenient way to save time and streamline your travel experience, it's important to consider that it's not always worth it. Here's why:

• Cost: Fast-track services often come at an additional cost, which can vary depending on the airport and the specific services offered. While the convenience of bypassing long queues may be tempting, the expense might not always be justifiable, especially if you are travelling on a budget.
• Availability: These services may not be available at all airports or for all processes. Before investing in fast-track services, it's crucial to check their availability at your specific airport. Some airports may only offer fast-track security lanes, while others might provide a more comprehensive range of services.
• Eligibility: Certain fast-track services have specific eligibility criteria. For example, visa fast-track services may be restricted to certain nationalities or travel purposes. It's important to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements before opting for these services.
• Unpredictable Benefits: Most airports cannot guarantee that fast-track security lanes will be quicker, especially during off-peak times. If you are travelling during non-busy hours, the benefit of using fast-track services may be minimal.
• Limited Time Savings: While fast-track services can save you time, the actual time savings may not always be significant. If you are a light traveller with minimal luggage and no special requirements, the standard security process might not take much longer.
• Alternative Options: There are alternative ways to expedite your airport experience without paying for fast-track services. For example, travelling with only carry-on luggage can help you avoid the time-consuming baggage drop process. Additionally, some airports offer separate lanes for families or individuals with special needs, which can provide a faster experience without the need for fast-track services.

In conclusion, while fast-track services can be beneficial in certain situations, they are not always necessary or worth the additional cost. It's important to weigh the benefits against your personal circumstances, travel preferences, and budget constraints to make an informed decision.

Frequently asked questions