What Is FastTrack Security?
FastTrack Security is a dedicated, pre-bookable security lane available at participating airports worldwide. It allows all passengers — regardless of airline or ticket class — to bypass the standard security queue and pass through a separate, less crowded checkpoint.
By booking FastTrack in advance, you secure a spot in a priority lane that typically has significantly shorter wait times than the regular queue. This means less time standing in line and more time enjoying the terminal, shopping, or simply relaxing before your flight.
FastTrack Security is available to everyone — families, solo travellers, business passengers, and leisure flyers alike. There are no membership requirements or loyalty programme tiers needed to access the service.
What FastTrack Is Not
- Not airport lounge access — FastTrack only covers the security screening process
- Not priority boarding — your boarding process remains as per your airline's policy
- Not immigration fast-track — passport control and border checks are separate from security screening
Airport Overview
About Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
Handling about 25 million passengers annually, Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos is Greece's primary international gateway and the main base for Aegean Airlines. Opened in 2001 and expanded for the 2004 Olympics, the airport serves scheduled flights across Europe, the Middle East and further afield. The terminal complex is a single passenger terminal with multiple concourses (A and B) and gates split between Schengen and non‑Schengen operations.
The terminal groups check‑in, departures and arrivals within one integrated building: check‑in and services sit on the ground and departures levels, while arrivals and baggage reclaim are on lower levels. Ground transport options include Metro line M3 (airport to Syntagma), the suburban railway (Proastiakos) to Larissa/central station, express bus X95 to Syntagma, regional buses, taxis and car hire. Allow additional time for luggage reclaim and passport control during peak summer months and international arrivals.
Security Information
Security screening at ATH follows EU rules: remove liquids over 100ml into a clear bag, laptops and large electronics must be removed for screening, and footwear or outerwear may be screened. There are distinct security lanes for Schengen departures and separate screening for non‑Schengen and long‑haul flights. Passport control for international arrivals and departures operates separately; Schengen travellers may have a faster, intra‑Schengen process. Expect more frequent manual bag checks during high season and when flying to non‑Schengen destinations.
Terminal Guide
Main Terminal Building
International Arrivals (Passport Control)
Immigration HallAccessibility
Accessible route to security with elevators and ramps; dedicated assistance available by prior request via airline or airport assistance desks.
Good to know
FastTrack lane serves departures security for both Schengen and non‑Schengen departures depending on signage; availability can vary with peak traffic and special events.
How It Works
Receive voucher
We email a PDF or mobile voucher after booking—save it on your phone or print it.
Arrive at departures
Go to Athens Airport departures level and proceed to Security. Have boarding pass and ID ready.
Present voucher
Show your FastTrack voucher to staff at the dedicated lane entrance to gain access to the priority queue.
Proceed through screening
Complete standard security checks (liquids, electronics). After screening, continue to your gate as usual.
What's Included
Included
- Access to a dedicated FastTrack lane at departures security
- Mobile or PDF voucher delivered by email
- Customer support for booking issues
Not Included
- Lounge access
- Priority boarding or seat upgrades
- Guaranteed immigration or passport control priority unless specifically stated
- Assistance services (book via airline or airport assistance)
Required Documents
- Valid boarding pass for same-day departure
- Valid passport or national ID matching the name on the booking
- FastTrack voucher (mobile or printed) presented at lane entry
Restrictions
- FastTrack does not grant access to staff-only or closed lanes
- Service is void if the passenger misses the booked date/time; refunds per policy
- Used vouchers cannot be transferred to other travellers
Hours & Booking Rules
| Terminal | Opens | Closes | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Terminal Building | 00:00 | 23:59 | Staffing may be reduced between 01:00–05:00; check your voucher for specific opening times on your travel date. |
| International Arrivals (Passport Control) | 05:00 | 01:00 | Priority immigration lanes are not guaranteed overnight and depend on staffing levels of Hellenic Police and border services. |
Booking Rules
FastTrack is per person and non‑transferable; passengers must present a valid boarding pass for the same day and a matching ID or passport. The service allows access to a dedicated security lane; it does not automatically include lounge access, priority boarding or guaranteed passport control priority unless specifically stated.
Lead Times
- Minimum booking: 0.5 hours before travel
- Recommended: 2 hours before travel
Refund Policy
Refundable
Full refund available up to 24 hours before the service start time; non‑refundable within 24 hours unless cancellation due to airport closure or other operational disruption confirmed by the airport.
Is FastTrack Worth It at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos?
FastTrack trims time at the busiest checkpoint in the terminal: departures security. During peak summer and early morning waves, standard queues can exceed 30–45 minutes — FastTrack reduces that to a few minutes and gets you to the airside shops or lounge faster. If you have a tight connection through Athens or carry extra hand luggage, the dedicated lane removes a major variable from your schedule.
Local tip: take the Metro M3 if you want predictable travel time into the city centre; allow at least 90 minutes from central Athens for check‑in and security during summer afternoons.
Average Wait Times
Who benefits from FastTrack at ATH
Business travellers
Shorten the time from arrivals at the terminal to the gate so you can prepare for meetings or reach the city quickly.
Families flying from Athens
Reduce queue time when travelling with children and hand luggage, making the airport experience less stressful.
Connections through Athens
Secure extra margin for tight connections, particularly when transferring between Schengen and non‑Schengen flights.
Travel Tips
Use Metro M3 to and from Athens Airport
The M3 Metro line provides a predictable journey to Syntagma and Monastiraki; combine this with FastTrack to reduce overall door‑to‑gate time.
Expect longer summer queues at Eleftherios Venizelos
July and August bring peak traffic; book FastTrack for morning and afternoon departures to avoid 30–45 minute queues.
Allow time for non‑Schengen transfers
If your itinerary crosses Schengen boundaries at ATH, schedule extra time: FastTrack at security does not replace passport control.
Pricing
From £5.99 per person
FastTrack vs Standard Security
| Feature | FastTrack | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Priority security lane | Yes | No |
| Priority immigration | No | No |
| Lounge access | No | No |
| Reduced waiting time at security | Yes | No |
Common Mistakes at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos
- Assuming FastTrack covers passport control — at ATH FastTrack usually applies to departures security, not immigration, unless a specific immigration priority product is purchased.
- Arriving less than the recommended time for international flights during July–August; queues lengthen significantly.
- Leaving electronics or liquids packed in hand luggage; these still require removal at security and slow the process.
- Confusing the single terminal layout with separate terminals — check your departure gate and concourse well before you arrive.
- Expecting FastTrack to include lounge access or priority boarding; it usually covers only the security lane unless otherwise specified.
What If...?
- Very early morning or late‑night flights may have reduced FastTrack staffing; confirm operating hours for your flight time.
- Passengers travelling with large group bookings (school groups, sports teams) may not fit through a single FastTrack lane together — book per person where possible.
- Transfers from non‑Schengen to Schengen flights require passport control; FastTrack at security does not bypass full immigration checks.
- Cruise passengers using the airport for return flights may experience concentrated peak loads when multiple cruise ships disembark.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated:
Written by FastTrack Editorial Team · Source: Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos official website
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