If you’re in a rush, travelling with kids or simply hate queuing, then don’t just stand in line – take the fast lane with one of the express services available at many UK airports…
Buyer beware – read this before you book
If you are going to use an airport’s fast-track security lane, make sure you check the terms and conditions before you book.
Some services, such as the one provided at Manchester won’t let passengers with prams or car seats use the express lane – leaving them out of pocket and at the back of the queue.
Additionally, keep an eye out for schemes that charge a credit card booking fee. Gatwick, for example, will add on a £2 fee for those using credit cards – taking the total from £5 to £7, a 40% mark-up.
Finally, with services at Stansted and Manchester, there is no discount for booking in advance, so wait until you get there to see just how long the queues are before making your decision.
Security fast-track options available at UK airports
Speed through security by joining the fast lane for just a few pounds. Here are the airports where you can pay to beat the queues. Find full details and booking links below this table.
| Airport | How much per person | Online booking |
| Aberdeen Airport | £4.00 | Yes |
| Birmingham Airport | £3.75 | Yes |
| Belfast Int Airport | N/A | N/A |
| Bournemouth Airport | £3.50 | Yes |
| Bristol Airport | £3.95 | Yes |
| East Midlands Airport | £3.00 | Yes |
| Edinburgh Airport | £4.49 | Yes |
| Exeter Airport | £3.50 | Yes |
| Gatwick Airport | £5.00 | Yes |
| Heathrow Airport | £N/A | No |
| Leeds Bradford Airport | £4.00 | Yes |
| Liverpool John Lennon Airport | £4.00 | Yes |
| Luton Airport | £3.00 | Yes |
| Manchester Airport | £5.00 | Yes |
| Newcastle Airport | £3.00 | Yes |
| Southampton Airport | £3.50 | Yes |
| Stansted Airport | £7.00 | Yes |
All about security fast-track lanes and how to book your place
What are express / fast-track lanes: Put simply, they’re your ticket to beat the queues by using a lane reserved for passengers who are prepared to pay a little extra to dodge hold ups at security.
How do they work: Some airports require you book fast-track tickets before you fly, while others will let you pay on the day. It’s often cheaper to purchace before departure day.
How much time will I save: Most airports limit tickets for individual departure times, so queues will always be kept to a minimum. The exact waiting time will vary, but many airports aim to get paying passengers to security within five minutes.
How much does it cost: Expect to pay from £3 – £12.50 depending on airport and whether you pre-book. Use the links below to find out how much your airport charges.
My airport isn’t on the list: Sorry – express lanes are not available at all facilities. Grab a coffee and think of the good times to come, instead.
Book your airport fast-track security pass here
Simply click the tab for your airport here
Stansted Airport Manchester Airport Edinburgh Airport Bournemouth Airport Bristol Airport Heathrow Airport Fast Track How much: Comes with your airline ticket from participating airlines Find out if you qualify here Luton Airport Gatwick Airport Use the airport’s fast-track system to speed up your progress. Open: 04.00-20.45 How much: £5.00 Book it here Leeds-Bradford Airport |
Birmingham Airport East Midlands Airport Southampton Airport Aberdeen Airport Aberdeen Airport Belfast International Airport Priority Security How much: Not currently listed Book it here Liverpool John Lennon Airport Exeter Airport Newcastle Airport More to follow... Look out for more services as they arrive |
Gatwick Airport
Premium Passport Control has just been launched. It’s open to arrivals only and can help speed up your journey from plane to baggage reclaim. Book ahead and be one of just 50 passengers using the service each hour – ensuring you’ll breeze through. It’s over 18s only, so families are left in the queue. Service must be booked 24 hours in advance.
How much: £12.50 per person – the UK’s most expensive.
Book here
Manchester Airport
Security Fast Track
How much: £5.00 per person
Book here
Edinburgh Airport
FastTRACK
How much: £4.49 per person
Book here
Bournemouth Airport
Fast Track
How much: £3.50 per person
Book it here
Bristol Airport
Fast Track
How much: £3.95 per person
Book it here
Heathrow Airport
Fast Track
How much: Comes with your airline ticket from participating airlines
Find out if you qualify here
Luton Airport
Priority Lane
How much: £3.00 online – £5.00 at terminal per person
Book it here
Newcastle Airport
Security Fast Track
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here
Leeds-Bradford Airport
Fast Track
How much: £4.00 per person
Book it here
Birmingham Airport
Express Lane
How much: £3.75 per person
Book it here
East Midlands Airport
Express Lane
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here
Southampton Airport
Priority Security
How much: £3.50 per person
Book it here
Aberdeen Airport
Priority security
How much: £4.00 per person
Book it here
Belfast International Airport
Priority Security
How much: £3.00 per person
Book it here (System seems to be unavailable at present)
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
FastTrack
How much: £3.50 online – £5.00 at terminal per person
Book it here
Exeter Airport
Fast-Track
How much: £3.50
Get more information here
