Heathrow Airport has introduced a new Fast Track Arrivals Security service, designed to streamline the airport experience for travellers seeking a quicker route through security. This premium service is now available to all passengers, regardless of airline, class of travel, or frequent flyer status, marking a significant shift towards more accessible convenience at one of the world’s busiest airports.
Key Features of the Fast Track Arrivals Service
- Open to Everyone: The Fast Track Arrivals service is available for purchase by any passenger, not just those flying business or first class, or holding elite status with an airline.
- Dedicated Lanes: Travellers who book Fast Track gain access to dedicated security lanes, significantly reducing waiting times and congestion during busy periods.
- Simple Booking: Passengers can pre-book a one-hour window for their Fast Track entry, ensuring a smooth and predictable journey through security.
Costs and Operating Hours
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | £25 – £35 per person |
| Operating Hours | 06:00 to 22:00 daily |
| Booking Window | Select a 1-hour slot |
- The price is fixed at £25 per person for off-peak arrivals, or £35 during busier periods.
- Fast Track is available across all Heathrow terminals, with hourly slots from 6am to 10pm.
- Bookings can be made up until midday the day before travel.
- Bookings can be cancelled or amended up until 20:00 the day before travel.
Peak or off peak?
The cost of security fast track increases to £35 per person during periods of high demand. Heathrow has defined peak periods as follows:
- Terminal 2: 06:00 – 09:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
- Terminal 3: 06:00 – 10:00 and 14:00 – 21:00
- Terminal 4: 06:00 – 09:00 and 12:00 – 21:00
- Terminal 5: 06:00 – 09:00
How It Works
- Pre-book your Fast Track slot online.
- Arrive at Heathrow during your chosen one-hour window.
- Proceed to the dedicated Fast Track security entrance in your terminal.
- Show your booking confirmation and boarding pass to access the priority lane.
Who Benefits from Heathrow Fast-Track Arrivals?
- Business travellers on tight schedules.
- Families with young children.
- Elderly passengers or those seeking a less stressful airport experience.
- Anyone who values their time and wants to avoid long queues.
Maximise value from your booking
Heathrow operates its own rewards program, cunningly named ‘Heathrow Rewards’. The returns aren’t great (1 point per £10 spent); 500 points = £5 to spend at the airport. There are regular promotions and competitions to boost earning too.
Perhaps more usefully, Heathrow Rewards points can be converted into Avios frequent flyer points..
You can sign up for a ‘My Heathrow’ account here.
Opinion: The Impact on Regular Security
While the Fast Track service offers clear benefits for those willing to pay, there are concerns about its broader impact on the airport experience. Drawing staff and resources away from regular security lanes to operate Fast Track can lead to longer waits and a diminished experience for non-paying travellers.
This issue has been observed at other UK airports, such as Stansted, where the introduction of paid fast track options has reportedly worsened queue times for standard passengers. Ironically, wait times at Stansted Fast Track are often as long as those at the standard queues.
Our Complete Guide to Stansted Security will help you navigate the airport more quickly.
If Heathrow follows a similar path, the risk is that the majority of travellers—those who do not or cannot pay for Fast Track—may face increased delays and frustration. The airport must ensure that the introduction of premium services does not come at the expense of efficient, high-quality service for all passengers.
Looking for a Heathrow Airport hotel? Check out our review of the Thistle Heathrow Terminal 5 Hotel.
Final Thoughts
Heathrow’s Fast Track Arrivals Security service is a welcome addition for those seeking speed and convenience, especially during peak travel periods. However, the airport must balance the needs of all its passengers, ensuring that the pursuit of premium experiences does not undermine the core promise of efficient, fair service for everyone.
You can book your Heathrow Fast Track Arrivals pass here.
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